Even though I don't know squat about them, I'm thinking of attempting to learn how to play the guitar as a new hobby. I've tried to search for some forums related to the subject, but will give a shot here first. With such a diverse knowledge base, I'm sure someone wouldn't mind sharing a few pointers in this area. For starters, what's a good beginner's acoustic/electric guitar that I might look into? I don't want to spend more than 200 (yet) and basically want a piece that has the most to offer in terms of what I can learn from it. I was perusing through musiciansfriend.com and came across this which looks promising...
you can spend a little less and get one that's not electric. do you really need an electric/acoustic, especially if you are just learning? what's wrong with this? It's about $100, Takamine is a decent brand and if you don't like playing or get burned out, you're only out $100. I would stick with a regular acoustic, if you get better, then upgrade to electric/acoustic or just an electric. oh... and it's git-fiddle, not git tarr.. LOL
My friend has a Takamine ($250-300) and I hate it. If you start on a crappy guitar, you'll be less likely to want to learn. Best bet is to ask the guys at guitar stores. Just say your limit and ask them to fiddle around on a few--they'll tell you what feels good.
I disagree. Start on a crappy guitar, learn some chords, figure out how to play (more or less) some songs you like, and if you get into it, then think about upgrading. I have more guitars than I can count, and just messing around the house I tend to play my less expensive acoustics more than anything else. NO! These people will cheat you! Go to a Guitar Center or similar place, play around with acoustics in your price range and go home with whatever feels best to you at the time. Don't worry about it. If you really take a liking to it, you can always upgrade gradually. An experienced player definitely can tell the difference between a $200 Takamine and a $3000 Martin, but I can't see any reason for you to start out with anything crazy.
I would get a crappy guitar as well. Starting out, I would definitely get an accoustic one with nylon strings. For beginners, it's a lot easier learning how to play with nylon...then later on, you can upgrade.
I wouldn't buy a cheap guitar off the internet or a catalog. You can find a decent beginners guitar for about $200, but you kind find many more that are nothing but junk. I'd look around town, pawn shops included. Get the guitar off the rack and play it some. If you don't know enough about it, get someone who does to go with you. I got really lucky with my first guitar. It was "Lotus" Les Paul copy. It was about $200, but it actually turned out to be a decent guitar. It's over 20 years old now and my brother still has it, even though he also has a real Les Paul, a Strat, and a couple of Taylor acoustics. I also picked up a used classical guitar in 1988 for about $200. It was made in 1972 or 1973 (can't remember), and it was pretty good as well.
For my 16th birthday my parents/brother got me a Yamaha F-310 Gigmaker Package. 5 years later, though I've bought much fancier and more expensive guitars since, I still play around on this thing because of it's warmness and playability. Get one, take a lesson or two on how to play basic chords, learn how to read tabulature, and you'll most likely be on your way to a new lifetime hobby. Perhaps more.
