# Anybody know Guitars? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 31, 2005, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135 "2005-03-31T22:43:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Stuffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2005, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/1 "2005-03-31T22:43:04Z")
My son Stuffy2 has been expressing the desire for a guitar for sometime now. I’d like to get him a basic acoustic guitar for a starters. Does anyone know what I’d be looking to spend? What else would he need to start? I don’t want to spend a lot of mony and have him lose interest (although that doesn’t seem likely) but I don’t want to be a cheapskate about it either. Oh and how much should lessons cost, is lessons even a good way to go, or should I let him experiment? Thhanks for your advice. PS Hurray his birthday is Sunday. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2005, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/2 "2005-03-31T22:50:47Z")
For a basic acoustic guitar for a beginner, I’d look to spend around $150-$250 dollars, maybe a bit more. If you’re going to buy a used guitar instead of a new one, I’d highly recommend taking someone who knows a lot about them with you-- you might end up with a warped neck or bad tuning pegs that make it nearly unplayable. ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2005, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/3 "2005-03-31T22:56:45Z")
My first guitar was a new $150.00 Samick. I bought it over 11 years ago and still play it every now and then. Fender is a fair brand and [zZounds has a special on a package for $199.99](http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0950801021) > [@](#): > > Here’s a complete Fender acoustic outfit including a Fender DG8 acoustic guitar with a Nato body and Spruce top. The DG8 also features a Rosewood fingerboard and chrome die-cast tuners. This package has everything you need to get started and to keep playing! The included accessories consist of an automatic chromatic tuner, a gig bag, strings, picks and a special Fender® 5-language DVD featuring over 3 hours of instruction and a Fender factory tour. It doesn’t seem like a bad deal to me. And [Music123.com also has a similar deal on a Yamaha.](http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-Gig-Maker-DLX-i141887.music) > [@](#): > > Yamaha’s GigMaker Deluxe Package gives the beginning guitarist everything they need to start learning right out of the box. Includes a Yamaha FD01S solid spruce top acoustic guitar, a gigbag, strap, picks, strings, a tuner and an instructional DVD to get you started. Either seem to be good starter packages to me and if he loses interest, you’re not out a lot of scratch. ---
**Author:** ![Stuffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/4 "2005-04-01T00:37:14Z")
Thanks guys, what about lessons? ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/5 "2005-04-01T00:38:14Z")
If you can’t find someone who knows a great deal about guitars, don’t buy a used one. I recommend looking at some of the lower end Martin or Takamine guitars. I’m not sure if Taylor has much to offer on the lower end of the spectrum, but feel free to check it out. If your son finds something he’s interested in, yet you don’t know if you’re getting a good deal or not, let me know what the brand and model is and I’ll go down the road and audition one. We’ll go from there. Also, now would be a good time for you to evaluate your son’s level of dedication to this (I know that is a difficult prospect–predicting the future and all) and if you feel this is a hobby that is going to stay with him then go with the best you can afford to get. There’s nothing more frustrating then learning to play with a bad guitar and if the instrument isn’t up to snuff quality-wise, he’ll be looking for a new one soon enough so you’ll be spending more money down the road (I’m actually lying–your son will be looking at new guitars his whole life if he sticks with it). Tell me, what is the most you are willing to spend? I’ll look around. I recommend lessons for getting him into good habits as early as possible, but don’t stick with just the lessons or he could very easily get bored with it. **Mary had a little lamb** is not what he is getting into guitar playing for, I bet. Mix it up a little with tablature so he can play some of the songs that he likes _now_. Keep him interested in playing. Will he be looking to play an electric guitar in the future? Euth ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/6 "2005-04-01T00:43:27Z")
