I am enjoying the heck out of “Lazarus” the blue Yamaha RBX170 that plays so fine.
It cost $25. Minor repairs, new strings, two strap pins and a minor setup in Chicago’s northwest side cost another $80.
But it’s very light, almost like a guitar, and it sounds so good.
Why Does my Yamaha RBX170 Kick Butt with the Justin Guitar App ?
For almost two years I have used the Justin Guitar App to learn guitar, and now I use it to play bass.
I learned that if you play bass, just play the root note on any guitar song and it will sound OK. Sounds simple but it works.
Today I fired up my Justin Guitar App and began playing songs I have never tried before with my Yamaha. I even played songs I had never even heard about. Here are some of the songs.
Old favorites:
Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix
Heart of Gold by Neil Young
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Hey Jude by the Beatles
New songs I just played and played:
Have you Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Mad World by Tears for Fears
Take it Easy by the Eagles
Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
…and so many more
Somehow, tonight, after owning the Yamaha RBX170 for about a week, every song I tried in the Justin Guitar App seemed easier to play. The Yamaha is lighter to hold (not huge like other electric basses) and easy to fret with its great neck.
So yes, my 2004 Yamaha RBX170 kicked butt tonight.
“Don’t tell my other electric basses. But I think I like my $25 twenty year old Yamaha RBX170 the best of my basses. Please, if my other basses know, they will get jealous.” – Shoshin Guitarist (and Bassist)
The Yamaha RBX170 Costs $150-$250 on the Used Market
But mine cost $25.
If you see one, lift it up easily with one hand, and play it. It sounds just fine for a beginner bass player like me. Or maybe, it sounds just fine for any bass player.
These are practical, sturdy, good-sounding, and good-playing (after adjustments) basses that make nice first, second, third, or thirtieth instruments for their owners. – Jake Wildwood
Jake Wildwood is a luthier working in Vermont, USA on older acoustic, electric guitars, and electric basses. He mainly does acoustic repairs.
When Jake says an instrument is good. It’s best you listen and respect his good advice.
My Yamaha RBX170 is a light, guitar-like electric bass, that is fun to play and makes very good sounds.
This post is for players who want to record more guitar music on YouTube — not just buy more stuff.
I Wish to Be Upfront About Recording Guitar Music for YouTube
I want to be upfront about something: I am not chasing perfect sound, cinematic video, or influencer status.
I am an advanced beginner guitarist who sings a bit — learning in public.
This post is my real recording journey. Not theory. Not gear flexing. Just what I actually did, what worked, what confused me, and what I learned along the way.
If you are Shoshin-minded (beginner’s mind), Kaizen-oriented (small improvements), and budget-aware, this path may resonate with you.
My Early YouTube Guitar Recording Setup (Phone Only)
My very first guitar-and-voice recordings were done with nothing more than a phone.
No mic. No interface. No editing. Just press record.
The quality wasn’t great — but it was honest. And more importantly, it got me started.
That matters more than people admit.
Tip: Don’t wait for perfect gear. Start with what you have and learn the process first.
Adding a USB Microphone: Shure MV5 + Phone Recording
My next step was adding a Shure MV5 USB microphone while still recording video on my phone.
This was a big jump in clarity:
Voice sounded cleaner
Guitar had more definition
Less room noise and distortion
It was still a one-mic solution, but a much better one. For a beginner YouTuber, this was a very good place to be — and honestly, good enough for many people to stop right here.
Upgrading to the Shure MV51 — and What I Learned
Later, I purchased a used Shure MV51 thinking:
“This will be my ultimate one-mic solution.”
And to be fair — it is better than the MV5:
Fuller sound
Better presets
More flexibility
But something became clear fairly quickly:
One microphone can’t always do two very different jobs well at the same time.
That’s when I realized I was heading toward something else.
My Three Practical Mic Solutions for Recording Guitar Videos
This was the turning point for me. I stopped thinking in terms of gear and started thinking in terms of use cases.
I now think in three simple recording solutions — not as rules, but as options.
Note: I started with a Shure MV5 and am now advancing to a Shure MV51 (better). They are both condenser microphones with a cardioid pattern. I plan on using a dynamic microphone — a Shure SM57 — for amp recording when I need it. Finally, Dave Simpson on YouTube uses a Zoom Q8-style portable recorder. Use whatever you already own or what seems reasonable in cost.
The Two-Mic Solution for Home Guitar Recording (Educational, Not Mandatory)
With help from ChatGPT, I finally understood how a two-mic setup could actually work for me:
Shure MV51 → vocals (and sometimes acoustic guitar)
Dynamic mic (e.g., Shure SM57) → electric guitar or bass amp
This approach requires:
A laptop
XLR cable → audio interface (hardware) → USB into laptop
A simple DAW as software on the laptop
Syncing audio with video
Learning this was hugely educational. Even if I don’t use it every day, it made me a more literate YouTuber.
It also taught me an important lesson:
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you need to do it every time.
Quick pre-recording checklist:
Acoustic or electric guitar?
Singing involved?
