Acoustic Guitar Advice (Breedlove?)

[Spruce Goose]

I am looking to buy an acoustic guitar with pickups next weekend.
I have about $900 to play with.
I can play the basic chords on guitar, but intend on getting lessons.
I play keyboards and write music, so need to learn guitar to add to my songs.
So really, it will mainly only be used to record at home and to get lessons on.

Does anyone have any experience with Breedlove guitars?
Here is one I am looking at:

[link=http://www.allansbillyhyde.com.au/prod/BLSOLOC350/CR/Breedlove_350-CR_Solo_Acoustic_Guitar_with_Pickup.aspx]http://www.allansbillyhyd...uitar_with_Pickup.aspx[/link]

[link=http://breedlovemusic.com/guitars/atlas-guitars/solo-c350-cre]http://breedlovemusic.com...-guitars/solo-c350-cre[/link]

Thoughts?
Can any guitarists have a look on that Allans/Billy Hyde website and see if there are any other good deals for the price I am looking at? Would appreciate it?

Lastly, do you reckon it is better to learn/get lessons on an acoustic or electric?

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Not familiar with Breedlove guitars but it looks alright. Have a play and compare with some thing like these:

http://www.allansbillyhyde.com.au/p...3SCVFT_G-Series_Electric_Acoustic_Guitar.aspx
http://www.allansbillyhyde.com.au/p...ing_Acoustic_Electric_Dreadnought_Guitar.aspx

Takamine are nice. I'm more a Maton/Cole Clark kinda guy, but they are a tad out of your price range.

 

[Spruce Goose]

Thanks Blitz....
I know I need to go in and have a play, but because I am:

a) not very good on guitar
2) not very knowledgable

I worry that I will struggle to tell the difference between a $1000 breedlove / takamine etc and a $200 yamaha beginner kit model!

This is an email I just got back from Billy Hydes...

Unfortunately we don’t currently have the breedlove solo350/cr in stock. The closest model we have is the Stage C25/sr which is $1095 but we may be able to do a bit better if you are interested. It has a Solid Spruce top and Rosewood back and sides and an L.R. Baggs Stage pro pickup.

I could do the Stage C25/sr for $975 if you’re interested. It also includes a Hardcase. Breedlove’s are great guitars. Not as well known as some other brands but we have sold quite a lot to customers that have come in looking for other brands but decided on Breedlove after comparing them. They are very good value so I wouldn’t say that there’s anything at the same price that’s better. There are a few Takamine’s like the egs330 we have which is quite good at $769 but the Breedlove would probably be a better choice if you can stretch the budget a bit more.

There is also a Breedlove retro D/er which is similar to the Stage C25/sr but without the cutaway and has the same pickup also and a hardcase included. It is really nice too . It is currently selling for $979 but I could do this one for you at $899

http://www.allansbillyhyde.com.au/p...25-SR_Atlas_Stage_Series_Acoustic_Guitar.aspx

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Interesting!

All accoustics will give you a different sound though, and even if your aren't an expert you can strum a few chords and simple arpeggios and you will hear the difference and probably be able to make a decision on what sounds and feels more appealing!

 

[FerretallicA]

Things may have changed since I was last looking (for all I know they're not even around any more, it's been a few years) but if you're buying new the Greg Bennett range made my Samick punch WAY above their weight for around the $500-700 mark.

 

[phlogiston]

Thanks Blitz....

I worry that I will struggle to tell the difference between a $1000 breedlove / takamine etc and a $200 yamaha beginner kit model!

If this is indeed the case, then I'd suggest you'd be better off with the Yamaha (who, for the record, do pretty good beginner instruments).

Once you get the hang of it and *can* start telling the difference, then go back and get something better.

That said, if you know a few chords and stuff you'll be able to tell the difference between something you'll absolutely hate and is hard to play with sharp frets and what-not and something reasonable.

$900 buys you a hell of a lot of guitar these days.

Just go and play everything up to your price range (there's plenty of value in the $400-$700 "second tier" brands) and you'll find something that just feels "right".