Good guitar for a beginner?

Martyn · Post by **Martyn** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:12 pm

Buy something second hand from a reputable dealer if possible, you'll get more for your money as well as an instrument that's been played in. A good, well looked after electric guitar is far more enjoyable to play than anything straight out of a music store, any problems will have been ironed out years ago and it will be unlikely to depreciate much further from what you'll pay for it. It might even increase in value depending on what it is.

thelike5 · Post by **thelike5** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:17 pm

smutek wrote:Thinking about picking up guitar. Any recommendations for a decent, low cost electric for a beginner?

Ultimately I want something I can just dick around on, learn at my own pace. Would like it to be electric because I plan on running it directly into live.

I know nothing about guitars. I did have a Rickenbacker 6 string electric when I was a teenager, but I never learned to play it. Ended up trading it for 2 skateboards and a half ounce of weed.

Also, don't know if I want to pick up a guitar or a bass. Any suggestions for a beginner, as to what might be easier to learn?

Yeah, I'm surprised you are asking the forum to pick out a guitar for you... no offense, but a guitar isn't a one trick pony like asking a forum grain filter plug in to buy...

Neither a bass or a guitar are "easier". It's all a matter of what instrument you want to dedicate the time to learn.

If you are serious about learning, I would recommend an acoustic guitar... maybe something like a decent fender for about $400 or so... nothing fancy unless you really plan on sticking to one guitar... then pick up a Gibson or Martin something.

Really hard (and general) question to ask. If you are looking to use guitar in a recording you are working on you may just want to employ a guitar player (or use a friend.)

darkcatt · Post by **darkcatt** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:19 pm

BAss is easier to learn but much harder to master.

If you are looking for a guitar that is great and versatile. I recomend getting an Ibanez RG 220, or a GAx series.

http://www.ibanez.com/eg/series.aspx?s=gax

Ibanez are amazing resiliant and have great offerings for what you get out of the box. For stock cheap picjups its doesn't sound like a fisherprice set up.

thelike5 · Post by **thelike5** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:24 pm

I spent most of college playing in (what I hate to refer to as) an indie rock band. I played a not-yet-vogue Fender Jaguar from the 1960's. I traded my rather mint black Gibson Les Paul studio for a slightly worn but 100% functional Jaguar. I just simply liked the tone better.

Most of my friends couldn't believe I got rid of the Les Paul. I didn't look back for a second. While the Gibson was a beautiful guitar the Jaguar simply fit my style much better.

About five years back I ended up selling the Jaguar for $2500. I paid about $1000 for the Les Paul. With the cash I ended up buying my G4 Powermac quicksilver and the Apple studio display, which I promptly re-installed Ableton Live on.

Again, I never looked back... no regrets. I was a rather lousey guitar player anyways...

OvertoneZero · Post by **OvertoneZero** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:04 pm

A couple of things to consider:

A strat-style guitar generally has a 25.5" scale length (the vibrating portion of the strings) while a gibson-style generally has a 24.75" scale. The longer scale length gives you a tighter feel that some prefer overall, the shorter scale gives a little bit of a 'greasier' feel while bending strings and gives a little bit of a 'mushier' and less 'snappy' or 'twangy' tone (although the pickups and body type will influence the tone more).

To whammy or not to whammy? Whammy is fun, but it changes the tone and you'll have to tune more frequently. Very nice to have though.

These guitars are supposed to be a very good value but I have not personally played one: http://www.jayturser.com/

I have also heard good things about Schecter, something like this might do you right:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=518483

For acoustics, the Breedlove Atlas series is a great value, I have one and it feels like a $1000+ guitar.

Personally I would stay away from the Squier series or any other big American manufacturer's 'value' series, the quality across the board is going to be disappointing. Ibanez and Yamaha's value offerings are more appealing imo.

Warminstrel · Post by **Warminstrel** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:08 pm

Get the best quality you can afford every time......take all the afore mentioned technical advice, someone with you etc... but go for the best.....;

Especialy when your learning;

When i was learing to play a shitty old Les Paul copy back in the 80's i happened to get a go on a pukka Fender Strat; All the chords that normaly buzzed and were hard to play just fell into place! You cant beat good intonation and action. I nearly gave up thinking that it was no wonder all the great guitarists were better then me when they've got serious dough to throw at thier axes. I think the only thing that kept me going was hope that one day I'd be spending a grand on a bat.

...UnfortunatlyI still pay a shitty guitar now (as the wife's not keen on me having a couple of grands worth of wood n steel) and can just about manage to beat the piece of crap into tune though a novice would probably give up.

I say sell everything you own and get yerself a '57 Strat. (25 grand to learn 'Michael Roe Your Boat' on, nice!)

smutek · Post by **smutek** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:16 pm

Thanks for the great info everyone, I think I am going to check out that Yamaha that Leeds recommended.

