Thread: Need guitar advice - Beginner

I was actually just playing the air guitar to some def leppard. I don't know much about real ones.

At the price range you're looking at, it doesn't really matter. They're made of plywood. I know what buying a guitar is like and you want to think you're getting a nice instrument but the reality is you're buying at the absolute lowest end of the spectrum. If you buy something in that price range just make sure the neck angle, the tuners, and the frets/fretboard are ok. It would be best to take a friend who knows something about them or you can ask me if you don't know how to check those things.

If it were me, I would at least try to find something with a solid top. Maybe a used Blueridge since they're about $350 new. Actually I would be looking at used instruments in general.

Originally Posted by Hitman0809

Hello fellas, I'm just startin out with guitar and need some advice on purchasing something for myself. I hate talking to sales people at store because I feel they mostly just want to make sales. . . fucking bastards.

Anyway, after a search, it seems as if there are plenty of musical big guys on this forum so if anyone could help me out I would love you long time lol.

A PM would be awesome but for the sake of the thread I was looking at these three guitars: Hohner HW300 / Yamaha F335 / Epiphone PR-150. Keep in mind I am a broke ass college student and my price range it low. Anyone have experience with these instruments or maybe something I've looked over, I am open to suggestion, thanks in advance!

Are you talking about acoustics? Of the three that you mentioned I would go with the Epiphone (it's the only one that is owned by a real "guitar" company). I would not spend less than $300.00 on a beginner instrument. You can find plenty of decent Washburns, Fenders, Mitchells, Epiphones, etc. in this price range.

Look for the least expensive guitar that comes with a "solid top" (spruce or cedar is preferable). These will typically have plywood bodies. Cheaper guitars are all plywood and not as resonant. The tone sucks as a result, the frets are normally ganky and the fingerboards warp over time. All of these things will make you want to quit as a beginning player so be sure to focus on quality.

American Musical Supply offers a three payment plan on orders between 300.00 to 900.00 with no credit checks at all, so if you can afford 100-200 a month for 3 payments then you could get a really nice beginner guitar.

p.s. if you are considering electric, they are easier to learn on. I would go with a Mexican Strat (around 400.00) or an Epiphone Les Paul Standard (around the same price). There are some headphone amps that cost around 100.00 that allow you to practice with classic amp sounds but without anyone else hearing. Again, go to AMS if you want to spread the cost over a few months.

Buy something used. In this economy you can get a great deal on something like that. Be patient and keep checking Craig's list.

Originally Posted by troubador

At the price range you're looking at, it doesn't really matter. They're made of plywood. I know what buying a guitar is like and you want to think you're getting a nice instrument but the reality is you're buying at the absolute lowest end of the spectrum. If you buy something in that price range just make sure the neck angle, the tuners, and the frets/fretboard are ok. It would be best to take a friend who knows something about them or you can ask me if you don't know how to check those things.

If it were me, I would at least try to find something with a solid top. Maybe a used Blueridge since they're about $350 new. Actually I would be looking at used instruments in general.

Blueridges are awesome for the price! I played a Martin copy and I thought in some ways it sounded better than the real thing (more lively I think due to the lighter construction).

Thanks for the responses. Yes, I am aware something in this price range will not be as nice quality but I'm a poor college student lol; plus its a first instrument. I'm taking a trip to a guitar store tomorrow and I shall see what they have, def goin to look into some used instruments as well. Thanks again

Originally Posted by Hitman0809

Thanks for the responses. Yes, I am aware something in this price range will not be as nice quality but I'm a poor college student lol; plus its a first instrument. I'm taking a trip to a guitar store tomorrow and I shall see what they have, def goin to look into some used instruments as well. Thanks again

Dude, if you live in a college town I guarantee there is some frat boy who's folks bought him a Martin and he has given up playing already that will sell for 400 bucks. Don't rush.

Buy a decent quality one, my first was a Fender and it was nice enough that I enjoyed playing, trust me there is a huge difference. I bought a cheap $80 acoustic at Target for taking to the beach and it is harsh on my finger tips even with strong callouses....but I don't have to worry about salt air and sand screwing up my $900 instrument....

Originally Posted by hoyle21

Buy something used. In this economy you can get a great deal on something like that. Be patient and keep checking Craig's list.

This^^^

I just got my son a brand new Gibson sg standard with the case for 850.00. It had the plastic wrap still on it. People are hurting for money.

yamaha makes a good budget guitar, i actually have a fg331 built in 1975 that still plays quite well, I'd go with the yamaha personally

I'd go with the Epi.

I must say my bang around First Act from Target isn't as horrible as other cheapies I've had, especially after I put a set of Elixir nanowebs on it....

Of the three you suggested, I'd go with the Epiphone, too.

I just looked, there are 41000 acoustic guitars on e-bay right now. I'm sure you can find something there.

I saw at the guitar store by my house they have a Christmas special on Takamine beginners for $250. I was thinking of getting one to replace my bang around, leave sitting in the living room First Act...