My friend in high school had a nice ibanez acoustic for $100, sounded really crisp. The thing with acoustics though is that you really need to try them out. You'll know after playing one chord if it's something you will like or not. I've played with some guitars that were for a couple hundred and sounded like "this is the guitar I should have" and then played some guitars for a couple thousand which frankly sounded like warm crap.

I can't really recommend a brand or even a model because acoustics (most anyway) are hand-manufactured, so they all sound a bit different. Anyone that says otherwise is selling something.

Yeah, that is definitely true moreso with acoustics than electrics. However, what I really want to avoid is: crappy fretwork, poorly filed nuts, bad necks, etc... I really don't care what it looks like: it can have Hannah Montana on the front for all I care. Although, the congregation might be concerned about that. :lol:

I got a cheap Alvarez in 96 for $100 w/ gig bag and other goodies thrown in.
Best acoustic I ever owned (even w/ a cracked headpiece it stayed in tune pretty well!)... until I traded it to a friend for an acoustic/electric w/ poor action.
Now it's in Seattle, and I'm in Cincinnati. :cry:

Go try out a few cheapies at a couple of different local stores. Find one that feels good, has a sound you desire, (and esp. if you're not miking), has some good resonance.

Like gf said, especially w/ cheaper brands, acoustics vary wildly from instrument for instrument. That's what you pay for w/ the more expensive brands - consistency (although there is still some variance).

This one comes with a hardshell case and sealed tuners: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-CD60-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=513903. I found a Dean that came with a gig bag, but other than that, most of the guitars at $200 and under don't come with cases at all. Yes, beggars can't be choosers. But I do want some sort of case... And decent tuners. 8)

you might want to look in the rental dept. at the local music store for used guitars. if it's for live use, you may want an electro-acoustic for more flexibility. play as many guitars as you can, as some cheap ones i've played sound as good as some expensive ones. that said, maybe spend a little more on layaway, as the difference between a $200 and a $500 guitar may be worth it in the long run... i have a Takamine EG 530 that sounds and plays really nice, is a cutaway, and has some decent and flexible electronics (though picking up another guitar of the same make and model may sound ENTIRELY different).

Just for clarification, I want a plain ol' acoustic guitar, not an acoustic electric, because I'll be micing the guitar while playing it. There are lots of mics at the fellowship I attend. And I hate batteries. And acoustic electrics, even expensive ones, don't sound natural to me. Not that micing a guitar sounds "natural," but you know what I mean... :wink:

Well I spent most of the night browsing, and I looked at everything from A&L to Jay Turser, and I finally came across this guitar: http://www.hohnerusa.com/index.php?282. And I found a killer deal on it at... AMAZON? And they only had one left. So, I just had to buy it. You all understand, right? 8) I also sort of doubt the local Evil Empire would have had any guitars set up properly anyway... :lol: A hard shell case, Tusq nut, dual-action truss rod, and die cast tuners for $179 with free shipping and no sales tax. :shock: But dang, I sure spend a lot of money for someone who is unemployed... :x Beans and rice make a complete protein, right? I'll have Mexican food week. Or maybe it will be Mexican food month? :? But seriously, I remember that Hohner guitars were probably the best cheap guitars we sold at the music store I worked at, and we sold: Takamine, Ibanez, Taylor, Garrison, Alvarez and other brands I can't remember now. I did like the Garrison plastic bracing system, though. Dang, those guitars were good for $500+. I think Gibson bought them out now. :? So now I have to get used to thick strings. At least the search for an acoustic was fast. But then again, I'm the guy who did all his Christmas shopping in one night on Amazon. 8)

"There are lots of mics at the fellowship I attend. "

One more shouldn't make a difference...should it?

call me crazy, but i think buying a guitar without playing it is like getting married without dating... or buying shoes without looking at the size... or signing a contract without reading it... or playing the spoons in a string quartet... oh wait, it isn't like that at all...

I do alot of acoustic stuff, and I absolutely hate mic'ing an acoustic. I always have problems with feedback and whatnot. Samick makes affordable guitar that are pretty good quality. Ive had one that I paid about $350 for 7 years ago, and after playing it ALOT, recently the frets (as on any guitar this age) are starting to wear down on the first few. Its an acoustic/electric which I HIGHLY recommend.

If you are looking to spend a little more, look in Seagull...thats my next acoustic.

Actually, Seagull would have been my first choice, but my budget was $200 and under. The Hohner did arrive, and it is quite nice. Of course, it does have your typical inexpensive guitar flaws: tiny dents in a couple places, the nut on the d string is filed a bit too low, etc..., but it's rather nice, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a guitar under $200 that is very nice for the money.