Do I want to mix later — or keep it simple?
The Portable Recorder Method (Inspired by Dave Simpson)
Then I re-watched Dave Simpson’s video, “How I Make My Videos.”
His approach is refreshingly simple. Dave uses a portable Zoom-style recorder:
One recorder
Built-in stereo mic for voice and room
One external mic (often a Shure SM57) for the amp
One file
No DAW
No syncing
That hit me hard.
Because what Dave values — speed, simplicity, and consistency — matters more to me right now than perfect separation or studio polish.
This method would require:
A portable recorder (Zoom Q8 or similar)
A Shure SM57
No computer mixing
No audio headaches
Dave Simpson’s Expanded Recording Setup (Optional)
Dave’s fully scaled setup adds:
A dedicated vocal mic (often a Shure SM58)
This allows maximum flexibility for singing, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass.
But honestly?
That’s more money than I want to spend right now.
And I’m okay with that.
Common Guitar Recording Mistakes I’ve Learned to Avoid
Overthinking gear before understanding workflow
Buying multiple mics and interfaces at once
Waiting for the “perfect setup” instead of recording
Ignoring room realities and basic mic awareness
Recognizing these early helped me stay focused — and keep recording.
Where I Am Now With Recording Guitar Videos
My actual path is clearly Steps 1–4.
Steps 5–6 are optional, not mandatory.
I love the simplicity of Dave’s approach. But I don’t need to buy everything today.
I remind myself:
I am Shoshin — learning with a beginner’s mind
I practice Kaizen — small, thoughtful improvements
I am retired — money does not grow on trees
Gear is not the goal. Recording comfortably and consistently is the goal.
Final Thoughts: Recording Guitar for YouTube Without Overbuying Gear
If you’re stuck wondering, “What should I buy next?” — my answer is simple:
Use what you have until it clearly limits you.
Phone recording. One mic. Two mics. Portable recorder.
These are just tools — to be adopted when the time is right.
That mindset has kept me recording, learning, and enjoying the process.
Most guitar and bass players assume that good tone starts at hundreds of dollars — and that only big-name brands can deliver. But I’ve found that some affordable guitars and basses can punch way above their price tag, offering tone, playability, and fun that more expensive gear sometimes can’t.
In this article, I’ll break down three of my favorites: the Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline, the Hohner HW200, and my trusty Huntington PJ Bass. Each has its own personality, and all prove that cheap guitars and affordable basses can still inspire real playing.
“I purchased each guitar or bass in Chicagoland during the years 2023-2024 for under $75.” – Shoshin Guitarist
Here’s my red Glarry. It’s the first “real” guitar that I ever purchased.
The Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline is often overlooked because it’s inexpensive — but that’s a mistake. This guitar has a semi-hollow body that gives it natural resonance and airy tone, perfect for blues, country, and the old-timey folk songs that I play.
Why it stands out:
Light, balanced body for comfortable playing
Semi-hollow construction adds natural sustain and shimmer
Affordable platform with upgrade potential
If you’re hunting for a cheap guitar that sounds way better than it should, the Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline is a sleeper pick that delivers on both tone and fun.
My red Glarry was the first “real” guitar I ever purchased (late in 2023). I purchased it for $60 from a used guitar store in my neighborhood, Rare Birds Music on N. Milwaukee Avenue, in Chicago, IL. Nice people. (Tell them Richard mentioned them on his website.)
Yes, the Glarry was cheap at $60 asking. I didn’t even negotiate. I just bought it.
“But what I didn’t know is that my Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline had been professionally set-up with new strings by an experienced guitar technician. I think it’s better to buy a USED GLARRY with a pro set-up than a new one that will need that setup.” – Shoshin Guitarist
Note: Photos courtesy of Glarry website at this location.
The Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline is often overlooked because it’s budget-friendly — but that’s a mistake.
Stock pickups are simple, but the body and construction do most of the tonal magic. With a small upgrade, it easily could become a versatile, expressive instrument.
Sometimes I daydream and think of buying an identical Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline but replacing the humbucker pickup at the bridge with a P90 pickup. Maybe one day I will do it.
The Hohner HW200 is a “student workhorse guitar” suitable for young people or older people investing a little money in trying to learn guitar.
I purchased my Hohner HW200 from a store in Florida via ShopGoodWill.com, long distance. TEN BUCKS. It arrived via FedEx in a Chicago snowstorm with a 1 inch opening for 10 inches on its lower bout. Yikes. But some hardware friends fixed it for me. Yikes again.
Broken Hohner HW200 shown below.
But my hardware friends glued the lower bout together, and I still liked the guitar.
Tom at Midwest Buy and Sell on Irving just west of Austin in Chicago did a great job. After Tom’s minor setup, the Hohner HW200 sounds and plays like a much more expensive guitar.
Note: These two above photos came from Chat GPT. Source unknown.
The Hohner HW200 is a ubiquitous, “find it anywhere” guitar. Often forgotten, it delivers solid performance without fanfare.
It isn’t flashy, but its durability and personality make it a go-to for anyone looking for serious tone on a budget.
