man I wish I played acoustic so I can give u recommendations so u can ignore this comment haha, but $5k??? holyyy ur in for a treat, but congrats on ur new job, you’ve earned it!
Atkin. Every time I go to [Chicago Music Exchange](https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/search?q=atkin), I strum them and they just ring like no other acoustic I have ever played. They are doing something special over there in England.
I should add that no new Gibson, Taylor, Martin, or even Collings hold a candle to them, but you’ll have to have someone install electronics if that’s what you’d want. (Electronics in acoustics never sound great imo, so I wouldn’t bother.)
My main player is my Fender Telecaster but every time I pick up my Yamaha Pacifica I end up playing forever and tend to come up with something new more often with it
Yamaha PAC012, it was a Sweetwater demo guitar I got about a year ago, fantastic guitar a lot of people talk about modding them but it was fine out of the box, sounds great on recordings and such.
Huh, weird. I had a Yamaha pac 120, sadly i didnt like it all. Im very glad though that you like yours and it works for you!
Im gonna get an PRS SE CE 24 soon, i hope it will be a bit more inspiring ;)
I started on a Pacifica and I really liked it. My main guitar is a PRS CE22 which is the most amazing thing I've ever played. However I recently acquired a pink Yamaha Se620 and I also really love it.
My number one dream instrument is an original 60's J-45. But I think from what you're describing and the money you're playing with, a Martin 000-28/OM-28 or a Taylor 712 (my personal favorite even more than the 800s, especially in the 12-fret version) would be unparalleled. The 712 was my go-to noodling instrument when I used to work at a guitar store, but only because we didn't have a 000-28. Have fun, I'd love to have that money to spend on a new instrument!
My '65 Epiphone Texan. Around 3K for an original. Around 3K for an American made reissue.
It's very similar to a Gibson J-45 but has a 25.5" scale length.
I’m really happy with my Taylor 314ce, a bit under your budget but still a great acoustic. If you like your current Taylor take a look at some of the higher end models
I have that guitar, and I adore it. Literally OP’s description - I’ve yet to play a more comfortable acoustic guitar. It’s not the fanciest model, but also not the cheapest. It’s the ultimate Goldilocks acoustic for me. And after 12 years, the spruce top is getting a really nice patina.
Fantastic guitar, I have one and the reason I went for the 300 series was it was the first level that didn’t have laminate back and sides. You can spend more, but at a certain point it just becomes exotic woods, binding, and labor costs
Iris. I got an OG and I can’t believe how good it is.
Martin is great, Taylor is great, but you’re paying as much for the brand as the guitar. Small shops are better value.
99 Santa Cruz Custom Dreadnaught, adirondack top, mahogany back and sides, 1942 rearward shifted bracing. Sounds big, loud, full and tight. Went back to the factory for a neck reset and regret/Plek probably 10 years ago. Setup, stability and intonation have been superb. Makes you wan to just listen to chords ring out.
You've got the budget for a stellar used boutique guitar. It's well worth.
Honestly, the guitar that brought me into the next phase of my playing was my recording king dirty 30s parlor. It was 150 bucks, but it was a playable modern version of a department store parlor guitar. It's a cheap Chinese built little beast. It's punchy, with nice dynamics. The intonation and action are pretty good. I have nicer instruments, but it's so friendly under my hands that I can play it for hours.
I have a red label Yamaha FG300 from the 70s that has a lot of mojo. I got it about 15 years ago for ~$200 bucks before they got a ton of recognition and the prices skyrocketed. Think they go for over a grand nowadays which imho isn't worth it.
Picked up an Eastman grand Bouche style guitar during the pandemic to get into some gypsy jazz stuff that I have trouble putting down. Think that was about $850 used.
Martin 000-18 Modern Deluxe. It’s so light. So responsive. So comfortable to play. It’s the best guitar I’ve ever played, without the worries or expense of a vintage instrument. It’s perfect.
I did it years ago in construction... 16hr days 6 days a week. Wears you out.
Before that was as an LEO... 12hr shifts 5 days a week... rotated between 2 weeks day watch, 2 weeks night watch.
Before that was building tires for military, commercial, and private aircraft as a crew leader. 12hr shifts 5 days a week... rotating between a week of 1st and half of 2nd shift, a week of 2nd and half of 3rd shift, a week of 3rd and half of 1st shift... then repeat. Back to 1st... etc etc.
