Advice on purchasing a starter acoustic - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Anxst · 10-14-2008, 10:13 AM

So, I'm looking to purchase a starter left handed acoustic guitar for my wife, as she wants to learn how to play. However, I know next to nothing about acoustic guitars (I'm a bass player).

I have no idea how into it she might be, so I'd like to stay under 100.00 if possible. Anyone have any advice for what I should look for, or any brands to look for/avoid?

Thanks!

Martian · 10-14-2008, 09:15 PM

For $100 or less, you're not going to get much. You can get pawn shop specials for that price, but they're usually crap. If you can up your budget to $150 (or better yet, $200), you'll have a lot more options.

One thing you'll want to do is take your wife around to the guitar store. This is particularly important for southpaws, because not everyone who's left handed actually plays left handed. It'll be up to her to figure out what feels more natural. Aside from that, getting some good advice from professionals is probably the best option. Also, having the chance to actually try (or at least hear) the different guitars in action is very helpful in deciding.

Left hand instruments are fairly specialized. That's not to say that they can't be had, but they're not common and will probably be a special order. A right hander can be strung upside down though with minimal fuss (the nut may need to be filed and/or replaced, which isn't a big deal for any half decent luthier), and aside from the pickguard being at the top instead of the bottom it'll play exactly the same.

Another thing to consider is the possibility of getting a classical. They're not any more expensive (I have a mid-range classical that I managed to nab for a bit under $300), and the wider neck forces better fretting techniques, which is one of the major fall-down points for self-taught players. They don't have pickguards, so strictly speaking any classical is roughly $3.00 away from being a lefty (plus labour).

As for brands, Jay Turser makes some good beginner instruments, as does Silvertone. Cort has some decent guitars in the sub-$200 range, although again $100 and under might be stretching it a bit. I know a lot of guys who absolutely love Yamaha guitars; I've never met one I've liked, but then each guitarist is different, so my preferences should not be taken as gospel. Don't bother going with the big name instruments like Fender, Gibson, Martin, etc. They're good for pros (who generally already have their preferences anyway), but for the beginner it's a bit much.

Look for a solid top if you can afford it. You can occasionally find them for under $200, although not for $100. They resonate much better than laminates and make for superior instruments overall.

Anxst · 10-15-2008, 03:56 PM

Good stuff, and thanks for the advice!

I'll see if there are any used instruments around that might fall in the price range. I was shopping for a Christmas present, so if a place has a decent selection in the 100-150 range, I'll see if they have gift cards. That way she can get her hands on it pre-purchase.

As far as the classical, that was actually something someone else brought up to me. My only concern is that she has itty bitty hands, but I'll get her to hold onto one and see what she thinks.

I knew to stay away from the major brands, they're never worth the investment for someone who hasn't played for quite a while. I got my Rickenbacker for my 30th birthday as a gift to myself for 14 years of playing, and I still feel I probably don't deserve the damn thing. It sure is great to play, though!

Martian · 10-15-2008, 06:07 PM

Rics are gorgeous instruments. If I had the means I'd grab one in a split instant. Then again, I have aspirations of going pro and possibly delusions of grandeur.

Opinions vary. I've only ever played one Silvertone acoustic, and I hated it. I know a few guys that love em, though, including one of the guitarists here. On the other hand, I have a Silvertone electric that serves as my testbed/frankentar for new pickups, tone circuits, etc. It took a bit of coaxing to get it set up just right, but it plays like a dream, and I know that if I ever fuck it up too badly swapping stuff around I'm out a whopping $120. No worries there.

As far as the tiny hands argument goes, well.. I once knew a girl. She was fourteen (I think) at the time, maybe 5 feet tall in heels. There wasn't a thing about her that wasn't itty bitty, but she rocked a classical like nobody's business. My tech is also an instructor, and teaches students as young as 8. A lot of them are playing on classicals, because he likes to push them (we think alike). Small hands are not an impediment. It may take her a little longer to get comfortable on the fretboard, but so long as she has all five fingers she'll be fine.

