Nice But Reasonably Priced Starter Guitar Suggestions?!

[Brokenhandle]

That's a cool place! And now I'm hungry for chicken and mashed taters! ( KFC)

Ryan

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

This is what I bought. A super cheap Amazon kit guitar that came with a trash amp that I tossed on day one. Fender had a sale that day on a 20G so I bought it as well. I was able to tune it fine but had problems with the guitar working correctly. Just a couple days ago I ran into a YouTube video that showed me how to fix it. Now this cheap guitar sounds great. I can now take time to learn how to play it.

 

[MileHighSmokerGirl]

Amazon has this for an affordable price. I'd like to learn to play but I don't have the time.

https://a.co/d/4RO2WCo

 

[forktender]

The cheapest I would go on an electric guitar would be a fender squire in the $250 to $350 range. There are some decent guitars to be had there.
But in all honesty you're better off buying a used PRS SE, which are much better guitars for as little as $400 or less, used.
As far as amps go, the fender LT 25 is under $200 new and can make some pretty decent sounds from country, blues, R&B, 70s rock, all the way to the darkest death metal, they are great little practice amps, that get pretty damn loud. Plenty loud for most home needs. Unless you're like me, and like to dime 100+ watt high gain metal amps and Deluxe Reverb amps at ear bleeding levels. I'm all about the feel you get from a powerfull Dime'd out amp, its good $h!t man!!!
My moto is if you can't play good, play f'ing LOUDLY!!!

Hey, I'm already deaf from years of shooting critters, clays, long guns, and action pistol shooting.

Straight up no joke, if you're just getting started, and still have your hearing, invest in a good pair if musicians noise filtering ear buds.To protect your hearing, because being deaf sucks donkey balls .

A decent acoustic starter guitar would be a Yamaha, or Guild, they sound pretty damn good. Just know that you will need to have it set up, which cost $50 to $70 depending on where you go. If you don't get them set up for a beginner, most inexpensive guitars are almost unplayable. And when you're beginning that can make you want yo quit more than anything.


Trust me, "get whatever you buy set up for a beginner".

I wish I would've done so, I struggled with making some chords for almost a year, until I got my Martin set up for a beginner.
I was making the chords that I struggled with for almost a yr, within hours after getting the setup done . Just do it, I know for a fact that someone within minutes of your house can help you with the set up .

If you're handy you can get by with doing most of the setup yourself.
By a set up kit from Music Nomad, and watch their YouTube videos, it's really easy, and you will make a huge difference in the playablity of your new guitars.

Most important, don't buy anything that doesn't sound good to the players ear, or they won't want to play it. Every guitar sounds different, even the same make and model. So go through a few of them, and pick the one that sounds best to you, this is very important!!!!

I spent a lot of money on my first accustic guitar, a Martin D10 E, and I rarely play it because I don't like how it sounds. My next accustic guitar is going to be either a high end Gibson Humingbird or a Taylor.
Both sound amazing to me. Im just waiting to find one that sounds stand out to my ears. I play both weekly at my local Guitar Center, I'll know when I find the right guitar, and buy it on the spot, regardless of the price .
Hey you only live once, and life is to short to play crappy guitars, and amps!!!
They don't have to be expensive, they just have to have the sound you're looking for,and a little mojo, that makes you want to play them.

Good luck, let me know if I can help in your search.
Dan.

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

OK I want to learn to play again. I got pretty good with an acoustic guitar when I was a teen but gave it up. I have played a little bit with the cheap junk I posted above but have been watching way too many videos of the best guitars to learn on.

Just 5 minutes ago I ordered a Jackson JS22 Outcaster It is also sold as the Surfcaster. Same guitar with a different name. No differences. They are only available in black or white. I chose white. This has all the options I wanted including the dual Humbuckers. I also really like the shape. It does not have any sharp edges.

This looks like it will be easy to hold and learn on.

EDIT: I updated some of the details as I am learning about this guitar.

 

[912smoker]

There ya go Chris congrats on the purchase! Now get prepared to work on those calluses !
They make great instruments and nice looking too!

Keith

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

First off what is reasonably priced too you? How much money are you thinking?
I'd buy used, you will get more for your money in most cases. I use my Wife's FB marketplace, when I'm looking for used stuff.

Good question Dan and maybe should have been more specific. Thinking in the $250-300 range. But knowing nothing about guitars, very much learning on this thread though. If it was a bit more than that and more quality, I’d definitely consider it. Hope this makes sense.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

I’d like to thank everyone for their responses, much appreciated. You all are the best!!

We are definitely going to have to weigh some options. Probably be weighing them then pull the trigger after we get taxes done. Our situation has really changed over this last year and not sure what to expect.

Again, thank you all! Appreciate all the feedback and suggestions.

 

[forktender]

I’d like to thank everyone for their responses, much appreciated. You all are the best!!

We are definitely going to have to weigh some options. Probably be weighing them then pull the trigger after we get taxes done. Our situation has really changed over this last year and not sure what to expect.

