Finding a guitar
October 15, 2006 6:14 PM Subscribe
I want to buy an electric guitar, but I have no idea what to get. How do I choose a good first guitar in the $200-$300 range? Any suggestions? Feel free to ask questions that might help with answers.
First off, do you have any experience playing guitar thus far? Have you taken lessons or do you intend to? Do you already own an acoustic guitar?
Buying your first electric can be sort of daunting because there are so many options on the market, but it is well worth your time and effort to find a good model, as more than likely you will be using it for some time to come, assuming you stick with it.
An important question to ask yourself is "What type of music will I be playing mainly?" This is significant because not all guitars are designed for the same musical purpose. For example, Fender Stratocasters are renowned (at least partially) for their hot, sharp blues rock ability. A lot of metal players really like Ibanez or other Japanese-based guitar makers, as they frequently have thin, fast necks with jumbo frets and pickups that are suited to metal tones.
If you imagine yourself playing a variety of styles or just aren't sure what direction you're going yet, there are some versatile choices out there. Gibson Les Pauls can be quite versatile tonally, although the feel of the necks turns some players off (totally a personal preference). Strats can also be quite versatile, especially with a good pickup assortment (humbucker & single coil combos, 5-way selector for increased tonal adjustment, etc).
I would say the most important criteria is how comfortable the guitar feels to you. Go to the store and play a LOT of guitars: Some will immediately feel better than others. Does the neck feel thick and chunky, or does it seem to fit your hand just right? Thin necks can be faster for lead work, but aren't as well suited to heavy rythym work.
Do you prefer the feel of a maple or a rosewood fretboard? Jumbo or thin frets? Light or heavy strings? All of these are important things to think about as you compare guitars. Consider these questions and others for every axe you try, and you'll quickly start narrowing them down.
Concerning price: All the major manufacturers make inexpensive starter models. Fender makes Strats & Tele's in Mexico that are 95% as good as their American counterparts for starting around $300. Gibson has similar prices on their lower end Les Pauls and SGs. Actually, Epiphone versions of Gibson model guitars are fantastic (I own an Epiphone DOT 335-style semi-hollowbody that is tremendous, and at a fraction of the cost). Japanese guitar makers like Ibanez have some ridiculously good guitars for $2-300 as well.
The biggest concern about buying a cheap guitar is quality control: Since they've cut the costs as much as possible, the consistency isn't nearly as high as a more expensive line. Two of the same new $300 guitars could feel, sound and play completely different from each other, even if they're from the same factory! It's important to play as many guitars as you can to find one that YOU really like. Remember, mail ordering guitars is NEVER a good idea!
This is all just my .02 - let me know if I can help any more...
Jesse
posted by sprocket87 at 6:51 PM on October 15, 2006
Buying your first electric can be sort of daunting because there are so many options on the market, but it is well worth your time and effort to find a good model, as more than likely you will be using it for some time to come, assuming you stick with it.
An important question to ask yourself is "What type of music will I be playing mainly?" This is significant because not all guitars are designed for the same musical purpose. For example, Fender Stratocasters are renowned (at least partially) for their hot, sharp blues rock ability. A lot of metal players really like Ibanez or other Japanese-based guitar makers, as they frequently have thin, fast necks with jumbo frets and pickups that are suited to metal tones.
If you imagine yourself playing a variety of styles or just aren't sure what direction you're going yet, there are some versatile choices out there. Gibson Les Pauls can be quite versatile tonally, although the feel of the necks turns some players off (totally a personal preference). Strats can also be quite versatile, especially with a good pickup assortment (humbucker & single coil combos, 5-way selector for increased tonal adjustment, etc).
I would say the most important criteria is how comfortable the guitar feels to you. Go to the store and play a LOT of guitars: Some will immediately feel better than others. Does the neck feel thick and chunky, or does it seem to fit your hand just right? Thin necks can be faster for lead work, but aren't as well suited to heavy rythym work.
Do you prefer the feel of a maple or a rosewood fretboard? Jumbo or thin frets? Light or heavy strings? All of these are important things to think about as you compare guitars. Consider these questions and others for every axe you try, and you'll quickly start narrowing them down.
