[Holly.B]

I'm a beginner and completely excited about this new adventure. I've been learning on a full sized acoustic hand me down guitar but found the size un-manageable, not to mention quite painful in my hands and right shoulder.

So .. knowing that I wanted to keep at this and wanting something smaller, I went shopping. I brought my first, brand new guitar home today. She (she's too gorgeous to be anything but female) is an Ibanez AEG10E. I didn't go looking for an acoustic electric but when I picked this guitar up I knew I had to have her, she just felt so "right" in my hands when I held her. She and I are a perfect fit.

I know nothing about amps (keep in mind, my goals aren't to play in an auditorium anytime soon) but eventually would like to get one for my own enjoyment. Any suggestions on an entry level amp that I won't outgrow too quickly?

Also, what's the best way to store my guitar (for those rare occasions I'm not holding her just for the pure pleasure I get when I do)? Standing up? In the case? Laying flat? I have no clue.

Your collective expertise is required and much appreciated.

Holly

[fly135]

I like using a wall hanger for my guitars. There are off the floor where they don't get knocked over and out in the open calling for you to stop and strum a few bars.

I have several electric guitar amps and can play my acoustic through them, but there are amps specifically designed for acoustics that don't color the sound. However, I never play my acoustics through an amp except just to give it a try. Unless you are performing on a stage I'm not sure you need one. But there are probably others here that can give you a recommendation if you give a price range.

[Mike8307]

There are acoustic amps out there but my guess is that one day you'll find yourself looking at another pretty lady of the electric variety. They tend to be higher maintenence and require an amp. So instead of buying two, an acoustic now and a regular later buy a regular one first. Just make sure the clean channel is really clean. I'm sure lots of people will disagree with me about playing an acoustic through a regular amp but this is just my honest opinion. I have an electric/acoustic and I rarely plug it in.

Glad you're enjoying the new guitar. I love that "new can't put it down" feeling.

Michael

[Stratrat]

Welcome, Holly!

I haven't tried playing an acoustic/electric through one yet, but you might want to take a look at the Roland "Cube" series. They have an "acoustic" setting that is very clean and mellow that would probably work great with your guitar. They have a number of built-in effects, and a few of them would go nicely with an acoustic (a touch of chorus or reverb, or maybe a bit of delay).

They also have several other amp and effect settings that will serve you well if you eventually decide to add an electric guitar to your collection. The Micro Cube ($125) and Cube 20X ($160) are both very affordable, and are MORE than loud enough for practicing. I have a Micro Cube that I use with my electric guitars, and most of the time I don't even have the volume halfway up when practicing. The Micro will also run on 6 AA batteries, so it's very portable and allows you to use your amp in places where there's no electrical outlet.

As far as storing your guitar - I have all of mine stored in a multi-guitar stand, with a single stand next to my amps for whichever one I'm currently playing. Fly135's suggestion of wall hangers isn't a bad one either. It's nice to have it readily accessible for playing whenever the urge strikes!

[Barry Bohannon]

I have an electo acoustic (the one in my avatar) and a hollow bodied electric and play them both through a Kustom KAA16, the lack of effects and other trick stuff makes the acoustic sound.. well.. acoustic and the Jazz guitar sounds really mellow just through the neck pup with the tone control backed off. These are my guitars and my amp, although the amp is a 2003 model, they've been relaunched and are now called the Sienna range. I got it second hand a few weeks ago for £32 ($62 US) from a 'well known auction site'

[knight46]

I just attended a St Paddy's event last weekend and part of the entertainment was a young lady of 91 playing an electo acoustic (Ovation) through a Roland Micro Cube. The sound was clean. Other that the volume it was the classic acoustic sound.

[Holly.B]

Thanks so much for your responses.

I have a big dog with a perpetually wagging tail so I think I'll look into a wall hanger for my guitar.

I definitely want to keep that pure acoustic sound. I think I'll visit the shop where I bought my guitar from and try a few of your suggestions out.

Again, thanks for the help.

[cossack]

G"day holly,
important to have your guitar safe but seen, so you keep picking it up to play
wall hanger sounds best with a dog. i have a pickup and play through an amp when jamming blues in my resonator (slide) as i dont mind that dirty sound in open tuning
cheers cossack

[Dewy]

My preference is to plug the acoustic into the P.A. when playing live... I don't use an amp for the acoustic-electric.

And while I LOVE wall hangers... you'll want a floor stand for setting up the guitar if you decide to go out to an open mic nite or something. Dog will usually avoid the guitar... even dogs that sweep drinks off the table with their big dumb tail.

[sean1968]

Thats a good idea from Knight46 Holly. The Roland Micro Cube is a good amp im told and will stand you in good stead for when or if you do decide to get an electric one day. On another note, I have two guitars and much prefer the wall hangers I use. They are only cheap and put your pride and joy out of harms way. Good Luck on your playing