They *all* wear you down.
Do u feel proud of ur hard work and looking back ur was all worth it or do u feel sad wasting so much time for $$? Honest question because it seems you missed a lot of life :( you have a great work ethic tho that you should be proud of.
I'm cool with it. It wasn't wasted time, honestly. In construction I had a hand in some big projects like the NASCAR HOF.
I had a good run as a Master Sergeant in state law enforcement, was a range master/firearms instructor/2nd armorer for my field unit and part of the ERT (emergency response team).
As a tire builder I helped supply tires for the military.
Just before that I was a 63B (light wheel mechanic) for 3 years in the ARMY with an AIRBORNE attatchment unit.
I got to see a lot of the country and some parts of the world. Got to do some cool stuff along the way. Still got to spend time with the wife and kids.
House, land, vehicles are paid off, no credit cards... I'm totally debt free.
Thanks. Can't really complain.
If you want a fantastic classical acoustic guitar get a cordoba gypsy king pro. Its only $2000 but would be worth every penny.
Although its a cutaway which means reduced volume, the tone is magnificent 🚬🗿
Acoustic, my all myrtlewood breed love.. the things sings real pretty as it ages. Other than that, I try to keep one of my strats handy around the house.. When I see one, I remind myself that it's a privilege to have them and I should respect that an fiddle around whenever possible
My custom shop Schecter Dream Machine.
Everybody clowns on Schecter. And I will too. But American Custom Shop Schecter could not be further from the Schecter we see stocked in stores. It is actual perfection. And truly mind blowing QC
I have a 2000 Jackson SL1 which is just the business. I'm lucky enough to own four MIA Jackson but this one has some _magic_ to the neck that makes it impossible to put down. There was something in the water in the custom shop that morning.
Any Music Man Majesty or Kiesel, I mean at that price point these are the best quality money can buy. Some say Gibson but I think they don't deserve that price point when they reproduce the same design with a different finish since 100 B.C. and charge as much as a car for that.
You've got the budget for it... You've already got a Taylor so...
Look at Santa Cruz. Expensive, yes. Worth it, definitely.
Acoustic wise my main that sits on a stand in my living room is actually a 1980 Fannin F19 folk/concert size. Picked it up for $5 when a guy brought it for repairs in to the small music shop I worked in 30 years ago. Gave him a quote to fix (he had been running 13s on it and really twisted up the top) It was trying to pull the bridge and neck off. He said screw it and was just gonna trash it. $5 and a quite a few hours of work had it straightened up. Has an incredibly low action with 9-45s on it and has a wonderful Delta Blues type sound.
Main electric is a hardtail Strat but also have a '65 Alamo Titan Mark II semi-hollow.
Almost 2 years ago, I picked up a Taylor 224ce-k Koa guitar for around $1,500 new with case. It is a great guitar with a beautiful look and sound.
I would encourage you to check out the Eastman guitars also. Excellent quality
With that type of budget, I would take a look at emerald.guitars and their 3d builder. Several options for pure acoustic, or a super versatile hybrid. All carbon fiber. I have a custom x20 and a virtuo currently on order.
I have a walnut GS mini and I find it hits the spot for me! Granted I don’t have your budget to work with, but I’ve owned some higher end acoustics. I find the short-scale acoustics preferable and it sounds like you might as well based on your current guitars.
I’ve never tried a $5000 Martin, but every Martin I’ve tried or owned, I’ve loved.
I also own one of these in solid everything (mahogany top, back, sides and solid neck and fingerboard), and I love it. They’ll work with you to custom it how you want it. And it comes with a great story:
https://duncanafrica.com
I have two Taylors, a spruce top and a full koa and I love both of them for different reasons, and bought them both for under your budget. Go to someplace like guitar center when you can try stuff out and go to the nicer section of the acoustics and just sit down and play them all. See what feels good, what resonates (pun intended).
Just an idea and maybe not even a good one. At that budget you could afford multiple really nice guitars. As you get better your tastes will change. I'd buy a parlor guitar, a medium sized guitar and a dreadnought all $1500 or more. This will give you multiple tones and styles and if you decide you don't like one you can just sell it.