Concerning price: All the major manufacturers make inexpensive starter models. Fender makes Strats & Tele's in Mexico that are 95% as good as their American counterparts for starting around $300. Gibson has similar prices on their lower end Les Pauls and SGs. Actually, Epiphone versions of Gibson model guitars are fantastic (I own an Epiphone DOT 335-style semi-hollowbody that is tremendous, and at a fraction of the cost). Japanese guitar makers like Ibanez have some ridiculously good guitars for $2-300 as well.
The biggest concern about buying a cheap guitar is quality control: Since they've cut the costs as much as possible, the consistency isn't nearly as high as a more expensive line. Two of the same new $300 guitars could feel, sound and play completely different from each other, even if they're from the same factory! It's important to play as many guitars as you can to find one that YOU really like. Remember, mail ordering guitars is NEVER a good idea!
This is all just my .02 - let me know if I can help any more...
Jesse
posted by sprocket87 at 6:51 PM on October 15, 2006
If you're just starting, it doesn't matter. Get any old piece of trash, as long as it stays in tune for more than five minutes and it feels somewhat good to you. Don't worry about spending less than your budget. I started with a beaten up, trashy $5 guitar and I think it did me a whole lot of good compared to starting with something good. It's also a risk free approach, especially if in two months' time you're hardly playing the thing.
posted by wackybrit at 6:58 PM on October 15, 2006
posted by wackybrit at 6:58 PM on October 15, 2006
I'm right there with the wackybrit. If you can play at all, go to a pawn-shop and pick out something that looks cool, and like and play it for a while, see if it stays in tune .
I'm a huge fan of pawn-shops. You can find some really nice stuff that is priced so much lower than retail. Speaking of pawn shops, you will probably be able to buy a decent guitar AND amp for the money your talking about spending. This past weekend I saw at least 3 Fender/Squire/Strats for under $100. That's pretty cool. I also saw a 100w amp for under $100. I think it was an old Carvin, and I remember thinking, "Wow, that's better than what I have!" Go check it out and good luck to you.
posted by snsranch at 7:27 PM on October 15, 2006
I'm a huge fan of pawn-shops. You can find some really nice stuff that is priced so much lower than retail. Speaking of pawn shops, you will probably be able to buy a decent guitar AND amp for the money your talking about spending. This past weekend I saw at least 3 Fender/Squire/Strats for under $100. That's pretty cool. I also saw a 100w amp for under $100. I think it was an old Carvin, and I remember thinking, "Wow, that's better than what I have!" Go check it out and good luck to you.
posted by snsranch at 7:27 PM on October 15, 2006
I would also say, go used. Musicians tend to overvalue their beatup gear though, so be prepared to burst some sucker's bubble.
I second wackybrit. Just take someone who can play a guitar and make sure it stays in tune. Other than that, who cares? You just want to rock out really loud at first. Thus, who cares about pickups and the finer sonic qualities? You can get to that later. :) good luck!
posted by wuzandfuzz at 7:30 PM on October 15, 2006
I second wackybrit. Just take someone who can play a guitar and make sure it stays in tune. Other than that, who cares? You just want to rock out really loud at first. Thus, who cares about pickups and the finer sonic qualities? You can get to that later. :) good luck!
posted by wuzandfuzz at 7:30 PM on October 15, 2006
I'll chime in with the trashy guitar. Less risk, and when you do pick up a nice guitar, it will feel like butter.
posted by starman at 7:32 PM on October 15, 2006
posted by starman at 7:32 PM on October 15, 2006
I'm going to go out there and even suggest getting something rough and ready as a character building exercise. If you crack the guitar, in ten years' time would you rather be telling your kids you learned to play guitar on a generic Strat copy, or some crazy-ass guitar you picked up at a yard sale? But hey, you could ignore me, I'm just getting nostalgic now ;-)
I definitely agree with snsranch in that you could get a far better amp for your money at a pawn-shop or garage sale, though. Cheap, new amps are often kinda lame. Get something with a little character that has a history. Always more fun.
posted by wackybrit at 7:32 PM on October 15, 2006
I definitely agree with snsranch in that you could get a far better amp for your money at a pawn-shop or garage sale, though. Cheap, new amps are often kinda lame. Get something with a little character that has a history. Always more fun.
