Custom and smaller guitar companies Acoustic Question?

I don't know that I would buy a guitar I hadn't played.  I was at a local acoustic dealer's shop this weekend and played half a dozen different guitars, Taylors, Gibsons, and Martins.   I thought the Gibsons sounded dead, and the Taylors sounded like there was an angel singing inside each one.   I couldn't afford any of 'em.  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_sad.gif" border=0 alt="Sad">

Anyway, I believe that the only true measure of any guitar is how it sounds.  And you can't tell that unless you have it in your hands.

Carvers are probably pretty nice instruments if we can use the quality of their amps as a measure, but go play one and find out for sure. 

Then report back.

I know what you mean.

I visit the Guitar stores more times than I should  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_biggrin.gif" border=0 alt="Very Happy"> , and I do the same thing, I play the Big names, and small names alike, and I thought it was me, but I was not getting that " Angel inside singing" sound. It seemed to be hit or miss with all the Brands. When I picked up guitars worth over $2000.00 US dollars , and the sound was just dead, it was very disapointing. Not that I was going to buy them anyway, but just to be able to pick up and play these guitars was a privlidge, yet, I did not get any "Sound satisfaction" from them.

Do they need strings ? Is it a set up Issue ? I don't know what to think, other than the type of Wood is just not doing it for many of the guitars in these shops..

Thats why I am curious about the Owners of the Carvin's and custom shops etc. I am curious if they met the sound requirements or expectations of the buyers...

I have to tell you, I bought an inexpensive acoustic / Electric Ibanez, and it really has a nice sound to it. But I tried a few others , and they did not sound the same to me.. So I am not sure what is going on.

<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>Kahuna wrote on Wed, 04 April 2007 14&#58;04</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Jerome is right on the money!  I too, will not buy a guitar based on name or what people tell me.  I have to physically hold it in my hands and play a few bars on it.  I have played Taylor, Martin, and Takamine at a store once. And, as much as people told me how great Taylor and Martin were, I ended up liking the Takamine best.

So, each his own.  But, for me, it doesn't matter if a guitar is made by a large manufacturer or a small shop in Oregon.  The sound and feel have to be pleasing to me. 

<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>jerome.oneil wrote on Wed, 04 April 2007 05&#58;03</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I don't know that I would buy a guitar I hadn't played.  I was at a local acoustic dealer's shop this weekend and played half a dozen different guitars, Taylors, Gibsons, and Martins.   I thought the Gibsons sounded dead, and the Taylors sounded like there was an angel singing inside each one.   I couldn't afford any of 'em.  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_sad.gif" border=0 alt="Sad">

Anyway, I believe that the only true measure of any guitar is how it sounds.  And you can't tell that unless you have it in your hands.

Carvers are probably pretty nice instruments if we can use the quality of their amps as a measure, but go play one and find out for sure. 

Then report back.
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Thanks for the feedback Bootleger !

Jerry

<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>bootleger wrote on Wed, 04 April 2007 20&#58;23</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
There nice for the money, I buy strap locks, cords and machine heads from Carvin. They have a store in Covina, Ca. (USA) about 12 miles from my house. I have played there cobalt series when there. They use fishman matrix electronics although I never plugged them in. They sound good and are comfortable for me a good mid priced higher intermediate  guitar.

Bootlegger.

Bootlegger guitars.
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I think I can also attest to visiting the Guitar Center more times than I should.  I realized, after a few times there, is to bring a few things.  One, bring your own pick (if you use one) and a small connection cable.  So, you can connect to an amplifier at the store (assuming you're looking at an acoustic/electric.)  I found that some guitars may sound dead acoustically, but it will sound different once it's plugged into a nice amp.  I love hearing that acoustic sound coming from an amp. 

Also, a good day to visit a guitar store is usually on a Monday evening.  Less traffic, thus more alone time for you to play longer at the store. 

<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>jerryratpack wrote on Thu, 05 April 2007 01&#58;54</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I visit the Guitar stores more times than I should Very Happy , and I do the same thing, I play the Big names, and small names alike, and I thought it was me, but I was not getting that " Angel inside singing" sound. It seemed to be hit or miss with all the Brands. When I picked up guitars worth over $2000.00 US dollars , and the sound was just dead, it was very disapointing. Not that I was going to buy them anyway, but just to be able to pick up and play these guitars was a privlidge, yet, I did not get any "Sound satisfaction" from them.

Do they need strings ? Is it a set up Issue ? I don't know what to think, other than the type of Wood is just not doing it for many of the guitars in these shops.

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I agree totally with you. I prefer used guitars because I feel you get more bang for a buck. The problem with buying used is you have to be very patient and savy. I have a personal preferance for Canadian acoustics. I find them awesome soundwise.