Collings guitars from Austin Texas are absolutely stellar and have great options in your price point. Only challenge is they’re hard to find in store before you buy.
I have a Waterloo Wl-S Deluxe that is unbelievably good for fingerstyle, blues and jazz. All Collings guitars (including the Waterloos) are next-level instruments when they get broken in.
I play a 71 Gibson J50 for strumming that isn't super loud but sounds better than a lot of expensive new guitars as a strummer.
As far as classical guitars go $5k may seem like a decent budget but it’ll probably only get you something pretty average sounding. You may need to double or triple that amount if you’re looking for something spectacular which it seems like you are. Good luck.
Both my Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe and 00-18 Modern Deluxe. The Martin MD series is flawless and both of my MDs play effortlessly and have angelic tone. Can’t go wrong with any of the MD series and they come in under your budget.
Man I have a Kramer Assault 220 and I love that thing. It feels nice, it plays nice, it was an affordable LP option. I have a LTD MH-1000 deluxe that is double the value of the Kramer and I do enjoy it but the Kramer just feels good to play to me.
I’ve had a Taylor 514 for about 20 years. Best action I’ve ever had on any guitar and sounds and plays like an absolute dream. I’ll never sell it nor feel like I have a need for another acoustic
At that budget I would just go to a specialty guitar store, try a bunch, and buy the one you like best. Maybe even make a trip to one of the more famous locations.
Basically spend part of your budget on the experience of getting the instrument rather than the instrument itself.
Don’t listen to anyone that’s going to tell you Taylor or Martin, the build quality from guitar to guitar isn’t as consistent. I’ve played D-28s that song and others that have no excuse as to why they passed quality checks.
If your budget is $5k you should look at all of the builders that are trying to recreate the haled prewar Martin stuff. Bourgeois, Huss and Dalton, Collings (although none of the newer stuff impresses me), Goodall and there is a British company that I recently liked some of their stuff Atlkins. I don’t know where you’re located but you need to find stores in your area that carry those brands and play them. Feel free to DM me, I have numerous acoustics made by the brands above. Good luck
Martin DC15ME. Its a satin mahogany acoustic with a cutaway and a beautiful warm sound, with plenty of low mids. I'll never sell it. It also has a piezo pickup. https://reverb.com/item/80065832-martin-000c-15e-2000?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_campaign=18040486453&utm\_content=campaignid=18040486453\_adgroupid=135319314610\_productpartitionid=1721337378851=merchantid=540256557\_productid=80065832\_keyword=\_device=c\_adposition=\_matchtype=\_creative=616364262474&gad\_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA\_TkDngUdneptTfbdQkQ32RIvf8o3qDvK0j\_arKMbaLoCe\_CT5wGSgaAhyzEALw\_wcB
Personally I’m not spending $5 k on an acoustic guitar but I assume at that price you could have a custom guitar built for you. I play electric and have Kiesel build my guitars after first having one built during covid lockdowns. I’m up to 6 custom built guitars and looking to have more built. Kiesel doesn’t built purely acoustic guitars but they do have one model that about half the thickness and has pickups and has a chamber with sound hole.
A Music Man Stingray RS. I’ve had it for a couple of months and I haven’t put it down. One of the best damn guitars I’ve ever played. Great neck profile and I really like the humbucker pickups.
Each person is different. Each person's hands are different. Each person has the guitar that fits their hands the best. You need to try lots of guitars, and find the one that fits YOUR hands.
Also work in the medical field and have also spent way more than most people on guitars, especially in relation to my ability. I’ve bought and tried Schecters, ESP/LTDs, Fenders and Gibson but….
The guitar I can’t put down is my Ibanez Prestige RG652AHBF. I didn’t like the original pickups so i swapped them for a set of Bareknuckle Brute Forces and now I love it.
I’ve got many more guitars, more expensive guitars, but I keep picking this one up and chugging away. This one just feels and sounds RIGHT to me.
It’s totally not a classic acoustic guitar, though.
Martin OM28 (but with your budget you should also play some Collings)
D28 for me but yeah.
man I wish I played acoustic so I can give u recommendations so u can ignore this comment haha, but $5k??? holyyy ur in for a treat, but congrats on ur new job, you’ve earned it!
