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Thinking about picking up a guitar
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<blockquote data-quote="Dannyalcatraz" data-source="post: 6378208" data-attributes="member: 19675"><p>Electrics are easier to learn on than acoustics (for most people) because they tend to have slenderer necks and lower action- the strings are closer to the fretboard. This means it takes less effort to fret a note, and chords are easier to reach. You can find nearly professional level electric guitars in the $500 range in the used market.</p><p></p><p>Acoustics are not quite as affordable. While there are some good acoustics under $300, most of what is in that price range will not be well made. Decent aoustics simply cost more to make- all that internal bracing, etc. takes time & effort to get right, and if you're cutting costs, it will usually be in terms of material and parts.</p><p></p><p>In Boston, you'll have access to most major brands.</p><p></p><p>Given your taste in music as a starting point, I'd probably opt to do what so many others have- myself included- and start with a steel-stringed acoustic. My first was a cheapie starter Alvarez that I literally destroyed in a year.</p><p></p><p>In acoustics I'd look at these brands: </p><p></p><p>Yamaha: I have a classical that was purchased new (years ago) for under $300. It is a well made nylon string that was GREAT as a learner's instrument. I'd expect similar bang for the buck from their steel string guitars.</p><p></p><p>Seagull: one of Godin's brands, they deliver a unique visual aesthetic and a LOT of quality for your money. The S6 is almost universally among the recommend guitars in the acoustic forums I frequent. Godin, a Canadian company, also makes highly-regarded electrics, as well as quality acoustics under a variety of names including Norman, Art & Lutherie, and Simon & Patrick.</p><p></p><p>Ovation: the most polarizing brand I recommend. They are polarizing because they have an inherently bright (trebly, chiming) tone that is not as "warm" as that delivered by traditional wooden guitars. Their shape & design almost demands use with a guitar strap- many of their designs feature man-made plastic bowl on the back that is slick. However, that same bowl contributes to excellent sound projection and durability. Ovations are harder to kill than vampires. Their necks are VERY similar to those found on electrics, and also have excellent on-board electronics- two features that make them insanely popular with guys who are primarily electric guitarists wanting to go unplugged.</p><p></p><p>Depending on your budget and what is available new/used, other good brands you should see plenty of include Alvarez, Breedlove, Taylor, Takamine and the Cadillac of American Luthierie, C.F. Martin. You will also see acoustics from almost every major electric brand: Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Dean, etc. all make them, but they're going to be hit or miss. Likewise for store brands like Luna.</p><p></p><p>Also, if you see a used Tacoma, give it a play. I love them- own one, looking for more. Once, they were INCREDIBLE value for money, often touted as playing and sounding like guitars many times their price. But they got bought out by Fender and discontinued so that they would not compete with Fender's own acoustic line. (Dumbasses.) </p><p></p><p>Generally, you're looking for solid wood back & sides- top too, of you can- as opposed to laminates. They generally sound better. You want a straight neck- obviously- and the fret ends should be polished and flush with the sides of the fretboard or neck to prevent the frets from tearing up your hands. Binding on the fretboard does the same job- it's not just decorative!</p><p></p><p>My personal taste runs to the single-cutaway for better upper-fret access.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Dannyalcatraz, post: 6378208, member: 19675"] Electrics are easier to learn on than acoustics (for most people) because they tend to have slenderer necks and lower action- the strings are closer to the fretboard. This means it takes less effort to fret a note, and chords are easier to reach. You can find nearly professional level electric guitars in the $500 range in the used market. Acoustics are not quite as affordable. While there are some good acoustics under $300, most of what is in that price range will not be well made. Decent aoustics simply cost more to make- all that internal bracing, etc. takes time & effort to get right, and if you're cutting costs, it will usually be in terms of material and parts. In Boston, you'll have access to most major brands. Given your taste in music as a starting point, I'd probably opt to do what so many others have- myself included- and start with a steel-stringed acoustic. My first was a cheapie starter Alvarez that I literally destroyed in a year. In acoustics I'd look at these brands: Yamaha: I have a classical that was purchased new (years ago) for under $300. It is a well made nylon string that was GREAT as a learner's instrument. I'd expect similar bang for the buck from their steel string guitars. Seagull: one of Godin's brands, they deliver a unique visual aesthetic and a LOT of quality for your money. The S6 is almost universally among the recommend guitars in the acoustic forums I frequent. Godin, a Canadian company, also makes highly-regarded electrics, as well as quality acoustics under a variety of names including Norman, Art & Lutherie, and Simon & Patrick. Ovation: the most polarizing brand I recommend. They are polarizing because they have an inherently bright (trebly, chiming) tone that is not as "warm" as that delivered by traditional wooden guitars. Their shape & design almost demands use with a guitar strap- many of their designs feature man-made plastic bowl on the back that is slick. However, that same bowl contributes to excellent sound projection and durability. Ovations are harder to kill than vampires. Their necks are VERY similar to those found on electrics, and also have excellent on-board electronics- two features that make them insanely popular with guys who are primarily electric guitarists wanting to go unplugged. Depending on your budget and what is available new/used, other good brands you should see plenty of include Alvarez, Breedlove, Taylor, Takamine and the Cadillac of American Luthierie, C.F. Martin. You will also see acoustics from almost every major electric brand: Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Dean, etc. all make them, but they're going to be hit or miss. Likewise for store brands like Luna. Also, if you see a used Tacoma, give it a play. I love them- own one, looking for more. Once, they were INCREDIBLE value for money, often touted as playing and sounding like guitars many times their price. But they got bought out by Fender and discontinued so that they would not compete with Fender's own acoustic line. (Dumbasses.) Generally, you're looking for solid wood back & sides- top too, of you can- as opposed to laminates. They generally sound better. You want a straight neck- obviously- and the fret ends should be polished and flush with the sides of the fretboard or neck to prevent the frets from tearing up your hands. Binding on the fretboard does the same job- it's not just decorative! My personal taste runs to the single-cutaway for better upper-fret access. [/QUOTE]
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