I am looking for an affordable mid-range steel string acoustic electric guitar. I have had my eyes on the Ibanez EW20ASE Exotic Woods series, which can be had for a fairly low price (about $350 if you look real hard). This is about the price range I am looking at, and I am just wondering in general about the sound of an all ash top, back, and sides guitar. There are so many tonewoods out there that I don’t really know what to look for. Any help?
I like a well balanced, rich sound quality. I also want a guitar that handles bass tight, not boomy and loose. I couldn’t find too much info on ash, but what I read seemed to suggest that it handles bass well. I tend to like my sound on the warm side, but crisp in the highs, just not shrill (I realize this depends a bit on the strings, too). Any help?
Let me add that I am after a guitar that excels when not plugged in. I happen to think Ovations (no offense) are just not made to be played unamplified.
Guess I should also mention that my price range is $200-$400. The Taylor mentioned is $1000.
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3 responses so far ↓
1 BUSTER BENDEM // Sep 10, 2008
check it out on harmony central.com in the review section, I just did and it didn’t get the greatest score, but see for yourself, rose and spruce is what your looking for for tone, I have an older non amped ibanez PF and it’s a great little box, I think all the newer ones are amped and cutaway though
2 ? // Sep 10, 2008
For playabilty, I’ve always been partial to Ovation guitars. They usually have very nice action. Some people can’t get over the oval shaped backs, though.
Takamine was another brand that has been around for a long time and usually has a good tone, with action just slightly under the Ovations.
I’d suggest going to a guitar retailer and going into the acoustic room and play every one you see that’s in your range.
Guitars are so variable when they are made, it’s always best to play before you buy, and then buy THAT guitar and not a new one of the same model still in the box. That one might suck!
Good Luck
3 Lester G // Sep 10, 2008
There’s nothing better than the Taylor 214ce in my opinion. It sounds beautiful unplugged and it has the Taylor “Expression System” pickup built in.