Are any of you guys using amp modeling software, like guitar rig or amplitube? Or running right into Ableton? Just curious.

thelike5 wrote:
Yeah, I'm surprised you are asking the forum to pick out a guitar for you... no offense, but a guitar isn't a one trick pony like asking a forum grain filter plug in to buy...

Neither a bass or a guitar are "easier". It's all a matter of what instrument you want to dedicate the time to learn.

If you are serious about learning, I would recommend an acoustic guitar... maybe something like a decent fender for about $400 or so... nothing fancy unless you really plan on sticking to one guitar... then pick up a Gibson or Martin something.

Really hard (and general) question to ask. If you are looking to use guitar in a recording you are working on you may just want to employ a guitar player (or use a friend.)

I feel you bro. Like I said I don't know the first thing about it so this was the first place I thought of asking for advice.

Wouldn't ever consider hiring a guitarist though, just a little background on me, I'm a graphic artist by trade, do this music stuff strictly for the love of it. Absolutely no professional aspirations in this field, for me it is a way to enjoy an afternoon, morning or evening when I have time (or am trying to avoid other shit I should be doing).

Been at it since 2003, this computer music thing. It's been a long tough learning curve, but a really enjoyable one that I have stuck with. I'm a techno head but have found myself moving steadily away form programming with a mouse and towards actually playing instruments, and needless to say what I do make sounds absolutely nothing like techno.

I've got my axiom and just added an Alesis Control Pad and a Behringer FCB1010 - but still want an instrument that is separate from the computer.

I've had a wild hair up my ass for a minute now to pick up guitar, have a few extra dollars form some freelance work so figured what the hell, time to get a guitar.

So, yeah, isn't like I am a professional studio guy or anything like that, just some cat with some gear in his basement that makes weird noises and wants to learn guitar. No plan or anything complicated, just kind of taking things as they come and enjoying it, ya know?

Dunno if that makes sense. Honestly, I'm not going to know the difference between new, used, good action, bad action until I spend some time learning how to play.

Make sense? So yeah man, thanks again for all of the info everyone, and any other info will be nice to read. Also, any advice to a dude that will be picking up an axe for pretty much the first time would be cool as well.

As far as guitar style, some of the stuff I like is the style of playing you'll hear on some of stereolabs stuff, or the Feelies, these repetitive, driving rhythms. I love that. Really I am a fan of all of the stuff that stereo lab does.

As far as advice for once I get the guitar, I think Tone's advice of practice all the time sounded about the best.

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:38 pm

smutek wrote:Are any of you guys using amp modeling software, like guitar rig or amplitube? Or running right into Ableton? Just curious.

lots of debate over this one.

VST for tone:
- you can change your settings later
- Guitar Rig is better than Amplitube (opinion, I hear kudos about both from players I respect.)
- Guitar Rig is built into the computer

External gear for tone:
- no CPU power is necessary, IOW your Live set's FX and stuff won't cause your guitar tone to glitch out
- you can play without having to bring your laptop around
- there's ZERO latency

as for what to get, if I was in your shoes I'd get a Line 6 Pocket Pod, they're ~$120, a stripped down version of the Pod series. great software support for them (go online, see a user made preset, click on it, it uploads to your Pod in a few seconds.) I think it only runs on batteries though. the V-Amp sucks, the RP series from Digitech is trash.

just got the 60 year old father in a law a pocket Pod, he loves it. he just throws that, a cord and some headphones into his guitar bag, heads down to the beach and plays, or sits on the couch late at night with headphones on, or bypasses the Pod's amp sim and uses its effects and plays through his Fender amp.

chasting · Post by **chasting** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 4:35 am

Many folks have recommended the Ibanez GAX 70 and I agree. After much searching I selected the GAX 70 as my first guitar and it has been great. Great value.

Consider craigslist for used gear. Some great bargins, generally local, can see, feel and touch before purchase....

Curt

leedsquietman · Post by **leedsquietman** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 4:46 am

Try a few and take a couple of proficient guitarists and see what the consensus is. I have played the Ibanez and it's a nice guitar but I would personally still take the Yamaha Pacifica 112 over it, it has more tonal variety and the neck is amazing, just great for playing solos or chords.

I have been playing guitar for 20 odd years, and in a variety of styles and techniques. Yamaha make good guitars, better than they get credit for - I would seriously take a Pacifica 612 over most vintage strats, especially those made outside the USA (obviously, a 1950's or early 60's hand made USA model is a different proposition to the Japanese and Mexican mass produced models). Ibanez do too, it's a personal choice/subjective thing. Squier Strats IMHO are really not the best choice, in that budget end.

smutek · Post by **smutek** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:52 pm

Hey, a little OT, but a friend of mine does guitar restoration, thought some of you might be interested to see his pics.

(myspace links)

'67 Rickenbacker 4001S Restoration

1963 Fender Stratocaster Restoration

More:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... D=91886998

Stace · Post by **Stace** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:00 pm

I also have just got into learning to play guitar so I've bought a Stagg L400-BK, second hand, any thoughts? Also, anybody's thoughts on the Stealthplug?