“Just remember, my Hohner HW200 arrived from Florida with a split lower bout in a Chicago snowstorm. My hardware store fixed it for me. And that crazy, durable guitar, has worked fine for 18 months. My Hohner HW200 is a survivor.” – Shoshin Guitarist
Switching to electric bass in our discussion, the Huntington PJ Bass is a surprising gem in the budget world. Combining the classic Precision + Jazz pickup setup, it delivers versatility and punch that many more expensive basses struggle to match.
This is my “sleeper bass”. By that I mean it was a lucky purchase on Chicago’s FaceBook Marketplace for only $50. Came with its own bag, sitting in the bag since about 2008, almost 20 years. It needed no setup and the strings weren’t rusty, actually good for almost 20 years old. Played like a dream. Gorgeous in my opinion.
This is what my Huntington PJ Bass looked like on Facebook Marketplace in April, 2025.
Here’s my Huntington PJ Bass in my basement office.
Note: There is absolutely no trace of this PJ bass on the Internet. Lots of Huntington precision basses, normally called a Supro Pro Bass. But no Huntington PJ basses.
Why it shines:
Mine is beautiful.
P/J configuration lets you cover a wide tonal range
Solid, balanced feel makes it playable for long sessions
Best for:
A great beginner bass.
Players who want a bass that adapts to multiple genres
It’s easily my practice bass. Could it hold its own in a band. Well, I don’t know if that’s true. I can say that I reach for my Huntington PJ Bass often among my four basses that I own.
Special Thanks to Inspector H.C. Lee for my Huntington PJ Bass
This is a snapshot of the back of the headstock on my Huntington bass. If I had to guess, H.C. Lee worked as an inspector in a Chinese, Taiwanese, or Korean guitar factory. Thank you H.C. Lee for a job well done inspecting my Huntington electric bass.
Which Budget Guitar or Bass Should You Pick?
Need an affordable student guitar? The Hohner HW200 can be found in many places at online auctions, or maybe even used guitar stores. Hohner made thousands of them.
I love my Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline electric guitar. It’s affordable and durable. It’s currently $119 at Glarry (December 2025). It always sounds good to me with its single coil and humbucker neck. My advice: Try to find one used with a set-up.
Finding your own Huntington PJ Bass might be difficult. Mine is pretty rare (rare, not valuable). But if all Huntington basses are built as well as mine, they are worth a look. The Huntington basses are just proof there are good electric basses out there, that you never knew existed.
Each of these instruments shines in a different area:
Guitar/Bass
Strengths
Best Use
Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline
Resonant, airy tone, it’s a light guitar. So resonant, you can play it at night, unamped.
Clean/blues/indie
Hohner HW200
Smaller than a huge dreadnaught, affordable, nice sound, cheap
Great student guitar, nice vacation guitar
Huntington PJ Bass
Pretty, nicely balanced, good sounds
A beginner bass student. Perhaps you could gig with it.
All three are instruments that inspire playing — the ultimate goal of any guitar or bass.
Why Budget Guitars and Basses Often Sound Better Than Expected
Sometimes, budget guitars and basses encourage creativity. You play without fear of scratching them, you experiment with tone, and you just play more. These instruments — the Glarry Semi-Hollow Thinline, Hohner HW200, and Huntington PJ Bass — show that cheap doesn’t mean disposable, and playability and inspiration aren’t tied to price.
Here are the Glarry, Hohner, and Huntington PJ Bass for a group photo 🙂
Each guitar I own has its own story. And, each guitar or bass has its own voice. Be open to what affordable, budget guitars can do for your guitar or bass learning experience.
Final Verdict – My Top Budget Guitar and Bass Picks
If you are a beginner guitarist or bassist, if you see any of these on sale or second-hand for under $100, grab them. My three were purchased during 2024-2025 for $75 or less.
They won’t impress with logos or shiny finishes, but they will make you want to play, which is what really matters.
For affordability in Chicagoland or beyond, buy a setup used guitar/bass.
Setup by a pro, not an amateur.
I am not buying from some guy/gal that knows how to re-string a guitar/bass badly. Not good enough for me.
A pro-setup guitar/bass will sound as good as it will get, immediately.
Sometimes, the best musical experiences come from instruments that surprise you.
Shoshin is a Japanese word that means “beginner’s mind”. It means, whatever your skill level, approach your craft, your learning, with a “beginner’s mind”.
For now, after 2 years of playing guitar in retirement, I am an advanced beginner guitarist. I can play lots or songs decently, having fun.
I am also a beginner bassist of one year. Lots of fun.
So perhaps as an advanced beginner guitarist and beginner bassist, just perhaps, I can give you the advice of what I have learned in two years. Hope so.
Have a moment to spare? Leave a comment and tell me about your great budget guitar or budget electric bass. Thanks.
After 36 hours of too much research and ChatGPT I think I learned something about the Hohner HW300 Series.
Mahogany Laminate. The Hohner HW300 series are laminates. Can I prove that???
My eBay seller, a knowledgeable person, clearly said in text that the Hohner HW300 and its variants all have laminate mahogany tops. Period.
Any Hohner HW300 G just means it’s a color variant.
I had thought that without the G it meant a solid top. My research said no.
Lots of research indicated the G just means the guitar has a paint.
For example, I purchased a Hohner HW300G TB which just means a color variant of Transparent Blue (supposedly very pretty).
Indonesia made versus China made Hohner HW300.
These guitars were made in Indonesia first and then China.
The Indonesian Hohner was possibly made by Cort in that country. There’s just a hint of that probable rumor on the Internet. Personally, I give it 80% but that’s my guess.
Chinese Hohner’s on the Internet often do NOT have a marking in the sound hole. Sometimes you can find Made in China on back of headstock.
Soafter way too much research, I decided that the Hohner HW300 series always had a mahogany laminate top (it’s not a Martin). Okay, I am about 90% sure.
I also decided that the “G” in the model name just meant a color variation beyond wood color. Hohners without the “G” just meant they were a natural wood color, kind of.
And finally, I found hints that Indonesian Hohners were better than Chinese Hohners for the HW300 series. This is not an insult to my Chinese guitars 🙂 But ultimately it’s quality materials, adherence to specs in production, and QC on the guitar factory floor that controls final Hohner HW300 quality.
I will gladly purchase a set-up Hohner HW300G variant if the price is right.
Can a $50 Hohner Guitar Compete with a “Poor Man’s” Martin D15M
Most likely, the answer is “no”.
But for $50 on eBay plus $35 shipping and taxes it was worth a try. I sure do like my Hohner acoustics (Hohner HW200 and Hohner HW400).
I searched Chicago’s Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp around Chicago, IL USA first. There were a few on Facebook Marketplace but they looked beat up and were overpriced.
I also found Hohner HW300 guitars at ShopGoodwill. It’s a great organization but buying a guitar long distance can be dicey. My Hohner HW200 arrived from Florida a year ago with problems. Ultimately, ShopGoodwill doesn’t comment on the quality of the guitar. So I did pass on the three guitars I found immediately that all seemed affordable.
Then I found an eBay seller from Pennsylvania.
The Hohner HW300G TB from Pennsylvania
Then I found the cheapest Hohner HW300 on eBay. $50 plus shipping.
OK, cheap helped. But he was an established seller, good record, with 16 PICTURES of the Hohner, and he answered my eBay questions with dazzling speed and a positive nature.
“The Pennsylvania seller on eBay had 200 ratings with 100% positive feedback. He sells musical instruments and accessories, that’s it. Wow.”
Here’s what it looked like in a few pictures.
First, the initial photo. It doesn’t show much it’s so dark. But it’s the start. If it were me (amateur photographer) I would have tried both flash and natural light. I do see an interesting wood coloring on the fretboard I hadn’t noticed originally 🙂
Looks pretty doesn’t it? I especially like the pick guard. After some research I think it may be more greenish blue than dark blue. We shall see.
You can see this label with clarity. I wish everyone took clear photos of model names from the sound hole.
This Description was especially clear. The seller is a no nonsense guy. Excellent condition, prettier than the pictures. Works for me.
Waiting for FedEx Delivery of a Hohner HW300G TB
“Baby, it’s cold outside.”
Yes, wintertime in Chicago, IL USA.
I am glad this Hohner is shipping inside a decent soft case that comes with the $50 sale. I should receive it today or tomorrow, in the cold on my Chicago front porch.
My FedEx shipment from Pennsylvania to Chicago made great progress until it hit Chicago and suburbs. It was stuck in the 60638 zip distribution center for 2 1/2 days, but it finally “moved” elsewhere.
My guitar “skidded” 8 miles west to another distribution center. Well, at lest FedEx is tracking something 🙂 Hopefully my guitar.
UnPacking my Hohner HW300G TB from Pennsylvania, USA
All I can do is wait and hope it arrives safely, unaffected by the cold. I also hope my FedEx colleagues are as careful as I was when I worked the loading docks of UPS 50 years ago (yikes).
When I receive it, I will place the box in a warm place, unopened, so it can “warm up” a bit in my warm bungalow before I open it. I learned that on YouTube. – Shoshin Guitarist
When my Hohner arrives I’ll do an initial blog post on its shipment and initial playing. For today, I will just drop in my YouTube video with my initial impressions:
December 4 is the anniversary of the 1956 jam session known as the Million Dollar Quartet.
I should be practicing guitar, but blogging about guitar is the next best thing.
A Walk in Chicago’s Cold with the Million Dollar Quartet
When I found a one hour YouTube video on the Million Dollar Quartet I knew I had to take a Chicago walk. It’s one hour and six minutes long. Walking a mile in 15 degree Fahrenheit Chicago weather flew by with 4 great musicians.
The Big Four in the Quartet
Here’s the four great ones:
Elvis Presley
Jerry Lee Lewis
Carl Perkins
Johnny Cash
Gospel Rockabilly Jam Session
I was shocked to discover that 80% of the recording is Gospel.
And of course it’s rockabilly style, with a dash of blues here and there.j
What was the Common Musical Language for the Million Dollar Quartet?
Gospel. This was 1956. It makes sense, these were Southern men born and bred.
Elvis Presley – Tupelo, Mississippi
Jerry Lee Lewis – Ferriday, Louisiana
Carl Perkins – Tiptonville, Tennessee
Johnny Cash – Kingsland, Arkansas
Read the list below to understand this better.
Read the 20 Songs; its Mainly Gospel Music
Just remember, they are jamming. Just picking songs, singing, without any sheet music. Some songs last 30 seconds, some last several minutes.
Wow.
Here are the songs. I think it’s a good practice list for me in the future.
You Belong to My Heart
When God Dips His Love In My Heart
Just a Little Talk with Jesus
Jesus Walked That Lonesome Valley
I shall not be Moved
Peace in the Valley
Down by the Riverside
I’m with a Crowd but So Alone
Farther Along
Blessed Jesus (Hold My Hand)
As We Travel Along on the Jericho Road
I Just Can’t Make It By Myself
Little Cabin Home On The Hill
Summertime is Past and Gone
I Hear a Sweet Voice Calling
Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong
Keeper of the Key
Crazy Arms
Don’t Forbid Me
Too Much Monkey Business
Brown Eyed Handsome Man
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Don’t be Cruel (1)
Don’t be Cruel (2)
Paralyzed
Don’t be Cruel (3)
There’s No Place Like Home
When the Saints Go Marching In
That’s When Your Heartaches Begin
Softly and Tenderly
Is It So Strange
That’s When Your Heartaches Begin
Brown Eyed Handsome Man (for a 2nd time)
Rip It Up
I’m Gonna Bid My Blues Goodbye
Crazy Arms
That’s My Desire
End of The Road
Black Bottom Stomp
You’re The Only Star In My Blue Heaven
Elvis
In the last minute, they say goodbye. I think I heard Elvis say, “G’night y’all.”
What Can we Learn from the Million Dollar Quartet?
How to jam without an ego.
If there’s another jam out there with 4 musicians as great as these, leave a comment.
Gospel music mix tape.
I think I will spend time learning some of these old-timey songs.
Get some Rhythm.
How can you not get more rhythm listening to this one hour recording.
The Next Supergroup: 32 Years Later the Traveling Wilburys Formed
The members were as follows, quite a super group.
Bob Dylan
George Harrison
Jeff Lynne
Roy Orbison
Tom Petty
This is perhaps the song that started the group: Handle With Care
From 1988 until 1990 they hung together and produced two albums. The second album (oddly named Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3) was released after Orbison’s death.
Visit Wikipedia to Learn More about That Special Day
One day I will find catchy titles that get more visitors. One day…
Guitar Jam with a Friend and Learn More about Music
Tom comes over once every two weeks to jam with his singing and harmonica. I play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and today I played electric bass.
What Did Tom Learn about Music Today
First of all, Tom’s played guitar since he was a teenager but then morphed into more harmonica playing and singing.
As for me, I have played guitar for 2 years and bass for 1 year.
This is what Tom learned today.
Tom liked the song “Red Dirt Road”.
Amazing, he had never heard it before. But his genre is blues and folk.
Playing Harmonica to “Red Dirt Road” was “REVELATORY” per Tom. Big words from a smart guy 🙂
Tom came to realize that playing a country song meant no “7ths” or something like that. All major notes? He loved it to death.
What Did Richard (Shoshin Guitarist) Learn about Music Today
Today I started on electric bass with Tom playing harmonica amped through a Fender G-Dec v3 30. I was using the Justin Guitar App that serves up many songs for guitar with chords shown. It carries you along.
This is what I learned.
Tom’s Advice. Play the song WITHOUT the Band. No voice, minimal band.
Tom just wanted me to play bass so he could play melody with harmonica over the song.
I was hesitant to try, it was new for me.
But it worked great.
Play with Bass root notes, just keep the rhythm. Nothing fancy.
It was lots of fun.
Bass is all about “Keeping Time”.
Nothing fancy, just keep the time and tap your foot.
What did we learn together?
Tom and I both learned we could jam with my electric bass and his harmonica. My paid subscription to the Justin Guitar app worked wonderfully. I even caught Tom exploring it when I took a break. Thanks, Justin Guitar.
We also learned that we didn’t miss my Orange Crush 12L for amping harmonica. The Fender G-Dec v3 30 opened up new doors of experimentation on amping harmonica.
Tom and I both learned that he enjoyed playing Country and Western songs. Apparently it’s a new genre for him. Good to know.
The first setting on the Fender G-Dec is this one shown below.
I was shocked and so was Tom that the amp was amping the harmonica in Very Distorted mode. That’s the 00 preset on the amp. Tom didn’t like it, but the sound was a revelation.
“Guess what, my Fender G-Dec v3 30 can amp a harmonica in the same voice as it would a guitar. Very cool.” – Shoshin Guitarist
So Tom Liked the the James Burton1 #24 setting. It emulates a BlackfaceCln amp. (Of course, Tom knew who James Burton was. He was a lead guitarist for Elvis Presley for 8 years.)
See the amp setting below.
Good Things Happen with the Fender G-Dec v3 30
Realize, I could have plugged in my electric guitar while Tom played harmonica. This Fender amp can do that.
You want the v3 version of these amps. The older versions had trouble with the dial choosing amp sounds after a while. Bad dial component.
So let’s see if any Fender G-Dec v3 30 amp owners find this blog post and leave a comment.
This demo is enough inspiration for my Hohner journey.
Is the Hohner HW300 a “Poor Man’s” Martin D15M
Obviously, the Hohner can’t duplicate what the Martin does. Do a ChatGPT or Grok (AI search) and it will sum up the differences between the Hohner HW300 and the Martin D15M.
But the Hohner HW300 has its own fan base claiming it has a very good bang for buck with its all mahogany sound versus some spruce or spruce laminate top.
I un-seriously tried a Hohner HW300 at a local music store but found it a bit muffled in sound. But did I have my hearing aids on at that moment? Did I use a pick so the guitar could ring out. Or was I playing a “laminate” Hohner HW300G ?
At any rate, here’s my journey to find a Hohner HW300 with a pure mahogany top, no laminate. I will be glad to find a “poor man’s” Martin D15M.
I Like Hohner Guitars and Wanted a Hohner HW300G Made of Mahogany
I own 3 Hohner acoustics currently and traded two other Hohners to others.
But I wanted a Hohner HW300 made of mahogany. Some call this guitar a “poor man’s” Martin D15M.
Jake Wildwood, Vermont Luthier, Didn’t Like the Hohner HW300G
Jake’s famous on the Internet for repairing guitars, mainly acoustic. Here’s his blog post on the Hohner HW300G. He played a great demo but his blog post indicated to me that he thought the Hohner HW300G was a run of the mill guitar.
And Jake’s opinion is valuable, so I kept researching the Hohner HW300
“But I was confused, Jake thought the Hohner HW300G was ordinary but useful. So, why did other people like this guitar so much?” – Shoshin Guitarist
There are 3 Types of the Hohner HW300 and Solid Top is the Key
I studied listings of the Hohner HW300.
I read reviews of the Hohner HW300.
I used AI (artificial intelligence) with ChatGPT, Grok, and Google as sources.
“I was less confused when I learned there are three types of Hohner HW300 guitars for sale used on the Internet.” – Shoshin Guitarist
Here are the 3 types of Hohner HW300 guitars.
Hohner HW300G. Laminate mahogany top.
Hohner HW300. Solid mahogany top.
Hohner HW300CM. This is the “Countryman” model, also with a solid mahogany top.
AI with ChatGPT and Grok were Very Helpful with Understanding this Hohner Guitar with 3 Variants
(Both ChatGPT and Grok “scrape” Internet content with marginal attribution or credits given. I am quoting both ChatGPT and Grok with as they say, “attribution”.)
ChatGPT Summary.
Grok Summary.
My Hohner HW300G Summary
If you have read this far, you know this is the laminate mahogany top version of this HW300 series. Made from 2005-2015 in Indonesia or China.
Jake Wildwood was correct when he wrote on his blog:
So even though I found a beautiful red wine Hohner HW300G on an auction site for possibly $60 shipped, I don’t want it. Beautiful but a utilitarian all-ply mahogany guitar.
My Hohner HW300CM, Countryman Summary
There is some minor debate on the Internet as to whether the Countryman Hohner had a solid mahogany top or an all-ply mahogany top. Seems like it varied. So it’s a risk if you buy one. It would be depressing to buy an HW300CM only to find out it had a laminate top. Too risky.
Let’s not forget this Grok summary of the HW300CM:
I immediately found a possible $60 buy and ship Hohner HW300CM on an online auction site. But the back of its headstock showing it’s old-fashioned tuners was a bit odd. Very odd considering the guitar was made 10-20 years ago.
So I believe buying a Hohner HW300CM is a bit risky. It may or may not have a laminate top. Also, the tuning heads look a little strange, old-fashioned.
My Hohner HW300 Summary
“This is the Hohner that I want in this series. Obviously the other two aren’t good enough. After all, I am looking for a “poor man’s” Martin D15M.”
I want to find and to purchase a Hohner HW300. Or, if I can find one locally in Chicago, I want to try it out. Here’s why.
Solid Mahogany Top.
Good Tuner.
Nubone or Graph Tech nut.
Scalloped X-bracing.
The other two Hohner variants have X-bracing.
Made in Korea.
I have enjoyed my two Korean guitars (a Hohner HW400 and a Peavey Strat Style Tele).
The Used Market Values the Hohner HW300 the Most
See the table below for the HW300G, HW300 and the HW300CM in that order left to right. The Hohner HW300 used market value is circled in purple below.
No Thanks: I don’t want a Hohner HW300 with Heel Joint Crack
Of course, I quickly found an black HW300 for $15 + $15 in shipping, subject to other bidders.. Black, looked great. Only one problem, the guitar neck heel had an unexplained finish crack. That discouraged me from buying it.
I would show you the picture but it’s copyrighted so I don’t want to break the law.
My Search for a “Poor Man’s” Martin D15M: Hohner HW300
Well, at least I am better informed in my Hohner HW300 series search. And so are you.
I found a used Martin D15M on Guitar Center today in great condition for $1129.99 with a 10% discount (I like my Guitar Center in Highland Park, IL. Ask for Aaron as of November 2025.)
But I’m trying to find a diamond in the rough Hohner HW300 in Chicagoland or an online auction site. Facebook Marketplace would be nice so I could test the guitar. We shall see.
So What Does a Martin D-15M Sound Like?
Visit Eric David to hear him discuss and play a Martin D15M. He calls it a “simple guitar”. I’d love it but it’s around $1700 new in the U.S. So for now, I’ll settle for a good Hohner HW300 if I can find one. Scoot to 2:00 (end of two minutes) in the video to hear him play. Or listen to the entire video. Awesome.
Let’s Finish to Listening to Jake Wildwood Play a “Cheap” Hohner HW300G
Jake is a professional luthier in Vermont, USA. Even though he’s not a big fan of the cheaper Hohner HW300G (the Hohner HW300 or Hohner HW300CM is better), he plays it well.
If I can find a Hohner HW300, I’ll be a happy Hohner guitar enthusiast.
In case you’re wondering, Shoshin is a Japanese word meaning “beginner’s mind”. Every day with guitar, bass, amps, and blogging I learn something new. I have always approached learning with a Shoshin attitude.
Grabbing my Hohner HW200 acoustic is the 2nd or 3rd thing I do every morning after I wake up. I am playing guitar within 10 minutes of waking up. Love it.
Five Great Reasons to Start Doing This
Fresh start to the day.
It’s a good way to start your day.
Reaffirms yesterday’s practice.
Many times I learned something about guitar/bass before I went to sleep. Then I practice it during the morning. For example, I watched Florian of Hi-Guitar
Opens pathways to new learning.
I was guitar picking, not my specialty. But then I found a new way to place my right hand that made finger picking easier, and plectrum picking easier.
I finally got a strap for my morning guitar, the Hohner HW200, and it immediately was easier to play. Guitar necks are supposed to float not be supported by your fretting hand.
No excuse not to play guitar or bass.
I believe that if you start the day with guitar/bass, you have a better chance of practicing later in the day.
Play a happy song.
The day starts well and will go better.
Over 700 Days of Waking Up and Practicing Guitar
I have done this for over 2 years. I am convinced it has made me a better guitar player. I am just an advanced beginner, but I have fun playing both guitar and bass.
It’s such a good habit I may buy an acoustic bass so I can play either acoustic guitar or acoustic bass just after I wake up.
But I have Young Kids so I Cannot Wake Up and Play Guitar
Maybe that’s true.
But if you think it over, you might find a way to work guitar/bass into your morning routine with the kids. Personally, I think they will “understand” and give you 10 minutes of time to play guitar.
I Learn Something New Every Morning on Guitar
Today I learned that a cold basement sharps out my Hohner HW200. I had to tune it down which is rare. Normally I need to tune it up because it’s flat.
Need a good 10-15 minute practice routine to make “guitar wake-up” useful.
What did you learn on guitar or bass this AM ?
Comment, if You Wake Up and then Play Your Guitar or Bass
I’d love to read your comments on this topic.
All I can tell you is tomorrow morning I will wake up, and play some guitar.
“The 50 year old Yamaha FG-160 shocked me with its lows, trebles and highs. It stole my heart.” – Shoshin Guitarist
Driving to My New Guitar Friends: Guitar Center, Highland Park, IL
I drove 20 minutes from my northwest side Chicago bungalow north on Interstate 94 and then the Edens to Lake Cook Road in Highland Park. 20 minutes at 60 miles an hour, 20 miles to my favorite Guitar Center in Highland Park, IL.
Sold Two Amps to Afford my Inbound Kustom HV30 Amp
Guitar Center gave me a very generous cash offer on my Orange 12 and Peavey Vypyr VIP-2. Thanks guys. I was surprised at how much they gave me for my amps 🙂
But while Aaron (good guy) of Guitar Center estimated my amp values I wandered into the acoustic guitar room.
Don’t You Love Humidified Acoustic Guitar Rooms at Music Stores?
Gosh, I love humidified guitar rooms, warm and cozy.
Aaron my GC guy told me that the used acoustic guitars were in the back of the room. I walked past the expensive (to me) new acoustic guitars: $2000 here, $1000 there, $499 there. But finally I found the used guitars, perhaps half a dozen of them.
Love at First Play with the Yamaha FG-160
I think I tried a few other “cheaper” under $250 acoustic guitars. Then I tried the Yamaha.
“The Yamaha isn’t pretty. I picked the pretty guitars first. But she sure can sing low, treble and a little bit of high notes. That low E came from somewhere deep. I don’t think the song Deep River Blues ever sounded as good as it did on the Yamaha.” – Shoshin Guitarist
I sat on a “music stool” chair, folded my right leg over my left to prop the guitar, and the Yamaha seemed to sit nicely in my lap.
The guitar felt good in my hands. The neck felt good, not too big, but big enough. I looked at the action at the 12th fret and it was nice and low. Yes the Yamaha looked like it was 50 years old. Let’s play it and find out how it sounds.
I played my G, Em, G, C, D and G riff.
I played a treble riff from Proud Mary.
I think I played or picked Ode to Joy.
“I don’t think I ever played an acoustic guitar with such strong lows, bright mids and decent highs. I played thinking, do I really need another acoustic guitar?” – Shoshin Guitarist
Then I played other guitars in the warm, humidified acoustic room at Guitar Center in Highland Park, IL. But then I returned to the Yamaha FG-160 one last time.
“I played the African-American song “Deep River Blues” that involves some lower notes. I don’t think I ever heard Deep River Blues sound so good on an acoustic guitar. Beautiful deep low sound.” – Shoshin Guitarist
Aaron the Guitar Center associate entered the room.
Richard: Aaron what do you know about this guitar?
Aaron: We have had it for 30 days and tomorrow it’s going on sale.
Richard: Why did it sit for 30 days without going on sale?
Aaron: We always wait 30 days on a trade-in to make sure the guitar or amp wasn’t stolen (law or ordinance).
So I left the room knowing I really liked the Yamaha and it was going on sale the next day for $179. “Fish or cut bait” (fisherman speak for catch the fish or go home).
Sat in GC Parking Lot Researching the Yamaha FG-160
We all do this, don’t we. On a possible physical sale in a store, we sneak away to research the item on the Internet, outside the store.
It’s a Jumbo, bigger than the dreadnaught. Strange, it didn’t feel bigger than a dreadnaught in my lap. It fit right onto my lap.
Not a solid spruce top but sure sounded great. Apparently triple layers but not the cheap laminate technique of current days but an older layering technique involving spruce.
Built in the mid 1970’s in Taiwan (they do good work in my opinion).
Jake Wildwood, luthier in Vermont, likes this Yamaha a lot. If Jake Wildwood likes it, that’s a big recommendation.
Drove Home but the Yamaha was On My Mind
I drove the 20 miles south to my home in Chicago.
I called Aaron at Guitar Center in the early evening while I walked a chilly Chicago November walk of 1 miles. A bit of negotiating with helpful Aaron. Thanks Aaron.
He gave me good prices on various trade-ins of musical items.
Most importantly, he agreed to put the Yamaha on hold for me until next week. Thanks again.
What will I Trade for the 50 Year Old Yamaha FG-160 ?
I decided to trade-in the Epiphone DR100 for $80 but keep my Fender Mustang LT25 amp.
Trading the Epiphone DR100. It was my first acoustic guitar that I purchased for classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music. When I played it with a pick in the used guitar store I knew it was mine. Wow, great sound. I call the guitar “Boomer”.
But it’s always felt a bit big for me, perhaps in the body and the neck. It served its purpose. But I am trading it in at Guitar Center for $80. And I’m getting an even bigger jumbo guitar: the Yamaha HG160.
Return Visit to Guitar Center in Highland Park, IL to Purchase the Yamaha FG160
I actually came to purchase a used Kustom HV30 amp and the Yamaha FG160.
I decided against purchasing the Kustom amp because it wasn’t any better than my used one at home.
But I gave the Yamaha FG160 it’s final check before purchase.
Yamaha FG160 Final Assessment before Purchase at Guitar Center
Fritz Card. This business card size device allows me to check string height.
The Yamaha was NOT high action. Good for me.
Worn frets. Often, a 50 year old guitar will have worn frets and fretboard.
The frets were decent, perhaps could use a polishing, one day.
Fretboard itself was fine. GC hadn’t oiled it but that would be my problem, later.
Bridge. Looks great to me after 50 years.
It passed the paper or business card test. I couldn’t slip a business card into the lower part of the bridge. That means the bridge is NOT lifting. Good thing.
Belly budge. None detected. This is the belly above the sound hole. No obvious “belly” that I could see.
FORGOT TO TEST TRUSS ROD.
I forgot to try the truss rod. I hope it’s not stripped. That’s an old lesson I learned on a cheap Chinese electric bass.
BOTTOM PIN STRAP IS LOOSE. Not a big deal.
The GC guitar tech said “No Service” on used guitars.
NECK NEED A RESET?
Again, the GC guitar tech said he couldn’t tell without looking inside of it.
To me, the neck seemed fine and wasn’t twisted.
Played the Yamaha HG160 and It Still Sounds Great
And, it’s comfy.
And YES, it Comes with its own CASE
Wow. That was awesome. It made the purchase even better.
Purchased the Yamaha FG160 for $179 plus Tax and Drove Home
I was pleased and the 20 miles southward flew by as I went home.
I’ll do an at home review in another post. I will call it the Yamaha FG160 Review.
