Buying your first Guitar?

Question

So I'm going to start learning to play guitar but to do that i need a to buy a guitar first (obviously).

Any suggestions as to what to buy and what to look for. Tips and such.

Links would be very much appreciated. :D

Answer 1

I've been playing an Ibanez Acoustic-Electric since I started.

Great sounding guitar for a very good price:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/produ...

I would recommend learning on an acoustic because once you get that down, an electric will be a breeze to play.  It's nice to have an acoustic that you can plug into an amp as well (acoustic-electric).

Answer 2

Stay away from one's made in China, Taiwan, and Korea... Name brand one's made in Mexico are usually ok.

Ibanez, makes some good starter guitars. I would go with something with at least one humbucker and if possible no wammy bar...

ADDED...

Sorry, didn't know you were starting out acoustic... good choice by the way. I think the two links you provided are good choices...

Make sure the neck "fits" you hand before you buy. Also, there are some nice hand made guitars out there in that price range. I like the Seagull's and Art-Luthier one's.

Answer 3

  There are plenty of guitars sitting around unused in people's garages and closets. Ask around & see if one wants to sell. That would be better than spending money for a good new one and then finding out you don't want it anymore after 6-8 months. Look on Craigslist or ebay and see if you don't find hundreds available. For heaven's sake whatever you do, don't buy a cheap acoustic b/c that will nearly guarantee frustration as the action is always crummy on them. Action is used to describe the amount of pressure you have to apply with your fingers to produce a clear note or chord.

Answer 4

My suggestion is you go into a music store and "try one on" because it's really personal prefrence. I've played for 16 years and will say I prefer a Gibson guitar over a Fender any day (and I've owned both)

Answer 5

Get an Epiphone Les Paul Special II.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/produ...

Answer 6

Before you buy a dreadnought you should try one.  Many people, especially those of smaller stature, find them uncomfortably large.  There are many excellent smaller guitars available.

Answer 7

Buy something used off Craigslist, it may not be the prettiest but you'll get a slightly higher quality guitar for the same money that a cheap new guitar would cost.

Find something made in the USA, Mexico made stuff tends to be cheap, not bad quality, just the materials that go into it are fairly cheap.