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| Author | Topic: Buying a guitar |
 toonz
Registered User
From:
Winnipeg, Canada
Registered:
2/20/2005 | posted: 5/13/2005 at 11:05:46 AM ET
At present I am learning to play on a "hand-me-down" guitar. Since I really enjoy playing and my lessons are going well, I've decided that it is time to take the big step and purchase a new guitar that I can call my own. I want a "good" acoustic guitar that is going to fit my needs for years to come. I don't want to be looking for something new 2 or 3 years down the road. I am in no rush for this guitar and I plan on learning as much as I can to make a good choice. I'd appreciate any bits of advice on making this purchase. Thank you in advance.
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 imnidiot
Registered User
From:
Ashley PA
Registered:
3/28/2005 | posted: 5/13/2005 at 4:58:26 PM ET
Hey Toonz, My first real acoustic guitar was a 1971 ovation. They weren't out for long, but I really liked the way it played. I still have it, although the tuning head broke off for the second time. I got mad at my boys and threw it on the ground, and that's how it broke the first time. Then I think from too much temperature variation, it broke again. I'm going to glue it again some day. About 5 years ago, I was in the mood to buy another guitar. I spent months going from music store to store in search of a guitar I was really comfortable with I came across an Ibanez AC300 grand concert which I reall love. I have played Martin guitars, which sound really nice, but they just didn't feel right. Taylor guitars sound ok, but they are way too expensive. Fender has some good acoustic guitars also. That's what Roger Waters and David Gilmore of Pink Floyd play. It's a matter of sound quality, comfort, ease of play, and also price. Most guitars start at about 350 US dollars, and go to the tens of thousands. One thing I was able to leave out when buying my guitar was all the flashy extras. They don't make it sound any better. Good luck in your search, Don
I am a fragment of my imagination
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 Pete
Registered User
From:
North Coast NSW, Australia
Registered:
3/20/2005 | posted: 5/15/2005 at 12:50:30 AM ET
I guess it depends on how much money you have to spend, but I would look for the best (thinest) neck you can get for the money.
When folk have limited funds I reccomend Martinez.
Most guitar teachers change the strings to extra-light for the first few months.
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toonz
Registered User
From:
Winnipeg, Canada
Registered:
2/20/2005 | posted: 5/15/2005 at 2:25:16 AM ET
Funny you should mention extra light strings. I have been complaining about sore fingers for such a long time now so last week I changed my strings to extra light. Oh man, what a difference. I should have done that a long time ago. Duh.
As for the price of a guitar, we are at that comfortable stage in life where we don't have to go cheap. On the other hand it's not like I'm going to be performing for anyone other than family and friends so going expensive is kind of silly too. I do want a guitar that sounds good so I'm pretty sure I will look to find one with a solid soundboard. I think my plan of attack will be to try out as many different guitars as I can. There will be eyes a rollin' at the music store but I guess if they want my business they are just going to have to put up with me.
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imnidiot
Registered User
From:
Ashley PA
Registered:
3/28/2005 | posted: 5/15/2005 at 6:57:46 PM ET
Toonz, Most music stores welcome trying instruments. They have chairs,chords and amps just for that reason. I would never buy something I didn't play first. When I was looking at Ibanez guitars, I went to about 5 or 6 different stores before I found the model I wanted to buy so I could play it first. Then after I was satisfied, I shopped for the best price. From time to time, I just stop in if I'm in the neighborhood, just to jam a bit on some different instruments. Pete mentioned about a thin neck. Of all the guitars I've played, Ovation has the thinnest. This is one of the features I like about Ovation, as well as the sound. Even the twelve string guitars have a thinner neck than most others. If I don't build a twelve string from the plans I have, I will probably get an Ovation. It's also nice to listen to other people play various instruments at music stores, especially the younger kids who are starting to get pretty good. Once I saw a fourteen year old ripping up some Zep on a three thousand dollar Jimmy Paige Les Paul. Happy hunting, Don
I am a fragment of my imagination
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Pete
Registered User
From:
North Coast NSW, Australia
Registered:
3/20/2005 | posted: 5/15/2005 at 8:59:30 PM ET
I have always found Ovation to be very biased toward the treble range, and extremly difficult to hold, Don.
Toonz, many music stores here in Australia have signs above the guitar section saying ""Please do not play Stairway To Heaven or Smoke On The Water""
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imnidiot
Registered User
From:
Ashley PA
Registered:
3/28/2005 | posted: 5/16/2005 at 10:19:34 PM ET
Pete, what do you mean when you say the treble is biased on ovations? I've not heard that expression regarding guitars. Thanks, Don
I am a fragment of my imagination
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Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
24.207.60.x
| posted: 6/7/2005 at 9:22:11 PM ET
I got my guitar about a year ago. havent played alot sinse I have school and everything. But I got a Traditional. It is a bood quality one and I like it alot.Whats the difference between light and other strings?
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