Two older Brothers: A gift for each

[American Red]

When I was born, my two brothers were 7 and 8 years older than me.
It is no surprise that they are still 7 and 8 years older than me.

When I was six years old they introduced me to the guitar.
It was a short lived introduction, as they went the direction of Drums and Harmonica's.
Then, shortly afterward, they lost interest.
The instruments disappeared.

Several years later they went to college.
It was the mid 60's and I regained my interest in Guitars.
Actually played for about 15 years after that, on again and off again...

It has been a long time since then.
Thirty years went by and reciently I decided to get another Guitar.
Two weeks ago it was the Taylor 214.
Friday it was the 2012 314ce Spring LTD.

Well, now I am thinking, I would like to repay my brothers..
I want them to enjoy playing.
So, I have decided to buy each of them a guitar that is not only easy to play, but hard to set down..
Problem is, I do not want to spend more than $700.00 Total (I love them, but I do not love them enough to spend $700.00 each).

So,
What are my choices and what are your favorites?

Epiphone?
Fender?
Martin Back Packer? (Not sure I like that choice)

I will buy on-line and have the guitars shipped to their home addresses.

What are your recommendations?
I have not been in the playing world for a LONG time.

and anyone who says Esteban has a real sense of humor..

Remember, I love my brothers and I want them to pick up and play the guitar...

I want quality, so a hard case would be a nice touch..

I can expand the budget.. so give me ideas..
DVD's, Guitar books, Private lessons..
Help me make this work...

[mgap]

First off can I be your brother .  Seriously, look into a Taylor GS Mini,  many people here on UTGF that have very expensive guitars also have Mini's and love them.  Easy to play, sound great, under budget(per guitar), winning combination.

[Captain Jim]

Well, I was going to say something different... but, after reading mgap's post, GSmini purchases (2) would put you a bit over budget... and WELL WORTH IT!  They come with a very nice gig bag, not a hard case, though.

You're going to give them a holiday to remember!

[American Red]

Back/Sides Wood: Rosewood Laminate
Available Finish: Natural Satin Finish
Case: Padded Gig Bag Included

You'd expect this to be some two thousand dollar Martin right but check it out, best value for money guitar company out there today:

http://www.eastmanguitars.com/ac220/

Well, maybe not $2,000.00 but perhaps $1,000.00

Pretty close to budget.. 
Does have a lot of plus's

I will try and play one before I decide.. <-- Does look like one to consider for the $

Of course, I could buy them each a Taylor 214, or even drop to the 114..

So many great guitars to consider..

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I second the Mini's they are a little over your total budget but you could get a couple of the LTD's and if you buy from here or the AGF you would get a very good deal.  Also, you really don't know (unless they have expressed it to you) that they are seriously interested in the guitar so the Mini's are a good re-introduction.

OTOH - but them a nice 900 series or limited something or other and when they don't use it say "oh, ok then - I'll take it back...."   

Can I be your sister......?   

[Herb Hunter]

I would consider the Taylor Big Baby or the Taylor GS Mini.


Here is what I just posted about the Big Baby on the Acoustic Guitar Forum:


http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3248533&postcount=14

[jjrpilot-admin]

You could also look at the Alvarez line of guitars...I think some of them will land in the 350 area.

[American Red]

I would consider the Taylor Big Baby or the Taylor GS Mini.


Here is what I just posted about the Big Baby on the Acoustic Guitar Forum:


http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3248533&postcount=14

We all know what a great guitar the GS Mini is and each of us should have one..
My fear is that they will not take the Guitar seriously if it is in a smaller package..

OTOH, they did introduce me to the Guitar when I was only 6 years old, so this size may be the perfect gift...
:-)

[Herb Hunter]

I would consider the Taylor Big Baby or the Taylor GS Mini.


Here is what I just posted about the Big Baby on the Acoustic Guitar Forum:


http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3248533&postcount=14

We all know what a great guitar the GS Mini is and each of us should have one..
My fear is that they will not take the Guitar seriously if it is in a smaller package..

OTOH, they did introduce me to the Guitar when I was only 6 years old, so this size may be the perfect gift...
:-)

The Big Baby is essentially as large as a grand concert guitar.



..................Grand Concert...........Big Baby...............GS Mini.........Seagull S6, Slim
Body Width: ......15 Inches................15 Inches..........14 3/8 Inches..........15.87 Inches
Body Depth: .......4 5/8 Inches.............4 Inches...........4 7/16 Inches..........4.9 Inches
Body Length: .....20 Inches................19 1/2 Inches......17 5/8 Inches..........19.8 Inches

[not darth]

I'd pick something right around $500 each and ask the dealer what kind if deal you could get if you bought two at once.

[American Red]

I'd pick something right around $500 each and ask the dealer what kind if deal you could get if you bought two at once.

Okay, I have made up my mind..
I have expanded my budget..
Taylor 114's for each of them.
One right handed, the other one left handed.
A proper Set-up with lighter strings,
Honey Suede Taylor strap,
pack of thin Beatles Picks,
Guitar Tuner,
I will locate a quality music shop close to their locations and pay for 5 music lessions/sessions.
One Horner Harmonica,
One set of drum sticks.
One practice drum pad..

This should keep their interests stoked.
Since they were both Eagle scouts, I will offer them a merit badge if they will learn just five songs.
A Silver Plated medal for learning "Black Bird" and "Blowing in the Wind"
An electronic pick-up and amp for also learning "Alices Restaurant"
I will include a nice warm brotherly letter.

So, now I am a bit over budget..
But, they are my brothers..

I thank everyone for their input..
Next, I'll have to find out who the dealers are that are associated with this forum and the AGF..
 

[Captain Jim]

Two big thumbs up for that decision - you are a very generous little brother!

Happy Holidays!  No doubt, their Christmas will be merry and bright! 

[not darth]

Jim at Guitar Rodeo or Ted at LA Guitars could help you out.