[Lance Monty]

My wife purchased me a cheap model guitar and I am wanting to upgrade to a better quality guitar that I can enjoy for a while. I would like suggestions and to help out my budget is about $500. Thanks to any advice you can give.

[Ben_Sir_Amos]

Welcome to the forum, Lance Monty.

Have you decided whether you want electric or acoustic?

[allthumbs]

Larrivee, Seagull, washburn folk, garrison, Yari. Lots in that price range. I am assuming your looking for an acoustic. Read some of the threads about buying a guitar in the Tech Forum. Good info there.

[knight46]

Hi Lance Monty and welcome.

[billywhitebread]

buy mine....i evidently am not going to learn anymore or get any better...
ok just kidding....acoustic? takemine or alvarez....i just bought an alvarez after playing a few martins and takemines and my budget was about the same...i found that the alvarez gave me the rich full sound i wanted, the nice ringing trebles, on board electronics and tuner. i am extremely satisfied with it and it fits my needs perfectly. i must have played 14 different styles and brands before i found this alvarez to be comfortable with my needs and my budget....now watch this guy will want an electric.....

[Stratrat]

Like everybody else has said, more info would make it easier to point you in a direction. Acoustic or electric? Fingerstyle or flatpicking? Metal, classic rock, country, blues or folk? There are a lot of good guitars to be had in your price range, but making a suggestion would be pretty much useless without knowing more about what you're looking for.

[scrappydidnt]

Best advice I can give ya is to go to the store and sit there for a few hours and try all the guitars that are in your price range it's a matter of personal preference when you buy a guitar. when you play the one that was meant for you you'll know its the one. hopefully that helps a lil.

[jimmyzowens]

go to the music store for lke 5 hours and just play all kinds,
i just bought a epihone les paul standard it was like 500 and i love it , very well worth the money , but it all depends on what and how u play .

[Lance Monty]

I do appreciate all the advice given. I must agree that spending time at the music store will be the best bet. I am into acoustics and just enjoy strumming along and learning the basics, at first. You guys are great and hope to get further guidance...

[Stratrat]

Don't overlook Breedlove guitars either. They have several in (or very close to) that price range, and they are excellent (and beautiful!) guitars. I ended up buying a Taylor 110ce because I liked the tone better, but the Breedloves were real hard to pass up.