I’m a beginner at stage 2 and can play a few songs and progressing through the course. I am currently playing a 35-year- old (though practically never used) Yamaha classic guitar. It’s been fine so far, but I’ve started using a pick and it sounds bad (especially upstrums) but that could well be me! I’ve tried a couple of steel string guitars at the guitar shop and they sound much better but will obviously take a bit of getting used to. I’m looking for some advice on the right guitar for someone of my experience at a budget of up to $A500.
Thanks!
Yeah nylon strings don’t sound so good when trying to strum with a pick, it’s not just you. There is a particular method of fingerstyle strumming in flamenco music which works well on nylon strings, you will find some tutorials on youtube if you want to try it.
Any of the guitars at your local store will be fine. Don’t get too fussy about a particular brand. Try a few different sizes and shapes. Whatever feels comfortable to hold. Personally I go for the one that looks the coolest.
A good place to start is to check out this buying guide.
That might help narrow down your options a bit.
That’s another important question… do you have a local store or will you be buying online?
At that budget you’ll probably find a steel stringed Yamaha would be best bang for buck. They sound great and are inexpensive. An FG830 or similar is hard to beat at that price.
Cort is also OK.
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Be aware of body size.
Dreadnought is the ‘default’ and yet so many people do not find that large of an acoustic comfortable. You will notice it if you’re coming from a classical guitar which will likely have a smaller body.
Check out 00 or 000 or parlour or folk size guitars.
Some good points already Michael, I would second the Yamaha as a possible for your price point and also definately try a few out and see how they feel.
Pay particular attention when trying to how comfortable the body is when holding but also the neck and fingerboard and if it suits your hand size etc.
Also consider asking the shop about the setup and get them to make sure that the setup and strings suit a more beginner style, I wasted a lot of time trying to master a Yamaha that was not setup properly, it makes a massive difference.
Good luck, lookforward to seeing what you end up with 
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Yep, body size is a big one to consider. Also do you want straight acoustic or acoustic/electric? And do you want a cutaway model?
A yamaha fs 800 is a great one to look at, its om size and very good value. Their storia range is great, but looks different. Alvarez artist series are good bang for buck, sound good as well.
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Thanks so much everyone for the great tips and the buying guide has helped a lot to narrow down the choices. I’ll head off to my local guitar store tomorrow and try out a few of the Yamaha models and will report back on what I finally decide upon. I live in an apartment, so an acoustic is a more realistic option to an acoustic/electric for now.
chris-m - will also try to find one that look cool!
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A Yamaha APX is a great size and within your budget. Electro/Acoustic, but sounds fine unplugged. Quieter than big bodied guitars, if you are concerned about noise in your apartment.
I also agree with the comment regarding setup, it makes all the difference to playability.
Good luck and happy shopping.