posted by wackybrit at 7:32 PM on October 15, 2006
(Sprocket27's advice above is good, but personally I'd leave that to a second guitar. The reason is because you need your fingers to get used to playing a guitar before you can be a good judge. If you judge with soft fingers, you'll end up getting some weak willed guitar that doesn't feel too painful to you. Once your fingers start to harden, you can pick a great guitar much more accurately than saddle yourself with something 'safe' early on.)
posted by wackybrit at 7:35 PM on October 15, 2006
posted by wackybrit at 7:35 PM on October 15, 2006
If you want brands, then I second Squier & Epiphone.However, it's not all that important for a beginner. A more expensive guitar is almost certainly not going to make you a better player in any meaningful way, regardless of the impression guitar magazines tend to give you.
How about amps? It's a lot harder to get a decent amp for cheap. They almost universally sound like pickled sonic crap packed into a tin can, IMHO.
I still heartily disagree with wackybrit, that you should start with absolute crap. I did, and it sure as shit made it harder to learn when my fingers were bleeding all the time, on account of my first (doubleplushorrible) guitar.
posted by Zero Gravitas at 7:45 PM on October 15, 2006
How about amps? It's a lot harder to get a decent amp for cheap. They almost universally sound like pickled sonic crap packed into a tin can, IMHO.
I still heartily disagree with wackybrit, that you should start with absolute crap. I did, and it sure as shit made it harder to learn when my fingers were bleeding all the time, on account of my first (doubleplushorrible) guitar.
posted by Zero Gravitas at 7:45 PM on October 15, 2006
I agree with sprocket about the Fender guitars made in Mexico. You can't get a better guitar at that price range. I've had a Made in Mexico Strat for about 10 years and it's still great, I rewired it dropped in some American pickups and it's going to last me another 10 years, probably much longer. I also do have an American Strat, with Texas specials and a beautiful paint job, but that's because I worked at a guitar shop in high school and just had had to have it. I play the two about equally.
Regarding the other advice about just get a crappy guitar to start on, when I was working in the guitar shop, mom's would come in all the time looking for the most inexpensive guitar we had because "if he/she still likes it in a year, then we'll get them a better guitar." Well, you won't be playing in a year because it's no fun to play a guitar that is difficult to play and sounds terrible. I'm just saying.
Get something decent now, you won't have to upgrade shortly, learn to play it, have fun!
posted by Sreiny at 8:18 PM on October 15, 2006
Regarding the other advice about just get a crappy guitar to start on, when I was working in the guitar shop, mom's would come in all the time looking for the most inexpensive guitar we had because "if he/she still likes it in a year, then we'll get them a better guitar." Well, you won't be playing in a year because it's no fun to play a guitar that is difficult to play and sounds terrible. I'm just saying.
Get something decent now, you won't have to upgrade shortly, learn to play it, have fun!
posted by Sreiny at 8:18 PM on October 15, 2006
I still heartily disagree with wackybrit, that you should start with absolute crap. I did, and it sure as shit made it harder to learn when my fingers were bleeding all the time, on account of my first (doubleplushorrible) guitar.
I hate to sound like some insane purist, but that's what learning guitar is all about! Painful hands, raw as sushi fingers, and nails bitten right down to the skin!
I probably am insane though, I've been playing 18 years and I still think people who use plectrums are cheaters :)
posted by wackybrit at 8:54 PM on October 15, 2006
I hate to sound like some insane purist, but that's what learning guitar is all about! Painful hands, raw as sushi fingers, and nails bitten right down to the skin!
I probably am insane though, I've been playing 18 years and I still think people who use plectrums are cheaters :)
posted by wackybrit at 8:54 PM on October 15, 2006
Response by poster: Some answers to questions. If it's unanswered, I either missed it or have no idea what the answer is.
First off, do you have any experience playing guitar thus far? Have you taken lessons or do you intend to? Do you already own an acoustic guitar?
No. No. No.
An important question to ask yourself is "What type of music will I be playing mainly?"
Not totally sure, but listening to stuff like Sonic Youth and Modest Mouse is what really made me want to play.
I've noticed that a lot of beginner guitar buying guides suggest going to the store and trying out guitars. But how am I supposed to do that when I've never played before? Should I just forget about that?
