Sorry this isn't running related but I would like to learn how to play the guitar and was wondering what were some decent brands or types of guitars that I could look into purchasing and what kind of prices I should expect to pay. I don't want a cheapo but not top of the line either, just a good, solid instrument. Thanks
If you're looking for an acoustic guitar I would check out Seagull guitars - pretty good quality at very reasonable prices. If you're interested in an electric, it kinda depends on the style of music you're interested in playing.
fender mexican strat or telecaster, around $300, same parts as American made fender models
fender mexican made telecaster/stratocaster around $300
To clarify information...I'm looking at acoustic. Thanks
Oh, ok. Seagull would be my recommendation then. They're generally well balanced as far as playability and tone go even as low as $300-400.
Fender Strat for sure. If you can afford it the classic Gibson Les Paul or a nice SAG if you are into AC-DC's Angus Young.
Jackson makes some good models and Peavey USED to as well.
Oops. Acoustic?
Ovation, Yamaha (yes they make guitars) or perhaps a Gibson D-18.
alvarez makes good middle of the line acoustics
I picked up a Fender Acoustic classic widebody for lefthanders with metal strings earlier in the month. It's from a respected Brand and seems to be decent for a beginner. Got it on sale for $200. You're gonna want a guitar tuner too. The Korg GT-3 is a pretty popular one that goes for about $30.
Martin
or just try what sounds good to you. And don't pay full retail ever. You can get any guitar for about 30% off retail.
I second the seagull guitar recomendation. I just bought the Seagull Grand (smaller body) as a gift for a somewhat petite young woman. I spent about $320, and the sound is great compared to other smaller sized guitars. It is very playable and an all around great buy.
Go to a pawn shop and buy a used name brand instrument such as a Gibson or even a few lesser but well made brands.
You don't want to get a guitar that sounds like a toy. It should have a great, rich tone.
The other thing you want to do is examine the instrument for damage. This damage will most likely be to the neck. Often, people will mistreat an instrument and warp the neck. At this point, it is junk.
To check for a warped neck, look down the length of the guitar from the bridge and see if the frets are parallel looking. It should look like a pristine set of railroad tracks. A warped neck will have a certain crookedness in the appearance of the frets.
The next thing to do is check for fret buzz. This is where the string vibrates against a fret when you have it fingered on a different fret. This will most likely occur around the area where the neck goes into the body of the guitar (the 12th fret.) Play different notes on all the strings. If you get the buzz, don't buy the instrument.
You can buy a new instrument for cheap, but you won't get the same tone as a classic.
Out.
If you've got the money, Taylor's sound amazing. Just a personal preference for acoustics...I love their sound.
La Musica wrote:
Oops. Acoustic?
Ovation, Yamaha (yes they make guitars)
Ovation? Never cared for a guitar made out of plastic.
Takamine makes a great guitar at a reasonable price. Many pros play takamines for live shows and leave the expensive guitars for the studio.
if you want a good acoustic look at a Martin or an Alvarez, or maybe a Taylor, of course Fender and Gibson have good acoustics too.
geez..you don't even know if you'll like playing guitar....Alvarez..a good cheap first guitar...there are others........