need help choosing between two acoustics

towanda · #1 July 13th, 2006

Which guitar would you recommend for a beginner - the taylor 110 or the breedlove ac200sm. They both have solid tops and laminated backs and sides. I have played them both and like them both very much. I am mainly interested in fingerpicking, but would like to be able to play many styles, from folk to acoustic punk. The taylor is a dreadnaught but I found it to be very comfortable to hold. The breedlove is a grand concert. Both get pretty good reviews with the occasional negative one. They are both very basic - no cutaway and no electronics. Which would you recommend?

Rockerbob · #2 July 13th, 2006

Well, you are the only one who can tell which suits you better. Listen carefully and see if one speaks to you.

In general I like the slightly smaller bodies for fingerstyle. I feel they usually have better balance. YMMV

towanda · #3 July 14th, 2006

Thanks Bob - my problem is that I like them equally. I have probably played 100 guitars under $800 and like these two better than anything else, but can't pick between them. Sure there are differences, but I like them both equally. I am leaning toward the breedlove for the smaller size, but then the taylor has things that I like better than the breedlove, like the ebony fingerboard. I guess what I am looking for is opinions as to what is the better guitar, the one with higher quality.

6string · #4 July 14th, 2006

are they both in the same store so you can play them both one after the other?

towanda · #5 July 14th, 2006

yes, they are both in the same store and for each one, when I play it, it screams "buy me." I wish I could buy them both, but I can't afford both right now.

krissovo · #6 July 14th, 2006

Tough one

I would put a blind fold on and ask the rep to hand me a guitar and just hold and play until you start to get a real feel for it, then do the same with the other one.

One should stand out, if that fails get a coin and toss for it

Teddy Madison · #7 July 14th, 2006

I like the use of the JLD Bridge Truss system in the Breedloves. Their claim is that it transfers the tension away from the top wood allowing it to relax and be more resonant. I don't know if this is a big effect or not but I can attest that the sustain is the best I have heard on the 600 price range guitars. I'm getting the Breedlove AD20SM and it has the best of both worlds for me, nice bright sound and warm lows. This model is not concert body and is a couple hundred more than the Breedlove you mention but you may want to give it a whirl. Also has a solid Mahogony back as opposed to the laminate on the AC you mention.

Wayne

towanda · #8 July 14th, 2006

thanks everyone for your help. I decided to get the Taylor 110, and a highr model of the Breedlove, the ac25/sr. I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to have both a dreadnought ans a concert sized guiter.

Teddy Madison · #9 July 15th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by towanda

thanks everyone for your help. I decided to get the Taylor 110, and a highr model of the Breedlove, the ac25/sr. I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to have both a dreadnought ans a concert sized guiter.

Hmm, I can't decide, this one or that one? GIMME BOTH!

Man, I wish I was in a position to solve my dilemas that way.

Good for you Towanda!

Wayne

towanda · #10 July 15th, 2006

Thanks Wayne -

well my husband isn't too happy with me but then he did agree to the for better for worse thing....and when I told him that the alternative was that I but a $3000 taylor, he was relatively fine with me buying two cheaper guitars

tricountytrail · #11 July 26th, 2006

the ac25/sr

This guitar is great spend the extra money and get the Plus model.
Let me know how you rate this guitar as I believe it will be my next purchase.

Thanks