| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/25/2008 11:35:36 PM · #1 |
My daughter wants to buy an acoustic guitar...she's just learning to play, but she's already an accomplished musician on the flute and piccalo.
One of her friends from college has a Dorado guitar she wants to sell. We are trying to figure out a fair price, and whether it is a good guitar. It looks, from the web, that it was considered a cheap but good guitar at the time.
"Later, in the '70s, a line of low-priced Japanese-made instruments were imported and sold under the Dorado name in an effort to compete with the flood of imports inundating the market. Flattop acoustics and solidbody electrics alike were sold under the Dorado name. None hold much in common with Gretsch's own guitars." Also, that Gretsch had been sold to Baldwin prior to 70's; reacquired"
Anyone know anything about this? I do see one Dorado for sale on eBay, but it is surprisingly expensive (BuyItNow: $350), and I don't even know if it's the same model, though it looks at least similar. I found one place which has a catalog of these, but they want $10 to download the catalogs (they have an archive of scanned guitar catalogs, and $10 buys a month's access, which we don't really want or need).
Perhaps as a comparison, what might we expect to pay for a decent, beginner to intermediate level acoustic guitar; what models are recommended, and where's a good online shop to learn more.
Ok, I know this is a photography forum, but this is "general" discussion, and I know there are some musicians here!
|
|
|
|
07/25/2008 11:44:49 PM · #2 |
Not much help from me. I recently went for cheap starter set:
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=788407&page=1
I hear Yamaha is good but what do I know. |
|
|
|
07/25/2008 11:47:46 PM · #3 |
| if it were me i wouldnt get a "low-priced Japanese-made instrument", but thats just coming from experience with violins and buying one acoustic guitar. but i spent $350 on a new Fender, i dont know what your willing to spend... |
|
|
|
07/25/2008 11:51:31 PM · #4 |
Sorry, I don't know anything about the Dorado guitar. Check out Carvin for a reasonably priced instrument at //www.carvinguitars.com/products/group.php?cid=75. I have one of their higher end acoustic/electric guitars, and it's a beautiful instrument. The workmanship is top notch. Their showroom is like a candy shop. I've heard people play their acoustics, and they sound very good. Whatever you do, don't buy your daughter a really cheap guitar thinking that you can upgrade if she likes to play. A better guitar is so much easier to play, and she'll enjoy it a lot more.
Tom |
|
|
|
07/25/2008 11:51:41 PM · #5 |
| I have a Yamaha classical guitar, bought 2nd hand, about 25 years ago, $200, easy action. No complaints. |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:07:05 AM · #6 |
Musiciansfriend.com is a good website to look at guitars. I have bought many things from them and you won't really find things cheaper than their pricing...kinda like camera gear.
A good basic guitar would cost around $300. Don't know what you are willing to spend but this would be nice: Baby Taylor. It is a 3/4 size guitar and has a very nice tone and excellent workmanship. I want one because I get tired of lugging my full-sized Taylor around...
If you are willing to spend more, I'd say go for a the least expensive full-sized Taylor. They are amazing guitars.
ETA: I don't think that Dorado guitar is worth much at all. Don't waste your money. Stay away from it!
Message edited by author 2008-07-26 00:08:42. |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:12:27 AM · #7 |
Is it a solid wood top or plywood? Stay away from plywood if you can. A solid top is the minimum you should look for? It will sound better with age and is more likely to retain it's value. If you are unsure of the make I say stay away.
I play a Taylor 310CE and Highly recommend Taylor (Mine is a bottom of the top of the line guitar) Taylor's 100 series start at around $800 and are worth every penny. Made with Solid Sitka Spruce tops are one of the nicest sounding tone wood (solid top) guitars going for the price.
There is a concern that a shortage of Sitka Spruce could start drastically raising the prices of these guitars in the near future. So now's the time to invest if you can.
If price is a concern I suggest looking into Seagull or //www.artandlutherieguitars.com/ both are made by Godin in Canada with Canadian tone woods. They have a very good selection entry level solid top guitars for around $300-$500.
Sorry I don't know if that Dorado guitar is good or not. But if you suspect cheap copies are out there I say stay away. A better quality guitar will help make the learning experience MUCH easier and more enjoyable. Hope this helps Scott
ETA - After learning a couple cords have the guitars action set to the player. This will make a huge difference in the sound and playability of any guitar.
