guilt-free

[a_clear_job]

growing up as a kid, a teenager, and even a young adult, i have always tried to be frugal because i didn't have a wealthy upbringing when i was younger, and so i came to appreciate characteristics like practical, and long-lasting, and hand-me-downs. i only recently realized that i have reached a point in my life where i can afford to indulge in

Comments

[a_clear_job]

that's a nice list. i appreciate the musical instrument orientation of it.

my advice would be, firstly, when you do get a large tv, go LCD, not plasma.

and yeah, hold off on the weighted keyboard 'til you're settled into your own place.

as for the acoustic, i know how you feel about wanting a cutaway. i've always purchased acoustics with cutaways; very helpful. keep in mind that acoustics are getting fairly good in price lately. you can get a decent one for less than you think. years ago, i paid around $900 for takamine with pickup that i had, only to sell it when i didn't use it that much anymore. recently, i bought a jay turser clone that's pretty much a spitting image of the takamine, sounds the same, and also has pickup (and a built-in tuner) for $200. the only think it lacks is a high quality built-in equalizer. but really, the pickup is decent, i just need a decent amp (my old 50 watt marshall has a blown overdrive channel, so it needs to be fixed or replaced). all of this to say, you don't need to necessarily spend $800 - $1000 for a good acoustic guitar. try yamaha - they rarely steer you wrong.

[lessthanuseful]

Welp, took your advice to heart and went to Steve's today... but after playing a pile I left with a $1000 Taylor. It's the only one that had the bright sound I was looking for, particularly on the bottom strings. I played a Takamine I liked, but the "repressed" sounding bottom E just didn't do it for me. It sounded great otherwise. It ultimately came down to preferring a spruce top to cedar :)

[a_clear_job]

fair enough. it all comes down to personal preference. i actually purchase bronze strings more often than steel, because i'm not a huge fan of the overly "bright" sound; i like something a little more muted.

take a pic of the new guitar, or send a link to the model you got; i'm intrigued! also, a little jealous... ...i should find a way in my mind to once again justify owning a $1000 acoustic. good on ya! :)

[lessthanuseful]

Ha.

I just wanted to "do it right" and not have to replace it again down the road, like my Norman. I played the $3000 guitars too for the sake of comparison... and I'm happy with this one.

I think it's this one:

http://www.taylorguitars.com/Guitars/100-200/200/210ce/

I'll confirm when I'm at home.

[a_clear_job]

a very pretty guitar indeed. mine is black, but lacquered in such a way that you can still see the wood finish. did you get one with pickup?

when all is said and done, i totally sympathize with your choice. there was a time when i owned a $1300 spector ns2000 5-string bass, and man was it sweet. active emg pickups, neckthru pine, 24 frets, red sunburst finish. it was worth every penny. if i ever start playing again as seriously and frequently as i used to, i will likely invest in an expensive instrument again.

[lessthanuseful]

Yeah it has electronics.

I lied, this is what I actually have:
http://www.taylorguitars.com/Guitars/100-200/200/214ce/

Mine's not a dreadnought. They had a 100-series guitar there for a bit cheaper, but the action on it was awful. I didn't like the sound of it nearly as much either.

I'm quite fond of the Elixir strings it came with. I've never used them before, almost always have had phospher-bronze. I actually like the coating on the Elixers, minimising noise when I slide.