- Thread starter fogman
- Start date
I wouldn't recommend anything expensive to someone starting out. Most people are not going to continue it beyond the novelty stage. Unless, of course, they have money to burn and don't care. Maybe start them out with a Sub? Fairly cheap, and a pretty decent guitar by all accounts.
J-Nick
Well-known member
My philosophy is that buying cheap crap rarely makes you save money in the long run... as long as the guitar will be played in the long run...
savannah_sean
Well-known member
I agree with blackspy. Unless, of course, I can convince them to get the new Y2D model, and then sell it to me at half price two months down the road when they quit...
jimmyp
Well-known member
I'm with Blackspy on this one as well - a Sub is a great starter guitar with enough quality to gig with at a later date - may as well start with a good brand 
jimmyp
Well-known member
Having said that, a Sub is also pretty decent for any application, beginner to pro- players
beej
Moderator
Tough call on that. My philosophy (and I've pushed a number of friends to do this who have later thanked me) is that it's worthwhile to get gear that sounds and plays well rather than el cheapo stuff, at any stage.
If you love the way something feels and sounds - even if it's just banging out a G7 farmer chord - you'll continue to play, play, play. Whereas if the guitar feels crappy and the sound is terrible you'll be less likely to pick it up again.
That said, given that a beginner will have to buy some kind of amp (old pod, new roland cube, hand me down amp ... whatever), I'd look at the guitar + amp budget as a whole.
I'd say a SUB would be a great first time guitar. And the price is pretty reasonable.
If you love the way something feels and sounds - even if it's just banging out a G7 farmer chord - you'll continue to play, play, play. Whereas if the guitar feels crappy and the sound is terrible you'll be less likely to pick it up again.
That said, given that a beginner will have to buy some kind of amp (old pod, new roland cube, hand me down amp ... whatever), I'd look at the guitar + amp budget as a whole.
I'd say a SUB would be a great first time guitar. And the price is pretty reasonable.
John C
Well-known member
I agree - get something reasonable that won't fall apart and won't let you down, but I wouldn't spend over $500/$600 for an absolute beginner so they don't take too much of a loss on it if it doesn't become part of their lives.
The Sub would be a great guitar, but unless you could get one for a "blow out" price they might be a bit too pricy for a beginner - don't they list for over $900?
The Sub would be a great guitar, but unless you could get one for a "blow out" price they might be a bit too pricy for a beginner - don't they list for over $900?
Do they really? I always thought they were like 5 - 600 bucks. Even that is pushing it, to me, for an absolute beginner.
I agree though, try to get a guitar that at least sounds and plays pretty good. Though, I wouldn't spend 5-600 dollars altogether for a guitar/amp on a total beginner.
I agree though, try to get a guitar that at least sounds and plays pretty good. Though, I wouldn't spend 5-600 dollars altogether for a guitar/amp on a total beginner.
Funky Chicken
Well-known member
Buy used, but buy quality.
Remember your first few months playing? The pain in the fingers, the struggle to not drop the pick, etc.? I believe in making it as easy on a new player as you can, $ permitting. I gave up playing twice as a kid, mostly due to the crappy guitar I started on. I came back to it and eventually got over the hump, but there are a lot of kids who get discouraged and move on to something else.
A decent used guitar (a Silo for instance) will give a new player the confidence to stick with it.
Remember your first few months playing? The pain in the fingers, the struggle to not drop the pick, etc.? I believe in making it as easy on a new player as you can, $ permitting. I gave up playing twice as a kid, mostly due to the crappy guitar I started on. I came back to it and eventually got over the hump, but there are a lot of kids who get discouraged and move on to something else.
A decent used guitar (a Silo for instance) will give a new player the confidence to stick with it.
Thanks for the speedy info guys!
So here's the scoop.
I am the so called "beginner". Long story short. I played guitar for a few years and stopped playing when my daughter was born a little over 10 years ago. Sold all the equipment (3 guitars and an amp) since at that time I wasn't really using it, and need the money.
I won't go as far as to call myslef a "musician" but I played guitar. I really enjoyed it, it relaxed me like nothing could. I love music (especially guitar).
A couple of years ago I found myself missing something and realized that I wasn't feeling complete (if that sounds cheesy) because I needed to express myself musically. I then started the hunt for the axe.
My wife knowing that I'm looking at a Silo is concerned that I'd make the purchase and not use it as much as I think I would. It's not that she doesn't want me to spend the money on a guitar.
