What to look for in an electro-acoustic?

[clare_bear]

I have one of these, http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail...ckCode=AG00194 , which I really like.

I bought it because I wanted a cheap, but OK acoustic. It's ace for the money, IMO.

Might be worth checking out, Martyn. Then you can buy more stuff with your GAS vouchers!

You can hear how it sounds (albeit in my cack-handed playing!), here:
http://www.clarebear30.co.uk/songs/G...itar_only2.mp3

[tonyteach]

Yamaha do the APX700 or CPX700 in your price range up to £300 - they are better plugged in than as acoustics

Basic acoustics Seagull - Simon and Patrick - all offer good value for money guitars

[martynq]

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

Thanks for this info - I've got hold of the mag this morning and will read through the reviews. It looks like it will at least tell me about what to expect in terms of build, etc.

Also thanks everyone else for the suggestions and comments - most helpful, thought provoking, etc.

[evilmags]

Bertie speaks a lot of sense. (for once ). Cheapo electro accoustics (Yamaha APX being a good example) have terrible accoustic tone, no projection and don't sound like accoustics plugged in. To get a plugged in sound that is anything close to a real miced accoustic requires a sophisticated pickup, a quality preamp (Fishman Aura ect) and careful EQ. People are so used to Piezo sounds that a lot of the time rock players are unaware of what a good accoustic sound is.

Personally I would look at Seagull and the other Godin Brands. The solid top is a good sign when looking, as is light braceing. (Seagul do a very nice parlour guitar at around that price level).

Recording accoustics well is difficult andtakes a lot of practise.