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Buying a Guitar

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 5:31 am
by RyanStrain3032
I recently took up playing the guitar, and I'm getting better at it. I've been using my Dad's guitar, and I don't want to keep it from him anymore. Plus it sounds weird cause it's about 30 years old.
So here's the guitar I'm going to buy in a couple of days. It sounds amazing for a guitar of that price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Takamine-Jasmin ... m153.l1262
And here's this guitar in action:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cXxskfg3eJU
What do you think? Is it a good buy?

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 6:36 am
by Guitaranatomy
Haha, no offense, man, but if that sounded that way in person, I'd break it over my knee. Lol. I do not like the clarity, at all. It just sounds too thick, there is no brightness. I like bright sounding acoustics. That may be why I like the sound of the Ovations. Of course, you should always first hold a guitar and experience it for yourself before buying it, so if you are buying off of Ebay I suggest against it. Buy out of a store, where you can hold it. Especially with acoustics, because those bodies sometimes can overwhelm the picking arm. That is another reason why I like Ovation, some of them have small bodies.
But yeah, try it out in person always, a guitar is not something you want to buy on the internet (Nor are clothes, Lol). I mean, for instance, I love the ESP M1000, it looks great, but it was not too user friendly when I initially played it months ago. Maybe now I would have a better time on it since I have been using a stronger neck guitar lately (And not a crappy First Act, good for learning, bad for keeping).
Well, that is my opinion. Good luck, man.
Peace out, GuitarAnatomy.

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 1:10 pm
by gbheil
A while back I was in the same Boat Ryan. the guy advised me to go to the music stores and play every guitar in my price range I could lay hands on. Even if you are uncomfortable as a beginner, do it .
You will no it when you feel / hear it bro. Guitar preference is like pickin chicks We all have different taste and they all taste different.

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 1:13 pm
by The KIDD
OH MAN, you guys are killin me

Most acoustic guitars and wood bodied electrics will sound better after theyve aged a bit so Id be happy with a 30 year old guitar .

...That Jasmine sounded fine to me?...There necks are a little thinner and more narrow than alot of necks (if my memory serves me right??) SO , it will be easier for ya unless your 6'.5" and have those long lanky fingers..

...But yeah , if ya can, call a few stores in Raleigh (is Hoffman string Co.still there?)see if they have one for ya to play as GA said...
Hey GA, you must stand when you play. Ovations are a Bit^%$ to play sittin down..

Im chasing it all over my leg as I play it...BUT, I do know that "sound" your talkin about..My boy Pat Simmons of the Doobie Bros played Ovations...I just happen to like a more full range sound...

...
Im sure the Old Man will be happy to get that poor OLD 30yr old gtr back...
John

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 2:42 pm
by RyanStrain3032

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 8:16 pm
by gtZip
I'm getting my mother a Breedlove Passport D20 FS for her B-Day.
A little higher in price than yer average starter acoustic at $400, but it's MMmm Mmmm good.
I wasn't even aware of the Jasmine subline from Takamine...
If it's the $250 dollar and under range, I would want to hear the guitar in person and play it before I bit on anything.

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 8:44 pm
by RyanStrain3032
I may take your guys advice and buy it from a store. That way I can try it before I buy it.

Posted:
Wed May 07, 2008 9:21 pm
by gbheil
You dont have to "buy" it at the store if you find a good brand / type you like. You may still be able to obtain it online cheaper. And dont forget the Pawn shops. There are always guitars in the Pawn. You may find a diamond

Then again it never hurts to support your local music dealer and get to know them. A good resourse at times.

Posted:
Thu May 08, 2008 6:01 am
by RyanStrain3032
Just wondering if I should start out with an Electric guitar. Because I want to eventually get one anyway, but I didn't think I should start out with one. But maybe it doesn't matter. What do you think?

Posted:
Thu May 08, 2008 7:04 am
by chaos theory
get a electric guitar you can use distortion and rock out on it and its also easier to play than a acoustic
checkout my band
CHAOS THEORY
heavy guitars/funky beats
singer that sounds alot
like everlast
http://www.myspace.com/fudgingcompost

Posted:
Thu May 08, 2008 7:06 am
by Shredd6
I was personally wondering why you were looking at an acoustic considering your musical interest..
I think you should go electric dude..
You'll just want one later anyway. Why wait.
Just out of curiosity.. What's your price range?

Posted:
Thu May 08, 2008 9:11 am
by Guitaranatomy
I learned on Electric, but I would advise starting on an acoustic. I know your interest may be metal like or rock, but go to acoustic. Why? Because, simply, we can mask errors we make on electric, either the pickup does not catch them, or the effect pedals silence them. On an acoustic masking an error is not so easy, you will hear it if it is made. Basically speaking, you are more likely to play smoother if you go from acoustic to electric than vice versa.
Plus, the strings on an acoustic are tougher in my opinion, maybe because some of them are wound in brass. But yeah, it is better for preventing errors. You can do a lot of techniques on acoustics that can be done on electrics (Except for tapping, that is very hard on an acoustic in my opinion, unless you have years of experience).
Well, it is most likely more about personal preference no matter what suggestions you get. If you are more comfortable on electric then get a First Act to mess with, they are like 150 dollars with an amp and all this other instructional stuff. If you have a higher budget, I say buy an Ibanez and a small Marshall 10 watt Marshall, if you want effects, make that a
15 Watt Spider III Line 6.
Peace out, GuitarAnatomy.

Posted:
Thu May 08, 2008 12:48 pm
by philbymon
As a teacher, I always start ppl out on acoustic. It gives you hand strength, 1st. It allows you to play/practice anywhere, 2nd. It's also cheaper, in that you don't need an amp & cord.
Once you have the calouses & hand strength, & a few skills under your belt, then go for an electric.
Play one in a store, or a pawn shop, or at a person's house or yard sale, & buy it there. Each guitar truly does sound different, & has its own character, even identical models from the same manufacturer. There are minor flaws in wood & workmanship that give each unit its own set of prgblems, like the buzz you get on your dad's, as well as its own unique sound.
Have fun shopping, but don't just grab the 1st one you play. Never be embarassed about your ability when you go to a music store to try them out, either. Who gives a damn how well you play when it comes to whether or not you are going to spend $ in his store, or pay him his commission? Listen carefully to the instrument. Remember the feel of each, & the sound of each, as you go from store to store. Make notes about the ones that interest you, & compare them all before you make your purchase.