I have a history of wanting and must-having the best of everything. I would go without before I'd buy junk! This applies to every purchase I make from underwear, appliances, vehicles, food, you name it.
It is said "welcome to the Addiction". You got that right!!!
I told her I actually came down in price from what I initially wanted!?
A G-son, custom shop F-er... this was before I found the EBMM.
I will never forget the first time I saw and picked up a JP6.
I feel that when I get the guitar, this will be the one I have for a very long time.
I want to learn and play beyond where I was at years ago.
I am not a beginner except for the fact that it's been a long time, and it's like starting over. I can still scream somewhat on my daughter's guitar. But I need to re-learn songs!
With that said, I am second guessing myself as to whether I am obsessing (which I am) or being realistic!?
So here's the scoop.
I am the so called "beginner". Long story short. I played guitar for a few years and stopped playing when my daughter was born a little over 10 years ago. Sold all the equipment (3 guitars and an amp) since at that time I wasn't really using it, and need the money.
I won't go as far as to call myslef a "musician" but I played guitar. I really enjoyed it, it relaxed me like nothing could. I love music (especially guitar).
A couple of years ago I found myself missing something and realized that I wasn't feeling complete (if that sounds cheesy) because I needed to express myself musically. I then started the hunt for the axe.
My wife knowing that I'm looking at a Silo is concerned that I'd make the purchase and not use it as much as I think I would. It's not that she doesn't want me to spend the money on a guitar.
I have a history of wanting and must-having the best of everything. I would go without before I'd buy junk! This applies to every purchase I make from underwear, appliances, vehicles, food, you name it.
It is said "welcome to the Addiction". You got that right!!!
I told her I actually came down in price from what I initially wanted!?
A G-son, custom shop F-er... this was before I found the EBMM.
I will never forget the first time I saw and picked up a JP6.
I feel that when I get the guitar, this will be the one I have for a very long time.
I want to learn and play beyond where I was at years ago.
I am not a beginner except for the fact that it's been a long time, and it's like starting over. I can still scream somewhat on my daughter's guitar. But I need to re-learn songs!
With that said, I am second guessing myself as to whether I am obsessing (which I am) or being realistic!?
J-Nick
Well-known member
Hey Fogman
Here is my story maybe it can help you take a decision...
I had stopped playing for a couple of years (around 5yrs) and my guitar was gathering dust. My appartment got broken in and they stole my guitar. When I did my insurance claim I had the choice between geting the money value of my guitar or getting a new one... Well I decided I wanted to play again even though I had not touched a guitar in five years. I got a really good instrument and boy! I can tell you that I took the right decision! Having a good instrument was just that extra motivation that made me want to play more. It's been more than two years now and I play more than ever... no regrets at all in investing in a good instrument
Later
Here is my story maybe it can help you take a decision...
I had stopped playing for a couple of years (around 5yrs) and my guitar was gathering dust. My appartment got broken in and they stole my guitar. When I did my insurance claim I had the choice between geting the money value of my guitar or getting a new one... Well I decided I wanted to play again even though I had not touched a guitar in five years. I got a really good instrument and boy! I can tell you that I took the right decision! Having a good instrument was just that extra motivation that made me want to play more. It's been more than two years now and I play more than ever... no regrets at all in investing in a good instrument
Later
beej
Moderator
Fog, I say go for it! I had a year and half (years ago) that I put down the guitar. Had the same feeling that you did ... something was just, well, missing. When I eventually picked it up again it was like it had never left my hand, and never felt better. Nothing cheesy about it- just something you have to do!
In that case, I'd really consider buying something second hand. If you like it, great. If you want to switch models until you dial into the right one, you're not likely to lose much. Lots of good EBMM stuff in Canada via eBay!
In that case, I'd really consider buying something second hand. If you like it, great. If you want to switch models until you dial into the right one, you're not likely to lose much. Lots of good EBMM stuff in Canada via eBay!
francric
Well-known member
I would say if your daughter has a guitar, use that initially to show your wife your serious. When she sees that you are commited and just don't want to spend money on expensive stuff you won't use, she'll come around and let you get your equipment.
Hey Fog, I would say like the others... GO FOR IT!!!! If you do love playing and you played for a while there is no sense buying some cheap crap. You know that bad sounding axe is not encouraging. My fahter used to play but he also stopped when he got married. Now he is playing acoustic from time to time but it's not the same.
