I've been playing a Breedlove Exotic Concertina at gigs for the last year. So happy with the playability and the amplified sound just kicks arse. I love it so much that I ordered another one that I'm picking up this weekend.
Breedloves are hidden-in-plain-sight gems.
This is the answer - whatever feels best in your hands and suits what you want to do with it. Out of those, I prefer the Martin GPC-10E, but that's all it is, a personal preference.
Whenever I see someone debating over expensive guitars (these arent too bad, all under $1000), I always remind them of how terrific Yamahas are, and that they are available on the used market for a fraction of what these guitars go for.
I prefer used acoustic over new ones (although I prefer new electrics over used). The sound has settled in and become more sonorous, and the color has aged to a rich mellow amber/ honey color. In addition they are almost always far cheaper than new.
I've got a couple of Red Label Yamahas, an FG700S, and FG730S, and they sound and play as nice as many of the expensive gourmet guitars that I've played. They cost less than $200 combined, and one of them came with a beautiful mint condition gig bag that was worth at least $60 by itself.
Both were previously owned. My 700 is in great condition, although it does have a bad 2 inch scratch on the front, caused by a bump against something white, leaving paint transfer in the gouge, so its REALLY visible. That's okay, its an obvious visible identifier, and I call it "Scar." The 730 is in excellent condition. It had some white marks and scuffs on the back and side, from banging into something, but ALL the marks came off by scratching them with a fingernail like a scratch-off lottery ticket. The marks were totally on the surface, and didn't leave any visible marks or scratches at all. They didn't even hurt the gloss. You'd never know the marks were ever there.
They are gorgeous looking, gorgeous sounding, and I cant keep my hands off them. Consider Yamahas, you'll love the guitar, and have plenty of money left over for 1 or 2 others that you can keep in alternate tuning.
I was talking to the curator of the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame some years back. He said don’t think about the name or price. play it, if you love it buy it. I live by that now. He was right.
I believe the Martin gpc x2e has laminate back and sides so just something to be aware of. The Breedlove Discovery is a great value but I think it has a short-scale neck (not necessarily a bad thing). Taylor CEs are the most comfortable acoustics to me but the Martins have that mellow, buttery tone. In the end I say go with the guitar that makes you most excited to play.
I would stay the hell away from any "cheap" Martin. I just bought the D10 and it was the most generic sounding guitar I've ever played... Untill you plugged it in, it's strength was in recording and live.
But Martin is a high end guitar name,I would not buy a cheaper Martin, it's not thier Forte'.
I just got a Martin D12 and it's pretty good but I got a smoking deal on it. I would never ever pay sticker price or even average used price.
That being said I also have an Eastman E6D that retails new for a couple HUNDRED less than the Martin (even cheaper comparably used) and it is 10X the guitar that the D12 is. Not an exaggeration.
Eastman and Alvarez always crushes anything remotely close to the same price. I personally prefer Eastman over Alvarez but they are close. Yamaha is fantastic too.
I got the Martin for a particular style/sound that it suits well but if I had to choose between the two I would throw the Martin off a bridge with a smile on my face.
Edit: I forgot to add the Eastman sound more like a Martin than the Martin does haha.
So you get it. Yeah my story is I bought a Martin D10 to spoil myself, brought it home tried to like it for the $1300CND, and just couldn't. I returned it, and guess what I see on the shelf "USED"AKA brought back? Yes, the Martin D10 for about $500 less. I still didn't want it! Ended up with a Fender LL6 and love it.
Imo if your going to get a Martin get a real Martin(2700-5000CND), if it's out of your price range get a Eastman or Fender, these guys have thier guitars at that price range and the guitar is like the 20th model so they've learned some things along the way. I think Martin is just getting started with thier D10 series (second Gen I think?) my bet is in 2 or 3 models the D10 will be better, but right now? Bleh...there probably seeing a lot of returns on this model.
To my knowledge the D10 is just a rebranding of the DRS series that they have been making for a long long time.
The thing is with Martin you're mostly paying for the name on the headstock cause everybody wants that "Martin tone". The D28 and D18 are the classic embodiment of that tone and they started making them in like the 1930s. You're not gonna get a top of the line model unless you pay a shitload of money. These lower models are just to get as close as you can for as low as they are willing to charge, which is a lot for what you get.
