Looking for a new acoustic

Ok, so here's the deal. In the next couple weeks I will be buying a new acoustic guitar but there are so many choices out there that I'm not sure what to look for. I'm probably going to get either a Taylor or a Martin.
Now the questions. Solid or laminate? Which produces better tone? I heard theat laminate is better for climates with major changes in temperature and humidity. Is this true? And woods, there are so many , mahogany, rosewood, spruce, sapele (what the hell is sapele anyway?) and many others. Which features should I look for? Body styles, auditorium, dreadnaught? My brain is on overload with all this so any suggestions or advice would be great. I am looking in the $700 to $900 price range which gives me alot of choices.

Great guitars for the price are Cort and Tanglewoods.

Couple of weeks ago I went to a local store and tried several guitars. Taylor 310 beat them all. I played several Martins (including 15 and 16), Epiphones Masterbuilt, but I was coming back to this Taylor. Probably its ebony fretboard is giving it the edge. And it was ringing much better that a Fender 12-string!
So, instead of buying this 12-string Fender and an Epi Masterbuilt I am planning to buy this Taylor -- sometime in June. :)

Originally Posted by: konmanCouple of weeks ago I went to a local store and tried several guitars. Taylor 310 beat them all. I played several Martins (including 15 and 16), Epiphones Masterbuilt, but I was coming back to this Taylor. Probably its ebony fretboard is giving it the edge. And it was ringing much better that a Fender 12-string!
So, instead of buying this 12-string Fender and an Epi Masterbuilt I am planning to buy this Taylor -- sometime in June. :)

Cool. The 310 is nice, just a bit outta my price range though. Do you know if it's true about laminate being better for temp and humidity cahanges? That is really my main concern. I live in philadelphia and the winters get pretty cold and then a month later it's like 90 degrees and 95% humidity around here. At least the change seems that fast. lol

I believe most acoustic guitar manufacturers recommend (or simply assume) use of a guitar humidifier. This is a must.
Consider a good acoustic as an investment. You are not going to leave it in your hot ride while you are with babes on the beach. Or just throw it on the upper shelf in your garage in the winter time.
More info is here
http://www.elmoremusical.com/techtalkacoustic.html.
Happy shopping! :)

Thanx for the info and the link!

Originally Posted by: konmanI believe most acoustic guitar manufacturers recommend (or simply assume) use of a guitar humidifier. This is a must.
Consider a good acoustic as an investment. You are not going to leave it in your hot ride while you are with babes on the beach. Or just throw it on the upper shelf in your garage in the winter time.
More info is here
http://www.elmoremusical.com/techtalkacoustic.html.
Happy shopping! :)

I am the proud owner of a Taylor 514. I was interseted to hear you talk of a humidifier for guitars. Where do I get one and how much do they cost. I'm having a log cabin built out back and plan on moving my kit (electric guitars, banjos, a mandolin , amps and my precious Taylor 514 ce) out there. That is, turning it into a studio of a kind with sound equipment also. Would this be o.k do you think?

If you can strech to the Taylor - do it. They are superb instruments.

Originally Posted by: Gareth GravellI am the proud owner of a Taylor 514. I was interseted to hear you talk of a humidifier for guitars. Where do I get one and how much do they cost. I'm having a log cabin built out back and plan on moving my kit (electric guitars, banjos, a mandolin , amps and my precious Taylor 514 ce) out there. That is, turning it into a studio of a kind with sound equipment also. Would this be o.k do you think?

I trust you are going to use maple, mahogany, rosewood for your cabin :)

But seriously, I suppose there will be some kind of air conditioning in that studio?! If so, you should be alright and these kinds of things are going to help you:
http://www.wwbw.com/search/?src=humidifier&image22.x=9&image22.y=12

I have also shopped at musician's friend, but it seems to me that wwbw do a better job of packaging (and they will match competitors' prices, just shoot them an e-mail).

Oh, and for your 514: have you ever tried this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/369500/
A friend of mine uses it and swears by it!

And while we are at it: crime (burglary) prevention @ your studio. I wouldn't keep all my gear in a place "out there" without enough protection and insurance.

Happy fretting!

Originally Posted by: spiritinthesky2Cool. The 310 is nice, just a bit outta my price range though.

check thisone out:
http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Taylor_Guitars/210-01.html ;)

Originally Posted by: konmancheck thisone out:
http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Taylor_Guitars/210-01.html ;)

I actually played the 210 today(a little side trip on my way home from work) Very nice guitar. Great sound....Then the 214 caught my eye..............

I've been using a Taylor 314ce 4 nights a week for the past 5 years. These guitars smoke the rest. they are work horses but you have to keep a humidifier in them or you void the warranty. Take care of this guitar and it will be there for you!!