Recommendations on Acoustic Guitar for £200?

[audiosabre]

I'd like recommendations on a decent acoustic guitar for learning. Preferably something that could be used even after learning.

Budget is £200 but can probably stretch to £250.

What should I be looking for, which brands, etc? Guitar isn't exactly my strong point and I should say the guitar isn't for me. I know there are plenty of good guitarists on this board that may be able to give some advice.

Thanks in advance.

[Ian B]

Unfortunately, certainly more so than with electrics, acoustic guitars really need to be played to find the *best* as even two seemingly identical guitars from the same maker can be poles apart in sound and playability. That said, I'd have no hesitation in recommending pretty much any Yamaha acoustic that falls within your budget as they are by far the best at having consistent QC.

One thing I would suggest is you factor in £'x' for a full setup, the cost varies, anything between £30 and £50 depending on what work is needed, and having it done can make a world of difference.

[shanecgriffo]

Taylor mini or baby? There's also a big baby model that is full size'ish .. They should be somewhere around your budget (maybe a bit over)and are lovely instruments.. I picked up a 2nd hand baby for $140 AUD and play it lots (I've played guitar about 25 years) they're lovely to play and sound great. A good instrument like that will make you want to keep picking it up

[shanecgriffo]

I just checked uk prices and mini and big baby are up round £400 sorry, had the currency conversion in my head a bit off...
The baby is around £250 tho (mine is mahogany top) and music shops will always do a cheaper deal...
Whether it's best to learn on a smaller guitar is up for debate but don't be fooled by it's size.. It's no toy

[bduffy]

I find Yamaha to really shine in the budget acoustic range.

[robogone]

I find Yamaha to really shine in the budget acoustic range.

Definitely - for me probably the best manufacturer of guitars suitable for beginners that they can keep. Epiphones can be pretty good too as you get a lot for the low price - but as above, probably good to get one of those set up professionally.

[bduffy]

I find Yamaha to really shine in the budget acoustic range.

Definitely - for me probably the best manufacturer of guitars suitable for beginners that they can keep. Epiphones can be pretty good too as you get a lot for the low price - but as above, probably good to get one of those set up professionally.

Yes, sir! I enjoyed my budget Yamaha so much that, when the time came to upgrade, I promised myself I'd get a high-end Yamaha, and that's a great geetar too!

[robogone]

I don't know that Yamaha make any really bad guitars, but they certainly cover the low to mid range well, and with quality.

A friend of mine picked up a Yamaha for his first guitar about 20 years ago and paid a very low price for it. Much better than any of the acoustics I had owned up to that point.

[Meffy]

Yamaha FG series. Even the basic FG700S at US$200 is a superb instrument. I've read reviews saying "the only budget guitar you won't want to get rid of after six months" and "as good as many guitars in the $450-600 range." For more money you can get better tonewoods. From what I read, the 700 has a solid Sitka spruce top, sides and back of "Nato" wood, aka "Eastern Mahogany" because it looks and sounds similar to real Mahogany.

Look for a bundle that includes a hard case. A soft gig bag is fine for a robust solid-body electric, but provides no protection for a fragile solid-top acoustic. Especially if the air is dry where you are, you'll want a little humidifying gimmick (I use the Planet Waves sponge-holding one that slips between the strings into the soundhole) to keep the woods from drying out and cracking. I got the $250 bundle from Kraft Music in Wisconsin, with On Stage brand hard case (costs $70 by itself) plus two sets of strings, basic floor stand, plain webbing strap, electronic tuner, capo, tuning crank/bridge-peg remover, polish and cloth, and some picks; stores in the UK and Europe likely carry similar deals.

[bduffy]

Amen.

[offthewall]

As you are UK based I can thoroughly recommend you to look out for Adam Black acoustic guitars.
They are absolutely wonderful and not talked about enough.
A relatively new company but making first class instruments.
A couple of years back I picked up an Adam Black S-5 for a very reasonable price and must emphasise that in my 40 years of playing I have never played a guitar this good for the money ... well within your budget.
I now use it every day and almost every project, apart from those that need a specialist sound, is recorded using this S-5. (check out my recordings as testimony if you like - link below)
Look out for them, mate. There are some great prices just now.

BTW, I got this one straight from the box, tuned it up and it needed no set-up whatsoever. Even had great quality strings on.

James.

[Dean Aka Nekro]

For the money I'll give Yamaha a +1. Still as has been mentioned if it is at all possible try out any you are looking at as you'll know what you are getting and most importantly what you are not. I wouldn't rule out Vintage's acoustics for the money and of course if you are able to find used, ex-demo/shop soiled or just on sale (probably best bet is to wait until January with that in mind) then your money will go alot further. Vintage here:
http://www.jhs.co.uk/vintageacoustic.html

All the best and hope that helps some

Dean

[audiosabre]

Many thanks for all your input guys. My own research also endorsed Yamaha.

Ended up getting a Yamaha FG730s (this exact colour):