Warminstrel · Post by **Warminstrel** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:14 pm

smutek wrote:Hey, a little OT, but a friend of mine does guitar restoration, thought some of you might be interested to see his pics.

(myspace links)

'67 Rickenbacker 4001S Restoration

1963 Fender Stratocaster Restoration

More:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.c ... D=91886998

Amazing work.

........for the more avant garde;

http://www.myspace.com/greyvankuilenburg

thelike5 · Post by **thelike5** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:47 pm

smutek wrote:Thanks for the great info everyone, I think I am going to check out that Yamaha that Leeds recommended.

Are any of you guys using amp modeling software, like guitar rig or amplitube? Or running right into Ableton? Just curious.

thelike5 wrote:
Yeah, I'm surprised you are asking the forum to pick out a guitar for you... no offense, but a guitar isn't a one trick pony like asking a forum grain filter plug in to buy...

Neither a bass or a guitar are "easier". It's all a matter of what instrument you want to dedicate the time to learn.

If you are serious about learning, I would recommend an acoustic guitar... maybe something like a decent fender for about $400 or so... nothing fancy unless you really plan on sticking to one guitar... then pick up a Gibson or Martin something.

Really hard (and general) question to ask. If you are looking to use guitar in a recording you are working on you may just want to employ a guitar player (or use a friend.)
I feel you bro. Like I said I don't know the first thing about it so this was the first place I thought of asking for advice.

Wouldn't ever consider hiring a guitarist though, just a little background on me, I'm a graphic artist by trade, do this music stuff strictly for the love of it. Absolutely no professional aspirations in this field, for me it is a way to enjoy an afternoon, morning or evening when I have time (or am trying to avoid other shit I should be doing).

Been at it since 2003, this computer music thing. It's been a long tough learning curve, but a really enjoyable one that I have stuck with. I'm a techno head but have found myself moving steadily away form programming with a mouse and towards actually playing instruments, and needless to say what I do make sounds absolutely nothing like techno.

I've got my axiom and just added an Alesis Control Pad and a Behringer FCB1010 - but still want an instrument that is separate from the computer.

I've had a wild hair up my ass for a minute now to pick up guitar, have a few extra dollars form some freelance work so figured what the hell, time to get a guitar.

So, yeah, isn't like I am a professional studio guy or anything like that, just some cat with some gear in his basement that makes weird noises and wants to learn guitar. No plan or anything complicated, just kind of taking things as they come and enjoying it, ya know?

Dunno if that makes sense. Honestly, I'm not going to know the difference between new, used, good action, bad action until I spend some time learning how to play.

Make sense? So yeah man, thanks again for all of the info everyone, and any other info will be nice to read. Also, any advice to a dude that will be picking up an axe for pretty much the first time would be cool as well.

As far as guitar style, some of the stuff I like is the style of playing you'll hear on some of stereolabs stuff, or the Feelies, these repetitive, driving rhythms. I love that. Really I am a fan of all of the stuff that stereo lab does.

As far as advice for once I get the guitar, I think Tone's advice of practice all the time sounded about the best.

Makes sense. I like the Feelies, Stereolab stuff myself... that's why I always was drawn to the tones a Fender Jaguar makes versus that of a Les Paul.

The great thing about investing in a nice USA made guitar is that it won't lose much value provided it stays in good shape. It may even increase.

So if you have the extra money, you may want to invest a few dollars in something you won't outgrow. Look (and listen) to what your favorite bands play. Remember that about half of that sound is defined by the actual guitar AND the amp (and effects) said artist plays. It can become a money pit, real quick. I'd recommend nothing short of a nice tube amp like a Fender combo or even one of the new Gibson tube amps. Stay away from the modeling. Modeling works ok with Analog-esque synths but it doesn't show up as well on the guitar front. At least that's my opinion.

Before I knew three chords I owned some nice guitars. I felt like I would appreacite the instrument that much more if I had the one I wanted. I saved up from some pretty low paying jobs as a teen to afford the things I wanted. I never became the guitar player I wanted to be but I always enjoyed playing and learned strictly by ear. Made for some interesting projects; both good and bad.

A nice guitar is a work of art and if you play it enough or just even admire it it's worth the investment.

Man, this thread is actually making me miss my Jaguar. I'd love to have another one but $1,400 is a lot of dough right now (I already paid for the Access Virus Snow that I'm waiting on).

Fender Jaguar + Fender Twin + Big Muff pedal = LOVE.

Macbook + Ableton + Novation SL + a few soft synths = LOVE

Why pigeonhole yourself in one genre?

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 5:30 pm

here's an option smutek

Epiphone SG-310 Hi-Performance Electric Guitar Pack with Valve Junior Amp

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid <-- watch it today, it changes ~midnight your time.

maybe not the best option IMO but I saw it and had to throw it at you. I'd spend $50 and take it to a luthier to get the setup right, and probably sell the amp lol, for $50.

Good guitar for a beginner?

Re: Good guitar for a beginner?