Again, thank you all! Appreciate all the feedback and suggestions.

I was at Guitar Center yesterday, and will be going back this evening.
There are some nice starter guitars in that price range, basically they are ALL made in two factories, and I mean ALL. I completely zoned out and forgot to include Epiphone on my list.
Where are you planning to buy the guitar? do you have a Guitar Center near you, or any other guitar store? The reason I ask is that balance and fit are VERY important things to consider. If you have a guitar store near you, it's best to go in and pick up a bunch of guitars, find the one that feels best to you or whoever the guitar is for.
If it's a surprise, most stores will let you exchange guitars up to a month, Guitar center has a 40 day no questions asked 100% return policy. Forget guitar shapes and brands on your first guitar, your first guitar should be the most balanced and best fitting guitar in the store.
For me, it was a Fender Strat, I bought it even though I really wanted an SG or Les Paul.

In the beginning, you want the best feeling & fitting guitar.
If you stick with it, you can then pick which guitar you really wanted down the road.

I can't say enough about buying a modeling amp, which has many voices to choose from, no pedals needed. Buy the Fender LT 25, don't even question it, they are the best starter amps made, they are plenty loud, and under $200.

Don't count out used guitars and amps either, a lot of people buy them and never catch the bug, and sell them, so in theory, you can get a better quality guitar and amp used in your price range. Guitar centers 40 day return policy is on new and used gear.

Good luck

 

[912smoker]

I can't say enough about buying a modeling amp, which has many voices to choose from, no pedals needed. Buy the Fender LT 25, don't even question it, they are the best starter amps made, they are plenty loud, and under $200.


Good luck

Sweet little amp Dan! We bought it to learn and practice but it's been used on stage for a couple of smaller venues flawlessly. As you said, no need for any pedals or other gear.

We order most from AMS and they usually have either 6 or 12 no interest plans. I prefer to use their $$ but the wife/CFO prefers the one and done paying .


Keith

 

[radioguy]

try local pawn shop. you may get a good deal .

RG

 

[forktender]

try local pawn shop. you may get a good deal .

RG

F.B. Marketplace as well.

 

[SMOKEOCD]

My friend used to sell for Gibson, when it was time to buy for my teen he told me to buy whatever, all the Chinese made guitars are laser cut and essentially of similar quality. We got a cheap strat and an orange amp and are pretty pleased with the combo.

 

[Timber II]

Amateur tip- isopropyl alcohol will help take the moisture out of your fingertips and help with the callus buildup- I’m not sure it really good for ya health wise tho

 

[forktender]

Amateur tip- isopropyl alcohol will help take the moisture out of your fingertips and help with the callus buildup- I’m not sure it really good for ya health wise tho

I tried it when I was getting started, and I really can't say if it helped or not, I couldn't really tell. In my experience, nothing except time is going to help with the fire, tingling, and numbness you're about to feel in your fingertips.
Embrace the SUCK!!!! It goes away in a month or two, then you'll be able to play for hours on end without any pain.

 

[MileHighSmokerGirl]

Gibson has an app that works with the smart phones that is supposed to be pretty good that teaches you how to play.

iPhone

Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar App - App Store

Download Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar by Zoundio on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more games like Gibson: Learn to Play…

apps.apple.com

Android

Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar - Apps on Google Play

Guitar learning app: tuner, tabs, chords & tricks. Guitar lessons for beginners

play.google.com

 

[MileHighSmokerGirl]

And apparently I have a guitar on my phone via the Garageband app.

If I can figure out this app, and make some headway I just might get a guitar later this spring.

GarageBand App - App Store

Download GarageBand by Apple on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more apps like GarageBand.

apps.apple.com

 

[forktender]

And apparently I have a guitar on my phone via the Garageband app.

If I can figure out this app, and make some headway I just might get a guitar later this spring.

GarageBand App - App Store

Download GarageBand by Apple on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more apps like GarageBand.

apps.apple.com

I'm not gonna come right out and say don't bother, but don't bother...Ok, I lied!!!

You'll be much better off going to Youtube, and following Marty music beginner guitar.

You don't have to join his lesson plan, unless you want to, he has more than enough free stuff to get you going, on acoustic or electric guitars.

Dan.

 

[MileHighSmokerGirl]

I'm not gonna come right out and say don't bother, but don't bother...Ok, I lied!!!

You'll be much better off going to Youtube, and following Marty music beginner guitar.

You don't have to join his lesson plan, unless you want to, he has more than enough free stuff to get you going, on acoustic or electric guitars.

Dan.

I'll give it a look.

And apparently garage band is only on my iMac to teach guitar. No lessons on the phone.

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

I'm not gonna come right out and say don't bother, but don't bother...Ok, I lied!!!

You'll be much better off going to Youtube, and following Marty music beginner guitar.

You don't have to join his lesson plan, unless you want to, he has more than enough free stuff to get you going, on acoustic or electric guitars.

Dan.

I have had this one bookmarked.