I want to buy my first guitar - what do you recommend ?

[Laava]

[fireliv]

HI

I started playing a few years back. I went to Music works, got a guitar, bag, strap, extra set of strings, beginners cd and picks for about $200. I think they still run that kinda deal, and also run it with an electric guitar and amp for a bit more. The guitar is your standard guitar and I have had no probs with it.

Good luck whatever you decide

[CB ARGH]

Anything specific that I should avoid as a beginner ?
Shit guitars.

Electric VS Non-electric ?
Depends what you want from it. If you get an electric are you just going to stand infront of the mirror all day pretending to be a rockstar?

I see there are guitars with plastic strings and with steel strings. Which is better ?
If you go electric, most of the guitars (99.99999999999%) are steel strings, I've never seen a nylon stringed electric guitar (apart from an acoustic electric). If you go for an acoustic guitar, choose the nylon/plastic strings, as the metal ones will make your fingers hurt like shit, and you'll end up not wanting to play it because of this.

Is an older guitar a good choice for a first guitar or should I go new ?
No offense, but they're fuckin cheap brand new these days, don't waste time buying second hand, just go for a basic packaged deal for around $500 bucks from the local music store, a guitar, amp, strap, lead, and bag package deal, tuner also if you're lucky.

Are there any shops that you buy your guitars from that you recommend ?
Go West Music store... a.k.a Music Works... Wouldn't go anywhere else.


I hate the guitar, I perfer drums. I have owned three guitars (2 elec, one acoustic). Much perfer the electric.

[musicman]

Oooooh those are nice! I wonder where one can buy one of those...

[peasea]

On a lighter note, and this is the key thing, don't get anything that's too highly strung, it'll make you fret, but that's a bridge you'll have to cross without sticking your neck out or going for a slide. Just watch your tailpiece and pick it carefully. After that, adjusting your knobs will come easily.

[musicman]

Don't get a guitar, get a ukulele - more fun and more portable!

[TOTO]

I like an acoustic more than electric.

Will check out the shops you guys recommended.

Cheers for the info.

[Big Dave]

If an Ibanez or Yamaha is within what you want to spend - it's hard to go wrong.

Don't discount a second hand one either. They don't wear out - they wear in.
Struggling musician + pawn shop= happy toto.

My last one was a Good classical from Lewis Eady Gt Sth Rd.

[Laava]

Don't get a guitar, get a ukulele - more fun and more portable!>

Good find,awesome! That was you though wasn't it Michael?

[CB ARGH]

If an Ibanez or Yamaha is within what you want to spend - it's hard to go wrong.

Don't discount a second hand one either. They don't wear out - they wear in.
Struggling musician + pawn shop= happy toto.

My last one was a Good classical from Lewis Eady Gt Sth Rd.

Is Ibanez really that good?

I got a cheapo package for $500 retail. Guitar, amp, strap, cord etc... Buzzed like crazy, and tbh a shit guitar.

Unless it was a clone?

[bully]

If an Ibanez or Yamaha is within what you want to spend - it's hard to go wrong.

Don't discount a second hand one either. They don't wear out - they wear in.
Struggling musician + pawn shop= happy toto.

My last one was a Good classical from Lewis Eady Gt Sth Rd.

on a steel string frets wear out, and you get buzzing.

[Mikkel]

Don't bother with brand names... As with motorcycles find something that you like the feel and sound of. Try and find one that doesn't rattle too badly and has been regularly serviced (finger board hasn't dried out too badly).
As with anything else, you get what you pay for - but you can easily pay too much! There are guitars out there that are both cheap and good, go talk to someone who's enthusiastic about guitars - e.g. a luthier if you have one nearby.

On a lighter note, and this is the key thing, don't get anything that's too highly strung, it'll make you fret, but that's a bridge you'll have to cross without sticking your neck out or going for a slide. Just watch your tailpiece and pick it carefully. After that, adjusting your knobs will come easily.

[Big Dave]

on a steel string frets wear out, and you get buzzing.

I have an Ibanez steel string that is about 30 years old. Apart from self-inflicted bruises, is in as-new condition.

Frets perfect - neck straight as.

Moderate use. Fingerpicking. Although the Hippie has just had it for 12 mths so it's had some strenuous work too.

You get what you pay for.

My Alhambra semi electric classical is a truly bewtiful thang.

[musicman]

Good find,awesome! That was you though wasn't it Michael?

Haha, I wish! Unfortunately I can't play the uke at that level... nor the guitar.

[Mikkel]

Come on guys. Since we're talking about the guys first guitar I didn't bother with comments like:

"My Fender Stratocaster Ultra doesn't seem too bad. I could however do with a little bit more sustain on the parallel setting for the dual Red Fender Lace Sensor pickups."

or

"I am quite pleased with the tone and action of my Taylor 814CE... however, I find that the piezo-electric pickup doesn't pickup all of the nuances of the sound."

All of the established brands makes some good guitars - and all of them make some cheaper entry models. Shopping for guitars is a lot more fun than shopping for t-shirts - just go out there and do it. Just remember that the most important thing in order to enjoy it is a bit of patience - learning any instrument takes time and you never know for sure whether you'll enjoy it before you've had a go.

If you can, borrow a decent guitar from a mate and have a few lessons before buying an instrument for yourself. If you were in Chch I'd be happy to lend you one...