You'll forgive me I hope for discounting your 'I'm a bassist' in your initial post; a lot of people who think they're musicians really aren't, if you can dig that. Regardless, if you know what makes for a good bass guitar you've got a good starting point for acoustics. Neck angle, action, fret wear all play a role. If you're looking at used instruments, pay particular attention to the bridge and the top of the guitar. You want to make sure the bridge is properly seated and that the top is not caving; cheap guitars have a habit of doing that. Also check the heel (where the neck meets the body) for any cracks or signs of wear, and of course the condition of the body in general. The frets should not stick out the sides of the neck; if you can feel the fret wire digging into your thumb when you run it along the top of the neck, put it back. Replacing frets (or the fretboard) on a $150 instrument is not likely to be worth the cost, except in cases of extreme sentimental value.

Part of the reason for keeping the value of a starter instrument low is because if you guess wrong, you're not out a huge chunk of money. So ultimately, it's probably best not to overthink it. She'll develop her own style and preferences as she goes along. For now, any entry-level instrument that's not too far out of whack will probably suit the bill. Once she knows what she wants, she can decide for herself what to buy and for how much.

A gift card is definitely a good idea. I believe that a player is much more likely to pick up an instrument that she chose herself. I don't really know how to describe that feeling when you find that right guitar; it's a bit like falling in love, I guess. You see it, you pick it up, you strum a few chords and you just know that's the right instrument. If the store you pick doesn't have gift cards available, you might try giving her the accessories (ie, a strap, a selection of picks, care and cleaning supplies) on Christmas, and then taking her out shopping on boxing day or the day after. The added bonus here is that you get a nice morning/afternoon out together.

That's what I'd do, anyway, if my lady friend showed any interest whatsoever in learning to play. She's only interested in listening though, which admittedly is good for the ego anyway.

ottopilot · 10-19-2008, 06:59 PM

Matian's giving you some great advice. I totally agree on trying out right and left handed instruments before deciding to go with a lefty. If you decide to go with a 3/4 scale guitar (try to go full size if possible), both Martin and Taylor make decent instruments in this category for under $250 US.

Anormalguy · 10-19-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martian

For $100 or less, you're not going to get much. You can get pawn shop specials for that price, but they're usually crap. If you can up your budget to $150 (or better yet, $200), you'll have a lot more options.

One thing you'll want to do is take your wife around to the guitar store. This is particularly important for southpaws, because not everyone who's left handed actually plays left handed. It'll be up to her to figure out what feels more natural. Aside from that, getting some good advice from professionals is probably the best option. Also, having the chance to actually try (or at least hear) the different guitars in action is very helpful in deciding.

Left hand instruments are fairly specialized. That's not to say that they can't be had, but they're not common and will probably be a special order. A right hander can be strung upside down though with minimal fuss (the nut may need to be filed and/or replaced, which isn't a big deal for any half decent luthier), and aside from the pickguard being at the top instead of the bottom it'll play exactly the same.

Another thing to consider is the possibility of getting a classical. They're not any more expensive (I have a mid-range classical that I managed to nab for a bit under $300), and the wider neck forces better fretting techniques, which is one of the major fall-down points for self-taught players. They don't have pickguards, so strictly speaking any classical is roughly $3.00 away from being a lefty (plus labour).

As for brands, Jay Turser makes some good beginner instruments, as does Silvertone. Cort has some decent guitars in the sub-$200 range, although again $100 and under might be stretching it a bit. I know a lot of guys who absolutely love Yamaha guitars; I've never met one I've liked, but then each guitarist is different, so my preferences should not be taken as gospel. Don't bother going with the big name instruments like Fender, Gibson, Martin, etc. They're good for pros (who generally already have their preferences anyway), but for the beginner it's a bit much.

Look for a solid top if you can afford it. You can occasionally find them for under $200, although not for $100. They resonate much better than laminates and make for superior instruments overall.

Martian offered some excellent advice, & I'd like to add my .02. It's not just the nut & PG, the saddle angle will be wrong on a 'flipped' righty (unless it's a classical with the straight saddle), but, a beginner probably wouldn't notice the saddle issue because they'll likely stay in the first four frets. Also, chances are just about any acoustic is going to need a set-up; getting the action right is important to playing comfort.

