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Post subject: Newbie here with a quick question
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 1:04 pm
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I've played a clarinet for years, but never learned how to play the guitar, and I want to now.

A friend can help me get a good price on a guitar and he recommended that a Fender is a easier guitar to learn to play on (compared to a Gibson etc.)

What should I look for in a guitar (i.e. types of neck construction etc.) I was told that a Strat would be a good start for me...but I don't want to spend a lot of money in case I don't keep up with the lessons.

Any recommendations would be welcome.

thanks,

jeff


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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:04 pm
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Start learning on a cheap nylon string guitar, otherwise a Squier Stratocaster will do fine or a Mexican Standard Strat.

Peter


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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:27 pm
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I would start with a squire or a standard Mexican made strat. I would try to find one used. Usually your local music store should have a few used strats.

As far as things to look for, you want to have low action. The closer the strings are to the fretboard, the easier it will be to push down on them. If they are too close though it may cause a lot of buzzing on the frets. Take a few strums at it and if it feels low and comfortable and doesn't buzz it should be good.

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Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:33 pm
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Several Guitar makers (including Fender) sell Starter Packs that include a Guitar, Amp, Strap, Picks and a few other goodies for around $300.00. I would look into getting one of them.
You can always upgrade to a better guitar after you see if you are going to stick with it.

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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:23 pm
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I hate to say it, but I actually the Gibsons are a little easier to play, because they have a shorter neck. The shorter neck means less tension on the strings. So if you were to go that route, go for a low-end Epiphone (Gibson's "cheap" brand).

However, if you want a Strat, look at Fender's Squire line - it's Fender's "cheap" brand. Either way, you ought to be able to get a decent starter electric guitar and practice amp for less than $400 (maybe even $300) total.


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Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:28 pm
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It really depend on how old u are and how much money u make

10-16:standerd strat
17-24:amircain
25-and up:alot more choices


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Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:35 pm
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I think an acoustic is always a good place to start. I still have the first acoustic I owned(1960 Kay) and treasure it.

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Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:21 pm
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Thanks for all your input. I've looked at several acoustic guitars and wanted to know what the community thinks of the Waterstone guitar? Also, what does the designation 'dreadnaught' mean? How is it different than a non-dreadnaught guitar?

jeffmgr


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Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:25 pm
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i would get a strat or some cheaper guitar that looks like a strat then once you get better get a real one or some other cool guitar that you would use longer


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Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:52 pm
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The designation "dreadnaught" refers to the shape. There's dreadnaughts, folk guitars, classical guitars, and jumbos. The dreadnaughts are what you typically think of when you see an acoustic. I would suggest looking for an alvarez dealer. Those guitars have volume like you wouldn't believe. Their beginers line, the regent series is a great start because they're cheap but fantastic in sound.

The best way to keep yourself playing guitar is to figure out what kind of guitar music you like to listen to or want to play. If you like rock or blues or something that sounds good on an electric, get a standard strat. They really deliver for the beginer and they have a great reputation so you'd be able to sell it if you needed to. If you just want to learn how to play teh guitar and figure it out from there like I did, get a nice cheap acoustic because that's a terrific starting point. If it's a good enough acoustic you might even keep it awhile. :wink:

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Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:08 pm
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paisley strat wrote:
I think an acoustic is always a good place to start. I still have the first acoustic I owned(1960 Kay) and treasure it.


I completely agree, i found it made the transition to elecrtic that much easier.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:29 pm
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crazymandolinist wrote:
The designation "dreadnaught" refers to the shape. There's dreadnaughts, folk guitars, classical guitars, and jumbos. The dreadnaughts are what you typically think of when you see an acoustic. I would suggest looking for an alvarez dealer. Those guitars have volume like you wouldn't believe. Their beginers line, the regent series is a great start because they're cheap but fantastic in sound.

The best way to keep yourself playing guitar is to figure out what kind of guitar music you like to listen to or want to play. If you like rock or blues or something that sounds good on an electric, get a standard strat. They really deliver for the beginer and they have a great reputation so you'd be able to sell it if you needed to. If you just want to learn how to play teh guitar and figure it out from there like I did, get a nice cheap acoustic because that's a terrific starting point. If it's a good enough acoustic you might even keep it awhile. :wink:


The music that I love listen to are the Beatles, Stones, Led Zep, Hendrix, Doors, Buddy Guy...and I was told that going accoustic in the beginning would always allow me the luxury of getting an electric when I know how to play better, and would really have fun.

Also, is $150 a good price for a Waterstone dreadnaught guitar with solid spruce top?

thanks,

jeffmgr


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