Acoustic Guitars

[Rudolf Wagner]

I would say your assessment is correct! We do love our Ricky and Gretsch and wouldn’t trade them for the world! 🙂

As for acoustic guitars … I like a couple! In terms of sentimental value I will always treasure my EJ 160E the most. It’s nothing fancy, cheap and battered beyond belief but it has been with me to so many places and gigs and is a true workhorse. My second most used acoustic guitar is probably a custom Martin that we got gifted many years ago. Lisa has one too (one dreadnought and one jumbo) and they both sound terrific and don’t look half bad either 🙂

You can see them in a lot of live photos:

 

There are many wonderful acoustic guitars and some work better in the studio than on stage but the two I mentioned would be my immediate go-to picks.

Loved the question!

All the best,
Mona

[Michael Rife]

Thanks Mona!!!  You two are so kind and thoughtful to allow us to ask you questions.

I don’t believe players can go wrong with Epiphones, Gibsons, or Martins.  As far as your EJ being battered, it just shows that the guitar is getting used well.

Thanks again..  Mike

[Jacki Hopper]

Though I don’t play guitar…I leave that talent to my 2nd oldest sibling…I thought this was a good question and I love Mona’s reply. Though I’m not all that familiar with the  different models and types of guitars, acoustic or otherwise, as long as they produce the sound and quality you’re aiming for in whatever music , that’s what counts…My 2nd oldest sibling has both acoustic and electric guitars and for Xmas every year , one of the Xmas gifts given by me is a guitar calendar which is most appreciated ( I alternate the calendar sizes each year…one year a small one , following year a big one… 😉 )

[Thomas Randall]

Timely question Michael as I was thinking of getting a new acoustic. I have a REALLY old 70’s Martin Sigma DM4 I bought back in the early 80’s but the action is REALLY high. My main guitar is a 2006 Fender Telecaster. LOVE that guitar. I think I’ll check out that EJ 160E!

[Michael Rife]

That’s a good choice.  A couple of other good guitars are the Gibson Hummingbird (kinda pricey) and the Gibson J Series.  Both are light guitars and are very forgiving.  I also like Martins because of the deeper, mellow sound they have.  Gibsons have more of a jangling sound but are still nice to listen to.  Mike.

[Thomas Randall]

Man those Gibson J Series are a bit pricey! I can afford one but logically don’t know if I want to spend THAT much on an acoustic. I’m going to be 61 in early May and I’m a bedroom player. Something good in a $500 range or so I can logically go for. But thanks for the suggestions!

[Michael Rife]

Hi Tommy!!  I know the J series guitars from Gibson are pricey too.  Epiphone makes a J series type which are replicas of the Gibson J series and are less expensive.  Also, Epiphones are very good solid guitars.  They are in the price range you are considering……and they sound just as good as the Gibson Js.  I’ve played Epiphones before and they do not disappoint.  Some are called Epiphone EJ.  Also, some of the Beatles used Epiphones early in their careers.  It might be worthwhile for you to consider an Epi EJ (or Epi AJ).    Happy hunting!!!  Mike.

[Thomas Randall]

Hi Mike, I’ll check out those Epiphones. In the meantime I just ordered a Kala baritone ukelele to play with. Should be fun! They’re basically a small guitar without the low E and A strings.