best guitar choice?

[peejayare]

Some ideas & guidance please? I’m a learner/intermediate guitarist learning finger style on a second hand Brunswick 6 string steel acoustic. I’ve decided it’s time to buy a decent guitar and wanted to know your views. The looks are less important than a good sound and easy playability. It would be nice if the instrument held its’ value too.
Should I go for a quality US brand such as Martin or Gibson, or chose a made-to-order guitar from a UK maker such as Moon or Northworthy? I can spend up to about £1500.

[frankus]

I'd check out Larivee for that kinda dough.

[jordan]

Good sound and playability?

Check out www.brookguitars.com - down in Devon.

[SimonBradley]

I'd check out Larivee for that kinda dough.

These are very nice guitars. Try Taylor, Takamine and Yamaha too.

For me, the more money you spend on an acoustic the better guitar you'll get - which isn't the case when buying an electric!

[peejayare]

Thanks for the info. I think what I really want to know is which is better, mass produced or hand made? Do hand made guitars hold their value as well as say a Gibson J45 would?

[musicegbdf]

I don't know if this helps , but I saw the nicest acoustic I've seen for many years.
It was called a Cole Clark "Angel" . They are Australian and worth checking out , as well as the usual name guitars.Think this was about £1350.

I have also been impressed by the Godin family of guitars. Simon and Patrick ., Seagull , etc.

Good luck

[SimonBradley]

Do hand made guitars hold their value as well as say a Gibson J45 would?

Depends, but if you';re buying something on the basis of whether it'll hold it's value or not doesn't really allow you to make the best decision (in my opinion!).

I think you can buy an equally good acoustic for much less money than a J45 costs.

As an aside, we've just received a Martin OM-21 Special for review and it's fantastic! £1799 or so, so it's your call!

[Vim Fuego]

for that sort of money you can't go wrong, but you will be well served if you try as amny guitars as possible.
If you want it to retain it's value then either stick to the big, US names or go with the boutique UK makers; lowden, avalon, brook etc all seem to retain value in this country.

[J-dog]

try www.machinehead.co.uk tis awesome