buying a guitar [Archive]

POLKOHOLIC

08-21-2007, 03:23 PM

SLOCOOKN

08-21-2007, 03:27 PM

im looking to buy a guitar. i have never played and just want to learn a bit by reading some books. i do not know anyone who plays a guitar.

basically, i'm looking for a 100-150 dollar acoustic guitar. used is fine. also, any tips on what an absolute noob like me should look out for. i know there are 6 string and 12 string guitars available and assume that 6 is what im looking for. i want to buy online and don't really want to go out and buy from a shop. something that has good reviews and is an awesome value.

You should buy from a local shop and befriend the owner and staff if you are even somewhat serious. They can fit you with a guitar and let you try several different designs.

Then you can stop in from time to time when you get bored and pick up free tips and good deals!

POLKOHOLIC

08-21-2007, 03:28 PM

thats the thing...im not sure if i even am THAT serious. i just want to see how it goes and if i really get interested than maybe I could try to get better stuff and maybe even lessons

SLOCOOKN

08-21-2007, 03:33 PM

thats the thing...im not sure if i even am THAT serious. i just want to see how it goes and if i really get interested than maybe I could try to get better stuff and maybe even lessons

Your local shop is the best way to stay interested while playing. If you go in and explain that you are just starting out they should be more that willing to help you. You stated that you don't know anyone who plays. You will meet different people who might be willing to help you along the way.

I have been playing for 10 years and still get bored from time to time!

Just my thoughts! :)

Steve

edbert

08-21-2007, 03:52 PM

My advice, go to a shop. Take a lesson or two. You will find out faster taking a lesson from a real person whether you like it because they will be able to show you things that a book just can't. You might even be able to take some guitar classes without owning an actual guitar.

Demiurge

08-21-2007, 03:54 PM

POLKOHOLIC

08-21-2007, 03:54 PM

i should also have mentioned that time is also an issue in regard to lessons. im a full time student and have a part time job. i want to pretty much practice playing whenever i have free time which can be late at night, weekends etc.. but there is no set day and time that i can schedule towards just praticing.

POLKOHOLIC

08-21-2007, 03:55 PM

used is fine...where can i find used guitars other than ebay?

Demiurge

08-21-2007, 03:57 PM

Pawn shops, mom and pop instrument shops will have used equipment as well. Craigs list would be good as well...

krabby5

08-21-2007, 04:08 PM

used is fine...where can i find used guitars other than ebay?

tons on Craigslist..plus it's local..you can really low-ball there..i would NEVER sell a guitar there because of it..people selling guitars on Craigslist are pretty desperate to get some cash and just get rid of them...

I mostly learned guitar from magazines that had tablature in it..tablature is the poor man's music notation...

that way I learned to play my favorite songs at the same time...it gets pretty boring trying to learn guitar from books..

that being said, I wish I would have taken lessons from a real person..now I'm loaded with bad habits and not as good as I should be..I can "copy" a lot of songs, but I'm not really up on the theory on what i'm doing..

carpenter

08-21-2007, 04:10 PM

thats the thing...im not sure if i even am THAT serious. i just want to see how it goes and if i really get interested than maybe I could try to get better stuff and maybe even lessons

and this is, like others say, exactly why it doesn't matter what you end up with. Playing has a way of getting you hooked. Once (if) it does, you'll find yourself looking at Guild, Gibson and Takamine catalogs in no time.
have fun man ;)

Willow

08-21-2007, 04:18 PM

Can you rent a good one from a music store ?
I know you can around here.

JimBRICK

08-21-2007, 04:56 PM

im looking to buy a guitar. i have never played and just want to learn a bit by reading some books. i do not know anyone who plays a guitar.

basically, i'm looking for a 100-150 dollar acoustic guitar. used is fine. also, any tips on what an absolute noob like me should look out for. i know there are 6 string and 12 string guitars available and assume that 6 is what im looking for. i want to buy online and don't really want to go out and buy from a shop. something that has good reviews and is an awesome value.

I bought this guitar for bringing to camp and stuff and for the money it sounds great

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-PR150-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512457

carpenter

08-21-2007, 05:13 PM

I bought this guitar for bringing to camp and stuff and for the money it sounds great

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-PR150-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512457

Epiphone are associated in some way with Gibson right?
Damn, thats a good price :cool:

rskarvan

08-21-2007, 05:21 PM

Fender CD-100 Design Acoustic Guitar(Natural). Cost = $179.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-CD100-Design-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=513906

reeltrouble1

08-21-2007, 05:22 PM

I have bought giutars on line and in shops, I like the shops, they are quite competitive and many have used products, one thing, when you get the guitar on-line you can expect to need a shop to really set it up for you, of course if you bought somewhere else they charge you more......its just the way it works.

RT1

Demiurge

08-21-2007, 05:27 PM

Epiphone are associated in some way with Gibson right?

Epiphone was bought out by Gibson back in the early 50s, if I recall correctly.

They have low quality standards (now) compared to Gibson, which in a way isn't saying much because Gibson has gotten a little sloppy lately with quality issues. That said, I still just plunked down $1,200 on a new LP Standard not that long ago.

