Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Guitar Advice?

Hey guys. Im going to sign myself up for guitar lessons next month and I want some help buying a guitar.

I went to a local music shop to look around and felt a little dumbfounded after talking with the salesman there. I have done a little research online and I think Ive decided on an American made Martin. I know I want an acustic with built in electronics. I want the best resale value also, incase I ever want to sell the thing, and Im willing to spend up to $500.

Just thought I'd hear some opinions before I went out and dropped a wadd of cash.

Hey. Good choice getting some lessons. As for choosing a guitar, at this point, don't go super expensive like a top-end Martin or Taylor, but don't go $59.95 special. You want something that will sound good until you have gotten everything out of it you can. Don't worry too much about what strings it has on it, you can always change that.

Remember that the guitar might not come with a case, so be prepared to spend some money on a good hard case. Don't get a gig bag for an acoustic. Way too much risk there. Also get yourself a tuner and a metronome. Preferably a tuner with a place you could plug in your guitar. Oh, and get a capo while your at it. My personal choice is the kyser style, but you can get anyone you feel like. And don't forget picks. I use Fender Medium, but experiment and see what you like.

Don't forget that this is not necessarily about duplicating someone's setup, but finding what you like and what works for you. Have fun with it.

I don't know much about guitars but good luck. www.ultimate-guitar.com has just about everything you could ask for resource wise... anyway have fun with it!

if you want an incredible sounding acoustic, go with Washburn. They have the absolute best sound because of the Buzz Feiten tuning system (wasburn is one of the only lower end manufacturers that use this system). It really does make every chord sound sweeter. Oh yeah, you can get into the lower models pretty cheap too. Just make sure that it has the buzz feiten system and decent tuners.

My washburn acoustic (and my electric):
Washburn D34SCE

i recommend the Yamaha Pacifica 012. i bought it as my first guitar, and i have had 7 since then and i have sold all but this one, i have EMG pickups in mine but regardless finger feel and everything is great.

Im basicly looking for something I wont grow out of for a while. Im not afraid to spend money as long as its worth it in the end. I used to work in a music store but my knoledge about guitars is very limited. My specialty was drums and PA equipment.

Im pretty dead set on a Martin because they have a distinctive sound that always makes me feel happy inside when I hear one played.


But Im still hearing others opinions.

Really though... at least go try a washburn (with the buzz feiten). When i was looking for an acoustic, i didnt not know what i really liked the most untill i heard a washburn (or any guitar with the buzz feiten system). the system may sound like a gimmick... but really, there is something there. you cant put your finger on it, but the chords really do sound better because of the system.

http://www.washburn.com/acoustics/index.htm

http://www.buzzfeiten.com/

i have two Ibanez guitars. one eletric RG170 and one acoustic eletric AEF30MS. both great and great sound the RG allows me to use any gauge string i like and any tuning all the way down to ADADGB to standard and keeps the tuning perfect. my .02

I'm not an expert or anything, but I played just about every sub $500 guitar in my local mom and pop music store, and nothing sounded sweeter to me than the Tacoma line. I ended up getting one, and I still love it.

You're just starting out, so dont go everboard on the guitar. You dont even know at this point if you're going to stick with it. I'd pass on the Martin for the time being and pick up something less expensive. Ibanez, Washburn, Epiphone, Fender all make decent, lower priced acoustics.