> [@stpauler](#): > > My first guitar was a new $150.00 Samick. I bought it over 11 years ago and still play it every now and then. Fender is a fair brand and [zZounds has a special on a package for $199.99](http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0950801021) > It doesn’t seem like a bad deal to me. And [Music123.com also has a similar deal on a Yamaha.](http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-Gig-Maker-DLX-i141887.music) I started with an inexpensive Yamaha and so did kiddoeaddi. Surprisingly nice guitars, both. Decent action the tone wasn’t bad, either. I played that thing for at least 10 years and didn’t feel the need to move up until I wanted to play a 12-string. ---
**Author:** ![Greathouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greathouse/32/2992_2.png) [@Greathouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greathouse)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/7 "2005-04-01T00:52:58Z")
My first guitar (18 years ago) was a Yahama nylon string classical acoustic. I paid $120 for it new. I also got my son a classical when he started playing a few years ago ($100 new). I found that the nylon strings are easier on a beginner’s finger so they don’t get discouraged from the pain while the callouses form. I also found the wide neck of the classical guitar to be good in that you are able to play cleaner notes. You don’t get as much of your fingers rubbing the other strings on accident and muffling them. I never had lessons and consider myself a pretty good guitar player, so I can’t really offer any advise on that. ---
**Author:** ![YellowTail](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/b5ac83/32.png) [@YellowTail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YellowTail)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/8 "2005-04-01T01:06:13Z")
I’ve got one on eBay right now. Please buy it!!! 😉 Last I checked nobody had even bid so you can probably get it for a song (pun intended). Look for the seller Helpubay. It’s an Epiphone acoustic. 😃😃😃 ---
**Author:** ![Stuffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/9 "2005-04-01T01:07:51Z")
> [@Euthanasiast](#): > > If your son finds something he’s interested in, yet you don’t know if you’re getting a good deal or not, let me know what the brand and model is and I’ll go down the road and audition one. We’ll go from there. Thanks I appreciate it, as I said, I know nothing. > [@](#): > > Also, now would be a good time for you to evaluate your son’s level of dedication to this (I know that is a difficult prospect–predicting the future and all) and if you feel this is a hobby that is going to stay with him then go with the best you can afford to get. Based on his asking (about every three days for the last year or so) I think he’s serious. It probably doesn’t hurt that his best friend is also into music. > [@](#): > > Will he be looking to play an electric guitar in the future? > > Euth I think he’d prefer an electric, but I’m worried about noise and the neighbors. I’m open to suggestions here as well, I’d just assumed that an accoustic would be easier for him to learn on. If I’m wrong please feel free to school me. ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/10 "2005-04-01T01:21:33Z")
Generally speaking, electric guitars are easier to play because the strings are lighter (smaller gauge) and the action (distance between the strings and the fretboard) is lower than an acoustic guitar. If you get him an electric and are worried about noise, a little 5 to 10 watt practice amp would be the ticket. They don’t go too loud. What kind of music is your son into? If he’s into alternative/metal/grunge-y stuff, he might get frustrated with an acoustic guitar. If he’s into folky, lighter stuff, then an electric sounds like crap. Good deals on electic starter kits can be had at near the same price as acoustic starter kits. (includes guitar, small amp, strap, picks, maybe an elementary guitar book) Check this [link.](http://www.activeguitar.com/gear/item.asp?i=EM.028-0800-146&sn=10) ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/11 "2005-04-01T01:22:35Z")
Generally, it is best to learn on an acoustic because it makes the transition to an electric nearly painless. An acoustic guitar does nothing to cover your playing flaws. What you hear is all you with no distortion to save your butt. I wouldn’t say an acoustic is easier, well…because it isn’t. Typically the strings are higher off the fret board, the strings are larger and harder (especially in the beginning) to pull of dynamics like string bending, etc. There’s a great deal of squeaking with an acoustic in the beginning. You’d be surprised how much this enhances the frustration factor. I’m not trying to scare you away from the acoustic, but you need to factor all of these things in (actually, your son does) before making the investment. An electric is louder if he’s plugged into an amp and has the volume up, but some amps allow you to plug in headphones. An acoustic guitar in contrast has no such feature. I think you should probably find out if your son is even _open_ to the idea of an acoustic guitar. Maybe he just wants to play an electric. What are his music interests? ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/12 "2005-04-01T01:24:07Z")
> [@Nunavut Boy](#): > > Generally speaking, electric guitars are easier to play because the strings are lighter (smaller gauge) and the action (distance between the strings and the fretboard) is lower than an acoustic guitar. If you get him an electric and are worried about noise, a little 5 to 10 watt practice amp would be the ticket. They don’t go too loud. What kind of music is your son into? If he’s into alternative/metal/grunge-y stuff, he might get frustrated with an acoustic guitar. If he’s into folky, lighter stuff, then an electric sounds like crap. Good deals on electic starter kits can be had at near the same price as acoustic starter kits. (includes guitar, small amp, strap, picks, maybe an elementary guitar book) > > Check this [link.](http://www.activeguitar.com/gear/item.asp?i=EM.028-0800-146&sn=10) ::shakes fist:: Damn you, Nunavut Boy! Daaaaaaaaaaaaamn you! :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/13 "2005-04-01T01:29:46Z")
Well, hey, at least he knows he’s getting sane advice if two completely unrelated people are saying pretty much the exact same thing! ---
**Author:** ![evil\_homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce7236/32.png) [@evil\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evil_homer)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/14 "2005-04-01T01:32:09Z")
> [@Stuffy](#): > > My son Stuffy2 has been expressing the desire for a guitar for sometime now. I’d like to get him a basic acoustic guitar for a starters. Does anyone know what I’d be looking to spend? What else would he need to start? I don’t want to spend a lot of mony and have him lose interest (although that doesn’t seem likely) but I don’t want to be a cheapskate about it either. Oh and how much should lessons cost, is lessons even a good way to go, or should I let him experiment? > > Thhanks for your advice. > > PS Hurray his birthday is Sunday. I am a guitarist and have been playing for quite a time. The two guitars I reccomend strongly on a budget are the Hohner HW 220 Dreadnought, and the Fender DG5. Both are exceptionally good starter guitars, and are priced very reasonably. As for lessons, I was only taught 3 chords in 3 keys, and went on from there with a chord book. So, personally, I think lessons you should “fuggit about it!” but, can also be very good. If you’re in the Tuscola, IL area, I give guitar lessons at $3-5 bucks a lesson. Sincerely, Larry ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/15 "2005-04-01T01:33:07Z")
> [@Nunavut Boy](#): > > Well, hey, at least he knows he’s getting sane advice if two completely unrelated people are saying pretty much the exact same thing! Actually, I thought you’d come back with: “Gee, I hope you play faster than you type.” Which would have triggered: ::Eye twitch:: Is that a challenge? ::Eye twitch:: 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Stuffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/16 "2005-04-01T01:38:56Z")
He’s into old school R&B (think late 70s early 80’s), Classic Rock, and 80’s music. Probably because that’s what he’s heard all his life. Oh and I just asked him, he said electric. Thanks **Euthanasiast** and **Nunavut Boy** , I had heard of neither practice amps or headphones for guitars. Learn something new… ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/17 "2005-04-01T01:46:12Z")
Actually if he goes electric, I’d highly recommend a Guitar Port for a hundred bucks. Plugs into his computer, plays through his speakers or headphones, gives him the ability to closely nail nearly every song’s tone, has access to great tablature, backing tracks and more. If I’d had this thing when I was starting out, I’d be famous by now. Euth ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/18 "2005-04-01T01:46:36Z")
> [@Euthanasiast](#): > > Actually, I thought you’d come back with: > > “Gee, I hope you play faster than you type.” > > Which would have triggered: > > ::Eye twitch:: Is that a challenge? ::Eye twitch:: > > 😃 A duel, you say? Very well, sir. I choose Stratocasters at dawn! ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/19 "2005-04-01T01:48:26Z")
Actually if he goes electric, I’d highly recommend a Guitar Port for a hundred bucks. Plugs into his computer, plays through his speakers or headphones, gives him the ability to closely nail nearly every song’s tone, has access to great tablature, backing tracks and more. If I’d had this thing when I was starting out, I’d be famous by now. No time for spell check… Must beat Nunavut Boy! Euth ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2005, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135/20 "2005-04-01T01:53:27Z")
> [@Nunavut Boy](#): > > A duel, you say? > > Very well, sir. I choose Stratocasters at dawn! A commendable choice! It’s a shame we can’t be friends after this, you know, guitarsts being the way they are. 😉 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-guitars/297135.md?page=2)