They are also not American made, which most of the higher end guitars are.

Anyhow, that guitar isn't going to hold up long, I can guarantee it. The fret board will wear out and start getting flat spots. By the time you take it to a Luthier and get it fixed it's going to cost you way more than you paid for it up front. Most cheap guitars have tuning issues (they don't stay in tune through normal play).

Not trying to dissuade you from purchasing a guitar, but I am trying to dissuade you from going ultra-cheap and then being frustrated. Some instruments are only capable of so much. Rentals and Used would be the way to go here if you're serious about wanting to learn.

Bamadude

08-21-2007, 05:45 PM

Even if you buy online I would suggest swinging by a shop in your spare time and trying out a few. They can show you the ropes on tuning and changing strings. The first guitar I had really blew but it was free and helped spark my interest until I could afford better. I also found that some small adjustments made a huge difference in how easy it was to play. Definitely helps to have some lessons or just a video or two to help you with the basics or you can end up very frustrated with what can be a very rewarding hobby. Good luck.

fireshoes

08-21-2007, 07:29 PM

I've had the itch for a guitar too. I'm blaming guitar hero for bringing it back. :) I played bass in my high school jazz band, but haven't really touched a guitar since then. (Holy shit, 14 years!)

JimBRICK

08-21-2007, 08:10 PM

Epiphone was bought out by Gibson back in the early 50s, if I recall correctly.

They have low quality standards (now) compared to Gibson, which in a way isn't saying much because Gibson has gotten a little sloppy lately with quality issues. That said, I still just plunked down $1,200 on a new LP Standard not that long ago.

They are also not American made, which most of the higher end guitars are.

Anyhow, that guitar isn't going to hold up long, I can guarantee it. The fret board will wear out and start getting flat spots. By the time you take it to a Luthier and get it fixed it's going to cost you way more than you paid for it up front. Most cheap guitars have tuning issues (they don't stay in tune through normal play).

Not trying to dissuade you from purchasing a guitar, but I am trying to dissuade you from going ultra-cheap and then being frustrated. Some instruments are only capable of so much. Rentals and Used would be the way to go here if you're serious about wanting to learn.

I've had mine for 16 months and I play it at least 3 times a week. It still looks like the day I bought it minus the stratches from being at camp. I come from a musical family with some of my uncles playing 25 year old martin acoustics and they have all commented on how well this thing plays and sounds. My fender is my main guitar for home though but too valuable to bring camping

JimBRICK

08-21-2007, 08:11 PM

I've had the itch for a guitar too. I'm blaming guitar hero for bringing it back. :) I played bass in my high school jazz band, but haven't really touched a guitar since then. (Holy shit, 14 years!)

I'm thinking about a bass now too, that or a banjo

GaryZ06

08-21-2007, 08:21 PM

I agree with everything said above....but hey what do I know....I'm just a drummer:eek:

Early B.

08-21-2007, 08:31 PM

Question -- if you're left handed, do you guys recommend a left handed guitar for newbies or should lefties learn to use a right handed guitar due to a much larger selection, etc.?

Thanks.

mantis

08-21-2007, 09:58 PM

You aren't going to get a good enough guitar to learn on in that price range new. Used, maybe....

Can you buy a guitar new for $150? Yes.

Problem is, it's crap, and a crappy instrument is going to produce crap sound, no matter how good you may be. Crappy sound will make you frustrated and it'll make it easier to quit.

I have been playing for a really long time and I would say you should try to go used or make the decision to stick with it and spend $300-$500 on one. That's the bare minimum I would spend on a new guitar. $700-$900 price range you'll find some really good guitars. The great ones are around $1200+
I agree but also disagree. Fender squire has these all in one box guitar, amp , picks strap , tuners etc, everything you need to get started. You are getting a cheap suire stratocaster but to get going???? Hell yeah man. My friends son I help him pick out one and now my nephew has one as well and it's great. hell I'm considering getting one fo my son and teaching him how to play.
Key here is the Stratocaster no matter what kind of music you like, it can perform well. It's probably the most universal guitar made on the planet. Starting with a cheap one, finding out you love to play, now your on your way to a whole new level. Even the neck is nice. I played 3 of them now and for a starter , it's awesome.

Check one out.

snow

08-21-2007, 11:05 PM

Too bad you didnt post yesterday, I gave one away that been sitting in storage for years. I would have sent it to you for postage.

REGARDS SNOW

POLKOHOLIC

08-22-2007, 05:20 PM

POLKOHOLIC

08-22-2007, 05:24 PM

or how about this one...i like this becasue it comes with alot of accessories: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-D8GAP-Acoustic-Guitar-Pack?sku=515437

krabby5

08-22-2007, 05:35 PM

thanks for all the replies guys. im considering purchasing the epiphone pr150

i found this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-PR150-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512457V

which is the same thing but B stock for 30 bucks less.

another question: i basically want to play songs i know...like alternative rock/classical rock....what kind of music do you guys think i can play with this...?

