I kinda need help on getting a new guitar... ;)
I went to Guitar Center and Sam Ash to look around today... and the difference between the classical was so different, so much easier to change chords. =] I really don't know what to choose now. haha.

So what does everyone recommend? I think my budget is around $700... (was originally $200, but my dad wanted me to get an $700 one o.O) yeah.

Comparing the Fender GA-45SCE and Ovation CS-257, which one is better, besides the fact that the Ovation looks so much cooler...?

Help please!?!! :)

What is your current guitar?

Fender and Ovation are both great brands, depends on the sound you want. I think going around to all the shops and trying out the different types is the best way to choose. Have you tried both guitars?

i really want Fender...

in some way i dun like ovation 'cause of it's style...but the sound is great...

From a budget of $200 to $700? haha ... your dad really doesn't mind spending the cash eh?

My current guitar? Eh, the guitar I ave right now is a non-brand classical guitar, that's made in China, but then again I got it for free from some guy at a piano store when I got my piano :) lol

Haven't tried the Fender yet, cause for some reason no store carries Fender acoustics.. >< they told me I could order it though. I don't really know anything about sound because I haven't actually played an acoustic before.
I really want the Fender too ^_^ but my dad picked out the ovation cause he said it looked cool XD

Wow, your dad wanted you to get the 700 dollar acoustic guitar?! I wish your dad was my dad!

I think it's not which guitar is better, it depends on which one you feel more comfortable playing with. Both guitars have its pros and cons. You just need to try both of the guitars out, and see which one suits you more. :)

I haven't tried playing the Fender GA-45SCE but I played a similar model to it. Compared to my guitar, CS-257, it is louder, and has more tone than my guitar. However, my guitar is a super shallow-body Ovation, so it doesn't have much depth to it. There are four types of Ovation bodies-Contour Bowl, Deep Bowl, Mid-Depth, Super Shallow. I played my friend's deep-body Ovation before, and it sounded quite similar to a regular acoustic.

i would definetly choose the Fender GA-45SCE rather than the Ovation CS-257 because i think its got better quality and because its a Fender :lol:

i know some people that use the GA-45SCE as a replacement for hard to afford Taylor acoustics because of its awesome quality

the only possible problems with buying the Fender are: not having the "cool" look (i actually don't really like it) like the Ovation and also having to replace the nuts with probably ivory nuts instead because those on the Fender may cause tiny problems

however...THE FENDER ONE IS BETTER! :)

Cort make Fender actually. I'm not convinced yet that Fender would make the best acoustics for the same price range as other brands.

Lol, same here. I could possibly get a cheap Taylor too, which would be better for around the same price. :) It's just that Fender's so popular and biased that everyone knows its name even thoguh they don't know anything about guitars...

My main goal for the longest time was to get the Fender GA-45SCE, but then after looking around, it seemed that there are many guitars that are better.

I tried playing the Ovation and I thought it felt kinda weird cause of the rounded/plasticy back or something? I don't know what type I tried, but they had like a WHOLE wall of them at both stores I went to, plus it was on sale...originally $900? :lol:

My dad is kinda weird at times... but my mom won't allow it ;) he was gonna pay for the Ovation, but I told him to stop... lol. I don't want my parents to waste that much money cause we don't have that much.

So confused now... :(

I think if you ignore brands and just try lots of different types you will end up buying the best one for you. Thats what I think.

I've ordered a Fender CD-220SCE but that was before I knew anything about acoustics. I still don't know much but I just wish I had shopped around more rather than going on impulse since Fender is a big brand and all.

It'll be good no doubt but I'm not sure if its the best one I could've got for the same price.

Lol, try lots of different types? o.O Hmm, I don't think I can do that though. I think the only reason why my parents want me to get a nice guitar is that I can keep it for like forever and only use that one so they can save money. XD

Eh, to think about it, I can always get a non-brand one for like $50. but w/e.
So I kinda need something that would last me a long time. :)

You're only trying out the guitars, you don't have to buy all of them. Haha. When I purchased my Ovation, I wanted to get one specific brand, and I was about to buy it when I saw the CS-257. I decided to play it, and it was a better guitar than the one I wanted to buy. The sound wasn't AS loud and toned as regular acoustic guitars, but it was REALLY comforable for me to play. No So, it's better if you test different guitars FIRST before deciding on one.

I think, once you get into guitars more, you'll have a impulse to buy more, and that'll be a problem. I want to buy a Taylor RIGHT NOW . . . Haha. The truth is, if you're really starting out, don't buy too nice of a guitar, because you never know if you're lose interest in it the next day, next week or next year. In the end, you make the final choice. So, if you want to buy that guitar, buy it! That's if you have the money . . . of course. :lol:

Also, another note:
Remember, that every guitar is DIFFERENT, so you can't exactly 100% compare one to the other. Ovation uses different material for the back and sides, well, it's a material called Lyrachord composite shaped into a semi-parabolic design. Where the Fender GA-45SCE, back and sides are laminated rosewood and flat, not round like an Ovation guitar. So, you can't really compare both of them. It's the structure (bracing/design), wood choice (rosewood,mahogany,sapele,spruce,cedar etc.) and construction of the guitar that makes each guitar look, and sound unique. Everyone have their personal opinions and preferences, so you need to take that into consideration too.

Haha, I see, I thought it meant "try" as in buying it and stuff. :) But then again I can't test anything out when someone is there watching... argh, cause I get scared. :(

Hmm, I already tried the Ovation when my dad picked it out, but I thought it felt kinda weird since I'm already used to using my classical guitar. The shape was just weird feeling for me, so I guess I won't get it since I'm not that comfortable with it.
Too bad I can't test out the GA-45SCE because I have to order it first since they don't have it in stock. Oh well.

Thanks so much for all of the info! :lol:

I think I could also get a Yamaha F310. Oh, and also get a Fender Strat or Tele for about same price as the Fender GA-45SCE. So I could get a ok-ish acoustic and a nice electric for the price of one. :P

Yeah, the Ovation shape is very different from regular acoustic guitar shape. It's round-back. :P It seems like YUI's guitar isn't really popular.. I can't find it in Toronto either.

Yamaha F-310 is a great starter guitar. Wow, you're going to get a Fender too!? Maybe you can buy me a Taylor Big Baby then. :) Haha.

I checked everywhere near me for the Fender GA-45SCE and Yamaha F-310 but no dice.
Today is my b-day!! I just hope my brother gets me that Ovation I asked for. :scare

@hanguknamja: lol, happy belated birthday and congrats on getting your new guitar :)

Eh... I dunno what to get still!!! CAN"T DECIDE.. >> someone help me please!?!?!
I guess I could just go order the Fender GA-45SCE first and exchange it for something else if I'm not used to it ;)

Someone reply............please ><

Hmm what's there not to be used to? It's a mighty fine guitar for your first haha. Yui sure has selling power o_O

"YUI has selling power".. haha, but that's the point. Fender sponsors her to promote the guitars... :guitar

By the way, did you get your new Fender ..? :rolleyes:

Fender acoustics don't appeal to me as much as their electrics. Aside from YUI playing one, I am unaware of many artists that play Fender brand acoustics. While I was searching for my first "real" acoustic, I was really looking into Epiphone's MASTERBILT line. The Masterbilt acoustics are a higher quality line of guitars made by Epiphone that feature solid sitka spruce tops, and not the laminated tops from their lower production models. Several of the Epiphone Masterbilt acoustics have also won awards from various guitar magazines. You can check out some of the models from the Epiphone website, www.epiphone.com, but you won't get too much detailed information, since Epiphone's website blows huge chunks.

Yes, YUI does have great selling power XD lmao.

Yeah, I kinda noticed that no one plays Fender acoustics, besides YUI and that none of the stores even have any Fender acoustic model on display...
BUT then again, I was really determined to get that Fender since forever... ;)

I went to the guitar place again and the guy there told me that the Takamine EG530SSC Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar was better than the Fender. It's like $100 cheaper and sounds pretty nice I guess.
I was about to buy it and test it out for two weeks while I wait for the Fender to come in, but then they told me I have to pay a 20% restocking fee if I don't buy any of them... :(

Oh I checked the model for the Ovation they had there again and it wasn't the CS257, but its the Ovation Celebrity SE Deluxe CSE44.