BTW I'm a natural lefty who was forced to be right-handed. I tried guitar as a lefty, but it didn't work out

.

Martian · 10-19-2008, 10:13 PM

The bridge angle is only relevant on a guitar with an offset bridge, which is not a feature common to most starter guitars (I had one put in custom on mine, which is a midrange instrument anyway). Regardless, the same halfway confident luthier who files the nut will be able to suggest this change, if it's appropriate.

Anxst · 10-25-2008, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martian

You'll forgive me I hope for discounting your 'I'm a bassist' in your initial post; a lot of people who think they're musicians really aren't, if you can dig that. Regardless, if you know what makes for a good bass guitar you've got a good starting point for acoustics. Neck angle, action, fret wear all play a role.

Forgiven before you even posted it. I'm not a musician, and I know it. I picked up a bass because I played sousaphone in marching band and wanted to mess around with my friends in a little punk band. We played some shows, and we didn't suck. That's all I was looking for.

The reason I started this thread was for some advice, which I got an excellent amount of, and I thank you. I just wasn't very confident when it came to acoustic guitars, since I've never played one. I've played upright bass plenty of times, and had fun with it, but that's an entirely different animal.

So, I thank you! I've got a gift card for a good place here in Madison, and did some shopping around and got to know the sales guys there...who are also the instructors for their starter guitar classes, so they have some idea what they're doing. The owner of the place is a luthier who makes his own lutes for renaissance shows, and the used instruments are all in great condition. So, we'll see where it goes after Christmas.

10-14-2008, 10:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
Anxst Condensing fact from the vapor of nuance. Location: Madison, WI	Advice on purchasing a starter acoustic So, I'm looking to purchase a starter left handed acoustic guitar for my wife, as she wants to learn how to play. However, I know next to nothing about acoustic guitars (I'm a bass player). I have no idea how into it she might be, so I'd like to stay under 100.00 if possible. Anyone have any advice for what I should look for, or any brands to look for/avoid? Thanks! __________________ Don't mind me. I'm just releasing the insanity pressure from my headvalves.

10-14-2008, 09:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	For $100 or less, you're not going to get much. You can get pawn shop specials for that price, but they're usually crap. If you can up your budget to $150 (or better yet, $200), you'll have a lot more options. One thing you'll want to do is take your wife around to the guitar store. This is particularly important for southpaws, because not everyone who's left handed actually plays left handed. It'll be up to her to figure out what feels more natural. Aside from that, getting some good advice from professionals is probably the best option. Also, having the chance to actually try (or at least hear) the different guitars in action is very helpful in deciding. Left hand instruments are fairly specialized. That's not to say that they can't be had, but they're not common and will probably be a special order. A right hander can be strung upside down though with minimal fuss (the nut may need to be filed and/or replaced, which isn't a big deal for any half decent luthier), and aside from the pickguard being at the top instead of the bottom it'll play exactly the same. Another thing to consider is the possibility of getting a classical. They're not any more expensive (I have a mid-range classical that I managed to nab for a bit under $300), and the wider neck forces better fretting techniques, which is one of the major fall-down points for self-taught players. They don't have pickguards, so strictly speaking any classical is roughly $3.00 away from being a lefty (plus labour). As for brands, Jay Turser makes some good beginner instruments, as does Silvertone. Cort has some decent guitars in the sub-$200 range, although again $100 and under might be stretching it a bit. I know a lot of guys who absolutely love Yamaha guitars; I've never met one I've liked, but then each guitarist is different, so my preferences should not be taken as gospel. Don't bother going with the big name instruments like Fender, Gibson, Martin, etc. They're good for pros (who generally already have their preferences anyway), but for the beginner it's a bit much. Look for a solid top if you can afford it. You can occasionally find them for under $200, although not for $100. They resonate much better than laminates and make for superior instruments overall. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