I would start by learning some chords by playing songs you know...simple songs like "Horse with No Name" or "Wild Thing"..that way you get a little familiar with chords..

just search online for easy acoustic guitar songs with tablature...the tablature will tell you where to place your fingers on the fret board..after awhile, the chords will start to all look familar..

Bamadude

08-22-2007, 07:31 PM

...another question: i basically want to play songs i know...like alternative rock/classical rock....what kind of music do you guys think i can play with this...?

Heck, you can probably play 500 songs by just learning G, C, D chords. Throw in a Am and Em and that'll cover another 1000. You'll be howling along in no time :)

Here's a chord finder that comes in handy http://chordfind.com/

AsSiMiLaTeD

08-22-2007, 08:05 PM

I bought one of those baja that music123 had on for $50 a while back. It's actually quite a nice guitar for the price I paid. I'd have to plunk down at least $200 to find something better.

dragon1952

08-23-2007, 12:33 AM

Epiphone is every bit as good as Fenders Mexican line. I own both, as well as an American Fender and an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul. I would not hesitate to recommend an Epiphone or Mexican Fender for a beginner. Also, look at Schecter. Schecters (which I also own) are awesome for the money. Any of those would be fine. Buy used and you'll get close to all your money back if it doesn't work out.

POLKOHOLIC

08-23-2007, 03:19 PM

if you can supply links that would be great. thanks.

also, what do you think of the 2 guitars that i listed in my previous posts?

id like something which comes in a package with tuners, etc...

fatchowmein

08-23-2007, 03:31 PM

You should buy from a local shop and befriend the owner and staff if you are even somewhat serious. They can fit you with a guitar and let you try several different designs.

Then you can stop in from time to time when you get bored and pick up free tips and good deals!

+1. I too wasn't sure how much devotion I was going to give it. A great local store will figure out what you want to do and make a recommendation based on your input. I spent months in and out of Guitar Center but ended up buying from a local non-chain shop because of service.

If you're in the DFW area, try Murphy's Music Centers (972-554-6030).

A good local store will also give you great info on instructors based on what you want to play.

I bought a La Patrie Collection. Luv it. If my place caught on fire, I'd grab my guitar and leave my computers, speakers, etc behind. Of course my guitar weighs allot less. Oh, yeah, grab the wife and dogs, too. :p

Edit: Oh, yeah, one more thing. Even if you don't have the time now to play all the time, which is my case, you'll discover that your guitar grows on you and sounds better over time, meaning, when you're really ready for it, it'll sound great. Just keep it out of the garage.

I'd recommend starting at $300 or higher (new) but you can sometimes find a great $600 used guitar for $200-$300.

Enjoy!

dragon1952

08-23-2007, 10:18 PM

The problem with most of the small shops is selection. You've got to be a pretty big shop to sell the big names. In the small shops you get brands like Cort :rolleyes:
Also, the package deals are normally very low end. I would shy away from any of the guitar paks.

krabby5

08-24-2007, 12:19 AM

you really can't go wrong with this one...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Hummingbird-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518028

ledhed

08-24-2007, 01:32 AM

You can get a Samick cheap - i got mine for 150 new. Amazing guitar for the price. Has Grover tuners so it will hold tune longer than most other cheap guitars.

http://www.smcmusic.com/website_gregbennett/acousticportal.html

Vr3MxStyler2k3

08-24-2007, 03:12 AM

I work at a small music store, have so for a year and a half +...

Let me give you some pointers about buying a new instrument.

1) Don't buy online. Why? Simple. When people come to me with something they bought online, particularly for warranty work...

Here is my mindset, 1) I'm going to take my sweet time to get this fixed it 2) I'm going to charge you for shipping, parts, and labor 3) I'm also going to explain that if you had bought this from us, not only would we have fixed this for free, but probally would of done it within 2-3 days.

Also, Muscians Friend has a 30 day return policy or 45 days, however - to get any type of manufacture help (guitars have life time warranties) you have to go to a local dealer.

So help your dealer out so they will be more willing to help you out.

And small dealers carry big brands too.

We carry Gibson, Taylor, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha, Fender, Washburn, Takamine, Ovation, Sierra, Johnson, Schector, SDGR (Ibanez), and many many more.

There isn't much that we can't get and our prices are the same as any reputable, authorized online dealer.

Just an input from a local shop perspective.

Also, people that buy stuff from me, I'll give them picks, strings, straps - etc etc - no problem. You support me, I'll support you.

Keep that in mind.

PS: When you go to your local shop, don't be an ass on price. The margins on instruments/amps is minimal. Accessories is where its at. Hit them up for free stuff instead of 20-30 bucks on discounts. The salesman will remember that, and will be much more willing to hook you up in the future.

I never forget a pain in the ass. And will always fight them back with price haggling. Always.

carpenter

08-24-2007, 05:17 AM

You have a fantastic job. I am envious.
I have a similar job: substitute guitars with computers, and musicians with slick, annoying sales people, and customers who think the sun shines from their ass, and its practically the same.. [ :( ]

oh well, at least this thread sent me on a guilt trip for not playing my amazing Takamine enough, so I ended up playing for hours. got big plans for the week end also.:cool: