I love playing guitar. I have only been playing for about 15 years so I cannot say I am an aficionado but I do know a few things when it comes to guitars... mostly from hanging out at Guitar Center and playing all the guitars there since I cannot afford to buy half the guitars I really, really want.

First thing is first ya know, pick a guitar that fits your needs. I wouldn't pick a guitar with a too high an action or fret spacing that is too far apart or not far enough apart. Being that I have little fingers I wouldn't pick a guitar like an Esteban as opposed to an Ibanez. Also, if you find a guitar with a high price tag on it and you don't really like the sound and wonder why it cost so much, it is prolly the craftsmanship of the guitar itself.

The quality of a guitar is mostly based on a couple of things. First, it's acoustics, the type of wood used to produce the sound, the shape of the body and whether or not the guitar is crafted from one solid piece of wood. You can easily check by flipping the guitar over and looking for a line down the center. Other factors are whether or not it has a pick up, does it have inlays, the design and of course the over all sound quality, how well the guitar keeps it's tuning and who is who, who is playing them.

These are some of my picks based on price, quality and sound and durability and craftsmanship.

I have played a variety of Taylor guitars from Baby Taylor to Big Baby Taylor to the GS series and the one thing I love about a Taylor is it is light weight, easy to play, and the tone of a Taylor and it's acoustics is awesome!  Most have a deep tone and you can actually feel the vibrations of the guitar echo in your chest while you play.  They resonate very well so for some people who sing and play acoustic, it helps you keep your pitch. 

The price of a Taylor runs anywhere from $300.00-$5000.00 and at times a lot more.  So besides the quality and such, I picked Taylor as one of the best because even at $300.00 it is definitely not a rip off. 

Takamine guitars are not my first pick depending on what series you get. I say this because the lower end Takamine sounds like crap like the G series, they twang... at least this is a personal opinion because the guitar doesn't really suit my sound. I don't recommend buying a low end Takamine but a high end Tak is the way to go.

I have heard not so good players sound good on them because the sound is...what is the word, really clear. They also range in tones. Unlike the Taylor which pretty much comes in the same deeper tonal sound, Takamines come in a variety. Again, a Tak is a good guitar but the better of the brand comes at a higher price. However if you are just buying a guitar for you kids to learn on a low end Takamine is not a bad choice. It definitely beets some weird off brand found at Walmart or something.

Martin guitars have been around for a long friggin' time and for good reason.  I don't think I have ever played a Martin that didn't sound good.  Some antique Martin's sell in the triple digits because it is legendary...Hendrix ring a bell? 

So if you don't really have the time to shop around or really know what you want but just want a good quality guitar, get a Martin.  They don't disappoint.

Ibanez is a pretty good guitar.  It isn't exactly a Tayor or a Martin, nonetheless it is a good sounding guitar that doesn't cost a fortune.  Most run in the 1-2 hundred dollar department.  They come in a variety of tones, shapes, sizes, cut outs, pick ups etc. For an acoustic it is not a bad choice for the every day guitar. 

Ibanez acoustics aren't as popular as the electric series of guitars but hey, I am not selling electric guitars sooo.....

Ernie ball Axis electric. OMFG!  One of my x band member got one of these and I fell in loooooovvvveeeeee.  This was prolly one of the sweetest electrics I have ever played. Not only that but it is beautiful! *star gazing*

Oh she is expensive but if I had that much money right now, I would totally buy this guitar.  My friend got his in gold, again I fell in loooovveee.

I know a lot of people are fans of Fender guitars so I should give them an honorable mention, after all they aren't bad and they are affordable. I don't know why I don't like them, I just don't.

And finally the Guild. Which is my opposite pick from the Fender. Most people don't like Guilds but I happen to think they sound sweet, that and I fell in love with a baby blue, abalone inlay acoustic with a middle range tone that had awesome and clear sound, perfect for a classical/folk type style but with a steel string guitar.