Buying a guitar

[FreshFish]

I might be taking private lessons in guitar soon...after taking a larger beginning guitar class. I was borrowing a Yamaha acoustic for the class and I really like it, but I feel that I should get my own if I sign up for 12 weeks of lessons...

I was wondering about the difference between acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars. I haven't made it to a music store yet, but I am wondering if there are sound quality issues or build quality issues to worry about. Also, is it more expensive to buy a nice acoustic/electric than it is for just an acoustic?

Thanks!

PS I know that I need to go try them before buying, I am just looking for preliminary ideas.

 

[GeneValgene]

if you are just starting, then playability is the number one thing you look for...this is the BEST beginner guitar you will find for the price:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Acoustic?sku=511192

 

[wvtalbot]

Originally posted by: GeneValgene
if you are just starting, then playability is the number one thing you look for...this is the BEST beginner guitar you will find for the price:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Acoustic?sku=511192

Wow talk about a crappy guitar....I mean if you are serious about learning do yourself a favor and drop more than $80. I would suggest not getting an electric acoustic until you are more accomplished, you will spend less money and learn a more pure sound as far as guitars go I would reccomend a Yamaha F310 or a Takamine G-240.

 

[FreshFish]

Originally posted by: GeneValgene
if you are just starting, then playability is the number one thing you look for...this is the BEST beginner guitar you will find for the price:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Acoustic?sku=511192

What makes this guitar more playable?

I should also note that I am willing to spend probably 200-300 if it will get me a better guitar. I am serious about continuing with guitar even after the lessons, so I want something that will be good a couple years down the road too.

 

[GeneValgene]

Originally posted by: wvtalbot

Originally posted by: GeneValgene
if you are just starting, then playability is the number one thing you look for...this is the BEST beginner guitar you will find for the price:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Acoustic?sku=511192

Wow talk about a crappy guitar....I mean if you are serious about learning do yourself a favor and drop more than $80. I would suggest not getting an electric acoustic until you are more accomplished, you will spend less money and learn a more pure sound as far as guitars go I would reccomend a Yamaha F310 or a Takamine G-240.

you dont' believe me? drop the 80, and i guarantee it sounds better, and is more playable than any yamaha or tak under 400...trust me, i didn't believe it either, but this guitar used to sell for $50, and my friend bought it. i was blown away by it's quality for the price relative to other cheap "name brands"

btw, i have played all sorts of high end guitars, from goodalls, collings, breedloves, thompsons, mayes, etc

if you are willing to spend a bit more, i would get a used larrivee d-3 for ~400-500.

 

[GeneValgene]

Originally posted by: FreshFish

Originally posted by: GeneValgene
if you are just starting, then playability is the number one thing you look for...this is the BEST beginner guitar you will find for the price:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Acoustic?sku=511192

What makes this guitar more playable?

I should also note that I am willing to spend probably 200-300 if it will get me a better guitar. I am serious about continuing with guitar even after the lessons, so I want something that will be good a couple years down the road too.

if you are serious about sticking with it i woudl suggest getting a solid body guitar...not cheap laminates like low end yamahas or taks. it will sound better with age...

 

[RagingBITCH]

No point in a beginner getting an A/E until you find your sound. Skipping the E part of the AE will save you a hundred+.

 

[wvtalbot]

If I were you I would drop another $100 and get a seagull s6, imo the best starter guitar out there, if not the other 2 I recommended would be fine.

 

[tenthumbs]

To answer your question, unless you plan on also purchasing an amp to plug in to, don't bother getting an A/E. It's automatically more expensive because of the need for the amp.

If you already know to play before you pay, then you'll be able to answer your own question about sound quality. Don't get too caught up in all this stuff. If you develop a passion for playing, you'll be saving your pennies for another guitar anyway. Happens to us all...

 

[FreshFish]

Originally posted by: tenthumbs
To answer your question, unless you plan on also purchasing an amp to plug in to, don't bother getting an A/E. It's automatically more expensive because of the need for the amp.

If you already know to play before you pay, then you'll be able to answer your own question about sound quality. Don't get too caught up in all this stuff. If you develop a passion for playing, you'll be saving your pennies for another guitar anyway. Happens to us all...

I have access to a small practice amp I could use if I went that route...I think I am leaning towards acoustic for now though. I really like playing the one I have been borrowing.

 

[theeedude]

I got this one. It was 133 a few weeks back when I bought it. I am a total newbie, so I don't know if it's good or not, it sounds OK to me after I got the chords down. I wanted the whole kit, so I thought it was nice.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Guitar/Acoustic?sku=518060
Also, what famous tunes can I play now that I got my CAGED's down?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

My best advice is to take a friend or aquaintance that is good player with you and hit a bunch of pawn shops. In the $200-300 range you will find much better used axes in a pawn shop, pretty much anything you can buy new in that price range will be crap.

 

[UncleWai]

craigslist has so many quality guitar listings everyday, you should check it out.