Jenk

Are you set on getting a steel string acoustic?

When I began playing I started with a classical guitar. The thinner strings are made of nylon and are MUCH easier on the fingers. They generally have a wider fingerboard but it helped me make my fingers more limber. Don't confuse nylon strings with a cheapo guitar. They sound beautiful if it's made decently.

As for a steel string, I bought a Martin DX-1 for $400. I know it's more than you wanted to pay but with a good set of strings it plays VERY nice and sounds excellent for a low end Martin. You'd be happy with it for years to come I think. I have noticed that as soon as the strings get old it loses some sound deffinition and gets a little 'muffled' or 'muddy' sounding but I still play it alot so the strings wear faster.

I've always been happy with my purchase (had it for...5 years now?)

VanKirk,

I am looking to get a steel string, yes. I do, however, know of someone willing to sell a once-$2,500 classical guitar (which she had insured). I would prefer, however, to just jump into the steel string arena.

There are two reasons why I'd like to keep my purchase at $300 ($400 max. with case):

1) My husband and I are socking away every spare dime for a house; so while I have some "play" money to spend, I won't allow myself to go over a set amount ($400); yet I refuse to wait another year, or so, to take up the guitar.

2) While I envision myself playing the guitar for the rest of my life, I'm also being realistic, knowing that I may not. If I spend quite a bit on an instrument I end up putting down, I'll feel rather bummed about the whole thing. Besides, I've had numerous people (online and in person) tell me that I needn't spend over $300 for a good starter guitar.

Is it true that a low-end Martin, Taylor, or Gibson is still a quality guitar? Or is it on par with, say, a mid-range Seagull, Ibanez, Takamine, etc.?

Thanks,

Jenk

dude, check out This guitar I played one a few weeks ago and it rocked. Its is however dreadnaught shaped.

-Vadim

Dude? I think Jenk said she's female.

Vadim, have you tried the Ovation-alikes while you were there? I was thinking of getting something like the "Agile HRB-350 Acoustic/Electric" ($169.95) Rondo's about an hour away from me. I'd like to know if it's even worth the trip out there .

otgordin can refer to me as dude if he (assuming otgordin is, himself, a dude) wants. I don't take offense. In fact, I laughed and told my husband, "Hey, I'm now considered a dude." (I got a strange look.)

I forgot to mention that the guitarist with whom I spoke mentioned Ovation as a good brand, as well. I'm going to have to narrow down my selection a bit.... Thus far, I've read some of the best reviews for Seagull, Takamine, and Ibanez. (That doesn't mean I won't keep my eyes open for other special brands, but I definitely will need something smaller in size than a dreadnought.)

Thank you for the information. I'm nervous now, though, about slicing up my fingers. Not that I'm a vain female, but I'd hate walking around with bandages all over my left hand. (All you'd be able to see is my wedding ring sticking out from gauze. )

Yesterday, I was able to speak with a professional guitarist living in Chicago. He recommended that, for someone my size (small, short arms), I avoid the dreadnought body style at all costs. (He recommended "OO," "OOO," and Orchestra.) He also recommended the brands Yamaha, Seagull, Takamine, and Fender (and concurred when I told him that others have raved about Ibanez).

Now I've narrowed down body styles, but my list of potential brands has increased. Oy!!! I feel like I'm back to square one. And now I should be thinking about the types of strings used. Yep, I'm definitely back to square one.

I'm in the West burbs (Lombard). I will check out Minstrel Music's website (assuming that they have one). Thank you for the info.

I am a guitar novice planning to purchase my first guitar, but I know nothing of what to look for (what works/ doesn't work for my needs).

Someone suggested that I seek out board members in the Chicagoland area who might be willing to meet me at a music store to go over the basics of what to look for in a guitar.

So if you live in the Chicago metropolitan area and love sharing (if not showing off) your immense knowledge of guitars, please PM me.

Thank you,

Jenk

Syxxstring and wylde1919,

My cap off is $300. (I don't want to spend more than that in the event that I don't continue on this path, or if I'm only going to upgrade in a few years' time.)

I live in the West Chicago burbs. (I will post this info. elsewhere in order to maximize my chances of a Chicagoan reading it.)

Gear Acquisition Syndrome? Good one, Syxxstring...

Jenk

Hoser Rob,

I know of only one person who has some guitar-playing experience, but he's already told me that he doesn't know much about guitar brands themselves. That is, he taught himself to play basic chords on the Yamaha his teacher had sold him, but he's not one who can distinguish the better buy from the not-so-much-of-a-better buy. I actually have no one else. (My uncle, who is self-taught and, according to my mom, very good, lives out West.) I honestly don't have anyone whom I know who could guide me.

Jester700,

My only worry is this: How will I know that I've find *the* right guitar, if I can't even play the instrument?

I did visit Sam Ash today and got a basic guitar introduction by a very nice fellow. In fact, another customer started giving me advice by telling me his own personal story of buying cheap a year ago to learn the basic chords; he was in the store today to upgrade. I guess musical instruments can be addictive like anything else.

Jenk

Brian,

Both Sam Ash and Guitar Center are within 5 minutes driving distance of my apartment. (How lucky am I in that respect? ) I have visited my local Guitar Center once but was advised by a co-worker to visit Sam Ash instead, as they supposedly charge less for the same product. (I'll be visiting Sam Ash sometime this weekend.)

The other thing that throws me about the thought of buying a guitar is the string issue. I know that at least six different types of metal strings are offered. Can someone please expound a bit upon the differences between them and what you find to be the pros/ cons of each? (My main concern is having my fingers fall off from being sliced up while trying to learn to play. )

Sorry to weight ya'll down with so many questions; I'm a passionate researcher before making any major investment. It's in my blood.

I am very serious about teaching myself to play the accoustic guitar, but I don't know the first thing about buying one. Can you suggest what I need to know, what brands are "worthy," what a guitar for a beginner should cost, and what pitfalls to avoid?

Thank you,

Jenk