I am going to buy a guitar from an actual music store. Sorry to disappoint an apparently large segment of the population, but I'm not HARDCORE enough to pick up some random thing from a pawn shop. I'd rather take a look at a lot of options and make a choice from that, instead of just going with whatever I can find on the cheap at a pawn shop. If I could get one second-hand from "that cool uncle" or something I'd be fine, but I don't feel particularly comfortable going with the pawn shop option.
Is there anything in particular I should be looking for, given that I can't exactly pick one up and start playing to see how I like it?
posted by punishinglemur at 10:09 PM on October 15, 2006
First off, do you have any experience playing guitar thus far? Have you taken lessons or do you intend to? Do you already own an acoustic guitar?
No. No. No.
An important question to ask yourself is "What type of music will I be playing mainly?"
Not totally sure, but listening to stuff like Sonic Youth and Modest Mouse is what really made me want to play.
I've noticed that a lot of beginner guitar buying guides suggest going to the store and trying out guitars. But how am I supposed to do that when I've never played before? Should I just forget about that?
I am going to buy a guitar from an actual music store. Sorry to disappoint an apparently large segment of the population, but I'm not HARDCORE enough to pick up some random thing from a pawn shop. I'd rather take a look at a lot of options and make a choice from that, instead of just going with whatever I can find on the cheap at a pawn shop. If I could get one second-hand from "that cool uncle" or something I'd be fine, but I don't feel particularly comfortable going with the pawn shop option.
Is there anything in particular I should be looking for, given that I can't exactly pick one up and start playing to see how I like it?
posted by punishinglemur at 10:09 PM on October 15, 2006
Is there anything in particular I should be looking for, given that I can't exactly pick one up and start playing to see how I like it?
It's kinda like if you know absolutely nothing about photography and you want to go buy a camera.. not really. As long as it has six strings and makes a noise, that's about as fine as you're going to cut it without being able to play a note. Just follow your nose and the advice of those in the store. They undoubtedly sell lots of guitars to people who have no clue about them and are probably the best qualified to advise.
(If you get the option, ask the greasy haired stoner looking types in the store rather than the slick salesman type. A true guitar player would not want to sell you some piece of crap.)
posted by wackybrit at 10:24 PM on October 15, 2006
It's kinda like if you know absolutely nothing about photography and you want to go buy a camera.. not really. As long as it has six strings and makes a noise, that's about as fine as you're going to cut it without being able to play a note. Just follow your nose and the advice of those in the store. They undoubtedly sell lots of guitars to people who have no clue about them and are probably the best qualified to advise.
(If you get the option, ask the greasy haired stoner looking types in the store rather than the slick salesman type. A true guitar player would not want to sell you some piece of crap.)
posted by wackybrit at 10:24 PM on October 15, 2006
One thing that would help is if you know someone that already plays. Take them with you while you're looking.
Three things to check on any guitar: 1) is the neck straight? 2) is the bridge adjustable, and 3) are the frets okay.
Also.
And.
Good luck.
posted by landis at 11:07 PM on October 15, 2006
Three things to check on any guitar: 1) is the neck straight? 2) is the bridge adjustable, and 3) are the frets okay.
Also.
And.
Good luck.
posted by landis at 11:07 PM on October 15, 2006
And if you can't find someone that plays to go with you, have someone in the store play some things on the guitars you're interested in. It'll at least give you an idea of what the guitar sounds like.
posted by landis at 11:10 PM on October 15, 2006
posted by landis at 11:10 PM on October 15, 2006
Buy one that looks as cool as all hell and that costs so much money that you'll feel like you are financially obligated to learn to play it, but not so much that you have no money left for lessons.
If you don't think your guitar is the coolest thing on earth, you won't play it.
posted by JekPorkins at 11:56 PM on October 15, 2006
If you don't think your guitar is the coolest thing on earth, you won't play it.
posted by JekPorkins at 11:56 PM on October 15, 2006
If you are going to take lessons, get your teacher involved in picking a suitable first instrument. You get an opinion from some one who has a vested interest in your success with learning to play the instrument, and who should know what makes one guitar "better" than another, for what you are trying to learn to do.
