ISO Guitar advice

[lisas3575]

I've been mulling learning acoustic guitar for a few years now, and I think I'm ready to take the plunge. Unfortunately, I don't know anything. I went to our local music store, and they offer lessons but don't rent guitars (apparently no one in town does), so I have to buy. I'd rather buy used, but I have no idea what to look for, what brands to steer clear of or what size to get, so should I buy new? There were 5,000 listings on Ebay and with no knowledge of what to look for, I'm afraid of getting duped.

I'd love any advice, experience, words of wisdom or funny stories.

[syzygy]

The best advice I could give would be to buy something you could "try out" first. My 1st guitar was 3/4 size, so the fretboard was a little easier to work with (for me), being somewhat narrower. I also loved the sound it produced -- nice, mellow tones. It wasn't overly expensive, or even a well known name, but for a learning tool it was fine. Hold the guitar, strum it to hear the tones it can make, and when you find one you feel comfortable with, you'll know its yours.

Have fun with your lessons!!!

[MrsReber]

I used to have a 12 string Gibson. It was beautiful. But that disappeared along with my Gibson SG electic guitar when I broke up with my loser boyfriend many years ago. I never learned how to play all that well. Anyway, Gibson is a very good name. I got the electric because the action (distance between the strings and the neck) is much lower and thus it was easier for me to play. It's hard to press those strings down! I love the sound of a 12 string, but it's not best to start with! If you're just learning to play, you may want to go cheaper and then, when you learn and decide if you want to stick with it, you can get something nicer. As syzygy pointed out, you should sit down and try a few out first. See what's comfortable. Have fun!

[muriel3002]

Usually Yahama is a pretty good name to stick to.... at least for most other instruments it is, so I would assume (if they made guitars) that they would make good guitars, too....

[sneezles]

Lisa,
My oldest and youngest DSs both learned on a Franciscan 6-string acoustic. It runs between $75-$100. We've had it about 10 years and while it has been decorated with "tatoos" it still sounds very good.

[bluestocking]

Whatever you choose, make sure it's a good guitar. If you get a cheap one it won't stay in tune and you'll become frustrated and won't see results from your practicing. Martin acoustics are classics.

[Robyncz]

Lisa--
I've dredged this old thread up because I was about to post the EXACT same question and for once I ran a search first.

Did you ever buy a guitar? If so, what kind? And are you happy with it?

I play the clarinet, but for a couple of years now, I've wanted to pick up the acoustic guitar. I'm relatively certain I'll stick with it, so I want to buy a guitar inexpensive enough to learn on, but decent enough to keep.

I've done a little bit of research, but really I'm at the mercy of the salespeople, since I know nothing. So far, I'm looking at a Takamine GS330S (can get one around $200 used or on e-bay) and the Alvarez RD8 (between $150-$175). Is there something else I should be looking at?

Thanks!
Robyn

[ellielk]

Robyn,

I've only started looking at this board recently so hadn't seen the earlier thread. I've been playing guitar for quite a while (doesn't mean I'm any good - just that I've been playing) but about 3 years ago invested in a Martin OM-size acoustic guitar that I love to death.

I searched all the large music and guitar stores but ended up buying from a small guitar shop that sold Martins and some 'boutique' guitars that were way out of my price range. I ended up spending about $1200 and feel that it was money well spent.

I had taught myself to play from the chord charts in a folk music book and learned chords as I needed them to play the songs I wanted to sing. I've since been to a guitar camp and taken acoustic fingerstyle blues lessons. Several of the instructors have complimented my guitar so I think I made a good choice.

My philosophy when buying an item like this is not to but the cheapest nor the most expensive. Cheap will sound ugly as you get better and expensive will be hard to justify if you decide not to continue. Gibson and Martin are good, reliable brands. Gibson also makes Epiphone which is a little less expensive but sounds good. A more reputable name and, if you decide not to continue with it, will be easier to sell.

So, what kind of music would you like to play? That should narrow the types of guitar you'd be looking at, too.

Good luck.
Ellie

[lisas3575]

I ended up buying an Ibinez (steel string) from our local shop. It was about $300. It sounds great for the price, and I didn't want to drop any more than that initially. As it is, I haven't made time to practice in a couple of months and have lost all my callouses. I need to find a new teacher and get going again.

[jem927]

Interesting time to pick up this thread....

I am starting a classical guitar class this evening, and posted a similar question a couple months ago when I was pondering the idea.

I ended up with a Cordoba classical guitar. Very nice sound, and a good size for a female, in my opinion.. It seems to fit me, you know..

Anyway, definitely take the plunge and try it. As for lessons, you may want to do some research -- check with local community colleges, and music stores for references. There are SOOO many folks out there that "teach" - they may be good at playing, but may not be the best teacher. So, definitely look around for your options on lessons.

GOOD LUCK! and keep us posted on how it goes.


Jamie