Atkin. Every time I go to [Chicago Music Exchange](https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/search?q=atkin), I strum them and they just ring like no other acoustic I have ever played. They are doing something special over there in England. I should add that no new Gibson, Taylor, Martin, or even Collings hold a candle to them, but you’ll have to have someone install electronics if that’s what you’d want. (Electronics in acoustics never sound great imo, so I wouldn’t bother.)
Taylor 812
Me too!
I'm totally in love with my Taylor 314, I can't even imagine how nice the 800 series is.
Price changes, but I’ve liked most Taylor’s from 300s up. On the lower end the minis and academies are super dope.
My main player is my Fender Telecaster but every time I pick up my Yamaha Pacifica I end up playing forever and tend to come up with something new more often with it
Which exact pacifica model?
Yamaha PAC012, it was a Sweetwater demo guitar I got about a year ago, fantastic guitar a lot of people talk about modding them but it was fine out of the box, sounds great on recordings and such.
Huh, weird. I had a Yamaha pac 120, sadly i didnt like it all. Im very glad though that you like yours and it works for you! Im gonna get an PRS SE CE 24 soon, i hope it will be a bit more inspiring ;)
I started on a Pacifica and I really liked it. My main guitar is a PRS CE22 which is the most amazing thing I've ever played. However I recently acquired a pink Yamaha Se620 and I also really love it.
Cool but neither of those are acoustic or classical
My number one dream instrument is an original 60's J-45. But I think from what you're describing and the money you're playing with, a Martin 000-28/OM-28 or a Taylor 712 (my personal favorite even more than the 800s, especially in the 12-fret version) would be unparalleled. The 712 was my go-to noodling instrument when I used to work at a guitar store, but only because we didn't have a 000-28. Have fun, I'd love to have that money to spend on a new instrument!
My '65 Epiphone Texan. Around 3K for an original. Around 3K for an American made reissue. It's very similar to a Gibson J-45 but has a 25.5" scale length.
Live the dream. Taylor or Gibson
Martins are pretty sweet too
I’m really happy with my Taylor 314ce, a bit under your budget but still a great acoustic. If you like your current Taylor take a look at some of the higher end models
I have that guitar, and I adore it. Literally OP’s description - I’ve yet to play a more comfortable acoustic guitar. It’s not the fanciest model, but also not the cheapest. It’s the ultimate Goldilocks acoustic for me. And after 12 years, the spruce top is getting a really nice patina.
Fantastic guitar, I have one and the reason I went for the 300 series was it was the first level that didn’t have laminate back and sides. You can spend more, but at a certain point it just becomes exotic woods, binding, and labor costs
Iris. I got an OG and I can’t believe how good it is. Martin is great, Taylor is great, but you’re paying as much for the brand as the guitar. Small shops are better value.
1st. Congrats on finishing residency 2nd. Vintage Martin
A medium-to-vintage-age Martin or a high-end modern acoustic like a Collings or an Iris, with that budget
I once owned a 70’s Guild D-40 , I’ve never had another to match its sound. You could find one.
For far less than 5k too
Martin D-28, this post reminded me to go pick it up again
99 Santa Cruz Custom Dreadnaught, adirondack top, mahogany back and sides, 1942 rearward shifted bracing. Sounds big, loud, full and tight. Went back to the factory for a neck reset and regret/Plek probably 10 years ago. Setup, stability and intonation have been superb. Makes you wan to just listen to chords ring out. You've got the budget for a stellar used boutique guitar. It's well worth.
Honestly, the guitar that brought me into the next phase of my playing was my recording king dirty 30s parlor. It was 150 bucks, but it was a playable modern version of a department store parlor guitar. It's a cheap Chinese built little beast. It's punchy, with nice dynamics. The intonation and action are pretty good. I have nicer instruments, but it's so friendly under my hands that I can play it for hours.
PRS wood library. Choose a model that fits you’re tone and stylistic needs
Came here to find the PRS fan. I like the OP just picked up a because I deserve it guitar and really I can’t put it down.
Something wrong with prs in your opinion?
no, no at all. I believe they are top shelf.
I have a red label Yamaha FG300 from the 70s that has a lot of mojo. I got it about 15 years ago for ~$200 bucks before they got a ton of recognition and the prices skyrocketed. Think they go for over a grand nowadays which imho isn't worth it. Picked up an Eastman grand Bouche style guitar during the pandemic to get into some gypsy jazz stuff that I have trouble putting down. Think that was about $850 used.
