People who know about guitars:
Posted by KissMeKate on Dec 07, 2008 · Member since Aug 2007 · 7322 posts
If I were going to buy myself a cheaper but functional/decent acoustic guitar to learn on, how would I go about finding one? Where would I look? How do I know if it's good or shitty? How much money should I spend if it's just for fun?
Thank you!
:)
I have an acoustic Yamaha that my grandmother handed down to me. Everyone tells me that it's too small somehow, and sometimes I agree, but we still love each other.
Not tips, I know. I just thought I'd share.
KMK, if you're wanting to learn, I wouldn't spend more than $150 - $200 on it.
Guitar Center is great, musiciansfriend.com is great. Also, you may be surprised at what you can find at a pawn shop.
Kelsi has some great tips, and I would like to add to NOT get one that has nylon strings. I think they suck and sound terrible.
I would like to add to NOT get one that has nylon strings. I think they suck and sound terrible.
But they're more comfortable for beginning fingers.
Kelsi has some great tips, and I would like to add to NOT get one that has nylon strings. I think they suck and sound terrible.
What are the other kinds of strings that I should get?
What are the other kinds of strings that I should get?
I think they are made with nickel or bronze. Nylon strings are normally white and plastic looking. The others look metallic and are usually a silver or bronze color. I was always partial to Ernie Ball strings.
But they're more comfortable for beginning fingers.
This may be true, but I still think that it would be best to learn on the metal strings. That way you can go ahead and get the callouses over with and not feel like you're relearning how to play when you make the switch.
ETA: Just echoing Kelsi here...
If the guitar feels right and sounds good to you, then that is all that really matters.
It's kinda like when Harry Potter went to get his wand. You'll know which one is the right one by the way it feels when you're holding it.
;)b
You'll know which one is the right one by the way it feels when you're holding it.
;)b
I just really want to make some sort of dirty joke about this sentence.
You'll know which one is the right one by the way it feels when you're holding it.
;)b
I just really want to make some sort of dirty joke about this sentence.
I won't mind. KMK probably won't either.
:-D
You'll know which one is the right one by the way it feels when you're holding it.
;)b
I just really want to make some sort of dirty joke about this sentence.
Mmmmmmm.
This may be true, but I still think that it would be best to learn on the metal strings. That way you can go ahead and get the callouses over with and not feel like you're relearning how to play when you make the switch.
I'll definitely go with metal strings then. My fingers have 15 years of violin calluses on them. They're up to the challenge.
You're not going to need special strings for an acoustic-electric, but try not to pick one up that's geared towards always being plugged in. These often have thinner bodies. Of course, what is most important, is how the guitar feels and sounds to you, and if it comes with a deluxe hardshell bag of frozen vegetables.
I haven't played a lot of Alvarez guitars, but from what I have played, I'm a fan. You can get a decent guitar for a couple hundred bucks or so, from what I remember. I also like Ibanez acoustics, especially the ArtWood line. If you can find one used for $100-$200, that could be a pretty good purchase. I've gotten most of my guitars on Craig's List, and I've gotten some pretty good deals, including a really nice Guild D-25 with the original hardshell case (OHSC) for $350. That's probably not the best of the deals I've gotten, but anyways...
I think a substantial problem people have while getting into playing guitar, is that a lot of them pick up a craptar. El-cheapo, press down reeeaalll hard, turn blue and pass out, while being serenaded by the warbling Fisher Price woodscrap. But hey, I suppose it beats sleeping pills. You have to find a guitar, a tone that inspires you to play and improve, and I'm guessing it's not as likely to utter forth from a Folger's can strung up with leftover dental floss.
Oh, and as for strings, I get mine at www.webstrings.com. They're good strings, and save you some money.
Kate, again I have to say, come over for dinner and play with LB's guitars! He has 3 though I dont know what they all are. One is acoustic 6 string, another is an acoustic 12 string and he has an awesome electric. You could get in your cigar smoking experience AND guitar trial all over dinner one weekend!
Kate, again I have to say, come over for dinner and play with LB's guitars! He has 3 though I dont know what they all are. One is acoustic 6 string, another is an acoustic 12 string and he has an awesome electric. You could get in your cigar smoking experience AND guitar trial all over dinner one weekend!
Totally jealous over here.
You can come up too CK!
Kate, again I have to say, come over for dinner and play with LB's guitars! He has 3 though I dont know what they all are. One is acoustic 6 string, another is an acoustic 12 string and he has an awesome electric. You could get in your cigar smoking experience AND guitar trial all over dinner one weekend!
Haha, Cali, you are my one-stop shop for everything!
I'll come over, bring my GC, and we'll have cigars and rock out on guitars.
Of course, what is most important, is how the guitar feels and sounds to you, and if it comes with a deluxe hardshell bag of frozen vegetables.
Damn, I must have gotten ripped off.........no box of frozen veggies came with mine. I'm a lefty, and that has always hindered me from learning to play. Y'all are making me want to come over and jam witcha, tho.
Someone might have already mentioned this, but If you're looking at second hand stores, watch out for water damage or warping.
I also like Ibanez acoustics, especially the ArtWood line. If you can find one used for $100-$200, that could be a pretty good purchase. I've gotten most of my guitars on Craig's List, and I've gotten some pretty good deals, including a really nice Guild D-25 with the original hardshell case (OHSC) for $350. That's probably not the best of the deals I've gotten, but anyways...
I used to play a little ibanez too, and it was great! It was a travel size and I couldn't believe the sound that came out of it. Watch out for brandnames though, some fenders are made in Mexico or Japan and just aren't as good as the American ones. Most of the Squier stuff is okay, but if the price isn't fantastic I wouldn't reccomend it. It's basically made by the same factories that make the walmart brand guitars.
My advice is that If you have really tiny hands, start with a travel size guitar, and then get a standard one. I tried to learn on a standard, but I was in a world of hurt cause I couldn't stretch over more than 2 frets. Now that my hands are tougher and more flexible, I can do a whopping three! (progress is progress I suppose...).
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