Some teachers are affiliated with music stores, and they do earn commissions for selling instruments. Their recommendations may not be "unbiased" in the sense of being totally arms length, but then again, they have to make the thing they sell work in your hands, to the degree your innate talent enables. If you don't feel comfortable buying what they recommend, you're free to continue shopping, particularly if you're doing this at the start of the student/teacher relationship.
posted by paulsc at 12:03 AM on October 16, 2006
Some teachers are affiliated with music stores, and they do earn commissions for selling instruments. Their recommendations may not be "unbiased" in the sense of being totally arms length, but then again, they have to make the thing they sell work in your hands, to the degree your innate talent enables. If you don't feel comfortable buying what they recommend, you're free to continue shopping, particularly if you're doing this at the start of the student/teacher relationship.
posted by paulsc at 12:03 AM on October 16, 2006
Hmm, this is sort of a tough question. I think the most important thing about choosing an instrument is how it feels to you while you're playing it. If it doesn't feel natural to you, your playing is never going to be natural. I know people who have found the best sounding, best feeling brand new mexican made Fenders, and people who have had incredibly expensive guitars that have been terrible to try to play.
Personally, I would try to learn a couple of chords, even if you can't play them quickly or well, just to have an idea of how to put your fingers down. Then, play those chords on as many guitars as you can (Guitar Center's are great for this), and you'll be able to figure out what feels good and what feels wrong.
As for looking for specific sounds, get one that sounds as clean and simple as possible. It's really easy to modify the sound coming out of a clean sounding guitar, it's really hard to control a guitar that sort of has a wilder sound. Plus, it'll make it easier to listen to what you're doing (distortion is fun but hides bad mistakes) and easier to learn.
Um, having said all that, my first guitar was a Danelectro Mod and I absolutely love it, still, 5 years later. It has a really clean sound and feels really good to play. YMMV, but I think they make some great affordable guitars.
posted by lastyearsfad at 12:14 AM on October 16, 2006
Personally, I would try to learn a couple of chords, even if you can't play them quickly or well, just to have an idea of how to put your fingers down. Then, play those chords on as many guitars as you can (Guitar Center's are great for this), and you'll be able to figure out what feels good and what feels wrong.
As for looking for specific sounds, get one that sounds as clean and simple as possible. It's really easy to modify the sound coming out of a clean sounding guitar, it's really hard to control a guitar that sort of has a wilder sound. Plus, it'll make it easier to listen to what you're doing (distortion is fun but hides bad mistakes) and easier to learn.
Um, having said all that, my first guitar was a Danelectro Mod and I absolutely love it, still, 5 years later. It has a really clean sound and feels really good to play. YMMV, but I think they make some great affordable guitars.
posted by lastyearsfad at 12:14 AM on October 16, 2006
Well, based on your answers, it will be sort of tough to do any serious testing if you can't play even a bit. The camera analogy was a good one, another one might be: How can you buy a car without knowing how to drive?
There are some obvious things to look for in the build quality area that don't rely on your playing ability. [b]landis[/b] covered that pretty well - straight neck, good bridge, good frets. Get a feel for the hardware (knobs, tuners, switches, etc) - do they feel cheap and chintzy, like they'll break in no time or like the finish will come right off? Does the paint seem crummy? That kind of stuff doesn't require playing talent to discern, but it's also not nearly as important as how the guitar feels to you while playing it.
The above advice to go with someone you can trust is very solid. A real guitar player will know what to look for and will also be looking out for your best interests. A friend or relative that plays should accompany you to make recommendations and help you see through any Salesmen Fluff.
Speaking of salesmen, I would recommend going to several stores and getting the opinions of several employees at each (especially if you can't get a friend to come with you). This will help you get a better picture of what is really a good choice, since each store will have a unique angle on it. Just walking in to a GuitarCenter and saying "I've got $300, what can I get?" is just asking for their current crummy special.
Also, I find that larger stores like GuitarCenter / SamAsh / Mars Music, etc are much more corporate, and their barely-above minimum wage floor reps aren't really too hip to selling you what you need, but what they want. They make comission, so they're going to a) try to sell you whatever has the highest profit margin, b) try to sell you an overpriced service plan (100% profit), and c) not really care about what's best for you, but what's best for them!
Smaller stores, like locally owned/operated music stores, are usually much more helpful if you're looking for honest opinions and information about instruments. We have a couple local guitar stores that are really great around here, and one especially has been my main shop for many years - the guys are honest, fair, informative, and are real players themselves, not some corporate shmucks. Not to mention they give great discounts once you start shopping there for awhile.
