[robatsu]

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.

[nickyboy]

Originally Posted by robatsu

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.

[Anni_Lover]

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.

[montereyjack66]

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

mj

[GentleBen]

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

[Archtop 13]

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.

[Raspy]

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

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

<><> Raspy <><>

[johnnyguitar]

Originally Posted by 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

[jepa]

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.

[Synchro]

Originally Posted by jepa

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.

[jepa]

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

[Anakin2Solo]

Taylor makes some pretty sweet electrics as well

[pilgrim]

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.

[rcboals]

Originally Posted by robatsu

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)

[fender62custom]

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.

[Sharkblues]

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.

[The Marlin]

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

[fender62custom]

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.

[fletch]

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.)

[Scott Fraser]

Originally Posted by fletch

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