Recommendation for an acoustic guitar?

[Ben C]

I currently have a cheap Harley Benton parlor guitar that I bought predominantly to play in the garden (doesn’t matter if it gets damaged/knocked etc). Whilst it’s ok to play, and was worth the price I paid, I want to upgrade.

Can anyone recommend any acoustics that fit the below:
– parlor body
– cut away
– ease of bending strings (obviously not to electric guitar levels)
– better frets/easier to hold down strings. I find it quite difficult to do barre chords and have the strings sound out properly.
– < £1000

I’m also mindful that lighter strings may be worth considering?

Any recommendations /tips would be appreciated

[Richard G]

Hi Ben,
These models are worth playing in the price range you’ve indicated.
– Furch Travel Series
– Taylor 214CE
– Martin Junior Series
– Martin Road Series

The tone will be differ depending on the woods used and in this price range you should only find solid wood construction. I guess we all have favourite guitar tones and woods but I’m very much in favour of whatever feels and sounds right when you play the guitar, its generally the right guitar for you.

To get the best from an acoustic, you have to feel at one with the instrument.
Spruce and Rosewood woods give a bright tone with plenty of bass.
Spruce and Mahogany woods give a more throaty sound, some like it for blues.
I don’t have any experience with Sapele woods

I think the best advice I generally give at this point is :- Never buy an acoustic guitar without playing it first. Play as many models as you can in the price range you’re aiming at and make sure you take your time on each instrument, remember feel and tone are the deciding factors on acoustics.

When you’ve got the right guitar in your hands, you will know it.

Richard

[Ben C]

Thanks so much for your detailed and thoughtful reply.

The only acoustic guitar that I’ve fallen in love with was a Seagull mini jumbo performer (however that was 6 months ago and I have no idea if it’s still a sound I would like). I went to my local guitar shop recently to buy it, but naturally it had been sold so I tried literally every other guitar they had in stock, but none did it for me.

I’ll research the ones you’ve mentioned and see if anywhere near by stocks them. Thanks again!

[Michael Krailo]

Having a cut away is overrated, I would just look for a good playing 12 fret guitar that sounds and plays well. You can always set it up exactly how you like the action to be to make barre chords easier. Tuning down a 1/2 step is a great way to make bending easier. I don’t have any specific recommendations as have never found the perfect parlor guitar yet either. When I come across a good one, I won’t hesitate on the purchase.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[Ben C]

Thanks for your comment. I’ve never thought to tune down for easier bending. I have so much to learn still…

[Author]

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