How about some advice re beginner guitar purchase?

[cantdrv55]

Seriously thinking about taking up guitar so I'm looking into buying a beginner instrument. How much should I spend for a good quality one? Costco has a Yamaha classical guitar for around $100 or an acoustic for around $150. Should I consider those or go to a music store?

[slodave]

Are you looking to play classical music or rock and roll? A classical guitar has a wider/thicker neck and nylon/cat gut strings, not really suited for power chords.

Everyone around here seems to like the Fender strats (new).

I built mine, so I can't really be of much help. My first guitar, was a Kramer, used and maybe $125.00 for the guitar, bag, and small amp.

[3.2Carrera]

I work at a guitar store called California Vintage Guitar and Amp. It really depends what you are looking to do ( like Dave said), you can't go wrong with a Fender Stratocaster, If you get a 1962 Re-issue they are great. The ones that are made in Mexico or Japan are great guitar and they run about $500, or you could get a Squire Strat they are a bit less and can be good guitars when set up right. Feel free to call me at the shop and we can talk guitars, my name is Joey.

Here is the web site: www.californiavintageguitarandamp.com

5244 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, C.A
818-789-8884

[cantdrv55]

I really didn't know the diff between classical and acoustic. Should I buy an electric now? Thanks for the advice.

[3.2Carrera]

an electric is great because you can plug into an amp and its going to have a cool sound!! But an acoustic is also good.... you should go to the closest guitar store around and just look at an acoustic and an electric and hold them both in you hands and play around with them see what you like more.... and then go from there. there is no better....at the end of the day you have to want to play the guitar you buy, get something that you think you will enjoy playing and learning how to play...

[slodave]

The above is right on. If you wanna play rock and roll, get an electric. If you are into the Eagles, John Denver... Get an acoustic.

I'd also take lessons and focus on actually reading music, theory, really get into it. Learning tabs and how to play commercial songs is great, but learning how the song is made, is even better.

Dave

[cantdrv55]

I found a website that's pretty helpful.

http://www.wikihow.com/Rapidly-Learn-to-Play-the-Acoustic-Guitar-Yourself

[Jeff]

cantdrv55, You can get a nice acoustic from Alvarez (sp?) around your price range. I have had mine for 25 years and it still plays great. If you go the acoustic route (steel strings) start with a light gauge string until your fingers can handle a heavier gauge. The heavier strings will give you a fuller sound. I like the Elixar brand as the wound stings have goretex or some sort of fillers in the valleys allowing your fingers to move/slide easier.

If you go electric, look at the Yamaha Pacifica. Good starting point. It is the classic "Stratocaster" shape, but its pick up set up is 2,1,1 as opposed to 1,1,1. I have one and it sounds good and is easy to play. Even has a Whaa Whaa bar ;-).

Problem with electrics is you still have to buy an amp.

Good thing about electrics is you can put earphones on and rock out without disturbing the rest of the family.

[cantdrv55]

Thanks Jeff!

[Rot 911]

What Jeff said on the strings. Most acoustics come with really heavy gauge steel strings which are hard for a beginner to manipulate.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by 3.2Carrera

I work at a guitar store called California Vintage Guitar and Amp. my name is Joey.

Here is the web site: www.californiavintageguitarandamp.com

5244 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, C.A
818-789-8884

I've bought a few guitars from these guys. Great to deal with and good pricing.

[VINMAN]

You can try a Stratacoustic. It's a thin hollowbody electric. one of my faves.
It has a great sound to it
Kramer used to make one too.

[3.2Carrera]

posted by: craigster59

I've bought a few guitars from these guys. Great to deal with and good pricing.

Ya...Thanks .....If any of you guitar players need a deal on a guitar I will be more than happy to help you guys out...