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Guitar shopping... need some advice?

• About two years ago, I became interested in learning to play the guitar, so my parents bought me this Yamaha guitar; it came in a set with accessories like a tuner, picks, and stuff like that. The entire set was $199. Well, I didn't end up starting guitar lessons until about a year after that.. I've been playing since about September of last year. Anyway, this is the guitar: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/ac-guitars/f/fd01s/?mode=model It's been pretty good, and the tone is ok. But I'm not a very big person (5' 4" and somewhat small-boned) and since it's a big dreadnought, it's pretty cumbersome to play. Plus, my guitar teacher says the actions is high, and the neck is wide, which makes it harder to play. I've been looking for a new, acoustic-electric guitar within the $300-$450 pricepoint. I absolutely LOVE koa wood, but I know it can be pricey. I don't do tons of fingerpicking; I'm still somewhat of a beginner, but I may get into that more a little later. My teacher says I'm progressing quite fast. I've found two guitars that I really like a lot. This Ovation: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ovation-CC24-FKOA-Celebrity-Mid-Depth-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-105946255-i1476582.gc And this Dean: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Dean-Performer-Koa-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-with-Aphex-106093370-i1549819.gc I'm not crazy about the composite back on the Ovation, but I know all of their guitars have that, and it's supposed to give it a great sound. And I've heard that Dean isn't the greatest brand of guitar, but not the worst, either. Can anyone help me compare the pros and cons of these two, or even give some recommendations for other models? Thank you. :)

• Answer:

  Here are some reviews of both instruments to help you decide: Dean - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEWnvPcwxbg - Ovation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_7t5DbVlO8 - Just a comment - after listening to the two reviews, it appears to me that the Ovation may have a feedback problem with the pickups. Hard to tell from a YouTube video. If I were you, I would not make a final decision until I actually went to a dealer and played both guitars. Based upon what I say in the YouTube videos, I'm inclined to go with the Dean. But, the only way you will know which one you like is to play both of them. ALSO - I am not sure but, I suspect that the dimensions on both of the Dean and Ovation guitars are similar to what you already have and as such may be just as difficult for you to play. Since size is a factor, let me suggest three smaller guitars in your price range that I have played and I owned one of them (Baby Taylor) and I can tell you from first hand experience that all three of these guitars are extremely easy to play and they all sound great. Baby Taylor - http://www.guitarcenter.com/New-Gear.gc?internal=1&src=Baby+Taylor&Search.x=0&Search.y=0 Little Martin - http://www.guitarcenter.com/New-Gear.gc?internal=1&src=Martin+-+little+martin+guitar&Search.x=0&Search.y=0 Mitchell - http://www.guitarcenter.com/New-Gear.gc?internal=1&src=mitchell+guitar&Search.x=0&Search.y=0&o=1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2woFUCuD43Q Since you have a Yamaha, and like the sound, I might suggest to you that you might also consider the Yamaha APX series guitars. I have an APX700 which is a thin-line guitar and much easier to to get your arms around and play. APX500 - http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-APX500-Thinline-AcousticElectric-Cutaway-?sku=512948 - APX700 - http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-APX700-Thinline-Acoustic-Electric-Cutaway-Guitar?sku=512945 - APX900 - http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-APX900-Acoustic-Electric-Cutaway-Guitar-?sku=512944 The best way to know for sure which guitar is best for you is to go somewhere like a Guitar Center and try all the acoustic guitars in your price range until you find one that just feels "at home" to you. Good Luck to you!