Recommendation for a beginners acoustic guitar?

[71T Targa]

Can anyone recommend a guitar for a beginner that will last a while?

What should I expect to pay?

Not top of the line, but not wally world either.

Thanks

[cwiert]

i'd say it depends on who its for and what he or she is looking to do with it.
When I was a kid, my first guitar was an electric, but I got an Ovation acoustic shortly after. Ovations are good because you can still plug them in, and they are very comfortable to play with their rounded backs (molded plastic). Also, they tend to have nice low action (the distance from the strings to the fretboard). The downside is that they don't sound as good unplugged (IMO) as a 100% wood guitar.

Other good beginners guitars are Takemines (spelling??). Go to a local music store and try a few out and see what your comfortable with. You should probably be able to get a decent guitar, and some beginner's intro "kit" (strap, picks, set of strings) for a couple hundred dollars.

Have fun.

[McLovin]

Go on craigslist, there are a ton for sale these days.

I bought a nice playing, almost new Yamaha for $70 last month.

If you want brand new from a shop, Guitar Center always has some decent ones for under $200.

I wouldn't spend a ton of money on an acoustic as a beginner.

[craigster59]

Go with a Seagull, Takamine or Yamaha. It will endure past the beginner stage and have some resale if there is no interest later on. Or hit craigslist and get a low end Martin or Guild (GAD model) for something better. Pick up a Korg TM-40 tuner while you're at it.

Ovations are okay, but the rounded back can tend to slip off the leg and be frustrating for a beginner.

[71T Targa]

As I don't know much about guitars, I'm reluctant to but used. Is something like tihs worth while: Fender Guitar + accessories

[stomachmonkey]

Unless you know what you are buying I would avoid online sight unseen.

Go to a music shop. They will have plenty of choices for beginners. A guitar can be like a shoe, it's gotta feel good especially during the initial learning.

A good music shop will help you get it set up properly for you.

[McLovin]

That's a good guitar for $100.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

As I don't know much about guitars, I'm reluctant to but used. Is something like tihs worth while: Fender Guitar + accessories

From the ad: "I have a Fender guitar DG-8S NAT for sale. I got it a few years ago and have never found the time to learn to play."

So he does not know how to play and it sat. Stored properly? He'll say yes but does he really know?

More than likely it'll need a set up done by a qualified guitar tech. Any money you saved buying it will go right into the set up.

Go to a store, get professional advice.

[McLovin]

I disagree. It isn't going to be used for the next Zeppelin reunion.

Just go, give him $100, tune it up and start playing. You'll be fine. If you end up not liking guitar, or want a different one down the road, put it one craigslist for $125 and you'll end up getting your $100 back, no problem.

[71T Targa]

How about guitar and accessories

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I disagree. It isn't going to be used for the next Zeppelin reunion.

Just go, give him $100, tune it up and start playing. You'll be fine. If you end up not liking guitar, or want a different one down the road, put it one craigslist for $125 and you'll end up getting your $100 back, no problem.

I've got a bunch of guitars.

I prefer an Ibanez neck over a Strat.

I prefer the balance of a Strat to a Les Paul.

Have a couple of vintage Hagstroms. Ever play one? If you've got large hands they are a *****. I enjoy looking at them more than playing them.

My point is if he is wanting to learn then he has the best chance of sticking with it if it's an enjoyable experience from the start and that includes getting a guitar that feels comfortable.

Any reputable music store will do a set up as part of purchase.

That thing has been sitting for a few years and I'm willing to bet it's going to need some tweaking to play right.

[Gogar]

+1 for Yamaha, coupleahundred bucks will do.

[dhoward]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

I've got a bunch of guitars.

Snipped

That thing has been sitting for a few years and I'm willing to bet it's going to need some tweaking to play right.

I have a couple of guitars too.

I haven't had a 'set up' done on my Martin or Alvarez accoustics in years.

Don't buy sight unseen. Bring someone with you. They'll all hurt you for a couple of weeks.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by dhoward

I have a couple of guitars too.

I haven't had a 'set up' done on my Martin or Alvarez accoustics in years.

Don't buy sight unseen. Bring someone with you. They'll all hurt you for a couple of weeks.

Well you would not do a set up if they don't need one but you are already a player and would know if they did.

My point is he's a beginner and may not know.

That first guitar is your standard "learners" kit. Can be had anywhere including Best Buy for $199 new in box.

Guitar Center will have it as well as a host of other beginner bundles for less/more.

Music stores also take instruments in trade all the time. He may just find a nicer deal on a used one.

I really don't understand the aversion to going to a music shop and picking them up to see what he feels comfortable with.

[71T Targa]

All good points, thank you.

I don't have an aversion to going to a music shop. But I would rather pay $100 than $200 if the $100 is just as good, only used.

There are so many options, but I am getting the feel for brands and a price point.

[Jim Richards]

Fender Telecaster. Buy the amp when you're ready to go electric.

[targa911S]

Sam Ash has a house line called Carlo Robelli. A lot of guitar for next to nothing. If he loses interest just burn it.

[Fritter]

I'm an experienced guitar player and my only guitar is a Seagull S6 spruce. Had it since 96, great guitar for both beginners and veterans. $300.

[targa911S]

Seagulls are FINE guitars.

[Wilywilly]

Get a Goya, Make sure it's Swedish, not Japanese. You can find them on EvilBay. Lotta of big time folk singers in the 60's played them.