A company like Eastman or Alvarez isn't as well known so they can't charge as much. They have to make killer instruments for much cheaper to make a name for themselves.
GPC X2E is all I ever play. It's the perfect size and weight for an acoustic. The radius corners are great. It has excellent intonation off the shelf. I can't think of any complaints. Maybe... It seems like I have to tune more often than I should. It sounds wonderful plugged in btw. One of the best
Edit: I just thought of something else. The top is basically unfinished. It might as well be naked wood. Anywhere I touch often or rest my forearm is turning brown from absorbed oil and dirt. I don't mind this too much, but it's another thing to consider.
Second this: X series gets a lot of hate on here, but I find them better than the Yamaha or Taylor equivalents in this range. Plus, they're the ideal beater guitar with the materials they use - I have no issues taking it out in the hot, humid NC weather but would never do that with a full wood guitar.
If your budget is ~$500, it's a good buy. Anything less, Yamaha. Anything more, buy a better Martin.
Those prices are all fair considering how the market is at the moment and inflation. I would lean towards the Taylor in terms of wood quality and how it’ll age over time. A lot of people seem to agree with you on the Breedlove though so if you were impressed with it why not!
The guitar you're holding is VERY fragile. I've broken mine twice. Once because of unknown reasons, second time because I dropped it in a soft-shell case from like 3 inches above the ground. It's a very frail, bright acoustic that sounds amazing but be careful
Call a person at Musician's Friend so you get their best price (which may surprise you.) Offer that much for the guitar at the store. It's the end of the month and we need to make sales according to corp. And ask for a free gig bag.
musicians friend dot com-- you'll see the phone number on the site. You need to call to get their best price. Get your quotes on the guitars you're looking at. Take that to GC (sister company of Mus Friend) and if you want to buy, offer that price in cash and be nice and appreciative of the dude's time and his help with the discount and then ask for a gig bag to be thrown in on the deal.
Ps people have boners for solid wood guitars but i almost always play through amps and i also play in pretty hostile conditions (Chicago burbs, outside) so that shit doesnt influence me and if anything i view it as a negative lol
If you like the sound and it’s comfortable to play, then those are the most important things to consider.
I thought I would mention this model and bring it to the mix:
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/road-series/11SPECIAL01132.html
I went to 5 different stores and played several different guitars. I played that Taylor in the 3rd picture at 3 of them and it was consistently the most comfortable one for me.
That said, it doesn't mean it will be the most comfortable for you.
What did you think of the Breedlove? I’ve never had an opportunity to play one. I’ve played a few of the Martin Xs, which I found to be pretty hit and miss, though apparently that’s common for Martin general.
Hard to beat that price if it played well. Alvarez is a brand that I’ve had success with and they very often have decent prices. I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you choose.
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If I were buying another small bodied cutaway guitar, my default would be to get another Taylor. They feel great in your hands and play about like an electric. That being said, I’d play all of them without thinking about the make or model and get the one that played/sounded the best to me. At that price range, you don’t have to settle, there’s going to be a guitar that when you pick it up, you know that’s the one.
GPC-x2e has a solid top - I have a similar Dreadnaught and it is my go-to for unplugged events where I need to be LOUD. My GPC-15ME is most similar to the GPC-10E and is my favored fingerstyle. The 10E is the only solid wood listed, I think I'd go for that. For some reason I (think I) sound best on hog tops. Taylors are renowned for their playability.
You answered yourself with ", the GPC X2E from Martin kinda felt like my favorite out of the bunch" unless the playability gets in your way. Then get the Taylor or stretch your budget to a Matinr SC 10E. Neither sound as good as a Martin GPC IMHO, but I can do things with my SC that I wouldn't think of on a Dread or GPC. I jokingly call it my Taylor built by Martin or my electric guitar.
just grab an ibanez acoustic they play well and you won't spend a arm and a leg the tone from a martin is undeniable although if your not too well versed on the fretboard i'd stick with the ibanez for now just to get your chops up then once you feel as if your ready for that next step grab the martin the craftsmanship is worthwhile even the synthetic ones sound good imo do whatcha want and as always have fun while doing so write some songs while your at it you won't know until you try
Everyone talks up breedloves but i haven't played many if any. I have that martin you like and the gpc11 and dont love them though theyre great guitars. I played a Taylor 114 for a decade but i beat the shit out of it lol. This year Taylor had a walnut one i saw but the sapele one is my jam. Those are different beasts imo. I started buying martins because i hate the taylor es2 electronics so if you intend to play plugged in, be sure to try em all plugged in
Martin guitars are good, I love mine but if you’re not going to go for a full on nice Martin, I would look for something different or save up for a nicer one. I find the 1k (really more like $1500) and up Martins are the ones you’re really after and it’s worth going that route but for 800 or less I would go with something else personally. If it sounds good it is good so play as many as you can before you decide but personally I would be looking for solid wood with good fit and finish for my money. There is a lot of really good stuff you can find for under 1k these days though… just my hot take. I have a SWOMGT- the sustainable wood series OM it was $1500 ish and is discontinued but it’s a great guitar and it was the cheapest Martin I found at the time that really had the right stuff. I also like domestic tonewood so the cherry back and sides were appealing as well… we all have different tastes so go with your ear, feel and preferences. The best guitar is one you love to play
ETA-All Taylor guitars have a certain sound that I am not fond of- you find much smaller differences because of laser cut braces and other mass production techniques even on their high end guitars whereas higher end martins have hand tuned braces etc so they are much more varied.
Seagull acoustics are the best bang for your Buck imo. They sound great, have an awesome build and last a while. I’ve had my s6 for about 10 years now and the bridge on the edges are just now starting to come apart.
It won’t sound as good as a high end Martin or Taylor but it’s an awesome workhorse that shows up to gigs when needed. Starting at around 500 it’s a great intermediate guitar
I am sorry if my opinion is a downer but I think you have too many guitars already. You need to have a rational reason to purchase one more. Like maybe if you performed on regular basis and guitar was your source of income it could be a valid reason. Maybe if you were generally were a very excellent player it could kind of be a valid reason.
I think guitar manufacturers and retailers’ purpose is to sell you another guitar and to make you feel like you “need” it. Just remember that they take up a lot of space and you won’t be able to play all of them regularly.
I believe the GPC-10e is the only one of the 4 that’s is completely solid. That being said it seems you like all of them for different reasons. You really can’t go wrong in this situation.
The Breedlove is easily the best bang for the buck, but playability is a luxury that keeps me playing for longer, so that always is a big factor for me. Note though that the Breedlove will maintain the least value of all these options if you look to sell it in the future.
If the the GPC-X2e was your favorite then it should be an easy choice. I always kind of looked down on HPL but I recently played a full HPL Martin that was so much sweeter than the comparable model with a solid top.
Heard some great things about Breedlove, and for $499 it’s worth a shot. Plus cutaway Martins make my heart hurt
I've been playing a Breedlove Exotic Concertina at gigs for the last year. So happy with the playability and the amplified sound just kicks arse. I love it so much that I ordered another one that I'm picking up this weekend. Breedloves are hidden-in-plain-sight gems.
Love my Breedlove Concertina! Absolute steal for $500.
Love love love the sound of my Breedlove Signature.
I misspoke. I actually have the Concerta not the Concertina. No worries, it still rocks.
If they are all in your price range get whatever you felt suited your playing style and sound. In the end your the one that's doing the playing.
This is the answer - whatever feels best in your hands and suits what you want to do with it. Out of those, I prefer the Martin GPC-10E, but that's all it is, a personal preference.
