Looking for a cheap acoustic or electric acoustic. I’d like to stay below two fiddy. I know that’s a restrictive price point but first and foremost I’m a terrible player and second I have decent electrics so this will be a tertiary guitar.  Noodling around at GC I really liked the sound of the Yamaha fx335. That’ll be my default unless you guys can recommend one better.  I’d like to buy from GC so o can compare. The Yamaha is on sale now for $199. I’d rather buy new than trolling CL not knowing what I’m looking at and dealing with CL flakes 

thanks gents 

Yamaha makes some really good inexpensive acoustics. But you really have to play them and pick out the good ones. If you order one it's a crapshoot.

I recently played on an Oscar Schmidt in a pawn shop that was pretty impressive, even had some nice inlays and binding and stuff along with the great sound and playability. You just gotta look around.

I say if you liked the one you played, you should go for that one.  Don't overthink it. 

14 hours ago, Lhorn said:

Looking for a cheap acoustic or electric acoustic. I’d like to stay below two fiddy. I know that’s a restrictive price point but first and foremost I’m a terrible player and second I have decent electrics so this will be a tertiary guitar.  Noodling around at GC I really liked the sound of the Yamaha fx335. That’ll be my default unless you guys can recommend one better.  I’d like to buy from GC so o can compare. The Yamaha is on sale now for $199. I’d rather buy new than trolling CL not knowing what I’m looking at and dealing with CL flakes 

thanks gents 

You just answered your own question.

I bought Yamahas up until my brother essentially gave me his Martin and they were always great.

Also on board with the Yamaha here.  I've played tons of them and they're solid guitars for a good value.

I really like my Taylor (for just a few $100 more).

I really like my Taylor (for just a few $100 more).

You seem unclear on the concept.

Is this some sort of attempt at an Okie Lite humblebrag?

Thanks. I’m glad to know that the Yamaha are well regarded. I know I liked the sound but I am not knowledgeable enough to know if there isn’t something better in the price range. I’ll pick it up before the sale ends. 

Thanks

Edited October 29, 20187 yr by Lhorn

You seem unclear on the concept.

Is this some sort of attempt at an Okie Lite humblebrag?

Lmao! A little salty ab the game? Just one man’s opinion. Thought the music board was one place free of snark except for turribad music opinions. Duly noted. If I wanted to humble brag I’d post a pic of my Les Paul again Chad Fuckhead.

“You get what you pay for, and baby it’s free...”


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8 hours ago, OkieLite Fan said:

 

Lmao! A little salty ab the game? Just one man’s opinion. Thought the music board was one place free of snark except for turribad music opinions. Duly noted. If I wanted to humble brag I’d post a pic of my Les Paul again Chad Fuckhead.

“You get what you pay for, and baby it’s free...”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

God no.  There's plenty of snark to go around here.   Surly gonna surl man.

Don't get your fee-fees hurt when you get called out for telling a guy who wants to spend $200 "hey, for a few hundred more go get you a ...."  THAT was the asshole move here.  It's why your butt is hurting, not mine.  

 

See what GC has available in their used section. You may find a Seagull S6 or another gem sitting around your $250 mark. 

 

God no.  There's plenty of snark to go around here.   Surly gonna surl man.
Don't get your fee-fees hurt when you get called out for telling a guy who wants to spend $200 "hey, for a few hundred more go get you a ...."  THAT was the asshole move here.  It's why your butt is hurting, not mine.  
 

My butt ain’t hurting. He even said, “I’d LIKE to stay below $250.” Since I didn’t detect an imminent need for a show or anything given he said it would be only a tertiary guitar, thought he could might wait and save from a couple more paychecks or something. Was only trying to be helpful.

Anyway, I hope you have a great day


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Just now, OkieLite Fan said:

 

My butt ain’t hurting. He even said, “I’d LIKE to stay below $250.” Since I didn’t detect an imminent need for a show or anything given he said it would be only a tertiary guitar, thought he could might wait and save from a couple more paychecks or something. Was only trying to be helpful.

Anyway, I hope you have a great day


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I know, and I'm just having my coffee and providing Surl with some morning snark.

Post some guitar pics over on the other thread and we'll just move on down the road.  Sallgood.

I'm gonna start a line of guitars called "Snark".

Or "Surly".

Just released, the new Surly Snark D28!!!

1 hour ago, gasman said:

See what GC has available in their used section. You may find a Seagull S6 or another gem sitting around your $250 mark. 

 

the Seagull S6 should be what you're looking for.  go into a GC and play one.  i love their sound, really similar to a larivee.  new, they're way above your $250 target but there are a lot of used S6s that go for sale in Austin right around $250. 

But he wants new.  I agree -- Yamaha.  I own a slightly more expensive Yamaha acoustic-electric and while it doesn't come close to my Taylor or my Guild, it does something they can't -- it plugs into a PA.  It's well built, looks good, plays decent, and sounds "OK".  You get what you pay for.

