What is a good guitar for a begginer?

[glen]

So, can i get an electric and just plug it into an ipod rather than an amp?

 

[Rudee]

Originally posted by: glen
So, can i get an electric and just plug it into an ipod rather than an amp?

No, POD, not iPod. Big difference. Actually, your best choice would be a Guitarport

 

[RaDragon]

I started playing on a classical guitar with nylon strings. They still hurt my fingers, but not as much as the strings on an acoustic/electric.

Practise playing on a classical or acoustic guitar first. Then move on to electric. You'll be much better in the long run.

 

[MBony]

There is a Fender Squire w/ amp in the FS forum. Check it out.

 

[Rudee]

Originally posted by: RaDragon
I started playing on a classical guitar with nylon strings. They still hurt my fingers, but not as much as the strings on an acoustic/electric.

Sounds like a poorly adjusted guitar bridge. You fingers should not "hurt" when playing electric if you are playing properly. One of the best things about electric guitar is that you don't have to have to put pressure on the strings as you do with an acoustic guitar when you fret a note or chord. If the pickups and bridge are properly adjusted, playing the electric guitar should be a very pleasurable experience with little to know finger discomfort.

 

[RaDragon]

Originally posted by: Rudee

Originally posted by: RaDragon
I started playing on a classical guitar with nylon strings. They still hurt my fingers, but not as much as the strings on an acoustic/electric.

Sounds like a poorly adjusted guitar bridge. You fingers should not "hurt" when playing electric if you are playing properly. One of the best things about electric guitar is that you don't have to have to put pressure on the strings as you do with an acoustic guitar when you fret a note or chord. If the pickups and bridge are properly adjusted, playing the electric guitar should be a very pleasurable experience with little to know finger discomfort.

Interesting -- it was probably as you mentioned although it wasn't my electric guitar, so I dunno what his settings were.

 

[SludgeFactory]

Originally posted by: glen
Well, wouldn't the ideal be to get an acoustic with pickups, like an Ovation 1863 so it can be plugged in also?

acoustic (whether it has pickups or not) and electric guitars are different animals with a different feel. The pickups on the acoustic will not give you the distorted sounds you're expecting out of an electric guitar, so it's not really a best of both worlds situation. If you go acoustic, as a beginner I wouldn't waste my money on a model with pickups, you're not going to plugging into PA's and playing for anybody.

People go back on forth on this, but the bottom line in my mind is to play what *you* want to play, as evidenced by what Rudee says about becoming interested after the acoustic "broke." If the motivating force for you consists of folk or DMB tunes, get an acoustic. If you're doing it for the hot screaming metal riffs, get a hot screaming metal guitar.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: glen
So, which model Ovations start getting to be decent?

Pay no attention to the Ovation haters. I've never seen one with problems with the wood/plastic. I know a dude that bought one of their cheaper Applause guitars in the early 80s, and the only reason he can't play it now is because one of his friend's kids decided to jump on it (and it's still in decent shape considering). There's nothing wrong with them, I've played a number of them at guitar stores in addition to the one I own (which has a nasty crack near the headstock, but still plays well for it).
I would suggest going to local guitar shops and just trying some various guitars out and see how they feel/sound.

 

[Rudee]

Originally posted by: RaDragon

Originally posted by: Rudee

Originally posted by: RaDragon
I started playing on a classical guitar with nylon strings. They still hurt my fingers, but not as much as the strings on an acoustic/electric.

Sounds like a poorly adjusted guitar bridge. You fingers should not "hurt" when playing electric if you are playing properly. One of the best things about electric guitar is that you don't have to have to put pressure on the strings as you do with an acoustic guitar when you fret a note or chord. If the pickups and bridge are properly adjusted, playing the electric guitar should be a very pleasurable experience with little to know finger discomfort.

Interesting -- it was probably as you mentioned although it wasn't my electric guitar, so I dunno what his settings were.

Yup, bridge height and pickup height have a lot to do with the style you play as well. "Shred" style players who move very quickly up and down the neck will have the bridge low and the pickups high.

 

[Fritzo]

Be warned that aucoustics are more difficult to learn on due to their heavier strings and higher action, but they do build strength and accuracy.

Fender, Ibenez, Washburn, and Epiphone all have guitars in that price range.

 

[desteffy]

Originally posted by: Yanagi
I disagree. Acoustic guitars are much better to start practise on. Granted not as fun as playing electric but you train your fingers much faster with an acoustic. Then it takes some time to get used to the narrower neck of an electric but your fingers will be up there at least. For a beginners Electric guitar I wouild recommend either Epiphone or Washburn entry level guitars. I have one of each and while the washburn is easier to play on the Epiphone has better pickups. I have a pic of both of my babies. They are niice 😀

Seconded.

Acoustic is a good place to start, you will be forced to develop good habits and strengthen your fingers, then if you choose to get an electric later you will be able to play it so easily. Acoustics are good to have around and play with since you dont need to carry an amp around.

As for the Ovations, I have known a few people who had those and they can be very nice, so that might be a good way to go, i think they can be a bit more expensive though. Also, buying a used guitar is a good way to go, but you might want to find a friend who knows a lot about guitars and drag them along so you dont accidentially buy a piece of junk if going for a used one.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: glen
So, which model Ovations start getting to be decent?

Pay no attention to the Ovation haters. I've never seen one with problems with the wood/plastic. I know a dude that bought one of their cheaper Applause guitars in the early 80s, and the only reason he can't play it now is because one of his friend's kids decided to jump on it (and it's still in decent shape considering). There's nothing wrong with them, I've played a number of them at guitar stores in addition to the one I own (which has a nasty crack near the headstock, but still plays well for it).
I would suggest going to local guitar shops and just trying some various guitars out and see how they feel/sound.

I have one too 🙂 The only real problem with them is the metal neck tends to warp and it's not easy to adjust because, well...it's metal! I still have my first Ovation Matrix from 1982!

 

[whattaguy]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: glen
So, which model Ovations start getting to be decent?

Pay no attention to the Ovation haters. I've never seen one with problems with the wood/plastic. I know a dude that bought one of their cheaper Applause guitars in the early 80s, and the only reason he can't play it now is because one of his friend's kids decided to jump on it (and it's still in decent shape considering). There's nothing wrong with them, I've played a number of them at guitar stores in addition to the one I own (which has a nasty crack near the headstock, but still plays well for it).
I would suggest going to local guitar shops and just trying some various guitars out and see how they feel/sound.

I have one too 🙂 The only real problem with them is the metal neck tends to warp and it's not easy to adjust because, well...it's metal! I still have my first Ovation Matrix from 1982!

Highend Ovations have really nice sounding electronics when played live, but you'll have to pay a premium for that ($800+). For that kind of money, there are so many "better" choices out there...Larrivee, Taylor, Martin, etc. But the OP is just starting and I doubt he's going to play live anytime soon. I just think Ovation carries a name in guitars like Bose does in home theater. However, if an Ovation inspires you to play and practice, go for it.

Yamaha makes very nice entry level acoustics as well.