I’m still a beginner……I picked up an old 70’s model Ovation that my dad left me and taught myself how to play the basics and do a little a little finger pickin a few years ago…....It’s really the only guitar I’ve ever tried to play

I’m wanting to get a new acoustic and was wondering what y’all would recommend. I want something easy to play that sounds good. Not looking for top of the line but I don’t want any cheap junk either…..

I would start with determining a budget. Taylor and Martin both make great guitars including some budget(ish) models.

What would be a reasonable price to expect to spend?? .........$500-$1000 ????

Both of them have decent guitars for $500-600 range, more than sufficient for a new or even not-so-new player. You can also usually find deals on Facebook Marketplace. I've got an old 70's Alvarez that sounds WAY better than it should for what I paid for it.

Started with a cheap one then upgraded to a Taylor 314ce…it’s my baby

My 90's Alvarez is my baby, but playing an Alvarez is like hunting Bankhead its a different animal.

Gibson if you want to spend some mula. Besides the ones mentioned already, Takemine makes a good guitar and has affordable options.

I've got an Oscar Schmidt I bought that I can make you a good deal on. I got it during the pandemic thinking I'd have enough time to learn. Ended up playing it long enough to learn 3 chords and happy birthday. It's Koa and mahogany, let me know if you're interested.

I have a Big Baby Taylor that I love. Play's great and sounds great and they can be had for around $400 new or a couple hundred more with pickups. Probbly the easiest chording acoustic guitar I have ever played.

Taylor is the way to go. Easy fretting and stays in tune and you can find them very reasonable on price. Just my 2 cents as I have owned a lot of guitars. Good luck!

Definitely don't go too cheap. There's a big difference in quality. If you've got $1,000, I'd spend it. A new $300 guitar is going to leave you disappointed.

As an example I have a Washburn, Taylor and a '72 Martin. All good instruments. However, they get easier to play in that order and in price. If you want to be good you need good equipment and at some level a few hundred more means holding value vs. not holding value.

I wouldn’t rule out a used guitar. A well taken care of nicer used guitar trumps a new one at the same price point, to me at least.

Yamaha TransAcoustic

Why not go to music place that has a selection and play for yourself, to see what works for you?
Kinda like asking what pistol you should buy. Everyone has their opinions based on their needs, which may be different than yours.

God Bless,
David B.

a Big Baby Taylor or Taylor 110 would be an affordable, nice upgrade for you ... the budget Martin’s are hard to play - I’ve tried & they suck compared to Taylor’s ... if you ever think you might play in your church or an open mic, get one with the built-in electronics

you can thank me later ... i recently picked up a Taylor Academy (student model) for $500 on FB Marketplace & it’s a killer guitar ... the engineering & setups of Taylor’s pretty much make them a no brainer, esp on the budget end where many guitar companies skimp

i’ve been playing since 1987 & have owned dozens of guitars - incl prob about a half dozen Taylor’s ...

Sounds like I need to go check out the Taylors.......

I bought my son an electric acoustic and he played every single guitar in store and every fret to make sure there wasn't a dud fret.ended up a Washburn had best tone and my guitar expert buddy helped and agreed.i think Washburn are made overseas now but it was best sounding and ended up being cheaper than most but with that said I'd play several and play every fret on it before buying to make sure everything is right on it
He has two Ibanez and a esp LTD electric also.

Another good one to consider is Seagull. I’ve had an S6 for 25 years, my first guitar. Got a few Willie Nelson like spots in it I’ve played it so much. Have put it into semi retirement since my dog knocked it out of the stand and broke the neck at the wrist. Luthier fixed it but told me it it broke again it was likely done. They were made in Canada at the time. About anything you get in the $500-800 range is good for a beginner to intermediate. Cheap guitars will make you put them down quickly.

Martin fan here but, a set up will make a big difference in playability. Action set to your liking / picking style.
Come up to Athens first weekend in October.
Lots of instruments for sale and trade.
TN Valley Fiddlers Conv.