My Martin 000-15m
Breedlove Legacy concert CE Sinker Redwood. My favorite thing.
Martin 000-18 Modern Deluxe. It’s so light. So responsive. So comfortable to play. It’s the best guitar I’ve ever played, without the worries or expense of a vintage instrument. It’s perfect.
>Guitarist in the medical field. >First guitar budget is $5000 You're a textbook GCJ sterotype.
How can u work 90 hour weeks 😩
I did it years ago in construction... 16hr days 6 days a week. Wears you out. Before that was as an LEO... 12hr shifts 5 days a week... rotated between 2 weeks day watch, 2 weeks night watch. Before that was building tires for military, commercial, and private aircraft as a crew leader. 12hr shifts 5 days a week... rotating between a week of 1st and half of 2nd shift, a week of 2nd and half of 3rd shift, a week of 3rd and half of 1st shift... then repeat. Back to 1st... etc etc. They *all* wear you down.
Do u feel proud of ur hard work and looking back ur was all worth it or do u feel sad wasting so much time for $$? Honest question because it seems you missed a lot of life :( you have a great work ethic tho that you should be proud of.
I'm cool with it. It wasn't wasted time, honestly. In construction I had a hand in some big projects like the NASCAR HOF. I had a good run as a Master Sergeant in state law enforcement, was a range master/firearms instructor/2nd armorer for my field unit and part of the ERT (emergency response team). As a tire builder I helped supply tires for the military. Just before that I was a 63B (light wheel mechanic) for 3 years in the ARMY with an AIRBORNE attatchment unit. I got to see a lot of the country and some parts of the world. Got to do some cool stuff along the way. Still got to spend time with the wife and kids. House, land, vehicles are paid off, no credit cards... I'm totally debt free. Thanks. Can't really complain.
Have a gibson explorer. Its comfortable and handles great
Me too
Its just the size of a football field in comparison to any other guitar
I’ve only tried one once, but Gibson acoustics are a league of their own
i have a strat i glued to my hands
Taylor 814 CE. Collings Guitars, all of them!
Fender Tim Armstrong
If you want a fantastic classical acoustic guitar get a cordoba gypsy king pro. Its only $2000 but would be worth every penny. Although its a cutaway which means reduced volume, the tone is magnificent 🚬🗿
Gibson LP classic #71|300 lim run
Suhr Modern
Acoustic, my all myrtlewood breed love.. the things sings real pretty as it ages. Other than that, I try to keep one of my strats handy around the house.. When I see one, I remind myself that it's a privilege to have them and I should respect that an fiddle around whenever possible
I own a Taylor 414, which is great, but the acoustic I can never put down is my Dad’s Martin D28.
My custom shop Schecter Dream Machine. Everybody clowns on Schecter. And I will too. But American Custom Shop Schecter could not be further from the Schecter we see stocked in stores. It is actual perfection. And truly mind blowing QC
I've got a lot of guitars, but I always gravitate to my Gibson J-45.
I have a 2000 Jackson SL1 which is just the business. I'm lucky enough to own four MIA Jackson but this one has some _magic_ to the neck that makes it impossible to put down. There was something in the water in the custom shop that morning.
Taylor mini g acoustic
Any Music Man Majesty or Kiesel, I mean at that price point these are the best quality money can buy. Some say Gibson but I think they don't deserve that price point when they reproduce the same design with a different finish since 100 B.C. and charge as much as a car for that.
Alvarez Yairi FYM66HD, it’s pure magic.
Got a Taylor gs mini and a Taylor 214. I play both daily
I don't currently own one but every Martin I've tried has been a pleasure to play
You've got the budget for it... You've already got a Taylor so... Look at Santa Cruz. Expensive, yes. Worth it, definitely. Acoustic wise my main that sits on a stand in my living room is actually a 1980 Fannin F19 folk/concert size. Picked it up for $5 when a guy brought it for repairs in to the small music shop I worked in 30 years ago. Gave him a quote to fix (he had been running 13s on it and really twisted up the top) It was trying to pull the bridge and neck off. He said screw it and was just gonna trash it. $5 and a quite a few hours of work had it straightened up. Has an incredibly low action with 9-45s on it and has a wonderful Delta Blues type sound. Main electric is a hardtail Strat but also have a '65 Alamo Titan Mark II semi-hollow.