10-15-2008, 03:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Anxst Condensing fact from the vapor of nuance. Location: Madison, WI	Good stuff, and thanks for the advice! I'll see if there are any used instruments around that might fall in the price range. I was shopping for a Christmas present, so if a place has a decent selection in the 100-150 range, I'll see if they have gift cards. That way she can get her hands on it pre-purchase. As far as the classical, that was actually something someone else brought up to me. My only concern is that she has itty bitty hands, but I'll get her to hold onto one and see what she thinks. I knew to stay away from the major brands, they're never worth the investment for someone who hasn't played for quite a while. I got my Rickenbacker for my 30th birthday as a gift to myself for 14 years of playing, and I still feel I probably don't deserve the damn thing. It sure is great to play, though! __________________ Don't mind me. I'm just releasing the insanity pressure from my headvalves.

10-15-2008, 06:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Rics are gorgeous instruments. If I had the means I'd grab one in a split instant. Then again, I have aspirations of going pro and possibly delusions of grandeur. Opinions vary. I've only ever played one Silvertone acoustic, and I hated it. I know a few guys that love em, though, including one of the guitarists here. On the other hand, I have a Silvertone electric that serves as my testbed/frankentar for new pickups, tone circuits, etc. It took a bit of coaxing to get it set up just right, but it plays like a dream, and I know that if I ever fuck it up too badly swapping stuff around I'm out a whopping $120. No worries there. As far as the tiny hands argument goes, well.. I once knew a girl. She was fourteen (I think) at the time, maybe 5 feet tall in heels. There wasn't a thing about her that wasn't itty bitty, but she rocked a classical like nobody's business. My tech is also an instructor, and teaches students as young as 8. A lot of them are playing on classicals, because he likes to push them (we think alike). Small hands are not an impediment. It may take her a little longer to get comfortable on the fretboard, but so long as she has all five fingers she'll be fine. You'll forgive me I hope for discounting your 'I'm a bassist' in your initial post; a lot of people who think they're musicians really aren't, if you can dig that. Regardless, if you know what makes for a good bass guitar you've got a good starting point for acoustics. Neck angle, action, fret wear all play a role. If you're looking at used instruments, pay particular attention to the bridge and the top of the guitar. You want to make sure the bridge is properly seated and that the top is not caving; cheap guitars have a habit of doing that. Also check the heel (where the neck meets the body) for any cracks or signs of wear, and of course the condition of the body in general. The frets should not stick out the sides of the neck; if you can feel the fret wire digging into your thumb when you run it along the top of the neck, put it back. Replacing frets (or the fretboard) on a $150 instrument is not likely to be worth the cost, except in cases of extreme sentimental value. Part of the reason for keeping the value of a starter instrument low is because if you guess wrong, you're not out a huge chunk of money. So ultimately, it's probably best not to overthink it. She'll develop her own style and preferences as she goes along. For now, any entry-level instrument that's not too far out of whack will probably suit the bill. Once she knows what she wants, she can decide for herself what to buy and for how much. A gift card is definitely a good idea. I believe that a player is much more likely to pick up an instrument that she chose herself. I don't really know how to describe that feeling when you find that right guitar; it's a bit like falling in love, I guess. You see it, you pick it up, you strum a few chords and you just know that's the right instrument. If the store you pick doesn't have gift cards available, you might try giving her the accessories (ie, a strap, a selection of picks, care and cleaning supplies) on Christmas, and then taking her out shopping on boxing day or the day after. The added bonus here is that you get a nice morning/afternoon out together. That's what I'd do, anyway, if my lady friend showed any interest whatsoever in learning to play. She's only interested in listening though, which admittedly is good for the ego anyway. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

10-19-2008, 06:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
ottopilot let me be clear Location: Waddy Peytona	Matian's giving you some great advice. I totally agree on trying out right and left handed instruments before deciding to go with a lefty. If you decide to go with a 3/4 scale guitar (try to go full size if possible), both Martin and Taylor make decent instruments in this category for under $250 US. __________________ "It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

10-19-2008, 10:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	The bridge angle is only relevant on a guitar with an offset bridge, which is not a feature common to most starter guitars (I had one put in custom on mine, which is a midrange instrument anyway). Regardless, the same halfway confident luthier who files the nut will be able to suggest this change, if it's appropriate. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame