I was hoping that the new Gretsch acoustics would be something that could take on a Martin D28 or Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Unfortunately, they went low, deciding to try to sell some crummy low wage knockoff to first time purchasers of acoustic guitars.

I was so looking forward to a high end solid maple/adirondack Rancher, wow I'm bummed, but I guess accoutants run these things nowadays.

I was hoping that the new Gretsch acoustics would be something that could take on a Martin D28 or Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Unfortunately, they went low, deciding to try to sell some crummy low wage knockoff to first time purchasers of acoustic guitars.

I was so looking forward to a high end solid maple/adirondack Rancher, wow I'm bummed, but I guess accoutants run these things nowadays.

Im inclined to agree.

Do you have any idea how much that wood costs? If you want an all solid wood Jumbo, buy a Guild F-50. Gretsch Ranchers have never taken on Martin, ever in all their history. The Gretsch Rancher was always a laminated maple guitar. The mahogany versions were all Korean. Do you how many acoustic guitar manufacturers there are out there - thousands! It's not that Gretsch/FMIC can't build the guitars, there's no demand for them.

As a point of Gretsch history, all dreadnaught guitars made by Gretsch have always been "budget" guitars. The previous Professional Series G6022 and G6022C were a flop which is why they were discontinued. The new Ranchers and Gretsch Flat top series are entry level acoustics, but they're very good quality as well.

BTW, Saga Musical Instruments have their Blueridge range which are all solid wood etc, and the same with the Guild GAD series. Also, the new Gretsch acoustic range are not "some crummy low wage knock off". Perhaps you'd be happier with a $25,000 Gibson J-250 Monarch or a $7,500 Gibson Doves in Flight. They most certainly are not "some crummy low wage knock off" as you seem to believe the new Gretsch Acoustic Collection is.

I want only the best. I want it for free. And I want it now. Please....?

mj

Gretsch (or Fender) have never been known for their acoustics.

They are in business to sell products. They make judgments as to who their customer is & what will sell. It's probably pretty tough to compete with the reputation of a Martin or Taylor in the given price range. They are specialists in the field.

May I suggest you take a look, and listen
to the Guild GAD 50 ?

===================================

<><> Raspy <><>

May I suggest you take a look, and listen
to the Guild GAD 50 ?

===================================

<><> Raspy <><>

I wanted to try one of these when I was acoustic shopping but couldn't find one:(
Bought a second hand Taylor 410, I prefer the look of a tobacco sunburst on an acoustic but couldn't argue with the price or sound of the used Taylor :)

Gibson is the only maker I can think of off the top of my head that is known both for their electrics and acoustics. If I were in the market for an acoustic guitar I wouldn't think Gretsch or Fender - much the same I wouldn't buy a C.F. Martin electric guitar.

I agree to a certain extent with the poster - there is a wince factor when your favorite guitar company is pumping out lower end stuff ----but...the upside to that is it get a Gretsch into the hands and minds of new acoustic players - and when they're ready to upgrade to an electric - maybe they'll consider Gretsch. And---as someone pointed out above - Gretsch never really competed with CF Marting - or the other acoustic makers.

Gibson is the only maker I can think of off the top of my head that is known both for their electrics and acoustics. If I were in the market for an acoustic guitar I wouldn't think Gretsch or Fender - much the same I wouldn't buy a C.F. Martin electric guitar.

I agree to a certain extent with the poster - there is a wince factor when your favorite guitar company is pumping out lower end stuff ----but...the upside to that is it get a Gretsch into the hands and minds of new acoustic players - and when they're ready to upgrade to an electric - maybe they'll consider Gretsch. And---as someone pointed out above - Gretsch never really competed with CF Marting - or the other acoustic makers.
Lower end stuff is the lifeblood of the business. Music stores keep their doors open by selling low-end instruments and the occasional higher end sale is icing on the cake. If Gretsch, Fender or pretty much anyone else, wants to have a broad dealer base they have to offer products these businesses can sell quickly.

Another factor is realizing how much someone is willing to pay for a given product. I am not likely to spend much money on an acoustic guitar under any circumstances so if I bought an acoustic the friendly price of the current Gretsch acoustics would suit me just fine. Were I interested in acoustic guitar as a main instrument you can bet that I'd pony-up and buy something along the lines of a Martin.

Manufacturers can only stay in business selling the products their consumers are interested in buying. Likewise for music stores. A store filled to the brim with high-end guitars but nothing for the beginner wouldn't stay in business very long unless they were catering to a very special market. Stores that tend to gravitate towards higher end gear usually still have some Strat Packs and budget flat-tops around.

I didn't say I was in complete agreement with the original post - I only mentioned the 'wince' factor.

Taylor makes some pretty sweet electrics as well

Older Martin D-45s and Gibson J-200s are the best. Taylor 900 and 800 series are completely different but still fine guitars as are each of the Anniversary Models.
I bought a Jumbo Rancher A/E and put it back so I would have one in my collection.
It looks OK but sounds like a 69's Harmony. You get what you pay for.

I was hoping that the new Gretsch acoustics would be something that could take on a Martin D28 or Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Unfortunately, they went low, deciding to try to sell some crummy low wage knockoff to first time purchasers of acoustic guitars.

I was so looking forward to a high end solid maple/adirondack Rancher, wow I'm bummed, but I guess accoutants run these things nowadays.

You have no reason to be dissapointed in Gretsch the high end acoustic market is well covered with companies that have an established reputation for great sounding acoustics. It will be cold day at the equator before Gretsch will or can build an acoustic worthy of comparison to Martin D28 $2299.00 or Advanced Gibson Jumbo $3799.00, or just a few Santa Cruz, Collings, Taylor, Breedlove, Goodall, etc.etc. etc. etc.. Even if Gretsch did build one they wouldn't grab a significant amount of the acoustic players market to be worth it to them. (FMIC)

The best bang for buck guitar thats all solid body & meets the criteria [woods/construction] of the original post are the Eastman Guitars IMHO!!

They more than hold their own with Martins & Taylors that are double the price..
Chinese manufacturing costs has seen to that...that's where i'd be looking if l was hunting for a top quality acoustic.

I got my solid wood Silvercreek new for $100. Not a Martin, but a very nice guitar. My laminate Epi Jumbo artist was $125; it too exceeds the price for tone and quality.

I sold my Taylor 410, Martin HD-28 along with some other high end acoustics and decided the Breedlove Revival DR was all the expensive dreadnought I needed and it exceed all the others IMO.

For a budget Martin tone, get a 1960's/1970's Yamaha FG (110,140, 150, 180, 335).

You can get a good used on for £150, maybe less if you lay in wait on eBay/Gumtree.

I'm a huge fan, I love them. I've heard a Rancher. I went home, picked up a Yamaha FG432s that I paid £40 for, it sounded immeasurably better. It rings, projects, has a solid woody bass - it just made the Rancher sound like a toy.

I love Gretsch, but I'll leave the acoustics to Yamaha

Marlin

I love Gretsch, but I'll leave the acoustics to Yamaha

Marlin[/QUOTE]

+1..I'm a huge Yamaha fan...l own a Yamaha LSX500C MIJ acoustic that l brought over the Martins/Taylors...hard to find now though... used MIJ Yamaha guitars are extraordinary value...in saying that if l was looking for a brand new one i'd be seriously looking at the Eastmans.:)

I'm a Yamaha fan myself. And some of the '80s Ibanez guitars (laminated and cheap) were spectacular guitars for the money. And I own a Takamine jumbo that suits me down to the ground.
But the make of guitar that has impressed the hell out of me is Crafter. Man, these guitars sing and at a price that you really can't believe. And I don't even own one (I do have a Crafter mandolin that I love, though.)

But the make of guitar that has impressed the hell out of me is Crafter. Man, these guitars sing and at a price that you really can't believe. And I don't even own one (I do have a Crafter mandolin that I love, though.)

Agreed. My brother, who is quite expert at sniffing out a deal, has a Crafter, & although I wouldn't recommend it for recording a solo acoustic album, it is very playable & very nicely tonally balanced. It's not a Collings, but it doesn't cost $3000 either. Good value for anybody who mostly plays electric, but needs an acoustic around the house.

Scott Fraser

But the make of guitar that has impressed the hell out of me is Crafter. Man, these guitars sing and at a price that you really can't believe. And I don't even own one (I do have a Crafter mandolin that I love, though.)

+3! That is the 3 Crafters I own! Really nice guitars - JE-18, WF-Bubinga and D-7. The craftmanship is awesome, although some models I find a little too "over the top" in terms of decoration/cosmetics. I love the fact that unlike many manufacturers in their price range, they have opted to used solid Cedar tops on many of their models as well as Englemann spruce as opposed to Stika spruce. They also have many models with the slightly wider 45mm nut - great for fingerpicking. The LR Baggs pickups and preamps are really good too. Anyone keen on a Crafter, check out this page here:

http://www.carlinoguitars.com/CRAFTER_GUITARS_CARLINO_PAGE_1_2008.html

In the meantime, the new Gretsch acoustics are a whole different instrument! I can't wait to get my hands on one! That's because I'm so impressed with the Epiphone Dove, I know the new Gretsch Ranchers will be better sounding and better playing guitars.

Also, don't use a nylon pick on an acoustic! They sound terrible! Get yourselves either a .73mm Jim Dunlop Tortex or Ultex pick, and hear the difference in tone. If you're platpicking or strumming, use the rounded corners and not the tip. It makes such a huge difference to the tone, even on laminated acoustic guitars. The nylon Jim Dunlops are great for electric guitars, but too soft of acoustics, especially Dreadnaoughts and Jumbos. For thumbpicks, I highly recommend using one of these:

http://fredkellypicks.com/slick.html

I friend played my Epi Dove using a nylon pick and it sounded thin, and tinny and aweful and "cheap". My teacher played the same guitar using the Ultex and it sounded great, although he couldn't get used to how bright a maple guitar is. So, for all those who have bought any of the new Gretsch Ranchers, give these picks a go, and hear your guitars sound they way they were designed to sound.

I was hoping that the new Gretsch acoustics would be something that could take on a Martin D28 or Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Unfortunately, they went low, deciding to try to sell some crummy low wage knockoff to first time purchasers of acoustic guitars.

I was so looking forward to a high end solid maple/adirondack Rancher, wow I'm bummed, but I guess accoutants run these things nowadays.

Just buy a Martin D28 or a J-200.

Just visited that site with the Crafter guitars on it, Anni_lover,
Some lovely axes there, mate. The only disagreement I have with you is that I love the decorations! I played a 12-string in Canberra last year and if I'd had the money, I would have walked out wih that guitar. Maybe the best sounding 12 I've ever played (to my ears, anyway.)
Thanks for directing me to have a squizz!

Im really impressed with and love the wooden inlays that Crafter do, but not the abalone ones. Mind you, I think that Gretsch are the only flat-top acoustic guitars that have a bound sound hole. Here's the soundhole inlays and rosette on a Crafter TB-Bubinga. Not bad craftsmanship for a "low wage knock-off":

+3! That is the 3 Crafters I own! Really nice guitars - JE-18, WF-Bubinga and D-7. The craftmanship is awesome, although some models I find a little too "over the top" in terms of decoration/cosmetics. I love the fact that unlike many manufacturers in their price range, they have opted to used solid Cedar tops on many of their models as well as Englemann spruce as opposed to Stika spruce. They also have many models with the slightly wider 45mm nut - great for fingerpicking. The LR Baggs pickups and preamps are really good too. Anyone keen on a Crafter, check out this page here:

http://www.carlinoguitars.com/CRAFTER_GUITARS_CARLINO_PAGE_1_2008.html

In the meantime, the new Gretsch acoustics are a whole different instrument! I can't wait to get my hands on one! That's because I'm so impressed with the Epiphone Dove, I know the new Gretsch Ranchers will be better sounding and better playing guitars.

Also, don't use a nylon pick on an acoustic! They sound terrible! Get yourselves either a .73mm Jim Dunlop Tortex or Ultex pick, and hear the difference in tone. If you're platpicking or strumming, use the rounded corners and not the tip. It makes such a huge difference to the tone, even on laminated acoustic guitars. The nylon Jim Dunlops are great for electric guitars, but too soft of acoustics, especially Dreadnaoughts and Jumbos. For thumbpicks, I highly recommend using one of these:

http://fredkellypicks.com/slick.html

I friend played my Epi Dove using a nylon pick and it sounded thin, and tinny and aweful and "cheap". My teacher played the same guitar using the Ultex and it sounded great, although he couldn't get used to how bright a maple guitar is. So, for all those who have bought any of the new Gretsch Ranchers, give these picks a go, and hear your guitars sound they way they were designed to sound.

+4 to a crafter! I own a DE-7. Very nice guitar. I'd buy another.

I wanted to try one of these when I was acoustic shopping but couldn't find one:(
Bought a second hand Taylor 410, I prefer the look of a tobacco sunburst on an acoustic but couldn't argue with the price or sound of the used Taylor :)

+1 for Taylor, they've got it going on, even at the lower price points. I have a 310 - I knew I had to have it within 30 seconds of picking it up!

I still want a Lowden, but my Tanglewood heritage will suffice :(

I was hoping that the new Gretsch acoustics would be something that could take on a Martin D28 or Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Unfortunately, they went low, deciding to try to sell some crummy low wage knockoff to first time purchasers of acoustic guitars.

I was so looking forward to a high end solid maple/adirondack Rancher, wow I'm bummed, but I guess accoutants run these things nowadays.

Good to see that Gretsch has kept in line with its history.

I have a 56 Town and Country (basically a sunburst Rancher) and you would think it's one of the worst sounding acoustics you've heard if you were listening to me play it on the couch.

HOWEVER, it is the best live and recording acoustic I have. I have a top of the line Martin OM-45 acoustic and it can't record like that Gretsch. In fact the Martin will be for sale soon as I prefer taking my $100 Gretsch Americana to gigs. EVERYTIME I play the Americana (here in Italy) someone tries to buy it off me or ask me how they can get one. Ha ha the public enthusiasm for a $100 Gretsch over a $7500 Martin is quite ironic.

Gotta give Gretsch acoustics their due.

Just buy a Martin D28 or a J-200.

Now that's a sentiment I can get behind! As a long time acoustic (thirty plus years) and a bit of a Martin snob, I always tend to get to this point. I've never played a guitar that sounds or feels like a true all-wood Martin. (Some of their cheaper, laminate guitars are also pretty decent sounding.) By the same token, I've always liked Gibson, though not quite as much. I had a great B-25 several years back -- great blues guitar for a "beginner" model; Furry Lewis used to play one of those bad boys. I just don't think you're going to get a great Martin or Gibson sound without buying a great Martin or Gibson.

Every Rancher I've heard (including Jack White's pseudo-Falcon) sounds harsh and crude to me. Granted, I haven't had the chance to play one, so I may be missing something in translation. But like others have said, I guess Gretsch is aware that you're gonna get what you play for....

+1..I'm a huge Yamaha fan...l own a Yamaha LSX500C MIJ acoustic that l brought over the Martins/Taylors...hard to find now though... used MIJ Yamaha guitars are extraordinary value...in saying that if l was looking for a brand new one i'd be seriously looking at the Eastmans

i agree 110 percent, i tried a few fender and martin , not sure of the models but the martin was 2 grand , picked up a Yamaha priced under 800.00 wow , did it sing, so tempted

Now that's a sentiment I can get behind! As a long time acoustic (thirty plus years) and a bit of a Martin snob, I always tend to get to this point. I've never played a guitar that sounds or feels like a true all-wood Martin. (Some of their cheaper, laminate guitars are also pretty decent sounding.)

Of the Martin clones, the one that has seriously impressed me has been the Blueridge models by Saga Musical Instruments. I had the opportunity to demo both a 12-fret solid mahogany BR-142 and the solid rosewood BR-160. Reallly good guitars and far superior to the old Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic lineup. Of course, there are other great US manufacturers like Santa Rosa and Collings, but you pay a premium for their guitars.

The Gretsch acoustics? My little G3410 Rancher Junior keeps getting better and sweeter with age. It would be interesting to compare against a new G5013CE Rancher Junior too. I think the new model will be louder acoustically as it's slightly larger, and may have be deeper. It's also got the new top bracing as well. When they finally arrive, I'd like to go up tho the local guitar store and compare a new G5034 Rancher Dreadnaught up against an Epiphone Hummingbird. BTW, anyone think anything of Walden guitars?

I have G5022CE. It is a lovely looking guitar. Sound wise, not bad. I'd expect better from this cool looking guitar but I'm not disappointed. I only use it around the house and for that is great. It also looks great as an ornament when propped on its stand. If I was working musician, I would most likely get something else for gigs and recordings. This one would look great in a video. :)

I think that synchro is spot on in his analysis. Keeping your retailers happy is important.

Oh, I agree with and understand all the rationales for why Gretsch went this route. I actually have a Gibson J-200, owned since new in 94 and an absolutely killer 2006 Gibson Advanced Jumbo Custom Shop Madagascar/Adirondack.

I just sort of wanted a big orange Rancher that would be a killer flatpicking axe. I do own one of the few Ranchers they made in 90's that actually has a bigsby (and a cutaway & strat style neck pu), I think the model is G6022CV.

I actually used to use this w/a jazz band, if you can believe that.

It is nice plugged in, but no way can I use this in a pure acoustic setting, at least if I want to do some flatpicking.

So, maybe my original post was a little overwraught, I don't blame Gretsch, they have to stay in business, I just wanted my big orange flatpicking jumbo...

But as it turns out, I recently picked up a G450M, another one of the pre-Fender rare birds. Basically a tarted up G400, but with lacquer finish, carved top, and f-holes instead of cat-eyes. Has a cutaway and a floating neck pickup.

Interestingly enough, this is very loud acoustically - it is perfectly ok in an acoustic flatpicking session, which is sort of unusual for archtops, at least in my experience.

+1 for Taylor, they've got it going on, even at the lower price points. I have a 310 - I knew I had to have it within 30 seconds of picking it up!

I love my Yamaha's, they sound great at a specific price point, and are a great used bargain. But, of you're talking bigger money, then the Taylors are where it's at.

They really do kick ass!

Marlin

Try the Taylor 110. Not hugely expensive but mine sounds as good to me as any accoustic I've heard.

I was hoping that the new Gretsch acoustics would be something that could take on a Martin D28 or Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Unfortunately, they went low, deciding to try to sell some crummy low wage knockoff to first time purchasers of acoustic guitars.

I was so looking forward to a high end solid maple/adirondack Rancher, wow I'm bummed, but I guess accoutants run these things nowadays.

I just purchased a Rancher Dreadnought G5034 and I can't believe the beautiful workmanship in this instrument.
The volume and tone is great, the guitar is a lighter weight and louder than my other acoustics (1962 Gibson J-45, Fender Kingman, Norman B20.)
The neck feels and looks the same as on my 1960 Gretsch Duo-Jet, minus the Zero fret and my Fender Telecaster.
The tuning on the Rancher remains true and the intonation is perfect.
My only problem now is trying to figure out how to install an LR Baggs M80 pickup (the triangular sound hole is the challenge!).

DarrellD

Taylor Acoustics are nice guitars, but they all are bolt-on necks!

Taylor Acoustics are nice guitars, but they all are bolt-on necks!

That is not a bad thing. So are Goodall, Collings, "bolt on" and several other very high end acoustics.

That is not a bad thing. So are Goodall, Collings, "bolt on" and several other very high end acoustics.

Yup serge de jonge, tony karol, lots of amazing luthiers bolt on acoustic necks. Dont make a difference!

They look cool and they have Gretsch on the headstock. I'll get by just fine. I plug it into a $500 Demeter Tube Direct box and it kills. My big money goes to the electrics.