SiPie

Am I as well giving up looking here there and everywhere... and just settling on a Martin D28 (currently in the lead)?

Martin D28 Acoustic Guitar - GUITARGUITAR

....or are there better guitars from other manufacturers that I should be looking at....? Not too bothered about a pickup as prob won't play it live, it'll just be for me Style is varied with a lot of finger picking, but needs to be a good all rounder and relatively loud, so really needs to be a dreadnought or jumbo.

Have enjoyed owning and been impressed in the past by Freshman Freshman Guitars Products

and Tanglewood
http://www.tanglewoodguitars.co.uk/home.asp

but feel everyone has to own a Martin (sold my backpackers one recently but that doesn't really count !!!) at some point.

Also considering a Martin D35

Martin D35 Acoustic Guitar - GUITARGUITAR

I know it all depends on the individual and you'll know it when you play it etc etc but just wanting to make sure I haven't missed out any up and coming brands that are punching above their weight ?

Thanks in advance

Playsatan

iTrader: (2)

Not exactly up and coming but gibson j100 and j200's might fit the bill.

gallois

i would also say j200, beautiful sound, and good snob value too.

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I have fallen out of love with Gibson of late, I think they have dropped the ball in the quality control stakes
If you have a good budget and you want not only a TOP guitar but also cool points have a look at this
Takamine TF250SMC SB, Sunburst, New, Inc. Case, Acoustic product details : Guitar Village UK

Plus its only ever going to increase in value. The finish is outstanding and the attention to detail is top notch too.

Davey L

iTrader: (3)

Hmm tough one, the Martin D28 is nice but Collings make some really nice guitars.
Personally for me if was spending that much it would be a Taylor 314ce, top quality, electro acoustic and a bargain at £1200.
There's always the Patrick James Eggle acoustics too, english and they sound excellent, played a Linville cutaway last time i was down south better than the martin i had, check out his website.
Like you say it depends on what you play, how you play it and how the guitar sounds to you. After i sold my martin i felt the need for a new acoustic, tried loads of martins, gibsons, etc. But cos i loved the sound i bought an Ibanez 2007 Collectors Edition super jumbo. For me it was the one that sounded best for what i wanted it for and plays like a dream. As a bonus it was only £500.

MikeCardiff

iTrader: (2)

Personally on your budget I wouldn't look at buying a new guitar, I'd consider an older Martin or Gibson. Solid top accoustics get better with age, and a 20 or 30 year old Martin is going to sound much better than a brand new one.

I had a 70's Gibson J45 which was gorgeous sounding, and even though it cost me less than half what a new one would have, the new ones didnt come anywhere close for the sound.

Get yourself down Tin Pan Alley in London and spend a day trying out some 'vintage' used accoustics until you find one that suits your style and sound.

My personal favourite, and the only accoustic I have kept apart from my 50's ones is a Gibson EC-10 - it has a spruce top and all the rest is maple, so it has a very clear tone for picking ( but is a little less rounded for strumming and chord work which is where maple does lose out to some of the more traditional accoustic woods ).

Takemine are nice, but the new ones do tend to sound a bit 'processed' - which is why a lot of guitarists use them for live work as they suit this quite well. They do age well though, and would sound nice in 20 years if you dont mind waiting.

Saying all this though, the two best sounding accoustics I have played are a Gibson Dove ( again more of a pickers guitar ) from the late 90's, and an old Yamaha F series from the early 80's, which probably only cost a couple of hundred quid new, but had aged to an amazing sound.

rik-1

Gibson J200's are a fantastic sound but buying any USA guitars with our puny Pounds now makes them so expensive.
It really is worth checking out a McIlroy. There is not much that can beat the resonance.

SiPie

Thanks for all the ideas

Decisions decisions

ScoobySport.co.uk

Check out Stonebridge

All hand made.. They look pretty plain, but the sound is mind blowing.

He doesn't use baffles in the body, but controls the sound through the actual shape of the chamber.

abbott

f uck me !!

i thought i was pushing the boat out buying a yamaha @ £170

GC8

Sorry: I dont understand guitars that you dont plug in...

CLSII

Take a look at Breedlove.

Quality

ScoobyDoo555

Got to agree with MikeCardiff. Also, IMHO, pay no attention to the snob value / brands.

IMHO, an acoustic should be purchase purely on how it plays and its tone. If it is branded (expensive), so be it.

Dan

SiPie

That's the rule I've always followed but every time I play someone's Martin (obviously the older the better) I always feel it's something I need to get out my system

Played this however and it's thrown the cat amongst the pigeons a bit .........way over budget but loved it

Collings SJ Small Jumbo Acoustic Acoustic Guitar - GUITARGUITAR

Rhana

Another vote here for Stonebridge

Stonebridge Guitars. The UKs Premier Stonebridge Centre