Guitar Gurus

If you are in Houston, try Texas Music Emporium on 1960 and I 45. I know the owner and have bought from him for years. I worked there in college and they have good deals on gear. They don't have the biggest selection if you are picky about recording gear, etc, but if you just want a starter package, they will do you right.

 

Pawn shops are great for beginners.

 

Bingo! If you are just learning, go the el cheapo route at a pawnshop.

 

Besides, new acutic guitars take time to age and their sound warms over time, the timber. I have 25+ year old Ovation "Applause" 12 string that sounds better than any new acustic 12 that I have heard....it was a pretty penny but I got it at a pawn shop.

 

Personally, I wouldn't recommend a pawn shop for a beginner. If you don't know what the hell you are looking for, you could easily get a piece of crap that isn't worth the money you spend. Be careful.

 

Same thing goes at a local music store, though. Guy wants to move a certain Washburn that's been there too long, and he'll tell you how great it is and what a bargain he's offering.

If you're just starting and you're not 100% certain it's the hobby for you, I'd actually recommend looking into a classical guitar. Nylon strings will be easier on your fingers. And you can get a decent new Yamaha classical guitar within your price range easy.

I wouldn't get anything online. I always strongly recommend you play a guitar before you buy it. Even if you don't know how to play it yet!

 

I couldn't agree with this more.

 

Go to Guitar Center! Order the catalog off their website (which is free) at musiciansfriend.com . They have PLENTY of nice guitars for beginners around $90-$150. I think they were just kidding about u going to a pawn shop!

 

I took a chance and bought a guitar online once ($450) and to this day its my favorite one. I must have gotten lucky, because I wont do that again. There is a place in the Heights that is pretty cool and the people there are helpful. Fullers on the North Loop and Yale is the name of it. When I was on vacation in Brazil about a month ago I bought my 10 year old son an acoustic guitar in Niteroi, Brazil for $70 and its sounds awesome. Good luck and make sure you play it before you buy it.

 

What do you guys think about Alvarez acoustic guitars? We want to get my son a good acoustic guitar for Christmas, and Alvarez was the name mentioned. I see a lot of older Alvarez guitars on Ebay for under $100. Is this a good way to go?

 

Fullers Vintage Guitar is the only musical equipment store in Houston where I will buy guitars or amplifiers. Mike Fuller has been very kind to me since I moved back to Houston 6 years ago.

 

They are nice for the price. I used to own an Alvarez Yairi 12 string acoustic when I was in college, and I liked it alot. For mid-pricerange acoustic guitars, Alvarez and Guild are your best bets, IMHO.

 

You can't go wrong with either Takamine acoustics or Yamaha's. My wife bought me my Takamine and that guitar sounds great for what she paid for it. It's the perfect "take it to the beach to play Jimmy Buffett tunes around the fire" guitar.

 

What do you guys think of this for a beginner on electric?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/518280/

 

Or even better is to go to a pawn shop with someone who does know about guitars.

 

Guitar guys, what do you think of this deal:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3761888946

I'm currently the high bidder. If any of you like this deal enough to outbid me, I'll personally come to your house and kick your ass.

But seriously, is this a good guitar for the money?

 

When you buy a guitar, go with a friend who knows about them, especially if you're going to a pawn shop.

 

Behad, the guitar looks nice and Alvarez has a good reputation. I am also the father of a 12 yo guitar player, and he wanted/has a steel string guitar (better for playing rock). I think the "classical" Alvarez might be a nylon string guitar. Is that OK with your son?

FWIW, I bought my son a new Art & Lutherie at RockinRobin. It was about $350 including case and set up. It is a handmade Canadian guitar (made by the same folks who make Seagull), with a solid mahagony top (I think you can get spuce if you want it). I think it sounds great, superior to the Yamahas they carry at Guitar Center. It is a beautiful guitar (you can look them up at www.artandlutherieguitars.com). The two things I don't like it has a large body for a 12 yo, and the finish scratches very easily. I found Davey at the shop to be very helpful. Good luck.

Hey im the 12 yo, son youve heard about. If you wanted to buy a guitar for your son first off it depends what kind of music he likes. Find out what music he likes (Steel for rock, Nylon for classical). When you find out what kind of music he likes take him down to rockin robin( the guys there are really nice and helpfull). If that doesnt work I would take him down to guitar center. Now I want you to remember its what he thinks sounds best, has the best body fit for him, and has the ability to play the kind of music he wants to play. Remember its him playing so let him decide (but if you think its a total rippoff just tell him to find something else he likes). Good luck!!