A headphone amplifier is a great start, but sometimes you just have to hear the sound in an open room. Especialy as you get along a bit and will start trying to pitch in to stuff on the radio or (my fave) tv theme tunes and comercials. Even some learning literature has play along CD's, where you need to hear the CD and your guitar at the same time.

For that you could get



For around $60 (yes I managed to search a US price).
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-1957-Mini-Twin-Amp-103247318-i1145519.gc

I used a similar one for years, when sharing a house with students. You dont have to disturb anyone. And they run off batteries so you can play anywhere. I still use one for busking. They have a headphone input too, for when its really late.

_________________
No no and no

Hi Tia,
Welcome to the forum, as far as amps go, you may want to have a wee peek at the Vox Amplugs. I have two here, and they're great for late night playing. They're cheap too, the Pocket Pod is a good call too, lots of great effects on it. But it cost's about 3 X as much as the amplug, I'm sure other members will chime in with regard to guitars. One thing I will say though, Nik already touched on the subject. When I first started out I bought a cheap Telecaster copy, it almost put me off playing. I then got my hands on a MIM Strat, the difference was night and day. I couldn't put the guitar down, good luck in your search. Most importantlly, enjoy the journey.

http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/

NYCgal -

I was in you're exact position 7 months ago. I badly wanted to play but had no experience at all. Don't make the same mistake I did and buy the cheapest, "I'm-just-a-beginner", thing out there because a poor quality instrument will lessen your desire to play. A guitar that feels good in your hands GREATLY helps your desire to pick it up and play.

I actually did this twice - purchased a cheapo Squire kit with amp for under $200 and both times I returned them. The last one however, after I made the return, I went straight to a local music store and purchased a MIM Strat. (MIM stands for Made in Mexico). Ahhhh.... that feels much, much better! It actually made me WANT to play. It was more than I wanted to pay at such an early stage but it was well worth it.

I've since upgraded to Fender American Strats but the MIM could easily have served me well for many years to come. It actually inspired me to keep going. Remember, if you don't play it, even a $50 guitar is no bargain - it's simply a waste of money.

A used guitar is a great option but if you go that route, make sure to ask and post pics here before handing over your cash if possible. I've learned it's easy to get burned on used guitars if you don't know what to look for. There are some extremely knowledgeable folk here who are eager to help.

It's gonna' be fun!!!

-phil

_________________
Then again, what do I know ... I've only been playin' for 6 months ... !

Welcome to the forums NYCGal.

My input is Value pack Fender or Squier. It's kinda like a starter pack for new guitar players. When I started a year ago I bought Fender CD-60 value pack (accoustic) and it came with the guitar (of course), four picks, extra set of strings, Tuner and a demo teaching DVD from Fender. Most electric guitar value packs I've seen come with the guitar and small amp at least.

Good luck in your guitar hunt and remember here on the forum is an unwritten rule that say "picture of gear or they don't exist". So when you get your guitar upload some pics of it here for the rest of us to admire.

_________________
Deyr fé
Deyja frændr
Deyr sjálfr ið sama
En orðstír
Deyr aldregi
Hveim er sér góðan getr

Hi NYC gal,as others suggested the best route to go is good used Mexican Strat or a Squire,if you can take along a friend who's knowledgeable about guitars that would be ideal as a couple and scratches and dings won't affect playability but you may pick out a guitar that looks great but has neck or tuning problems etc.The Vox AMP Plugs are great for private listening and practice but there are a few different models probably the best for a beginner would be the AC 30 model as the others are kind of specialized in their sounds. Vox also makes great practice amps that you can plug head phones into but use as a regular amp as needed.They are the Pathfinder 15 and 15R(with reverb and tremelo)starting at around $110 but cheaper used and the Pathfinder 10 that's cheaper still.My wife and I are going to NYC in May and we could take you on a gear hunt then if you haven't found anything lol.Anyway happy hunting and good luck.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!! YOU ARE ALL TERRIFIC!!

Strato-Thank you for explaining what the heck MIM means !! Made in Mexico---I never would have figured that out myself.
**I saw a Made in Indonesia Fender on Craig's List in NYC--what sort of difference would it be for MIM vs. MII ? not much? or much?

I am looking at J&R 's website and altho, I cannot make the purchase right now, and closer to spring may be more realistic, only b/c of $$-funds, but it's $200 and is a Fender Squir here's the link, if you scroll down once in the link, you'll see a comparison of a few guitars. I already asked J&R to email me when the white (first) guitar comes back into stock. I thought the black guitar w/the items (amp, soft gig bag, picks, strap, ?strings) seemed like a very good deal. ---Thoughts? from 'y'all?
Again, I just can't make the purchase now, but in a few months I hope to be able to.

http://www.jr.com/squier/pe/FSQ_0301600080/

Scotland-snowy72---TIA = Thanks in Advance. it is not my name
Thanks for your help & comments.
BTW (by the way) LOL = Laughing Out Loud ROFL = rolling on floor laughing. LMAO -i bet you know this stuff = laughed my a** off

I won't mention you all by sign on names, but I truly thank you all so much for your input/feedback/comments.
Iceland-NonniG---since i won't be getting my electric Fender Squir guitar for a few months, should I put a photo of the cool shoes I'll wear when I'm playing the guitar? I can do that...they're cool. Sparkly & unisex looking LOL....

uk Your kindness in quoting a US dollar amount for equipment touched my heart Thank you for taking the time!!
Guitslinger--I think I'll be able to get a friend who was in a R&R band & played guitar to come w/me or advise me on the purchase. Thank you and your wife for the offer to help guide me in my purchase in NYC.....

Strato & PbassBob--I think you each said this about not making the mistake you made by buying "I'm just a beginner guitar"....I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE W/THAT. I'd rather wait, and I have to wait anyway [right now] and get something that I will want to pick up and play--and you are ALL SO RIGHT....many of you havve mentioned that. It's so true.
Many thanks to all of you for your kindness in sharing your time and your thoughts & your knowledge.

Pbass---I know that block, and I recall walking by Sam Ash. I had first heard of Sam Ash from my ----guitar teacher----I was in 4th grade. She bought strings and picks for me there. I played such popluar tunes as: well, they are classics-----
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Moon River

And now, jumping ahead --a few light years---after seeing & hearing Buddy Guy AND Jeff Beck play together at MSG...I MUST DO THIS!!

Thanks PbassBob--I am looking forward to this creative journey very much.

And Snowy72-Iceland--I just saw the VOX plug in thing & I'd definitely like to buy that when it's time. Thanks for that !
And I am looking at that pkg that J&R has....I mentioned it in my recent prior post above ...and the link is there too

And I see that it is Squier by Fender....wonder why they spell it that way...guess it was the person who designed it?

My sincere apple oggies NYCgal, my mistook

PbassBob--thanks again for that v helpful info. I understand about the 'feeling' of the guitar in my hands....I'll know it when it's in my hands....like a tennis racquet....a fine pair of shoes....I have to 'feel it' and try it out, be it swing, walk, run*, or strum it

And Scotland, Snowy72---it's all cool....thank you for the chuckle
and I love that adorable dog in the video, playing pool.

Thanks again, all!!!!