acoustic guitar

rach · #1 March 26th, 2004

hi there everyone,
i have just decided to begin guitar, and was wondering what i should look for in an acoustic. I'm looking for something relatively cheap as it is a first guitar, and just wondering what you would suggest!

thanks heaps
rach

Kirk Lorange · #2 March 28th, 2004

Hi rach.

This is a pretty quiet forum still, but it should be busiser as time goes by.

I can't really recommend anything, but there is a similar question in this same forum ... might not apply to where you live however. Don't go too cheap when you choose, though. A really cheap guitar often means a poorly made, difficult to play instrument, which will put you off forever. Your best bet is to go to a few shops, get an idea of what's out here. If you can take someone with you who can play a bit, so much the better.

Kirk

country_takamine · #3 March 28th, 2004

Don't forget to check out pawn shops. There is some good deals to be had there also.

rach · #4 March 29th, 2004

thanks guys! i'll check around my area and see what i can find

cybersmyth · #5 March 30th, 2004

I'd look around locally as much as you can. Music stores are great, don't get me wrong. But if you can find someone in a local trade and sell paper that sells guitars they work on or something like that you can really luck out!

I got an Ovations Applause, made somewhere around the early 80's, for $200! It's a rock solid guitar and worth every penny. But on top of that I got it off a guy that just fixes and sells guitars out of his garage. He's been giving me lessons and has been an invaluable resource just because he loves to play!

Try to find someone who really loves to play and has been around for awhile. Even if they don't sell guitars themselves they'll probably know where you can get good deals and will be able to help you pick a good one out.

It's good to have a friend when you're starting out.

-Joe

parrotheadmike23 · #6 April 3rd, 2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by country_takamine

Don't forget to check out pawn shops. There is some good deals to be had there also.

I wouldn't even bother with pawn shops unless you know what you are looking for. Most of the guitars I have seen in pawn shops are problem guitars that the owners couldn't get rid of any other way or cheap beaters you wouldn't want to own anyway.

country_takamine · #7 April 3rd, 2004

True. Most of the ones I've seen need, at the least, fret work.

If you don't know what to look for,try to
find a more experienced person to check out any you're intrested in. If not, I agree, look somewhere else.
I've found a few good deals at them, but I've been playing almost 30 years.
Dang, am I that old :shock: :shock: .

Kirk Lorange · #8 April 4th, 2004

On the other hand, the Gibson J-50 that I use in some of my lessons was bought in a Montreal pawn shop for $150, back in 1969. It was already 18 years old, and had 4 rusty strings on it. I bought it because I'd seen a Carole King album sleeve with a picture of James Taylor, who played on it, with his J-50. I figured if it's good enough for JT, it's good enough for me.

I love it.

6string · #9 July 31st, 2004

I'd say your used 1955 Gibson J50 is worth at least $2,500 US