That's not to say GuitarCenter is totally worthless - they have tremendous sales and a huge selection, which smaller stores can't usually match. What I like to do is go to GC and play a ton of different guitars, find the one I like, and then buy it from a local store. Not always though... My last guitar came from GC since I got a majorly good deal on it, so YMMV.
posted by sprocket87 at 5:39 AM on October 16, 2006
There are some obvious things to look for in the build quality area that don't rely on your playing ability. [b]landis[/b] covered that pretty well - straight neck, good bridge, good frets. Get a feel for the hardware (knobs, tuners, switches, etc) - do they feel cheap and chintzy, like they'll break in no time or like the finish will come right off? Does the paint seem crummy? That kind of stuff doesn't require playing talent to discern, but it's also not nearly as important as how the guitar feels to you while playing it.
The above advice to go with someone you can trust is very solid. A real guitar player will know what to look for and will also be looking out for your best interests. A friend or relative that plays should accompany you to make recommendations and help you see through any Salesmen Fluff.
Speaking of salesmen, I would recommend going to several stores and getting the opinions of several employees at each (especially if you can't get a friend to come with you). This will help you get a better picture of what is really a good choice, since each store will have a unique angle on it. Just walking in to a GuitarCenter and saying "I've got $300, what can I get?" is just asking for their current crummy special.
Also, I find that larger stores like GuitarCenter / SamAsh / Mars Music, etc are much more corporate, and their barely-above minimum wage floor reps aren't really too hip to selling you what you need, but what they want. They make comission, so they're going to a) try to sell you whatever has the highest profit margin, b) try to sell you an overpriced service plan (100% profit), and c) not really care about what's best for you, but what's best for them!
Smaller stores, like locally owned/operated music stores, are usually much more helpful if you're looking for honest opinions and information about instruments. We have a couple local guitar stores that are really great around here, and one especially has been my main shop for many years - the guys are honest, fair, informative, and are real players themselves, not some corporate shmucks. Not to mention they give great discounts once you start shopping there for awhile.
That's not to say GuitarCenter is totally worthless - they have tremendous sales and a huge selection, which smaller stores can't usually match. What I like to do is go to GC and play a ton of different guitars, find the one I like, and then buy it from a local store. Not always though... My last guitar came from GC since I got a majorly good deal on it, so YMMV.
posted by sprocket87 at 5:39 AM on October 16, 2006
Note: I'm too used to BB tags and forgot MeFi uses HTML. Sorry :)
posted by sprocket87 at 5:39 AM on October 16, 2006
posted by sprocket87 at 5:39 AM on October 16, 2006
Response by poster: The closest store is a locally-owned family business, and they offer lessons. The idea of getting advice from a teacher seems like a good plan. And even though I said no to lessons, uh, last night, I suspect that it would probably be better to at least try them out. Feel free to post any more advice, though...
posted by punishinglemur at 7:01 AM on October 16, 2006
posted by punishinglemur at 7:01 AM on October 16, 2006
Yeah, I'd advise you pretty strongly to get at least some lessons, if only to learn using your hands and body correctly. That can save you a lot of bother. Obviously, you should never believe anything that promises that you can "Play like Jimi Hendrix in only 20 minutes a day!", though.
Oooh, and get yourself a nifty little program called Guitar Pro. It ain't free, but you can work it out. It's the easiest way to learn songs I've yet come across, and you can get torrents with tens of thousands of songs for the program.
Do you have an amplifier?
posted by Zero Gravitas at 9:39 AM on October 16, 2006
Oooh, and get yourself a nifty little program called Guitar Pro. It ain't free, but you can work it out. It's the easiest way to learn songs I've yet come across, and you can get torrents with tens of thousands of songs for the program.
Do you have an amplifier?
posted by Zero Gravitas at 9:39 AM on October 16, 2006
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They're also very good about answering questions, and I'd run yours by them.
A lot of the answer depends on what you want. You can find a variety of cheap instruments, but what music do you want to play? For rock you could do a lot worse than this, which gives you a decent bridge, probably so-so pickups.
The Squier series of Fender are low-end student instruments - they're kind of 'eh' as instruments go.
posted by plinth at 6:39 PM on October 15, 2006