Hmm....
Fender GA-45SCE $699.99
Ovation Celebrity SE Deluxe CSE44 Acoustic-Electric $599.99
Takamine EG530SSC Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar $599.99
OR
Fender '50s Strat and about $100 Acoustic

What shall I do?!?!?! :swt

xAnImEfReAk13x

Ahhh! Go with Ovation acoustic because it's cool. Haha.

I'm just kidding.. go with what you like and feel most comfortable playing with. Take your time, don't rush your purchase.

:wink

Haha, the Ovation is cool :) but its not that comfortable for me though.

It's really not me whos rushing, but my parents XD cause they don't want to forget to get me a birthday present like they always do...
Hmm, I think the Fender GA45SCE might be discontinued or something, well at least that's what they told me. :( Maybe I can convince my parents to get me the ESA-10CE.

Martin 000C-16RGTE AURA is good right? Should I get this? (wait at least I think its this model or something similar to it)

But truthfully, I still can't give up on getting that Fender ;)

YUI's Fender ESA-10CE is listed at about $1,500 USD and that Martin is listed at $2299.00 USD!

Well, it's hard to compare the guitars if you haven't tried playing both of them. NOTE: YUI's new Fender acoustic uses different type of wood (Solid Palo Escrito, I have never heard of till now) than her previous acoustic (Indian Rosewood) back and sides. The Martin has Indian Rosewood back and sides. Remember, the wood will produces a difference in sound, this is why you need to try out the guitars before making your final purchase decision.

O my gosh. Crazy. If you have any left over $$, please give it to poor nataliejwong. Thanks in advance! Haha!

I'd recommend Takamine since they make quality guitars. Fender guitars are probably slightly overpriced since the Fender name is on them even though they're made by Cort.

Just depends on how much you can afford and what you like the sound of.

Lol, actually YUI's Fender only costs around $1000 USD and the Martin my parents wanted to buy was $1500 USD w/case cause they haggled with the guy :)

I don't want them to spend that much money though. The Martin is awesome, but I don't really like the design and stuffs... ;)

Ahaha, sure thing :biggrin Do you want cash or check? LMAO. jk. I'm poor...I didn't get any Chinese New Year money this year. :(

xAnImEfReAk13x
Cash would be nice.... :rolleyes: Haha. Wow, your parents are cool! When I went to buy my first guitar, my parents didn't let me choose.. they just took the smallest one they could find, and told the salesperson to pack it up. :huhuhu

^ lol ^

thanks for the belated birthday shout xAnImEfReAk13x. ^_^
Your parents seem pretty cool and i bet those guitars sound even better.

:guitar

I agree. It's very good for beginner tho i'm using martin strings on it. I'm in desperate need of a new guitar coz this guitar buzzes too much it annoys me huhu :swt ..my sister has an old applause and i sort of determine to get an ovation after playing hers.

Dunno i suppose need to go around some try outs before deciding..there's A LOT of guitars out there and i need to find THE ONE for me :lol: (sounds like finding the right wedding dress lol)

well good luck in finding yours! :thumbsup:

Lol. Oh man, I still haven't decided on which guitar to get yet... and my birthday passed alreday ;)

Hmm, they don't sell Yamahas at the stores here for some reason. I only saw like one... in the corner and it was used.

:( Aiyahh, what to do...?

Why don't you try out a Taylor Big Baby Acoustic guitar? It's a decent start guitar for newbies. I was planning to buy this as a travel guitar to use, but I might buy a higher model instead. Not sure. Maybe you can ask the guitar store if they have one in stock and try it out.

Here's the link to the Big Baby: http://taylorguitars.com/Guitars/Baby-Taylor/BBT/

Haha Nat you Taylor freak! XD

That big baby looks very very nice indeed XD would be costly though wouldn't it? It would sound great ^_^

Well, Taylors are known for their quality, but I have to admit, they are a bit more expensive than other guitar companies. I just love their guitar shapes, sound and PICKGUARD. Haha. So, I think it's worth the money if I'm getting a Taylor.

