It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 3:03 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 28 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Does this sound crazy?
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:33 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:22 pm
Posts: 1
Location: Schaumburg, IL
I'm 49 years old and have no prior musical experience except for being a fan...somehow I got the notion to learn how to play the electric guitar. And to add to the craziness I simply must have a VG Stratocaster. I can't read music and don't even have the funds for a purchase but I can't get this notion out of my head. Am I having a cranial meltdown? I read that a beginner should not buy a substandard instrument in order to avoid the frustration of breakdowns and constant tuning in order to avoid giving up entirely, but everything seems so expensive, although I do know a music teacher who happens to owe me a favor or two. Please advise.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:47 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 5:33 pm
Posts: 1084
Location: NoHo in SoCal
Crazy ... not in the least in my opinion. But then I've been judged way off the end of the dock by many experts and committees of my peers for 56 years :D

So based on my deranged viewpoint, I'd say GO FOR IT, particularly since you have a potential teacher to get started. As for the VG, maybe a bit of overkill for a first instrument, but certainly a good choice and one you can grow into for a long time while never growing out of it. It is true that many people were turned off quickly by some unplayable piece of junk.

The only other suggestion I'd make is -- try as many guitars as you can before decided. See how they feel, how your hand fits and what they sound like. Given the price of a VG, you'll have plenty of options to check out. Don't worry that you can't play now ... you can get a feel for the instrument's weight, "vibe" and whatnot.

Even if you decide on the VG, try as many as you can because there can be variances.

Of course ... then you get to check out the amps ... :o


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:50 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:28 pm
Posts: 24
Not crazy but definitely out on a limb.

I started playing music at age 8 and have had more substandard guitars than should be allowed by law. I'm no guitar hero but that doesn't lessen the amount that I like to pick notes and make noise.

I'd recommend looking at a nice made in mexico or even a squire for a first timer but hey, whatever feels right is right. It's music. This is art, not science. Best of luck in whatever you choose!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Does this sound crazy?
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:27 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:35 pm
Posts: 180
Location: Tejas
bigg44mag wrote:
I'm 49 years old and have no prior musical experience except for being a fan...somehow I got the notion to learn how to play the electric guitar. And to add to the craziness I simply must have a VG Stratocaster. I can't read music and don't even have the funds for a purchase but I can't get this notion out of my head. Am I having a cranial meltdown? I read that a beginner should not buy a substandard instrument in order to avoid the frustration of breakdowns and constant tuning in order to avoid giving up entirely, but everything seems so expensive, although I do know a music teacher who happens to owe me a favor or two. Please advise.

Get the best guitar you can afford and go for it. Buying a cheaper guitar and playing today is better than saving for a year and not playing.You can always upgrade later. In fact, just go to a pawn shop and get something so you can start learning immediately. A MIM strat or even a squire will be an excellent starting point. And then start saving for the strat and the amp and the effects, etc. etc. etc. 8) I mean, seriously, Hendrix started on a broomstick!

_________________
"If at first you don't succeed, keep on suckin' til you do succeed." -Curly Howard


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Does this sound crazy?
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:32 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 1:53 pm
Posts: 1037
Location: Southeast Missouri.
bigg44mag wrote:
I'm 49 years old and have no prior musical experience except for being a fan...somehow I got the notion to learn how to play the electric guitar. And to add to the craziness I simply must have a VG Stratocaster. I can't read music and don't even have the funds for a purchase but I can't get this notion out of my head. Am I having a cranial meltdown? I read that a beginner should not buy a substandard instrument in order to avoid the frustration of breakdowns and constant tuning in order to avoid giving up entirely, but everything seems so expensive, although I do know a music teacher who happens to owe me a favor or two. Please advise.


Friend, I don't know how to read music at all, and I've been playing over a year now. I can read tablature, and personally, knowing the tab and the rhythm to a song is purely enough for me. I don't know about you though.

But as far as the guitar goes, if you can afford it 100%, then go for it! I would of died and gone to heaven were my guitar a VG Strat or an American Std. (although I did inherit my father's 1961 Gibson Melody Maker).

But in a nutshell- go for it! You can't go wrong, and why pass up a good ol' favorite pastime? 8)


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:33 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:49 pm
Posts: 3233
Location: Memphis
Bigg44mag
First of all Welcome!
NO YOUR NOT CRAZY!!!! :D Find a way to get it and take a lesson or 50 get some books ask tons of questions and, and, and... Well you get the point.
Im 48 and haven't played for 30 years. I bought a Artist series "Clapton" Strat and a Hot Rod Deluxe Amp... A considerable investment, but you know what, after 9 months of practice and patients, I am still as excited about playing as the day I tried to play 30 years ago. Don't get me wrong, Im still kind of a hack, but its all coming together nicely and the best part of all...IT'S JUST GOOD FUN!

Hope this inspires

Bill


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Does this sound crazy?
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:55 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:20 am
Posts: 805
riversitter wrote:
bigg44mag wrote:
I'm 49 years old and have no prior musical experience except for being a fan...somehow I got the notion to learn how to play the electric guitar. And to add to the craziness I simply must have a VG Stratocaster. I can't read music and don't even have the funds for a purchase but I can't get this notion out of my head. Am I having a cranial meltdown? I read that a beginner should not buy a substandard instrument in order to avoid the frustration of breakdowns and constant tuning in order to avoid giving up entirely, but everything seems so expensive, although I do know a music teacher who happens to owe me a favor or two. Please advise.

