What to look for in an acoustic guitar?

[professorlamp]

Im definitely in the market for a decent acoustic right now but...I don't have a clue where to start.

Any info on different wood types would be good.
Do I go with anything that says laminated (think thats only on cheap guitars correct me if im wrong).
Tell me about sizes, dreadnought, 00, 000's etc...


Ideally I'm looking for a completely acoustic guitar, no electro. I'd rather spend the money on the design and construction of the guitar rather than the preamp that I wouldn't use.

Anyways Ideally, this may be a bit specialist but eh who cares, currently Im really liking the idea of just me and a double bassist (the bass kind not the drum kind) playing some acoustic jazz/classical stuff. Any info would be great. I'd have to compete for volume so im guessing a big guitar? those basses are loud
Im a lefty but throw any suggestions at me so i can have a good read.

Cheers guys

p.s. this has caught my fancy http://www.dv247.com/guitars/tangle...acoustic-guitar-vintage-sunburst-gloss--65918

 

[guitarguru777]

Full body tone with a nice snap on top. Thats what I always look for, and I never settle till I get it in the studio and try it out with some micks in front of it.

That being said I absolutely LOVE my fucking Epi EJ-200 Jumbo! Loud as FUCK cause its HUGE!

 

[professorlamp]

I just found a pretty good video on a bridge pin shootout



Quite amazed at how different they sound

 

[BLUElightCory]

Acoustics can be a tricky beast, but the most important advice I can give is to get out there and play as many acoustics as you can. Because wood is an organic material, no two guitars (even of the same model) will sound the same, so it's important to play as many as you can - do this, and you'll easily be able to find your favorite guitars (plus, it's fun to do).

As far as common/popular acoustic designs, the spruce/rosewood dreadnought is probably the most common body/wood combination out there, and is great for all styles. Solid wood tops are generally favorable over laminate (and will improve with age) but I have heard some decent laminate-top acoustics. That said, I'd go for a solid top if you can.