Post
by Scott Phillips » Thu Jan 25, 2018 11:56 am
As bauersachs82 recommended, the Cordoba C9 or C10 or Yamaha GC12 or GC22 would be a good place to start. Also, Takamine Hirade H5, would be really good if you found one used in nice shape. There are lots of these on Reverb starting at 6 to 7 hundred.
The Takamine C132S could be had for $999.00 new. It has solid top and back with laminated sides, but don't let that scare you off. The laminated sides are stiffer and keep most of the vibrational energy in the top. Even Ramirez uses laminated sides on some of their guitars, including the famous 1A. Also, the Ramirez R series and NE series are great finds, especially used. I bought my daughter's Ramirez 2NE for $900.00 used and in excellent condition. If you can stretch to 1500 dollars you could get a Ramirez 125 or 130 anyos , used of course. I would avoid the Guitarra del Tiempo though as they come with crappy Ping Chinese tuners.
There are lots of other choices I'm sure, but these are the ones that I've had experience with. Hope it helps.