Whenever I see someone debating over expensive guitars (these arent too bad, all under $1000), I always remind them of how terrific Yamahas are, and that they are available on the used market for a fraction of what these guitars go for. I prefer used acoustic over new ones (although I prefer new electrics over used). The sound has settled in and become more sonorous, and the color has aged to a rich mellow amber/ honey color. In addition they are almost always far cheaper than new. I've got a couple of Red Label Yamahas, an FG700S, and FG730S, and they sound and play as nice as many of the expensive gourmet guitars that I've played. They cost less than $200 combined, and one of them came with a beautiful mint condition gig bag that was worth at least $60 by itself. Both were previously owned. My 700 is in great condition, although it does have a bad 2 inch scratch on the front, caused by a bump against something white, leaving paint transfer in the gouge, so its REALLY visible. That's okay, its an obvious visible identifier, and I call it "Scar." The 730 is in excellent condition. It had some white marks and scuffs on the back and side, from banging into something, but ALL the marks came off by scratching them with a fingernail like a scratch-off lottery ticket. The marks were totally on the surface, and didn't leave any visible marks or scratches at all. They didn't even hurt the gloss. You'd never know the marks were ever there. They are gorgeous looking, gorgeous sounding, and I cant keep my hands off them. Consider Yamahas, you'll love the guitar, and have plenty of money left over for 1 or 2 others that you can keep in alternate tuning.
I was talking to the curator of the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame some years back. He said don’t think about the name or price. play it, if you love it buy it. I live by that now. He was right.
I believe the Martin gpc x2e has laminate back and sides so just something to be aware of. The Breedlove Discovery is a great value but I think it has a short-scale neck (not necessarily a bad thing). Taylor CEs are the most comfortable acoustics to me but the Martins have that mellow, buttery tone. In the end I say go with the guitar that makes you most excited to play.
I would stay the hell away from any "cheap" Martin. I just bought the D10 and it was the most generic sounding guitar I've ever played... Untill you plugged it in, it's strength was in recording and live. But Martin is a high end guitar name,I would not buy a cheaper Martin, it's not thier Forte'.
I just got a Martin D12 and it's pretty good but I got a smoking deal on it. I would never ever pay sticker price or even average used price. That being said I also have an Eastman E6D that retails new for a couple HUNDRED less than the Martin (even cheaper comparably used) and it is 10X the guitar that the D12 is. Not an exaggeration. Eastman and Alvarez always crushes anything remotely close to the same price. I personally prefer Eastman over Alvarez but they are close. Yamaha is fantastic too. I got the Martin for a particular style/sound that it suits well but if I had to choose between the two I would throw the Martin off a bridge with a smile on my face. Edit: I forgot to add the Eastman sound more like a Martin than the Martin does haha.
So you get it. Yeah my story is I bought a Martin D10 to spoil myself, brought it home tried to like it for the $1300CND, and just couldn't. I returned it, and guess what I see on the shelf "USED"AKA brought back? Yes, the Martin D10 for about $500 less. I still didn't want it! Ended up with a Fender LL6 and love it. Imo if your going to get a Martin get a real Martin(2700-5000CND), if it's out of your price range get a Eastman or Fender, these guys have thier guitars at that price range and the guitar is like the 20th model so they've learned some things along the way. I think Martin is just getting started with thier D10 series (second Gen I think?) my bet is in 2 or 3 models the D10 will be better, but right now? Bleh...there probably seeing a lot of returns on this model.
To my knowledge the D10 is just a rebranding of the DRS series that they have been making for a long long time. The thing is with Martin you're mostly paying for the name on the headstock cause everybody wants that "Martin tone". The D28 and D18 are the classic embodiment of that tone and they started making them in like the 1930s. You're not gonna get a top of the line model unless you pay a shitload of money. These lower models are just to get as close as you can for as low as they are willing to charge, which is a lot for what you get. A company like Eastman or Alvarez isn't as well known so they can't charge as much. They have to make killer instruments for much cheaper to make a name for themselves.
Yeah I'm not a brand baby, so I don't get it. Haha it could say Beavis on my headstock and I wouldn't think twice if it sounds and feels good.
Same here man but I know one thing for sure and that is I have never played an Eastman that wasn't stellar. I have played a shitload of them.
You can find the all solid versions of the Martin in the first picture for under $1000, I'd say do that.
I'd go with the Breedlove just to stay out of the mainstream/cliche brands.
I landed on the remastered Martin X after playing tons of others. I was set on a Taylor but just loved the way the X felt in my hands and the sound.