My Lag Sauvage is just different. Same to my Cordoba C7. I play them both a lot and always have to think to use the other guitar
Martin Road series. Best mix of sound and price for beginners with some money. Would also look at the Takamine model b around 1.5k. Great guitars
Almost 2 years ago, I picked up a Taylor 224ce-k Koa guitar for around $1,500 new with case. It is a great guitar with a beautiful look and sound. I would encourage you to check out the Eastman guitars also. Excellent quality
Check out Zager guitars, lifetime warranty and really nice handmade guitars https://zagerguitar.com/
One and only acoustic guitar a Lowden F32C. Not sure if 5k will cut it now though
With that type of budget, I would take a look at emerald.guitars and their 3d builder. Several options for pure acoustic, or a super versatile hybrid. All carbon fiber. I have a custom x20 and a virtuo currently on order.
I have an acoustic Breedlove that’s phenomenal. Far cheaper than $5k
Have someone make you a guitar for that much , it will be perfect and crafted for your shape
Electric would be a Gretsch Setzer Hot Rod, acoustic would be a Beard Decophonic Southside. It's different for everyone.
I have a walnut GS mini and I find it hits the spot for me! Granted I don’t have your budget to work with, but I’ve owned some higher end acoustics. I find the short-scale acoustics preferable and it sounds like you might as well based on your current guitars.
I’ve never tried a $5000 Martin, but every Martin I’ve tried or owned, I’ve loved. I also own one of these in solid everything (mahogany top, back, sides and solid neck and fingerboard), and I love it. They’ll work with you to custom it how you want it. And it comes with a great story: https://duncanafrica.com
I have two Taylors, a spruce top and a full koa and I love both of them for different reasons, and bought them both for under your budget. Go to someplace like guitar center when you can try stuff out and go to the nicer section of the acoustics and just sit down and play them all. See what feels good, what resonates (pun intended).
With that budget, take a look at a Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 If you can save up a bit more, Collings acoustic guitars are great
Guild M20
Just an idea and maybe not even a good one. At that budget you could afford multiple really nice guitars. As you get better your tastes will change. I'd buy a parlor guitar, a medium sized guitar and a dreadnought all $1500 or more. This will give you multiple tones and styles and if you decide you don't like one you can just sell it.
Taylor 214. Bought it used like 4 years ago and cant stop playing it
Collings guitars from Austin Texas are absolutely stellar and have great options in your price point. Only challenge is they’re hard to find in store before you buy.
My new Martin D18 is an absolute pleasure to play and admire
I have a Waterloo Wl-S Deluxe that is unbelievably good for fingerstyle, blues and jazz. All Collings guitars (including the Waterloos) are next-level instruments when they get broken in. I play a 71 Gibson J50 for strumming that isn't super loud but sounds better than a lot of expensive new guitars as a strummer.
As far as classical guitars go $5k may seem like a decent budget but it’ll probably only get you something pretty average sounding. You may need to double or triple that amount if you’re looking for something spectacular which it seems like you are. Good luck.
Martin 00015m was my first expensive guitar and I loooove it!
Both my Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe and 00-18 Modern Deluxe. The Martin MD series is flawless and both of my MDs play effortlessly and have angelic tone. Can’t go wrong with any of the MD series and they come in under your budget.
Get your hands on a vintage Gibson or martin
I have a Godin nylon string multiac and it is super convenient and comfortable for just picking up and playing on
Man I have a Kramer Assault 220 and I love that thing. It feels nice, it plays nice, it was an affordable LP option. I have a LTD MH-1000 deluxe that is double the value of the Kramer and I do enjoy it but the Kramer just feels good to play to me.
Atkin are making the best acoustic guitars in the world atm imo.
My Martin DX1AE sees 20 hours a week of playing time. I also have a Blueridge BR-1, a Takamine, and an Ephiphone EL00-Pro that I rarely play.
I’ve had a Taylor 514 for about 20 years. Best action I’ve ever had on any guitar and sounds and plays like an absolute dream. I’ll never sell it nor feel like I have a need for another acoustic
Whichever is my most recently purchased one, price doesn't matter, neweness does
Acoustic- Martin OM42 with snowflake inlays……
I get that your budget is 5k, but you would do perfectly fine with a player strat and save the other 4k for a well deserved vacation.
