Im Looking to Buy a Guitar

[Fallguy20]

Pretty cheap price range at under $100, kinda first one but type that's actually worth keeping, acoustic and beyond that I really don't know. Im looking to shop through Amazon... any suggestions?

Anything you might want to dig up for me yourselves on Amazon would be very helpful as well... jus sayin.

[YAWN]

i don't think you can anything more than a toy for that price. maybe a squier acoustic mini guitar or something crappy like that.

[RedBlackAttack]

Any guitar you get for under $100 is almost certainly not going to be worth keeping. However, your best bet is to go with something cheap to start with and then work your way up as you improve and gain interest.

There are Fender starter packages that are around $100.

[Fallguy20]

Im still learning, so basically all I really care about is sound and it being full sized/acoustic so im practicing the right way. I'll look into the fender packages.

[RedBlackAttack]

Im still learning, so basically all I really care about is sound and it being full sized/acoustic so im practicing the right way. I'll look into the fender packages.

Here is a list (http://guitar.about.com/od/acousticguitar/tp/top5acoustics.htm) of the Top 10 acoustic guitars for beginners. I had a buddy that had a Seagull when he was just starting and I can vouch for it being a terrific buy for a beginner and it has a good sound.

The direct link to that one says $399, but I'm sure you could find one cheaper than that, especially if you find one used.

[a rock]

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-JamPack-IJV50-Quickstart-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar-Pack?sku=519456

there you go, I heard good things about it.

[DeuceWallaces]

You might as well just light a 100 dollar bill on fire.

[Take Your Lumps]

Here is a list (http://guitar.about.com/od/acousticguitar/tp/top5acoustics.htm) of the Top 10 acoustic guitars for beginners. I had a buddy that had a Seagull when he was just starting and I can vouch for it being a terrific buy for a beginner and it has a good sound.

The direct link to that one says $399, but I'm sure you could find one cheaper than that, especially if you find one used.

I came in here to say Seagull....and Art & Lutherie (i think it's a sister company)
http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com

[LJJ]

You might as well just light a 100 dollar bill on fire.

Guitar elitist. I bought good guitars for $100.

[boozehound]

Im still learning, so basically all I really care about is sound and it being full sized/acoustic so im practicing the right way. I'll look into the fender packages.
well, nothing in that range is going to sound all that good, mostly because of the cheaper materials with poor resonance. I would look around on craigslist in your area as well. if you post something here, Im sure I (and others) would give you an opinion.

Really, for just learning how to play, one of the el cheapos will be fine (although some have terrible action/intonation problems and arent that easy to setup/adjust). I would recommend you go to a local store and at least sit down and play around with some of their models. even if you cant play (dont be embarrassed), make sure it feels alright and the strings are easy to press, tuners hold ok, etc.

[boozehound]

You might as well just light a 100 dollar bill on fire.
see, this is a dumb attitude imo. sure, its not going to be a very good guitar, but for someone who isnt sure if they are going to stick with learning, buying a better guitar to start with is a worse decision. Besides, if you get passionate/good, you wont have qualms about upgrading to a much better guitar (whereas you may if you bought a decent 300-600 guitar and then wanted something better).

[HylianNightmare]

you should look around on craigslist and local music stores.
because from my guitar playing expierience those beginner packs suck.
i was lucky enough to have some guitar playing friends that talked me out of the bigenner guitars and into spending more on something that will actually last a little longer


http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Applause-AA21-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=516723


http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ovation-Applause-Series-AE148-Super-Shallow-Cutaway-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=516977#used
applause's don't suck

stay away from yamaha, cheap epiphones, squire, estabans..

[boozehound]

my personal recommendation would be an Alvarez Reagent. Decent low-end, all solid wood model by them. I have had one for years and it has great tone. I have also seen a couple that sucked, but that was mostly due to improper setup/storage abuse.

[QUIZZLE]

my personal recommendation would be an Alvarez Reagent. Decent low-end, all solid wood model by them. I have had one for years and it has great tone. I have also seen a couple that sucked, but that was mostly due to improper setup/storage abuse.


Yeah, Alvarez are hit or miss. You can definitely get some good deals. If you go to any guitar shops around your place check some out. You might land a good one at a good price.

Start to look for a used or defected one, too. For instance, I got my ovation for like 250 as my starter guitar and the model I bought would have been I think 450 but it had some damage on the very back of it, like a few white scratches which had absolutely not affect on the sound. It was a win for me at the time when I was on a pretty low budget.

But I tell you what, my friend bought a 200 dollar Fender package and he got a pretty decent guitar. Also came with a gig bag, dvd lessons, capo, picks, strap. Check out the packages for sure. But in all honesty, if you think guitar's something you're going to stick with, I'd try to wait and maybe save up just a little more money. I'm not saying you should blow $800 but I'd personally wait until you get to about 200.

Best of luck!

[DeuceWallaces]

Come on, a hundred bucks is a toy guitar like they sell at Target. At least spend 2-250 and get something used that's a decent name. A hundred dollar guitar will just discourage you from wanting to get better because of piss poor sound and action. Furthermore, if you decide you don't want to play anymore you'll be able to get your money back selling it.

That's not an elitist attitude. That's just common sense.

[pete's montreux]

Come on, a hundred bucks is a toy guitar like they sell at Target. At least spend 2-250 and get something used that's a decent name. A hundred dollar guitar will just discourage you from wanting to get better because of piss poor sound and action. Furthermore, if you decide you don't want to play anymore you'll be able to get your money back selling it.

That's not an elitist attitude. That's just common sense.

Who says he has to buy new? :confusedshrug:

I'm sure Craigslist has a decent selection for $100.

[Fallguy20]

Wow, thanks so much for pulling up those lists for me and offering input, especially RBA, HylianNightmare and TYL. Ill let you know when I make a decision or post what im thinking about before I go with it for your critiquing skills.

[boozehound]

Come on, a hundred bucks is a toy guitar like they sell at Target. At least spend 2-250 and get something used that's a decent name. A hundred dollar guitar will just discourage you from wanting to get better because of piss poor sound and action. Furthermore, if you decide you don't want to play anymore you'll be able to get your money back selling it.

That's not an elitist attitude. That's just common sense.
I dont disagree that going for a better quality (read - no laminates) beginner guitar is probably the way to go.

[Fallguy20]

Hey Booze, what are your thoughts on this?

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Alvarez-RD010BK-Regent-Dreadnought-Acoustic/dp/B0028QGIT6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1276718797&sr=8-3-spell)

Was this what you had in mind?

[boozehound]

Hey Booze, what are your thoughts on this?

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Alvarez-RD010BK-Regent-Dreadnought-Acoustic/dp/B0028QGIT6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1276718797&sr=8-3-spell)

Was this what you had in mind?
hmmn, thats not the exact model but it is part of their regent (beginners) line. The one I am thinking of is the 410 model. If you can, I would go try out some of the models on that list RBA posted at a local store and see what you like. That regent could be a decent intro guitar, but its not solid wood. As someone else said, there is a lot of variability in the regents (i recall one that a friend had with some of the worst action ever- partly due to overly heavy strings and poor storage, partly because whoever set the neck at the factory was drunk). The one I have plays nicely and sounds great. I always get compliments on it when other guitarists play it in a songcircle (surprised that it is such a cheap guitar).

here it is on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Alvarez-RD410SB-Regent-Dreadnought-Acoustic/dp/B0028QGIX2/ref=sr_1_14?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1276719115&sr=1-14

[boozehound]

Hey Booze, what are your thoughts on this?

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Alvarez-RD010BK-Regent-Dreadnought-Acoustic/dp/B0028QGIT6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1276718797&sr=8-3-spell)

Was this what you had in mind?
the one review of the cheaper model (who sounds like hes a mid-level strummer type) was positive

[Fallguy20]

Okay, im definitely going to make sure I play it before I buy it and try out a variety in an actual music store before I decide...

As far as solid wood goes, does how sturdy the guitar is built make a difference in sound and resonance, or is it more the feel that is important? I definitely don't want to spend any cash on something that feels or looks like a toy regardless.



the one review of the cheaper model (who sounds like hes a mid-level strummer type) was positive
I saw that, but im not sure if over the internet is the way to go with buying something like this in case it is low quality or damaged.

[DeuceWallaces]

I would hit Craigslist or the classifieds of your local paper. Factory made guitars like that can vary greatly in quality, and you'll get a ton more value per dollar spent getting something used.

[Fallguy20]

Mmmkay, its a good thing I got some time on my hands then cause it looks like I got some shopping to do... you know, man shopping... like, not female shopping... actually more of a quest then shopping... ya, that makes it sound much much better to my ears. Im on a QUEST for a guitar (and by no means am I shopping).



Again, thanks

[gigantes]

i was watching a blondie video and noticed the guitarist playing this carbon-fiber sucker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handle). holy moly that's a great feature list... including having acoustic qualities! (it's hollow and resonates) it comes in nice color schemes, too:


http://www.premierguitar.com/ext/resources/legacy_galleries/thumbs/26a382b1-e23c-46a8-a032-5c7d664b62a4th.JPG


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzJ0sZ1AsQw/UWvJ5YIR6aI/AAAAAAAABLU/RAUF9YFHEVY/s1600/41347_420520850926_639395926_5278902_2058510_n.jpg


US$3500, tho. :(

[outbreak]

bumping a 5 year old thread?

[gigantes]

bumping a 5 year old thread?
i googled "insidehoops guitar."

i got a short list of threads.

this was the best fit from that list.

i don't get paid nearly enough to hunt down "the ultimate ISH guitar thread."

how do you like those apples...?

[outbreak]

i googled "insidehoops guitar."

i got a short list of threads.

this was the best fit from that list.

i don't get paid nearly enough to hunt down "the ultimate ISH guitar thread."

how do you like those apples...?
I guess maybe the OP is still waiting on advice after 5 years.

[CP343]

Come on, a hundred bucks is a toy guitar like they sell at Target. At least spend 2-250 and get something used that's a decent name. A hundred dollar guitar will just discourage you from wanting to get better because of piss poor sound and action. Furthermore, if you decide you don't want to play anymore you'll be able to get your money back selling it.

That's not an elitist attitude. That's just common sense.

I don't play guitar and I know that $100 would be cheap.

[CP343]

i was watching a blondie video and noticed the guitarist playing this carbon-fiber sucker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handle). holy moly that's a great feature list... including having acoustic qualities! (it's hollow and resonates) it comes in nice color schemes, too:


http://www.premierguitar.com/ext/resources/legacy_galleries/thumbs/26a382b1-e23c-46a8-a032-5c7d664b62a4th.JPG


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzJ0sZ1AsQw/UWvJ5YIR6aI/AAAAAAAABLU/RAUF9YFHEVY/s1600/41347_420520850926_639395926_5278902_2058510_n.jpg


US$3500, tho. :(

Those look awesome.

[gigantes]

I guess maybe the OP is still waiting on advice after 5 years.
i guessed that maybe guitar talk might lead to more guitar talk.

but thanks for ignoring my explanation and giving your constructive advice on the matter.

in any case i have a danelectro, something like this one:


http://cdn1.gbase.com/usercontent/gear/3275207/p1_uttz1s1cb_ss.jpg


what have you got over there, motherf-cker? :)

[DeuceWallaces]

Recently finished upgrading my Epi Dot. Took my about 10 years to get all the work completed.

http://i.imgur.com/UXCGfXu.jpg

[outbreak]

at the moment

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/50/fb/70/50fb70180f49e9e969af9cb7a867ea51.jpg

http://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/Gear%20non%20mag/GIBSON%202014/LP%20Melody%20Maker%20GLAM-630-80.jpg

http://static.weloveshopping.com/shop/music-boulevard/extra/1715241.jpg

http://www.gympiemusicland.com.au/images/detailed/1/DV019_Jpg_Regular_H76527.005.001_brown_sunburst_mp _body_closeup.jpg

http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/Epibody.white-bck.jpg


Which model danelectro is that? I really like the sound of the current models they have with the old stock lipstick pick ups but i've heard the new bridges struggle a bit.

[outbreak]

Recently finished upgrading my Epi Dot. Took my about 10 years to get all the work completed.

http://i.imgur.com/UXCGfXu.jpg

With abit of work (my studio really needed a new nut and input) the epi dots are really good value imo

[DeuceWallaces]

Yeah, that is a 2002 Korean Dot. Very well made. About 400 new, and then another 700 in parts and labor over the past 10 years.

[Fallguy20]

I guess maybe the OP is still waiting on advice after 5 years.

OP here, still waiting on your mama to call me back 5 years later.

[Budadiiii]

OP here, still waiting on your mama to call me back 5 years later.
:roll:

How is being the real-life batman treating you, broham?

[Fallguy20]

I'm not gonna lie, its pretty legit.

[gigantes]

@outbreak,
eee, nice collection.

it's a repro i got about 15yrs ago. not the one displayed, but i was in a hurry.


@deucewallaces,
i barely play anymore... don't recognise what you've done there.

what have you done there? :)

[DeuceWallaces]

I replaced everything except the wood.

Gibson Schaller Tuners
Bone nut
Burstbucker Pro lead pickup
Burstbucker #2 rhythm
Schaller roller bridge
Bigsby tailpiece
Gibson tophat reflector knobs
BCS custom wiring/pots kit

Have had the neck straightened and action lowered twice

[gigantes]

I replaced everything except the wood.

Gibson Schaller Tuners
Bone nut
Burstbucker Pro lead pickup
Burstbucker #2 rhythm
Schaller roller bridge
Bigsby tailpiece
Gibson tophat reflector knobs
BCS custom wiring/pots kit

Have had the neck straightened and action lowered twice
thanks. i forgot to respond before, but i think i see most of the changes now that you list them.

lowering the action sounds like a great idea and i should prolly get that done even though i rarely play anymore. but it would prolly help with my issues from joint-pain on the fretting hand.


btw i was having a debate the other day about the whammy bar-- i don't like the standard one because it tends to stress the strings. he replied that you can also do a tremolo bar over a roller bridge that doesn't stretch the strings. okay, cool. but after reading what some (or many?) guitarists had to say, that just sounds like a different variety of poison. as in, the more elaborate roller bridge assembly will really impact your tone.

i don't really understand the battlefield, since there are so many ways to do tremolo outside of the bridge. :confusedshrug:

[Lebron23]

https://scontent.fmnl8-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.5328-4/s960x960/272635448_4562036283922158_2439981767609687530_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=c48759&_nc_eui2=AeHgQ-xfV4x8qVBLZnOx6MtX0TfHcmjBxuHRN8dyaMHG4bOTMVJJVc_B RkM1Ghb7qSvPtCL9MOBm-MfHUpFl-VHV&_nc_ohc=2Zs4ZTSmCoEAX8KdICj&_nc_ht=scontent.fmnl8-2.fna&oh=00_AT-BfeZ9jmtuHJWsRYKgR6AXPAeno3YpEZlpR8k-U7cICw&oe=6201DAAB