Buying a guitar?!
Question: I'm very new to the guitar. In fact, I've never even had lessons. But, a friend of mine was teaching me a few chords, and I picked it up really fast. Plus, I loved it! I'm totally hooked, and now I want to buy my own guitar. But, I have no idea what to look for or how much I should expect to pay. Anyone out there who can tell me all I need to know about buying a guitar?
Answers: I'm very new to the guitar. In fact, I've never even had lessons. But, a friend of mine was teaching me a few chords, and I picked it up really fast. Plus, I loved it! I'm totally hooked, and now I want to buy my own guitar. But, I have no idea what to look for or how much I should expect to pay. Anyone out there who can tell me all I need to know about buying a guitar?
Matt's right - the Takamine G230, EG230 (has electric plug in), or G230C (cedar top, same guitar - softer top, more tone). All at GC for $200-250. The Jasmine is fine for a kid, but wouldn't you be more encouraged to play if it sounds better?
Acoustic is easier to start on - but here's a couple pointers:
Buy teflon coated strings - Alchemy or Elixir are brand names. Easier on the hands for wear, costs more, but lasts as long as the cost difference is.
Get picks with grip on them - if you sweat, get chalking picks.
Pick a way to learn that fits your learning style. There's no "lesson" or "book" that is better than your particular, individual way of learning. If all you need is a radio and a book, so be it. If you like a chord finder, fine. Lessons, fine. Just don't assume you need all that to succeed, or let others define what a good guitar player is - when you're starting, it's about feeling good doing it and the excitement of beginning expression, many times.
Take your guitar friend with you when you go to buy, so he/she can check out the guitars there and pick one that's set up the best, check the frets (should feel smooth from the neck sides), and make sure it holds octaves (tone) well.
When you're ready for electric, you'll either have a better idea of your direction or you can ask here and get ideas of what gear gives what sound... then go out and audition pieces of gear to fit your needs. That's part of the fun, too, so don't miss out... (that means be sure to pick up the Fender and Epiphone acoustics and others to make sure you agree the Takamine is better, but it's a good bet you'll agree).
Occasionally, you'll find a used Seagull for $300 that will beat the Takamine, even for the price. If you find one, get that instead.
first off get an acoustic. its better to learn on. i would recommend a takamine or a washburn if your looking at spending like 200 to 400 dollars.
To start with, a Takamine knock-off, called Jasmine, can be found at Guitar Center or the like for about a hundred bucks.
Acoustic or electric?
Buy one that feels most comfortable and has a sound you love also.
ask about return policy usually they are very strict .
Inquire about rentals that way you can spend some time with different guitars.
Shop around and take your time.
a cheap Fender Acoustic.....