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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | Sunday, a friend of ours asked if I would mind helping her to find a guitar for her husband, for Christmas. He does not play, but has always wanted to learn,so, she thought it would be a great gift for him. And of course, I agreed.
So, I would appreciate some feedback and guidance. I did not get a chance to ask her what kind of money she would be willing to spend. I did recommend that she purchase something above the so called starter guitars and explained the benefits, and she seemed to understand.
I have not shopped for a guitar for over 20 years and really am not sure where to start. Any advise as to what to look at and what to stay away from would be greatly appreciated.
Dave |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | For a starter guitar, you can check out the entry-level U.S. made Ovation balladeers, like the shallow bowl 1861, or the similarly priced mid-bowl S771 or 1771LX. They may seem a bit pricey brand new, but they can be acquired at a bargain when used (via e-bay, or through an OFC member who's parting with his/her instrument on this board). Check out the SELL/TRADE section of this board, and see if anything interests you. Good luck. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Okay, before I start, let me admit that I only have Oriental Ovations.
That said, my buddy Tom told me not to buy any cheap Walmart/Target/Kmart crap for my first acoustic.
Buy something that he'll really wanna play.
Also, buy a guitar stand!!
If you have a guitar staring at you, you will play it.
Just psychology, but if it is a nice guitar, he will feel obligated to practice. And if it has nice action, it will be alot easier on the fingers. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
Also, buy a guitar stand!!
If you have a guitar staring at you, you will play it. Excellent advice.
This is probably the biggest problem people have when learning how to play.
A guitar in the case will tend to stay in the case and not be played.
I tell every one of the people wanting to learn to play guitar to GET A STAND and play every day. |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | over the years i have met several players who thought that getting a nylon stringed guitar was of great benefit to get started with. the ease of play as well as the wider neck helped newbies. plus if it just sits there on the stand, the strings won't corrode as easy!
lanaki |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Stay away from anything that can be gottenn in a mass market retailer that's not a music store. Even in a music store avoid the 'packages' that include a guitar, gig bag/chipboard case & amp, all in one box. These are cheaply made and hard to play guitars that'll only discourage him from playing. If you have a Grand Central or Sam Ash nearby you might find a 'new old stock' or trade-in relatively cheap. Craigslist is another good source, especially if you're in or near a big metro area. I agree an entry-level Balladeer would be an excellent starter guitar, and Old Man Arthur hit the nail on the head. If the guitar is out on the stand it just begs to be played. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | I just did the same thing, but for a friend's wife. He wanted to stay under $200, which is pretty tough, but be got an Ibanez SGT125 at Guitar Center.
The best deal I found him was just a bit above his budget, a used Balladeer from our own Norseman. He pulled it off the market, but you might contact him. I couldn't find anything that good anywhere. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | For a rank beginner there are a whole lot of very good acoustic imports that can be had for $200-$250. Takamine, Ibanez and other manufacturers are putting out some incredibly low priced acoustics, that sound and play MUCH better than a similarly priced guitar from 15 years ago.
My advice would be to go to a large music store with a good selection of acoustics and try out a bunch of them. Find one in the price range that is attractive looking, and has good action and playability. Get a gig bag, stand or wall hanger and a Korg tuner. Forget about any instructional books. There's a bunch of beginner information available for free on the internet.
Playability is the most important factor for a beginner. The key is try out the guitar and make sure the neck profile, action and frets are comfortable. Don't shop by brand. Trust your hands and ears. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | Give the guy a gift certificate to the guitar store, then let him pick it out after Christmas when everything's on sale. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | . . . or right around/just after Winter NAMM when the stores will be marking stuff down t'make room for new stock . . . |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | Guys, my apologies for not responding to this post. Kinda forgot about it. My son called the evening I posted this and asked me to sell one of his guitars for him. Timing couldn't have been better. Ran it past the buyer and she jumped on it. So, my son's happy and she's happy and I know her hubby will really be happy.
Anyway, great advise was given by all and I certainly appreciate all of it. Most of what was given was pretty much what I had been thinking. Guess not much has changed in the last 25-30 years.
Dave |
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Help requested/required