Buying my first guitar in the next couple weeks - advice appreciated

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: enwar3
So I've been to the music store a couple times now, and again am asking for advice.

1. Should I spend ~400 and try to get a guitar that I will stay on for a while, or should I pick up a beater from Craigslist for like $100 and save the money for a more expensive purchase later? I've been playing for several months and I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with it, but I'm sure in a year I will know far more and probably will be itching to buy something new. Also, do I want the support of a music store behind me?

2. At this point, should I worry about getting an acoustic-electric? I have no current plans to perform but this could change. I'm assuming that an acoustic compares favorably to an acoustic-electric at the same price point.

If you go too cheap or get something damaged, you're going to have a hard time learning because it will be hard to fret, it won't stay in tune, and it will sound awful. If you get something of a bit better quality, it may be easier to play and the sound will want to keep you playing.

 

[enwar3]

Not that anybody cares, but in case anybody ever finds themselves in a similar situation, I ended up picking up a Takamine gs330s. (out of that, a Seagull S6, and a Martin DX1) It's a solid top acoustic that plays pretty nicely for $300. I thought it was a good balance between performance and affordability (I'm poor). I also personally liked how it sounded, thought it played pretty well, and think it'll do until I get good enough to reward myself with a more expensive one...

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: enwar3
Not that anybody cares, but in case anybody ever finds themselves in a similar situation, I ended up picking up a Takamine gs330s. (out of that, a Seagull S6, and a Martin DX1) It's a solid top acoustic that plays pretty nicely for $300. I thought it was a good balance between performance and affordability (I'm poor). I also personally liked how it sounded, thought it played pretty well, and think it'll do until I get good enough to reward myself with a more expensive one...

I'm glad you found something you like. Takamine makes a nice guitar. Enjoy playing it, and don't get discouraged too quickly. You gotta suck before you can rock :^)