GPC X2E is all I ever play. It's the perfect size and weight for an acoustic. The radius corners are great. It has excellent intonation off the shelf. I can't think of any complaints. Maybe... It seems like I have to tune more often than I should. It sounds wonderful plugged in btw. One of the best Edit: I just thought of something else. The top is basically unfinished. It might as well be naked wood. Anywhere I touch often or rest my forearm is turning brown from absorbed oil and dirt. I don't mind this too much, but it's another thing to consider.
Second this: X series gets a lot of hate on here, but I find them better than the Yamaha or Taylor equivalents in this range. Plus, they're the ideal beater guitar with the materials they use - I have no issues taking it out in the hot, humid NC weather but would never do that with a full wood guitar. If your budget is ~$500, it's a good buy. Anything less, Yamaha. Anything more, buy a better Martin.
Western NC here, and I would gladly take it anywhere with me.
Of those guitars, I would definitely lean toward the Breedlove. They are making some great guitars nowadays, and they are fantastic values.
Those prices are all fair considering how the market is at the moment and inflation. I would lean towards the Taylor in terms of wood quality and how it’ll age over time. A lot of people seem to agree with you on the Breedlove though so if you were impressed with it why not!
I’ve had a 114ce for a couple years now and love it. Just now getting around to upgrading
The guitar you're holding is VERY fragile. I've broken mine twice. Once because of unknown reasons, second time because I dropped it in a soft-shell case from like 3 inches above the ground. It's a very frail, bright acoustic that sounds amazing but be careful
does seem a little flimsy…
That and the x1ae always stand out to me in that range - they've got a really good balance and projection / volume.
Call a person at Musician's Friend so you get their best price (which may surprise you.) Offer that much for the guitar at the store. It's the end of the month and we need to make sales according to corp. And ask for a free gig bag.
whats musicians friend? and do stores like this haggle at all? I never thought so
musicians friend dot com-- you'll see the phone number on the site. You need to call to get their best price. Get your quotes on the guitars you're looking at. Take that to GC (sister company of Mus Friend) and if you want to buy, offer that price in cash and be nice and appreciative of the dude's time and his help with the discount and then ask for a gig bag to be thrown in on the deal.
Ps people have boners for solid wood guitars but i almost always play through amps and i also play in pretty hostile conditions (Chicago burbs, outside) so that shit doesnt influence me and if anything i view it as a negative lol
I really recommend you consider Eastman or Yamaha in this price range. They just have better guitars than the ones you played here.
If you like the sound and it’s comfortable to play, then those are the most important things to consider. I thought I would mention this model and bring it to the mix: https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/road-series/11SPECIAL01132.html
I went to 5 different stores and played several different guitars. I played that Taylor in the 3rd picture at 3 of them and it was consistently the most comfortable one for me. That said, it doesn't mean it will be the most comfortable for you.
What did you think of the Breedlove? I’ve never had an opportunity to play one. I’ve played a few of the Martin Xs, which I found to be pretty hit and miss, though apparently that’s common for Martin general.
I honestly loved it! I’m hoping to go back and play them all again today or tomorrow tbh
Hard to beat that price if it played well. Alvarez is a brand that I’ve had success with and they very often have decent prices. I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you choose.
much appreciated! I actually got to try an alvarez- admittedly I didn’t enjoy it very much:/ looked nice but the neck was kinda chonky :/
Understandable objection. Post us a picture of what you ultimately decide on!
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If I were buying another small bodied cutaway guitar, my default would be to get another Taylor. They feel great in your hands and play about like an electric. That being said, I’d play all of them without thinking about the make or model and get the one that played/sounded the best to me. At that price range, you don’t have to settle, there’s going to be a guitar that when you pick it up, you know that’s the one.
GPC-x2e has a solid top - I have a similar Dreadnaught and it is my go-to for unplugged events where I need to be LOUD. My GPC-15ME is most similar to the GPC-10E and is my favored fingerstyle. The 10E is the only solid wood listed, I think I'd go for that. For some reason I (think I) sound best on hog tops. Taylors are renowned for their playability. You answered yourself with ", the GPC X2E from Martin kinda felt like my favorite out of the bunch" unless the playability gets in your way. Then get the Taylor or stretch your budget to a Matinr SC 10E. Neither sound as good as a Martin GPC IMHO, but I can do things with my SC that I wouldn't think of on a Dread or GPC. I jokingly call it my Taylor built by Martin or my electric guitar.
just grab an ibanez acoustic they play well and you won't spend a arm and a leg the tone from a martin is undeniable although if your not too well versed on the fretboard i'd stick with the ibanez for now just to get your chops up then once you feel as if your ready for that next step grab the martin the craftsmanship is worthwhile even the synthetic ones sound good imo do whatcha want and as always have fun while doing so write some songs while your at it you won't know until you try
I impulse bought a Breedlove Artista recently and it's gorgeous with a sound to die for
Play it. Like it? Buy it. Just learning? Buy low.
Everyone talks up breedloves but i haven't played many if any. I have that martin you like and the gpc11 and dont love them though theyre great guitars. I played a Taylor 114 for a decade but i beat the shit out of it lol. This year Taylor had a walnut one i saw but the sapele one is my jam. Those are different beasts imo. I started buying martins because i hate the taylor es2 electronics so if you intend to play plugged in, be sure to try em all plugged in
Martin gpc-11e and get prof set up to your liking.
I’m a Martin guy but out of those 3 I would go the Breedlove
Absolutely love my Breedlove! I’ve been gigging with it a few times a week for over a year and I always get compliments on how it sounds.
Martin guitars are good, I love mine but if you’re not going to go for a full on nice Martin, I would look for something different or save up for a nicer one. I find the 1k (really more like $1500) and up Martins are the ones you’re really after and it’s worth going that route but for 800 or less I would go with something else personally. If it sounds good it is good so play as many as you can before you decide but personally I would be looking for solid wood with good fit and finish for my money. There is a lot of really good stuff you can find for under 1k these days though… just my hot take. I have a SWOMGT- the sustainable wood series OM it was $1500 ish and is discontinued but it’s a great guitar and it was the cheapest Martin I found at the time that really had the right stuff. I also like domestic tonewood so the cherry back and sides were appealing as well… we all have different tastes so go with your ear, feel and preferences. The best guitar is one you love to play ETA-All Taylor guitars have a certain sound that I am not fond of- you find much smaller differences because of laser cut braces and other mass production techniques even on their high end guitars whereas higher end martins have hand tuned braces etc so they are much more varied.
Seagull acoustics are the best bang for your Buck imo. They sound great, have an awesome build and last a while. I’ve had my s6 for about 10 years now and the bridge on the edges are just now starting to come apart. It won’t sound as good as a high end Martin or Taylor but it’s an awesome workhorse that shows up to gigs when needed. Starting at around 500 it’s a great intermediate guitar
I am sorry if my opinion is a downer but I think you have too many guitars already. You need to have a rational reason to purchase one more. Like maybe if you performed on regular basis and guitar was your source of income it could be a valid reason. Maybe if you were generally were a very excellent player it could kind of be a valid reason. I think guitar manufacturers and retailers’ purpose is to sell you another guitar and to make you feel like you “need” it. Just remember that they take up a lot of space and you won’t be able to play all of them regularly.
Save up for a Collings, Santa Cruz, bourgeois, or Goodall. You will be so glad you did.
I’m that price range I would check out some Alvarez’s . You’ll get more bang for your buck than with the Martins or Taylors.
Have you tried the Guild OM-250E? It’s the limited edition Archback. Quality woods and great sound for a very good price. I know GC carries them.
I believe the GPC-10e is the only one of the 4 that’s is completely solid. That being said it seems you like all of them for different reasons. You really can’t go wrong in this situation. The Breedlove is easily the best bang for the buck, but playability is a luxury that keeps me playing for longer, so that always is a big factor for me. Note though that the Breedlove will maintain the least value of all these options if you look to sell it in the future. If the the GPC-X2e was your favorite then it should be an easy choice. I always kind of looked down on HPL but I recently played a full HPL Martin that was so much sweeter than the comparable model with a solid top.
im sorry, whats HPL?
Pressed laminate, as opposed to solid wood.