Buy a Silo spec. and I will buy a Silo and then it will be great to be a "real" member of EBMM family
Buy a Silo spec. and I will buy a Silo and then it will be great to be a "real" member of EBMM family
mbgreene
Well-known member
Fogman - I was in a very similar situation. Long time away, wanted to get back into it, too old to buy crap... yada... yada... yada. To me it was definately worth it. I care about the instrument, want to play it and enjoy it when I do. It looks feel and sounds great (even when I play it )
There is also the tinge of guilt factor for the casual player that you spent the bucks and it should be used, even if real life is starting to dwindle the time spent playing. Were it a cheaper unit that rips up your hands with a crappy fret job, it would be easier to walk from, which is not what I gather you want to do.
My only general life caveat is ...don't buy anything you can't afford... this goes for anything. But if your situation allows, buy what you want, play the hell out of it and then buy some more
) There is also the tinge of guilt factor for the casual player that you spent the bucks and it should be used, even if real life is starting to dwindle the time spent playing. Were it a cheaper unit that rips up your hands with a crappy fret job, it would be easier to walk from, which is not what I gather you want to do.
My only general life caveat is ...don't buy anything you can't afford... this goes for anything. But if your situation allows, buy what you want, play the hell out of it and then buy some more
kbaim
Well-known member
I think I'd be sure you want to stick with it again before spending the big bucks.
Especially if da fam is trying to budget.
That said, if you think there are lots of guitar players now, imagine how many there would be if most didn't start out on hard to play acoustics and just gave up.
It's just way more fun to play on guitars that you find comfortable.
I'd probably suggest you try out a roland micro cube, for about 100 bucks it's a great take anywhere amp with lots of sounds, plus delay, chorus, flange, reverb. Maybe a couple hundred more for a used guitar that plays and sounds well.
Then maybe upgrade in a year to 18 months if you find yourself playing more and more.
Especially if da fam is trying to budget.
That said, if you think there are lots of guitar players now, imagine how many there would be if most didn't start out on hard to play acoustics and just gave up.
It's just way more fun to play on guitars that you find comfortable.
I'd probably suggest you try out a roland micro cube, for about 100 bucks it's a great take anywhere amp with lots of sounds, plus delay, chorus, flange, reverb. Maybe a couple hundred more for a used guitar that plays and sounds well.
Then maybe upgrade in a year to 18 months if you find yourself playing more and more.
phatduckk
Well-known member
i have a similar story to the rest ...
i played for a little bit, quit, wanted to play again, got a better guitar and actually played it that time ... and more importantly, ive stuck with it.
the problem starts when you have a "good" guitar and want a 2nd "good" guitar for some reason, then a 3rd "good" guitar for a lesser reason ... a 4th for a fabricated reason. LoL
but dont get a canoe paddle ... you wont use it. they suck and your ears and hands will notice that. you can get a SUB WAY cheaper than what someone posted as the list price at most Guitar Centers ... or you can buy my JP6 it rules, never left the house, but its just not me
i played for a little bit, quit, wanted to play again, got a better guitar and actually played it that time ... and more importantly, ive stuck with it.
the problem starts when you have a "good" guitar and want a 2nd "good" guitar for some reason, then a 3rd "good" guitar for a lesser reason ... a 4th for a fabricated reason. LoL
but dont get a canoe paddle ... you wont use it. they suck and your ears and hands will notice that. you can get a SUB WAY cheaper than what someone posted as the list price at most Guitar Centers ... or you can buy my JP6
it rules, never left the house, but its just not me
Fogman,
Here's my $.02 for what it's worth. I've been playing for about 20 years, 15 of which have been as a serious/professional musician. Before I picked up guitar I was classically trained on piano. I've owned many guitars, with most of them being high end instruments. Along the way I've spent a lot of time giving guitar lessons. At first I gave beginner/ intermidiate instruction and later on most of my students were taking advanced technique and theory lessons.
Being a beginner on guitar is difficult. When you have a cheap guitar that is difficult to play it makes it even harder. One of the qualities that you see in all high end instruments is that they are easy to play. If I were you, I would look for a used instrument that is higher quality construction and components.
Here's my $.02 for what it's worth. I've been playing for about 20 years, 15 of which have been as a serious/professional musician. Before I picked up guitar I was classically trained on piano. I've owned many guitars, with most of them being high end instruments. Along the way I've spent a lot of time giving guitar lessons. At first I gave beginner/ intermidiate instruction and later on most of my students were taking advanced technique and theory lessons.
Being a beginner on guitar is difficult. When you have a cheap guitar that is difficult to play it makes it even harder. One of the qualities that you see in all high end instruments is that they are easy to play. If I were you, I would look for a used instrument that is higher quality construction and components.