I think I'm going to order my GA4 sometime this week. :biggrin

eh, I am back... after a long hiatus? cause school is over now.. anyways yeah...

congrats Nat on your new GA4 :)

I need some expert help again... =[



Takamine EG530SSC (pic looks diff...my preamp in on the top)

or

Fender GA45SCE

I ordered the Fender so it should be coming soon... but I also took the Takamine home to test it out and its pretty cool :lol: or maybe thats cause I think all guitars are cool >>

Can some help me do a detailed comparison?

pretty good choices xAnImEfReAk13x!

i learned a little bit about these guitars from friends that keep trying to show them off to me

Fender GA45SCE

Grand Auditorium, Single Cutaway Acoustic / Electric
Finish: polyurethane
Body: solid spruce
Back and sides: made of rosewood
Neck: mahogany
Fingerboard: rosewood
Frets: 20
Electronics: Fender/Fishman Classic 4T Pickup
Features: electronic Tuner with switch, volume, bass, mid, treble,
Strings: Fender 60L Phosphor Bronze

Takamine EG530SSC

Dreadnought cutaway Acoustic / Electric
Finish: polyurethane (i think)
Body: spruce or cedar
Back and sides: eastern mahogany
Neck: eastern mahogany
Fingerboard: (my friend's takamine looks like it has) spruce
Frets: 20
Electronics: TK4N preamp
Features: electronic tuner (that everyone loves)
Strings: (i don't know! my friend changed them to martins)


i'm no expert and the stuff i typed up there might not be exactly right (in fact you might want to look it up) but honestly i don't see much of a diff between these two guitars...both sound great and are well priced

but i think the Fender's rosewood looks better and to me playing a Fender is better than playing anything else :)

The main difference between these two guitars would be the body shape. The Fender has the Grand Auditorium shape (note the curves... haha), and the Takamine has the Dreadnought style. I believe the GA45SCE has laminated rosewood sides, and SOLID back rosewood. I read it off at somewhere.. I forgot... oh it's from this link:
http://www.fretsmag.com/story.asp?storycode=5032

... but yep, where Takamine has mahog back/sides. I'm not too sure if it's solid or laminated though.

The Dreadnought shape will give you more of a bass response, where the GA (Grand Auditorium) will sound out the high-range tones of the guitar. And in my opinion, the GA is more comfortable for me and I prefer the higher-range tone/sound from a GA over a Dreadnought.

Note: Hillshire, the fingerboard on the Takamine shouldn't be spruce.... the common materials used for fingerboard would be rosewood or ebony. Unless your friend has some sort of special Takamine acoustic.. hehe. :)

Wow. Thanks for all of the details! :lol: I couldn't find any info on the Takamine before =/ except for what the guy at the store told me and from their ad thing.

From what I know: sepele body, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, solid top&back
Not sure if any of that is correct because in the ad they had down the wrong preamp :huh:

Hmm, GA shape is similar to the shape of a classical guitar right? Well at least this GA I tried out seemed like it. Then I guess I should get the Fender. Cause dreadnoughts aren't that comfortable for me... my arms are too short >< Eh, I'll try it out when it comes in. :P

The thing is, the guy at the store told me that the Fender might be out of production? or something, so they're not making it anymore. Oh, and I heard that Fender acoustics aren't that great...

So basically, I don't know what to do :huhuhu

if you really don't know what to do then (if you haven't done this already) just play your favorite song oh both guitars in front of a mirror and i'm pretty sure you'll come to a conclusion soon :)

In all honesty, I would choose the Fender because it's the same one YUI has XD

Haha I know, I'm a lame-o.

If I had the chance to get a GA-45SCE, I would buy it in a heartbeat, just because I'd probably never get the chance again because it's slightly expensive (my most expensive acoustic guitar was about $500, as apposed to the Fender which is around $700). I would name it YUI.

I'm a biased lame-o =P

Haha... I would also choose the Fender...

I have the same problem... I'm bias towards Fenders because of YUI... XD

And I'll would also name it YUI... :P

Haha. Wow. I was biased at first too. :lol: My parents told me to get lika a $2000 Martin, but in my heart I only wanted to get the Fender, cause of YUI :P
But then I kept thinking about it and testing out guitars... and well, now I don't know. :unsure:

ahhh~! The Fender hasn't come in yet... its been like 3 weeks :scare