14 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

But he wants new.  I agree -- Yamaha.  I own a slightly more expensive Yamaha acoustic-electric and while it doesn't come close to my Taylor or my Guild, it does something they can't -- it plugs into a PA.  It's well built, looks good, plays decent, and sounds "OK".  You get what you pay for.

I thought the "new" was just to avoid CL issues. You are right that Yamaha would likely be the best "new" option. However, it seems like every GC has a couple of barely touched used S6's ripe for the picking. Now, if he was willing to wait a month for Black Friday deals.... but once new guitar fever hits, waiting is usually an impossibility. 

Like others have said... Pick up and play.  If you like it, buy it.  I bought a Yamaha acoustic (electrics plus tuner) about three years ago when I first started playing.  No regrets.  Hardly ever play it these days though.  I have a Taylor that sits next to my desk in my office these days.  

7 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

I'm gonna start a line of guitars called "Snark".

Or "Surly".

Just released, the new Surly Snark D28!!!

You'll be sued by a certain company that makes clip-on tuners if you go with "Snark."

I just bought a Yamaha JR2 3/4 scale "travel" guitar for my kid to learn on. I think they go for $160-ish. 

I've been playing on it and really like it.  For a cheap guitar it plays really nice, and I like the size for messing around on. 

 

My first guitar was a Yamaha dreadnought that I got in ‘88 for $150. I still have it. Great campfire guitar.

Keep the strings in mind when trying them out, too. There are some good used acoustic guitars out there that don't sound all that impressive in the shop because they have old dead strings on them.

I'll pile on to the Yamaha love fest.  Sounds and plays great for the price.  That said, do definitely play on some others - the Yamaha seem to have a high action and that can be tough for anyone just starting or fiddling around.

I learned to play on a Takemine G240.   Just a fantastic guitar for the price and though I now also own Martins, I will still pick this one up now and then and even take it out without fear of banging it up.  Don't be afraid to try different strings too.  I use Ultra Lights because I have wimpy ass hands and fingers and like the sound of them.   

Also, If you aren't thrilled with the sound of that Yamaha, have you considered looking at a good used guitar.  Tons of guitars are bought for junior or some douche thinking he's going to impress girls, and then after 6 months are put aside just to be sold later.  The key is to go play some/several and see what you like for feel and sound.   For some reason, I don't like Taylors and would rather play a Takemine.  I love the sound of Martins and will always have mine and maybe someday even more.  

The guitar is a birthday present from the wife that I'll be picking up from GS.  Went a couple of times and played with some guitars.  I decided there was no reason to get an electric acoustic.  I think it's coming down to a Yamaha (either FS800 or FG800) and the Fender CD60S.  I thought they both played well and sounded good for the price point.  Both are solid top guitars.  I'm leaning towards the Fender because of it's sexy - all mahogany.   Probably picking it up on Tuesday.   Very excited. 

 

  

Well???

Got the Fender today. Haven’t had a chance to even tune it yet.

 

 

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NGD! Congrats.

Nice

 

Great choice.

That's a very pretty guitar.  I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Damn, time flies.

I deserve a new toy.

I want to treat myself to a better acoustic guitar, but not ready to jump into the $1000 plus area.

Currently playing an Art & Lutherie Folk. ($250). No electronics.

The Art & Lutherie Folk Cedar is a well-crafted, affordable Canadian-made acoustic guitar. It features a solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides. Known for its warm, mid-focused tone, comfortable short scale, and excellent sustain, it is highly regarded by singer-songwriters and fingerstyle

I'm still a beginner, but love me some Travis picking, and feeling lately like it's all in the right hand. Usually wearing a harmonica when I play. Examples of current songs are Billy Bragg's Ingred Bergman, Tweedy's acoustic I am Trying to Break Your Heart, Louvin Brothers Let Her Go God Bless Her. When I play it's usually Americana. Electric is a mexican telecaster.

I love playing this guitar is so easy to play, but I'm looking for a maybe "bigger" sound. My voice and harp seem to me to overpower it when non-electrified, which is the norm(I've always used a Seymour Duncan sound hole pickup when necessary, so not that interested in electronics.)

I'm thinking of giving this guitar to my grandson as an excuse to try something different. (Or fuck that, I'll just keep this Canadian by the bed.) I know that I've probably played enough so that I have my own preferences for tone, feel, etc, but I thought some of you might recommend some low-mid level acoustics that you loved and wore out for a few years.

I'm short with medium hands. There are probably some dreadnoughts that are too big for me.

And yeah, I know -- maybe there are some kernels of wisdom in the guitar pron thread (amond the kernels of envy).

This article has some near your price range.