Message edited by author 2008-07-26 00:35:40. |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:13:10 AM · #8 |
There are a few types of acoustic guitars. There are classical wide neck, nylon string acoustics that are easy on the fingers and have great tone. The there are the standard and most popular steel string dreadnought shape acoustics, introduced by Martin Guitars way back when and are louder than the classical. You can also get thin, cutaway acoustic/electrics which you can plug into an amplifier.
I would recommend going to Guitar Center in Albany, which is the greatest guitar store just about ever, and have her hold a few and pluck on them to get a feel for what she likes. They are very helpful at GC and have an insane selection. I would say you could expect to buy a really good acoustic for around $300-$400 with a case, strap, picks and a tuner. They deal at GC so brow beat them a little and they will get you hooked up. I buy almost all my gear there.
Guitar Rocks! :-)
ETA: Yes Taylor makes a very good guitar.
Edit Again: Owned a Godin and they make fantastic guitars at least they used to I had mine around 1995.
Message edited by author 2008-07-26 00:41:17. |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:13:37 AM · #9 |
| Can answer to the Dorado, but I would recommend you have a look at your local craigslist site. I see that there are a lot of good bargains out there. I recently posted and sold an Ibanez out there that had just been collecting dust. I noticed quite a few good bargains listed out there. |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:15:08 AM · #10 |
| Nothing like a guitar thread to bring out the Taylor players...ROCK ON... :) |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:17:38 AM · #11 |
I just bought an acoustic guitar and so I just went through what you are going through now. First thing I can say is...It's not about price!!!! You have to play and test the guitar for playability. There are certain things you need to look for in a guitar that make it or break it. I suggest you read this article before making a choice. I think I made the right decision after reading this article.
How to buy a guitar |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:22:52 AM · #12 |
| Here is the 1971 Dorado Catalog FREE!! |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 12:46:49 AM · #13 |
Wow, what a great group of people. Lots of good advice.
First, I should have said though that she already "has" the Dorado. Her friend let her use it this summer. It looks, feels, and sounds very nice. It also came in a nice soft (that heavy duty ballistic material) case.
From the catalog (thanks!) it seems to be the 6029 Dreadnaught. In near-perfect excellent condition.
Specs:
16" Wide
Clear Grained Spruce top
Cherry Red sides and Back
Individual Nickel Plated Machine Heads
Double binding around body top and bottom
Maybe we can take it into the Guitar Center and get an idea what it's worth and about it's condition.
|
|
|
|
07/26/2008 01:02:20 AM · #14 |
From here
"Dorado was a brand name used by Gretsch on a line of Japanese import guitars they distributed in the mid 1970's. My price guide estimates values between $150-$250. I've never heard of a Dorado being worth a lot more than this basic price range. Your guitar is pictured in the 1973 Dorado catalog I have posted in the Acoustic Guitar catalog section. sb"
This guy is selling his for $80
I am sure the guy's at GC could tell you. |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 01:18:39 AM · #15 |
Good call getting it checked out. If it is solid wood, you might be able to tell by looking at the edge of the sound hole. I strongly suggest getting a hard case (at least for storage) and a good humidifier. Proper humidity is a HUGE factor in the sound and preservation of a good guitar. Letting a guitar excessively dry out could damage it beyond repair. Plywood type guitars are not as susceptible to humidity but their condition should still be monitored.
About Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity Video
|
|
|
|
07/26/2008 09:43:43 AM · #16 |
| Thanks again from both me and my daughter! I'll try and remember to follow up later and let you know the outcome! |
|
|
|
07/26/2008 11:26:14 AM · #17 |
I like the seagull products; It really depends how serious and what your ultimate plans for the gutar is. You don't want to go buy a Gibson Dove and be afraid to leave it out of its case for half an hour. Ovation and its cheaper celebrity and applause are very nice in that they play alot like electrics; Alos, I played a very nice Koa top asian made washburn; deep sound.
I own a relatively cheap yamaha, still with a solid top, and after years of playing it opened up nicely; plus its a tank.
good luck. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/06/2025 05:00:31 AM EDT.