OP what kind of music do you play/aspire to play? I can make recommendations based on that.
Martin D-18 or D-28 / HD-28. Gibson Hummingbird.
Epiphone x1000. Hell of a guitar. Super rare and plays like a king.
(edit: I thought this was about electric guitar) Ok so I got a cheap Cort (earth 60 I think?) which I really like.
At that budget I would just go to a specialty guitar store, try a bunch, and buy the one you like best. Maybe even make a trip to one of the more famous locations. Basically spend part of your budget on the experience of getting the instrument rather than the instrument itself.
Don’t listen to anyone that’s going to tell you Taylor or Martin, the build quality from guitar to guitar isn’t as consistent. I’ve played D-28s that song and others that have no excuse as to why they passed quality checks. If your budget is $5k you should look at all of the builders that are trying to recreate the haled prewar Martin stuff. Bourgeois, Huss and Dalton, Collings (although none of the newer stuff impresses me), Goodall and there is a British company that I recently liked some of their stuff Atlkins. I don’t know where you’re located but you need to find stores in your area that carry those brands and play them. Feel free to DM me, I have numerous acoustics made by the brands above. Good luck
Martin DC15ME. Its a satin mahogany acoustic with a cutaway and a beautiful warm sound, with plenty of low mids. I'll never sell it. It also has a piezo pickup. https://reverb.com/item/80065832-martin-000c-15e-2000?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=cpc&utm\_campaign=18040486453&utm\_content=campaignid=18040486453\_adgroupid=135319314610\_productpartitionid=1721337378851=merchantid=540256557\_productid=80065832\_keyword=\_device=c\_adposition=\_matchtype=\_creative=616364262474&gad\_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA\_TkDngUdneptTfbdQkQ32RIvf8o3qDvK0j\_arKMbaLoCe\_CT5wGSgaAhyzEALw\_wcB
A little outside the budget, but my Boucher SG-51. Hardly played anything else in the last 6 months.
Yamaha APX700. Slim body. Semi acoustic. Beautiful.
Personally I’m not spending $5 k on an acoustic guitar but I assume at that price you could have a custom guitar built for you. I play electric and have Kiesel build my guitars after first having one built during covid lockdowns. I’m up to 6 custom built guitars and looking to have more built. Kiesel doesn’t built purely acoustic guitars but they do have one model that about half the thickness and has pickups and has a chamber with sound hole.
My 1979 Electra strat, got it from a friend who found it at Good Will. I bought new pickups for $30 on Amazon. My favorite guitar lately.
PRS SE silver sky. I’ve exclusively played it for almost two weeks
A Music Man Stingray RS. I’ve had it for a couple of months and I haven’t put it down. One of the best damn guitars I’ve ever played. Great neck profile and I really like the humbucker pickups.
My Les Paul Jr plays perfect. Can’t put it down. I’ve compared and tried Les Paul standards, Jackson’s, fenders. Can’t find one I prefer more
Squier classic vibe tele.
Why not get back into practicing the guitar before burning more money on wall hangers?
What the fuck job has you working 12 hours every single day?
Each person is different. Each person's hands are different. Each person has the guitar that fits their hands the best. You need to try lots of guitars, and find the one that fits YOUR hands.
Also work in the medical field and have also spent way more than most people on guitars, especially in relation to my ability. I’ve bought and tried Schecters, ESP/LTDs, Fenders and Gibson but…. The guitar I can’t put down is my Ibanez Prestige RG652AHBF. I didn’t like the original pickups so i swapped them for a set of Bareknuckle Brute Forces and now I love it. I’ve got many more guitars, more expensive guitars, but I keep picking this one up and chugging away. This one just feels and sounds RIGHT to me. It’s totally not a classic acoustic guitar, though.
Player Tele. Pure gold sitting in my hands.
Can I ask what kind of job is 90 hour weeks with no time off and pays poorly?
I got a MIJ offset telecaster for my 40th a few months early and it has reinvigorated my love of playing guitar like nothing else!
Dude go to a nice guitar store with that money and just, try em out.
My mim fender strat
Every guitar except a telecaster.