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/best-acoustic-guitars-under-1000/?bsft_eid=e7632c78-f3f2-4b9a-8c73-030991b49cd8&bsft_pid=39ae46c5-1a38-4619-bcde-b1b531e7db24&utm_campaign=20260516-insync&utm_source=insync&utm_medium=email&bsft_clkid=d85bf0b6-27f4-430b-9e0b-f88e45e6f0ca&bsft_uid=51cfbab9-1630-4f37-9477-db398cd98bc9&bsft_mid=7ba75a0c-11d5-4463-97a7-0be0d4b2f703&bsft_txnid=9ddcb555-77ef-4e87-b56d-11b675502d46&bsft_aaid=25a4fa8f-620a-4b0d-b6f2-ea0e81d35698&bsft_pp=1&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2026-05-16T19%3A20%3A44Z&bsft_lx=11&bsft_tv=12&bsft_bk=featured_classify_insync_article

Gawd. What happened to that link?

My wife bought me a Yamaha FG-830 a few years back. At the time it was $320. I was sure she had spent $500-$600 on it because it sounded so good, but it was much less.

I loved it but once I got my PRS Lifeson I didn’t reach for the Yamaha often enough and wanted it to get played so I sold it to a college kid who was just starting out.

This will shock everyone here, but sometimes I miss that guitar and regret selling it.

I have a Firefly acoustic-electric that has the Fishman preamp with tuner that I find very convenient. The guitar is light, sounds fairly good, solid spruce top (laminate back & sides).

I also have an Orangewood that I got on sale a few years ago when they were discontinuing their concert orchestra (sp?) sized guitar with cedar wood tops. It has the electronics, but without tuner, which is not as bueno.

Firefly has a bunch more stuff now.

Over $320-ish is solid top/back/sides.

Under $300-ish is solid wood top with laminate back & sides.

GUITARS GARDEN

Acoustic

Let’s enjoy the Music, Let’s enjoy the Acoustic Guitar! let more people like the Acoustic Guitar!

On 5/15/2026 at 9:53 PM, tantric superman said:

Damn, time flies.

I deserve a new toy.

I want to treat myself to a better acoustic guitar, but not ready to jump into the $1000 plus area.

Currently playing an Art & Lutherie Folk. ($250). No electronics.

The Art & Lutherie Folk Cedar is a well-crafted, affordable Canadian-made acoustic guitar. It features a solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides. Known for its warm, mid-focused tone, comfortable short scale, and excellent sustain, it is highly regarded by singer-songwriters and fingerstyle

I'm still a beginner, but love me some Travis picking, and feeling lately like it's all in the right hand. Usually wearing a harmonica when I play. Examples of current songs are Billy Bragg's Ingred Bergman, Tweedy's acoustic I am Trying to Break Your Heart, Louvin Brothers Let Her Go God Bless Her. When I play it's usually Americana. Electric is a mexican telecaster.

I love playing this guitar is so easy to play, but I'm looking for a maybe "bigger" sound. My voice and harp seem to me to overpower it when non-electrified, which is the norm(I've always used a Seymour Duncan sound hole pickup when necessary, so not that interested in electronics.)

I'm thinking of giving this guitar to my grandson as an excuse to try something different. (Or fuck that, I'll just keep this Canadian by the bed.) I know that I've probably played enough so that I have my own preferences for tone, feel, etc, but I thought some of you might recommend some low-mid level acoustics that you loved and wore out for a few years.

I'm short with medium hands. There are probably some dreadnoughts that are too big for me.

I would get a used Larrivee. The lower end ones (02 or 03 models) can be had regularly for under $1k used. I bought a L02 for ~$700 a few years ago. They are US or Canadian made depending on the vintage, and all solid wood. IMO they sound better than comparable Taylors, are better made than most modern Gibsons, and much more affordable than any of the good Martin models. The sound tends to be balanced and modern -- think a Taylor that actually has some low end and more overtones.

A second option would be Eastman. Something like a used E1SS should be a good guitar for the style you play. All solid woods and would get a bit closer to the Gibson sound if that is your thing.

11 hours ago, Vanilla Strange Gato said:

Gawd. What happened to that link?

My wife bought me a Yamaha FG-830 a few years back. At the time it was $320. I was sure she had spent $500-$600 on it because it sounded so good, but it was much less.

I loved it but once I got my PRS Lifeson I didn’t reach for the Yamaha often enough and wanted it to get played so I sold it to a college kid who was just starting out.

This will shock everyone here, but sometimes I miss that guitar and regret selling it.

My Yamaha FG-830 sounds much better than my Taylor. The Taylor plays much easier, but the Yamaha is the one I pick up.

1 hour ago, Deej said:

My Yamaha FG-830 sounds much better than my Taylor. The Taylor plays much easier, but the Yamaha is the one I pick up.

It really surprised me.

My Yamaha acoustic/electric is tough to play as well. Sounds good through the preamp, though.

Mine isn't so much tough to play, it just isn't as playable as the Taylor. The Taylor is like playing an electric.