[TonyLoaf]

For what it's worth...

I'm another new player upgrading from an entry-level (sub-$100) acoustic. I've been playing an older Yamaha on loan from a friend.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and for a new player, picking a guitar is a challenge.

I went to the big guitar sale here in Chicago with my eye on a lower-priced Larravee. They were sold out, but I thought I could stretch to a nicer Larravee with rosewood. It had a lovely, bright sound, but really thought a less-expensive mahogany Guild (GAD-50E) sounded better and played a bit easier. I asked a clerk and a couple of guys looking at much more expensive guitars for help. They felt that the cheaper Guild had a better sound than the Laravee and a more expensive Guild. I also liked that it has a bit thinner neck, which suits my hands, which are small and still not too stretchy. The Laravee was lighter, which would have been a plus.

I found it really helpful to ask experienced players for help. So far I've found other guitar players to be amazingly generous with advice and incredibly willing to play with novices like myself.

Oh, mine is made in China but the finish seems excellent. Another musician I know, when I told him what I had bought, said "Oh, you bought one of those Chinese Guilds? Those are excellent!"