What to look for in an electro-acoustic?

[martynq]

I've got some GAS-vouchers saved already, so with my birthday coming in the forseeable future, I will be able to purchase myself an electro-acoustic guitar. The only trouble is that I have little clue what I'm looking for... I reckon I've got a budget around £300 or so. There doesn't seem a lot of point spending hugely more, since my preferred instrument will always be an electric but I feel it would be good to have some sort of acoustic-type guitar too.

Any advice?

(At this stage, I don't even know what the different forms of construction with acoustics are or signify. At least, with an electric I have some sort of idea on the difference between bolt-on and set necks, trems vs. non-trems, etc.)

[bertie]

do you definitely NEED an A/E ?? or would just an acoustic be OK ?

Youd get a far better acoustic only for that budget

[kennyjammin]

I'd have to agree with Bert on that one. To much compromise in guitar or electrics at that price bracket.

[martynq]

Dunno... if it's an electro, I can plug it into amps and also into my Toneport.

You can see why I'm seeking advice from the more expert!

Bear in mind that I'm no great guitar-player, so probably it's not worth throwing vast amounts of money at it.

[bertie]

why plug it into your toneport ? if you want to record acoustic, use a mic. Even a £10 karaoke mic sounds better than A/E electronics recorded

If you do want to use it for live work, then A/E is a must.......but you are on a major compromise at the budget.

[Fretwired]

why plug it into your toneport ? if you want to record acoustic, use a mic. Even a £10 karaoke mic sounds better than A/E electronics recorded

If you do want to use it for live work, then A/E is a must.......but you are on a major compromise at the budget.

I think I agree with that


(oh dear )

[bertie]

tou - as they say - che

[smokingbeagle]

I've got one of these that I'm very happy with:

http://www.eaglemusicshop.com/detail...ay-electro.htm

although it's not getting the use it deserves; if you're anywhere near the Midlands could be persuaded to sell it on (around £150 with a hard case?)

EDIT: Just seen your location. The recommendation still stands though I think Tanglewood also do a slightly more upmarket version with a B-Band pickup that'd still come in well under budget.

[andrewrg]

There's no question that for your budget you'll get a much better pure acoustic than an A/E. Recording with a mic you'll get better results as well. There are loads of after-market pickups available should you choose to fit one at a later date.

Check this month's Guitar & Bass mag for reviews on loads of acoustics well within your budget.

[Fretwired]

If you're determined to buy an electro acoustic then I'd check out the GLA112NCE by LAG guitars - it's called the Spring model as part of the Seasons range. I recently played one at Paul Creedy's house (Arrowhead Guitars and Paul_C on this forum) and was hugely impressed with the build quality, action and tone for the money. You can buy them for around £250 then add £30 for a setup.

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