Get the best guitar you can afford and go for it. Buying a cheaper guitar and playing today is better than saving for a year and not playing.You can always upgrade later. In fact, just go to a pawn shop and get something so you can start learning immediately. A MIM strat or even a squire will be an excellent starting point. And then start saving for the strat and the amp and the effects, etc. etc. etc. 8) I mean, seriously, Hendrix started on a broomstick!


At 40+ you know what you want...go for it! I agree with the above, start ASAP with a quality lesser priced guitar (Squier Strat. or used Fender) while you are saving for your dream machine. Then just practice, practice, practice, and jam with some folks as soon as you are able.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:09 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:58 pm
Posts: 7714
Location: Planet Earth
Does not sound crazy to me. There is nothing wrong with broadening your interest in life no matter what the age. And yes buy a good guitar because most cases they do play better. That and you will find that before long you will buy another. GAS :mrgreen: I am you age 8)

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:18 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 600
Location: Central New Jersey
Go for it! Don't put yourself in the poor house but get what you can afford. There are tons of free lessons available online, especially youtube. Find your nearest big chain music store (Sam Ash, Guitar Center, etc - they'll have the biggest selection) and try all of the guitars. If you can find a used one in good shape, even better. Craigslist is an great source, just buy locally.

_________________
http://www.bluesrepublic.org/

2008 Fender American Stratocaster
2008 Fender Deluxe Telecaster
Fender Power Jazz Bass Special 1987 (MIJ)
Egnater Renegade Head
Egnater Tourmaster 2x12 cab


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:46 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:10 pm
Posts: 2132
Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas (San Antonio, y'all)
I'm 44, and I bought my first guitar about 10 months ago. Just like you, I had no musical background whatsoever. And I'm having a blast!

If you can afford the VG, go ahead and buy it. And get yourself a decent amp while you're at it. No sense buying a $1700 guitar and playing it through a cheapo amp.

Welcome to the forum, and have fun! 8)

_________________
I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm. :wink:


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:07 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:19 am
Posts: 859
I don't think you're crazy for wanting to learn the guitar. I wouldn't fully support the idea of getting the VG straightaway since there are many great guitars out there that will leave a smaller dent in your wallet.

_________________
I tried to think of something clever to put here but- OH! Something shiny!!!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:17 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:47 am
Posts: 2967
Location: Westchester County, NY
I dont think MIM are 400 anymore but you get a good used one on CL for 200-300 range.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:22 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:14 am
Posts: 304
Location: Southern SoCal
If you are crazy then so am I. I'm 63 and took the plunge about 2 months ago (and glad I did). After doing a bit of research I purchased a Standard Strat which is made in Mexico (MIM). It has a street price of around $400. While it is not the top of the line it is very well made and one that you can use for years. Plus, it won't break the bank.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=516037

If you read through the postings in the various forums you'll find that one of a guitar player's favorite pastimes is modifying/upgrading his guitar. As finances allow you can change pickups, change the pick guard, change the saddles, change the tuners, change the nut, change the ... well, you get the idea. If you buy a VG you're pretty much done. Where's the fun in that? :)

Good luck in making your decision – Doug

_________________
"I don't trust nobody, not even myself" - Willie Dixon


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:47 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 73
At the expense of getting flamed here, I disagree with the choice of learning guitar on an electric. I think a good quality acoustic guitar should be a beginner's first instrument. The beginner should get used to the feel of chording an acoustic before trying an electric. I know quite a few music teachers and I believe they would back me up on this. 49 is in no way too old to learn how to play, heck 80 isn't too old. If you must have an electric guitar though, an MIM model would probably be good for you, especially since you sound like you really want to learn. MIM models can be had for around 350-400 bucks at Guitar Center and can be easily sold if you discover that guitar playing is not for you. Kudos, welcome to the club.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:06 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:10 pm
Posts: 2132
Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas (San Antonio, y'all)
chucksolo69 wrote:
At the expense of getting flamed here, I disagree with the choice of learning guitar on an electric. I think a good quality acoustic guitar should be a beginner's first instrument. The beginner should get used to the feel of chording an acoustic before trying an electric.


Chuck, I won't flame you on that piece of advice. Some of my musician friends said the same thing to me. Objectively speaking, I agree with you 100%. Learning on an acoustic will undoubtedly make a person a better musician in the end.

But I can say this about people in their 40s: We know what we want. I won't presume to speak for bigg44mag, but I just don't want to play an acoustic guitar. There's nothing about it that appeals to me. I don't like the look, the sound or the size of the instrument. So I bought a Strat, and I love it. I play it all the time. This would almost certainly not be the case if I had gone with an acoustic--I would have lost interest very quickly.

Here's my compromise: Keep your amp settings as clean as possible while you're learning and practicing. Distortion and effects can cover up a multitude of sins. That's great when you're gigging, but not so good when you're learning.

_________________
I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm. :wink:


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 28 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: