Tell me about buying a guitar

So obviously I want a new guitar. I'm not exactly a beginner, but I definitely wouldn't call myself "experienced" either. And I know nothing about types of guitars. I've been playing for little over a year, but not very consistently, I just teach myself a few songs if I have free time. I want an acoustic steel-string, but I'm not sure exactly what to get. If you know a lot about body type, finish, string gauges, etc., what kind of things would you suggest?

I'm good at fingerpicking, but can't always make that great of a sound when strumming because I can't really use a pick. I used to, but found it easier to play without it, and now I just can't seem to get myself to feel comfortable playing with a pick again. right now I have a classical nylon string.

I don't know much about acoustic guitars, but I think epiphone is a good brand for someone who is not a beginner but isn't an expert. Mine was $500. If I were to get another guitar by epiphone, i would probably not get the Les Paul because the body is kind of annoying when you are sitting down and trying to play. A Fender is in the same range of experience I think. I am no expert on this though.

rondomusic.net

if you're a beginner, it doesn't really matter too much what brand of guitar you get. i used to buy my cheap ones at that website. as for how it looks, just get what you like

From what I have picked up from my friends who play and my own experience, buying a guitar is one of those things that I feel that it falls into the category of - You get what you pay for.
You buy something cheap and that's exactly what you can expect out of it.

That's about the only advice I feel comfortable giving.

On this Forum there is a guitar wars thread. There are a lot of VERY talented members. Those members would be a very good place to start.

Good luck - have fun
:)

Well, I wouldn't trade my custom painted Randy Rhodes Jackson for any guitar out there.


But what you should probably do is go test driving so to speak. Go and play some and see how they feel. After you play a few different kinds, you should be able to tell which ones you like better.

ok... I've found a couple guitars on a site that I think seem good. I can't afford anything more expensive than this... which do you think would be more worth the money?

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=518438

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=516112

Those both look like pretty good guitars for the price range. They both have solid wood tops, which will help the tone and volume. Spruce is generally considered superior to sitka, so the Epiphone has the edge there. On the other hand, I personally adore satin finishes, so in my book that's major points for the Luna. Beyond the cosmetic aspects, I think it actually makes the guitar sound better, although it offers less protection from humidity and etc.

I'd say that's a pretty tough choice. If pressed I would probably go for the Epiphone. They are a good, reliable brand and you can't argue with a solid spruce top. Plus you save a bit of cash. Also, it seems like more of the money for the Luna is going towards cosmetic features.

Your not planning to buy one off the internet are you?

Buying a guitar without playing it first is a bad idea.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caradon

Your not planning to buy one off the internet are you?

Buying a guitar without playing it first is a bad idea.

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I agree.
You have to hear it. Feel it.

I love the sound of the Ovation electro-acoustics. They have some on the very inexpensive end as well. The circuitry is very good, so if you get around to wanting to plug it in, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the fullness of the sound. Most come with a little built in equalizer as well.

The Balladeer model is a good entry point. They do have their own sound, so make sure you play one and like it before you plunk down the cash.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caradon

Your not planning to buy one off the internet are you?

Buying a guitar without playing it first is a bad idea.

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I know, I'm really hesitant about it. They have a policy that I can always send it back within 45 days for a full refund if I don't like it, but I still don't like the idea of not knowing how it sounds or anything until It's already mine. I mainly was looking up guitars to learn more about what to look for when choosing a guitar. These two seemed like the kind of guitar I would like to get, but obviously playing it first is a good idea.

thanks for the advice, guys :) appreciate it

Just go in to a your local guitar store(preferably not guitar center) and look at guitars until you find one that feels right. The feel is the almost more important than the sound, because if it doesn't feel good in your hands you won't be able to play that well.

Last time I bought a guitar I looked at about 5-6 guitars then I picked up my gretsch and it felt so right. Like those other guitars couldn't even compare. It was about 200 more, but that guitar is worth about a grand so I think it was definetly worth the money.

If your buying an acoustic bring someone with you so they can stand a few feet a way and listen to how loud it is. You can't really hear how loud it is when your playing it, the sound will be a few feet in front of you.

Definetly don't get it off the internet. I bought an amp off the internet once, and it does the job and all but overall I'm really not satisfied. But 2 12's for under 300 is a pretty nice price. It's loud, But I have Kustom a practice amp I got for 150 that has way better tone.

Get an Ibanez. They're always really nice. Mine is an EW20ASE I think it's called. Really nice exotic wood. Only 400 bucks too.

im the same by the way, i teach myself to play, and i dont use pick, but i love electric guitar and ive found it sounds better with pick.

i own 5 guitars, 2 acustic, 3 electric, and ive realised that when i go out to a shop to get one, it helps a lot, the ones i got given as a present wernt as good.

my favourite guitar spec wouldnt be yours, so my advice to you is not to make an informed decision, go out to shop and find the guitar with perfect feel for you within budget.