The Song Fight Bulletin Board

So, my old Martin got a bit smashed up coming back from Portland last year, and insurance finally gave me some money for it. It stills plays OK on open chords, but goes slightly out of tune if I use a capo.

So, trying to decide on new axe. Not many guitar shops in Toowoomba, but would like to buy one here instead of having to drive down to Brisbane.

Currently tossing up between:

Martin DCPA5K for $1499
http://bandland.net.au/products/453/Martin%20DCPA5K

Takamine EF360SC for $1999
http://bandland.net.au/products/420/Takamine%20EF360SC

Takamine EF340SC for $1599
http://bandland.net.au/products/420/Takamine%20EF340SC

Any suggestions? Never played a Takamine - but they seem OK in the shop.

This is about the full extent of the range available locally here in TWBA:
http://bandland.net.au/products/31

Its either this, of drive to Brisbane and maybe check out some Matons or (cheaper) Taylors.

They're all nice, tough choice. Gotta go with the one that feels best in person, though. Try a few on. And please share when you do!

I'm a Gibson man myself. I think Takamines are very nice guitars. I totally agree with Paco, you have to get your hands on it. When I bought my Gibson CL10 many years ago, the guy at the store said, "You don't choose the guitar, the guitar chooses you." He was right. I could have bought a more expensive model, but this was the one. Kind of like pulling a sword out of a stone.

Counter point: Just get the Martin.

I don't know what Takamine is. Last time I went pricey acoustic shopping, I picked Taylor (as a gift) over Martin.

ken wrote:I'm a Gibson man myself. I think Takamines are very nice guitars. I totally agree with Paco, you have to get your hands on it. When I bought my Gibson CL10 many years ago, the guy at the store said, "You don't choose the guitar, the guitar chooses you." He was right. I could have bought a more expensive model, but this was the one. Kind of like pulling a sword out of a stone.

Yes - the guitar chooses you. Definitely got that when I bought my original Martin and my Strat a few years ago. That is why I won't consider buying one online.

I had assumed I would just get a new Martin, cos I love my old one - but must admit - the Takamines did feel a bit nicer than the Martin in the shop, especially the $1999 one - it is all solid with gloss finish which is nice compared to the satin finish Martin with the laminated back and sides.. And it has an inbuilt tuner. With the saving on lost tuners it may end up paying for itself in the long run.

There is a local shop that makes their own, called "Outback". Solid timber top, back and sides for about $1500. Cant find any info online about them - but they are worth another look.

Gotta go out bush for a week, then maybe go for a bit of a look in Brisbane. will probably make a decision in a few weeks