New Acoustic Guitar?

[levron73]

I could do with the PH collective views on this. It is my 40th Birthday and I have been asked what I really want as a gift. I came up with the idea of a new guitar i.e. something that will remind me of the milestone, that I can keep and get enjoyment out of. My family has agreed to chip in - I have agreed to fund the balance - so we are talkng of a nice guitar budget IMO

So here are my thoughts;

1. Do I go for the easiest option - Taylor 700/800 series, Gibson J200 / D45, Martin 000 etc etc
2. Do I go for a vintage Acoustic - Gibson J45 / Hummingbird / Dove / J200 - right att he top if not over my price range!
3. Do I go for a hand built guitar from a specialist Luthier?

So my logic is as follows;

1. Going for a new Taylor, Gibson, Martin etc whilst lovely guitars will it be the same as everyone else buying one i.e. special but not memorable!
2. Going for a Vintage guitar, need to be careful in getting the right one (I have someone to help here) - but again the buying process maybe more enjoyable than the ownership - for the right one the price will probably fall outside what I want to spend - it won't be seen as an investment as I wont want to sell it as it will be a 40th present from my family!
3. Going for a hand built guitar gives more of a one off feel, the buying process, watching it through the different stages will be great and I will end up with something that is a great instrument but also reminds me of who it is from etc.

I was looking at reviews about this guy - http://www.kinkadeguitars.co.uk/index.php price is spot on and they look fantastic and have great reviews. Downside is 9 to 15 months to make!!

I may have answered my own question!

Just FYI I have other guitars (Larrivee, Simon&Patrick 12 string, Hofner, Tanglewood, Tele) so this would be an addition (n+1 rule )

What do people think?

[bga]

At your budget I would go for something from a Luthier.

[Gaspode]

Definitely something from a Luthier. I would highly recommend something from Patrick James Eggle up in Oswestry. I have a Saluda Cutaway that is just lovely. If your fund is big enough, he'll build you something to your exact specification, but his off the peg stuff is pretty awesome.

[dojo]

I wouldn't go for a new Taylor/Gibson: Don't most of these have laminate back and sides?? Awful lot to be paying for that IMO

If you go old it will be a better investment (I know you say its not going to be sold but you never know what the future holds) plus it's already been played in and you're owning a bit of history. Also you maybe able to find something with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides

But yes a luthier is a great, plus they are always happy to talk with you, you can pop down have a look, see how it's progressing etc etc.

Personally I'd get a nice Dupont D hole but that's just me

[Justin Cyder]

Gaspode said:

your exact specification

...Is a nice thought isn't it?

[bga]

dojo said:

I wouldn't go for a new Taylor/Gibson: Don't most of these have laminate back and sides?? Awful lot to be paying for that IMO

The models the OP listed are solid back & sides. Agree that the OP could spend his money on something a little more interesting.

[Gaspode]

Justin Cyder said:

..Is a nice thought isn't it?

Oh yes. The last time I was at Patrick's, he showed me some lovely Italian bearclaw spruce tops and myrtle wood back& sides. I really fancy getting him to build me a fingerstyle sized guitar (He calls the body shape an Etowah) but with detailing like this Florentine: