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Good guitar for a beginner?

the mexican made strats cost a bit more than the squire's, and they're quite nice guitars IMO.

i dont even know what they go for anymore, i havent checked it out lately.

in other news: i accidentally threw out a floyd rose locking bridge, and two pickups a few months ago when i was cleaning, and didnt realize it until it was too late 🙁🙁 :|:|:|
 
First of all,

Acoustic or electric?

Keep in mind that with an electric you'll have to get some sort of an amp (you can get pretty cheap ones, but they're kinda useless once you get good). The electric is a bit easier, but the acoustics are a bit cheaper for the same quality, you don't require an amp, and they teach you a little bit better (electrics cover your mistakes a bit better).


I'd suggest going with a Simon and Patrick acoustic first, then after a while, going up to an Epiphone electric (Les Paul mmm), as they're pretty cheap still. You can then slowly upgrade the Epi with new pickups etc and end up with a near-Gibson quality Les Paul electric.
 
just go around the local shops, check them all out, dont buy at the first place you see.

take it easy though, ive been to shops with really pushy guys (people like to push stuff on inexperienced users, in any industry i guess, not just guitars), and ive been to great friendly places too.

so take your time looking around. theres usually good condition used guitars too.
 


<< Just get a Fender Squire Stratocaster... >>



I 3rd this idea, but make sure you get the "Standard" series and not the "Affinity" series. It's about a $70 difference, but a major difference in quality (the affinity's feel cheep, whereas the standard series are almost identical to 'true' strats).
 
If you've got the money, and want a sincerely nice lowcost guitar... go with an Epiphone Dot... it's a copy of the Gibson 335 semi-hollowbody. Killer tone, great sustain, and at $300-$400, it won't break ya.
 
Find a store that will let you try the guitars out for a while... The one where I worked for a while (and still go to a lot) let people come in and just play for hours if they wanted. They'd watch you a bit if you were playing the $3000 Gibsons, but other than that, they'd just let you be.

It's kinda neat, because I've worked there, they know me and let me do whatever I want... Last time I hooked up a $3400 Gibson guitar to a $2500 Marshall amp, and just tooled around for a bit. Then I played a $4000 Gibson acoustic after (and some cheaper ones too)... It was cool.
 
A guy that was helping me find an electric for my son, suggested the Takamine G230 for $179.99 or the EG230 for $219.99. He owns two Les Pauls, but loves to screw around with that G230. He helped his girlfriend pick it out for her daughter as a birthday gift. He loves the sound A LOT!

I got my wife a G-330B a few years ago and can vouch for the awesome sound richness of it. That $179.99 G230 price seems pretty damn good for that kind of quality guitar.
 
This is always my answer every time the question is asked: Start out for six months or so on an acoustic guitar. It can be a $100 used jobbie from the music shop, whatever. When you switch to electric, you'll be amazed at how you will progress. Your fingers are already strengthened and calloused from the more difficult-to-play acoustic. Everyone should learn their chords and basic stuff on an acoustic before hitting an electric, IMO.
 
Go acoustic! If you're starting out, i just bought my first guitar in march, it's a Samick....pretty nice for the price. Good luck.
 


<< This is always my answer every time the question is asked: Start out for six months or so on an acoustic guitar. It can be a $100 used jobbie from the music shop, whatever. When you switch to electric, you'll be amazed at how you will progress. Your fingers are already strengthened and calloused from the more difficult-to-play acoustic. Everyone should learn their chords and basic stuff on an acoustic before hitting an electric, IMO. >>



I normally say the opposite as people tend to get too discouraged when starting on an acoustic. If the person is motivated enough, an acoustic might be the better choice however.
 
First off, I highly recommend going to a shop and playing each guitar you can afford. Often times you will like a $200 guitar more than a $500 guitar. Second, if you are getting an acoustic, make sure to get a solid top (if you can afford it). They are much better quality. I just bought a Yamaha F-36S solid top from Sam Ash (search for it in Hot Deals) for $139. A steal.

Check out Harmony Central for guitar reviews.

Finally, the most reliable online sources are probably:

Sam Ash
Music123
Musician's Friend

Have fun.
 
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