Foo - Guitars?

I know this is a bike forum, but who knows , im sure some of you play guitar. I'm getting into playing guitar, and have been using my very old no name brand beggining classical guitar. I'm looking for a new acoustic, not classical, something for fooling around on, with metal strings. I have only looked at a 200 dollar Ibanez so far, and am still browsing. I dont really want to spend more than 300, as I'm still learning and whatnot. I just want something with decent sound and a decent price. Any suggestions?

There must be some guitar players here. Also, if anyone wants to trade one for bike parts, I work at a shop and can get most things.

I had an Ibanez once. And a Yamaha electric acoustic. The Ibanez didn't have a real intuitive feel but sounded alright for the money. If I were you I would buy used. You'll get a lot more for your money. Might even be able to find a banged up Gibson or Ovation for around $500. Wouldn't trust Ebay for something like this. Make sure you play it first.

It's been awhile since I was in the market but maybe there are others who can help.

Good luck.

For 300 USD you should find a nice guitar in you area of the world. Go used, as a good sold spruce toped guitar, like a violin, will get better with age. Some brands to look for in your price rage would include Yamaha, Korean Washburns, Simon & Patrick, Seagull, Epiphones, Ovation etc. I doubt you will find a beat up Gibson for less then $500, as they are collector’s items now. There is a guitar bluebook available, I have found it very accurate and it will give you some great insight into what and what not to buy. Also, take your own style of playing into consideration and the type of strings – heavy or light you use. I like to finger pick in a very aggressive fast folk style and I am finding it hard to find an instrument in a similar price range. My plan is to sell the two instruments I have and blow a wad of money on the one I want. I am trying to replace a wonderful Washburn I once had, but was ripped off from a hotel I was staying in. Oddly enough, my replacement guitar was smoked damaged in a hotel fire! If you can afford it, you may move up to a Guild, Gibson, Larreve or other middle to high-end instruments. The superior the instrument the better you will sound and the more you will play.
Good luck!
Gordon p

There are a lot of good deals on Ebay for guitars. Also, check out this forum and ask your question there. Musician forums (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/index.php?)

Some good people there and are willing to help out.

:beer:

Try pawn shops and goodwill stores.
Joe

Pawn shops can be a very good source, but either know what to look for, or bring a friend who does. For example, knowing to check the neck for bow, or preferably the lack thereof!

Pawn shops can be a very good source, but either know what to look for, or bring a friend who does. For example, knowing to check the neck for bow, or preferably the lack thereof!

indeed I picked up my yamaha f-310 for $75 at a pawn shop, really nice condition, still sounds great two years later :)

Thanks guys for the responses, anyone had an experience with an electric/acoustic guitar? I've decided I really like both types and that an electric/acoustic one may be my best bet.

B1105,

I sorta-kinda liked my electric acoustic (Yamaha), but it didn't have a real BIG sound. Used it in big-hair bands in the late 80s. Not a very deep body though. I would liken it to riding a hybrid bike--I can't really take it off road very well and I can't really keep up with the roadies. I fit me nice and looked really cool but that isn't what making good music is about right?

I think you might have to spend some major cash to get a really nice sounding electric-acoustic. Paying for all that tech, y'know.

AND now you've got me wanting another acoustic. Watcha all think of this one? My mom used to have one and it's what I learned on. Now I can get a replica for around $1200. If I were to gig with this one I'd insert a pickup.

http://montana.gibson.com/guitars/L-Series/bluesking.html

Guitars are a little like bikes. How they sound and feel to you may be completely different to how they sound and feel to others. A guitar sounds different to the person playing it than to the people listening to it. If your going to be performng, you should always have a competent guitarist play the instrument you're interested in while you listen at an appropriate distance. Have them play the type of music you want to play. If you're playing only for yourself, how it sounds to others won't matter. Learn how to tune a guitar or get an electric tuner, then take it with you and try out as many guitars as you can after they are tuned.

Regarding materials, there is a well published story about the master guitar buillder that made a guitar out of shipping pallet wood. He just took the pallet apart, cut, planed, glued, etc... and it sounded great! Probably because it was made by a master builder.

I always refer people to perhaps the best all around american shop, the Pimentel family in Albuquerque, NM. They make great guitars, steel string, electric acoustic, classical, flamenco. They're terrific to work with. I own a Pimentel that's been through hell, traveled everywhere in my vehicle up and down every elevation in this country through all kinds of humidity, desert, etc... for 6 years and didn't bow, crack, etc; it's solid as a rock and they stand by their work and they will be there for you. Phone 5058841669. Robert does the steel string guitars.

Also,, get a good case and keep your guitar in it when you're not using it. Guitar stands are a guitar repairman's best friend.