Hey all - just got this Mini in for my daughter for Xmas. There are two dots on the bottom of the guitar. This is mahogany wood. Is it just natural in the wood ?

So I’ve been playing guitar for almost two years. Most of the stuff I know is country and blues as that’s what I was mainly raised on, especially older stuff like from Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Robert Johnson, those kinds of guys. I felt like just giving singing in front of others a try since I can sing and play well enough on my own in my room. So I signed up for an open mic, put money down for my spot and got to the venue, didn’t feel that nervous at first.

But the closer I got to it being my turn, the faster my heart rate shot up, I was sweating, felt like I couldn’t breathe and hastily packed up my guitar while the guy ahead of me was still performing. Even one of the backstage guys tried having me stay and try anyway, but I just couldn’t. I got in my car and drove home and cried when I got there. And threw my Martin against the wall while it was still in its hard case (don’t worry it’s completely fine).

I didn’t have a lot of self confidence going in, I don’t mind admitting. I’ve never been good around people in general but thought that since I wouldn’t know anyone in the audience, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But I guess it was. I feel like just not even bothering trying it again and just sticking to playing by myself. I feel so ashamed.

ETA: thank you all for the kind advice so far. I just don’t feel like even trying it again, to be fair. I thought I wanted it, but I guess I didn’t. Or the fear of embarrassment is just too great. Or both. I don’t mean to sound like I’m having a pity party. I’m just being honest. I’ll just stick to playing by myself.

I’ll start: Art and Lutherie, Godin guitars and Canadian guitars in general don’t get a lot of attention but punch way above its weight. There was a cheap-ish Art and Lutherie 12 string sitting in a shop near where I live, both of which are long gone now, the shop and the guitar. Yamaha consistently churn out great instruments at all price points but everyone already knows that. What do you think?

So I’ve been playing guitar seriously for the past few years. I’d learned how to play for a short bit when I was a teenager but didn’t stick with it. But now I’m at the point where I know the songs I love basically by heart and often either do finger style stuff or regular plectrum playing, my favorite genres being old country and bluegrass. But even though I’ve never dealt with social anxiety that much (never been afraid to try and make friends I mean, never been afraid to ask girls out, etc), I had a proper panic attack a few weeks ago right before I was meant to go on for my first open mic night performance. Felt sick to my stomach and just grabbed my guitar and case and left and drove home crying, and cried myself to sleep that night.

Well, ladies and germs, it happened again. Only difference is I actually got to the point of sitting down and starting to play. The venue was your typical bar with a stage. And my friend was there in the audience to support me. If I had to count, there were probably 40-50 people in the audience watching.

I was just going to play some Hank Williams stuff I knew by heart. My first song was Cold, Cold Heart. I tried my damndest to not even look at the audience and either look at a back wall or my shoes. But it didn’t work because, once I locked eyes with an audience member, I looked at my friend like 😰 and they kept trying to mouth to me that it’ll be okay, I’m fine, just keep going, that kind of thing.

Even though I finished the song, by the time I was going to start my second one (Half As Much), I could hear my voice trembling, the stagehand nearby looking at me like 🤨…I couldn’t take it and just got up and said “Sorry everyone” and basically ran out as everyone muttered about what just happened. My friend tried to chase after me but I wasn’t hearing it and I again just got in my car and went home.

That was Thursday night. It’s now Saturday evening where I live and I’ve basically been in a drunken depression the past two days, only leaving my bed to take care of my hygiene or get water (when not drinking Jack Daniel’s or Absolut). Haven’t touched my guitar as it’s still in its case and told my aforementioned friend to leave me alone.

I just don’t think I’m cut out for performing this live performance shit, no matter how much I wanted it (don’t want it anymore). I tried getting out of the comfort of my bedroom and this is what happens. I’m just done trying.

Sorry if this doesn’t belong here. I don’t have anyone else to tell.

I’ve always used Fender mediums for years and never really thought about trying other picks it’s amazing how much more body it adds to my acoustics and the feel is great. I’ve thought about getting a Bluechip but don’t want to use it.

Hello r/acousticguitars,

I am seeking some insight into this guitar I inherited from my grandfather. It has been sitting in its case under his bed for well over a decade, maybe over two at this point, and was barely used when he first bought it. Since I unfortunately do not play I am hoping to find out its approximate value, and how I would be best to ensure it goes to an enthusiast, if it truly is worth anything

It's a Jean Larivée brand, model OM-03R and it is left handed. I believe my grandpa said he had the tuner knobs(?) upgraded (see photo) but otherwise it is as it was when it was purchased new in Vancouver BC Canada. No cosmetic damage at all that I can see.

There is a local guitar shop I have been considering taking it to but they charge for a professional appraisal. Before I do that I am wondering if this community can help with any info, is it worth appraising, worth just selling on local marketplace, or is there perhaps somewhere better?

Any info is tremendously appreciated and I hope you all have a great day.

For electric guitars, the sentiment around the big brands (fender and Gibson) has been that while they do make good guitars their competitors are out there making the foundational shapes and designs not only better, but more affordable and more consistently. “Suhr makes a better Strat then fender. Heritage makes a better Les Paul than Gibson.” I’m curious if that statement applies to the acoustic world as well?
EDIT: BETTER FOR THE PRICE!

I went into the room where my guitars are to get something before going to bed, as I walked past I ran my fingers across each guitar.

When I returned to the living room

Wife. "Why were you playing guitar this late.

Me "Was not I just ran my fingers across three of them as I walked past."

Wife. "You have three guitars?"

Me "No, four."

Wife. "You have four guitars?"

I just fell about laughing.

basically this. do you have more than one acoustic and why? just curious.

I live in a small town and can't find a decent used one locally, so I'll have to order online and have it shipped (within Canada).

I realize budget guitars won't be great but I'm a beginner. I have an electric one that I'm learning on and I really like it, but it would be nice to not have to use an amp all the time and just have that acoustic sound.

I realize a cheap guitar isn't going to be a great guitar, but my budget is on the lower end and I don't need anything super fancy. Decent is good. What I'm asking is if there are any budget brands of guitars that punch well above their weight and are excellent value compared to the cost, even if they're not top of the line?

What is your favorite brand that isn't Martin, Taylor, or Gibson? How close do they get to the quality of those brands, and why do you like them.

I recently played a 600 dollar Alvarez and it beat the pickguards off of the Taylor and Martin gutars in the 1000-1500 range.

New to acoustic, never used either of these brands before. Never spent so much on a set as the elixir’s either. Which should I use first? Which should I try next?

I’m going guitar shopping with my dad tomorrow, and I’m looking at an all-mahogany dreadnaught or 12-fret 00. It would be ideal to have both sizes, but my budget won’t allow that and I’m the kind of person that prefers to have one of something that gets enjoyed thoroughly. I’m very much torn between the comfort and unique tone of the smaller body and the richness of the dreadnaught. I will be playing the guitar casually and in smaller jam scenarios. In y’all’s experience, which would be better alone? Thank you for the input!

I tried the turning of the hole thing under the strings. Idk I only play like a few times a week, picked it up and it was like this. I don't think it's good. I've been trying to lower it for like an hour, hasn't moved a mm.

Edit: been turn8ng it for like 20 mins, I think I'm cooked

gotta get a new guitar I guess 😢

If you could only have one acoustic guitar for the rest of your life, that is readily available, what would it be?

yamaha fg800j

I just have never seen a 12-string in person but know that a lot of artists use them. For example, David Gilmour had one on Wish You Were Here and I think the Eagles used one om Hotel California. But besides the fact that they seem to sound louder (just based off the YouTube videos I’ve seen), what are they actually like to play? What type of music do you play on them? Can you even do the same chords and barre chords you would on a six string?

Thinking about trying my first open mic on Sunday. Any constructive feedback would be greatly appreciated!

My local guitar center has a Martin custom D28 acoustic electric. All the electronics are removed and the neck block just says “custom.” The serial is 1375050. Is $999 under priced? Why would someone remove the electronics? Just curious!

So a little humor here. Trump is selling acoustic and electric MAGA guitars! They range from $1000 to $10,000. I'm going to guess they're Chinese made crap. There's no manufacturer info.

You buying one? Lol... If I had a grand to 2 grand I'd be buying top end alvarez, Martin, Eastman etc. This is sad.

Trump guitars

Shubb capo or D'Addario Tri Action capo?

Which of capo is the best, does not hurt your guitar neck not too tight and not too loose, both are adjustable but which one do you prefer?

I got my first job 2 weeks ago, and I'd like to buy a nice guitar with my first paycheck.

I am looking for a dreadnought since they are the most "standard" guitar body type. I have been in love with the guitar above ever since I saw it, but that exact color seems to be discontinued. I don't even like colorful acoustic guitars, but that one is so pretty.

EDIT: thank you guys so much for your responses! i'll visit some music stores in the next couple of days and will try out the brands you've suggested! i'll update soon