:/ Once again Recommendation for acoustic / semi-Acoustic guitar.

[izwei]

Well :/ I thinking of getting an acoustic. My budget is 400 or below too. Just asking for some recommendations of brands or models that I can go down and try. I still choosing to get acoustic or semi-acoustic. I want the plug in, But I heard that if I buy a semi-acoustic, part of the money goes in to the pick up and the guitar will be that good.
I tried some yamaha and went down to city music and try ovation and customs around $400. In the end I compare, I still feel the $400 yamaha acoustic guitar sound best compare to the semi-acoustic yamaha which worth 37x and ovation CC24. :/ which kind of stupid I compare - - acoustic to semi acoustic. If I compare semi-acoustic guitar btw yamaha and the ovation cc24, I still think the yamaha is better unplugged. But they used to say yamaha is overpriced. So I was thinking getting the $400 yamaha acoustic guitar and later on install a pick up. But is there any disadvantages/If I install the pick up will have any side effects. Wow long essay..... So any other recommendations or comments? . So sorry I can't remember the yamaha's model..... Thanks !

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

Custom Acoustic @ Citymusic.
Maestro, Takamine, Walden, Crafter. If you like the Yamaha then get it.
Just wondering, why do you want the pickup? Are you gonna be playing gigs? If not, get the one you like and install an aftermarket pickup if need be. They cost maybe 100~ bucks for a decent one. Seymour Duncan's Woody is one...

 

[izwei]

Oh actually I don't really need the pickup for now. Ok I decided to get the yamaha. But I got questions about installing pickup. It it really risky? I mean like do they need drill holes? or cut? Will it affect the original sound.
Anyone who experience doing this before? Can give me some advice ?

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

If need be. Many pros like to mic up instead (Andy McKee is one). I'm no pro, but i prefer it that way-gives a more natural tone imo, ymmv.
Passive pickups (that is, ones that don't require batteries) generally do not require drilling, or minimal drilling. if you're looking for an active system, with EQ and an onboard pre, then drilling is definitely required. Since drilling is done at the sides, definitely tone will be affected but not that much (to me) since the top is the part where the sound resonates the most. Course, purists will say no drilling at all... so again, it depends on you.

 

[izwei]

I'm still stuck deciding which acoustic to buy. Is yamaha good for the price? The yamaha acoustic guitar I tried was FG720S. I don't really know how to hear which guitar is actually better? The specs of the guitar is better than another one, but the guitar that have lower specs sound better. Is this possible? Help!!

Oh ya yamaha is having sales now so... I don't have any special liking towards yamaha. Just looking for quality of sound and the craftsmanship work are the components important to me. Sorry I just want to ask for more :O advice before buying, don't want to turn back haha.

 

[izwei]

Ok I increase my budget by 50 dollar and decided on 2 guitars.
One is the yamaha FG730s.
Another is Custom acoustic FG37E.
The custom acoustic is a semi-acoustic :O and it has Solid Engelmann Spruce top and solid rosewood back/side.
The specs are better than the yamaha.
Going down and try these 2 guitars, to see for myself which guitar is better.
Anyone happens to have either of one on hands? Can give me some feedbacks or comments.
Thank You Very Much and Thanks Jumpin'JellyBean for ur help .

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

Better specs does not equal better guitar.
It's up to your hands and ears to decide.
I think bro MadWerewolfBoy has some experiences with the Custom Acoustic, can PM him to ask.
Ultimately you should decide for yourself. Get something that makes you want to keep going back to play it.

 

[J.custom]

Honestly, if you compare a Yamaha acoustic guitar to a Custom Acoustic guitar, the custom acoustic guitar would be a better run for your money. That is if you are not brand conscious and are willing to try it out.