More Guitar Help

[kcbluegal]

OK I know nothing about guitars so I need help. I am trying to buy a *decent* acoustic/electric for around $150. I know I won't get much for that amount but I'm hoping for some recommendations.

I bought a new Johnson from InstrumentPro.com and the damn thing wouldn't stay in tune. We've had it for two days and are returning it. (Well you get what you pay for, I know)

Any good suggestions? I just want an acoustic/electric that will actually stay in tune.

Stine

 

[scottboyher]

That will be tough on a budget like that but if it were me, I would look for a descent used guitar..

 

[maestro_dmc]

Was that Johnson a Nylon String?

Sometimes they take a while to stretch the strings out. I only ask because you say: "I know nothing about guitars so I need help."

Yeah, go the used route on that budget. Look for a Yamaha, Ibanez, Jasmine, Fender, all cool budget guitars. (Sorry if I left out someones favorite)

Do you have someone you can take with you to help you give the guitar a once over?

 

[Dr_simon]

For electrics check out eBay and go for second hand Squire Strats, avoid the "Affinity" series if you can.

 

[Treeline]

That's a little light on the budget. You could find a pretty good used guitar, but you'll have to look for it. Of course, there's the other extreme, but what about this:Used Cort at Elderly instruments for $250? That's really about the entry level for an instrument that won't just make you mad. Elderly Instruments is trustworthy, but maybe the thing to do is hold off until you have about five hundred put away - and then the options open right up for you.

 

[Fusion2]

i bought a jasmine by takamine black elec acoustic cut away for 149.99 and am pleased with it, very to be exact...

the wood non cut away $99 version reviewers say sounds bad as well as plays bad... i try and do my home work, reviews rules, if you have enough of them that is...

i would think today there's a # of good buck and half acoustics around, i've played elec for 25 years and just on a whim, bought it, glad i did...

you may do better though, search reviews..

 

[Kramer]

Takamine sells a couple for "around" that price.

http://www.americanmusical.com/item...&menu=0104&keyword=AAE11&item=TAK+JASES31C+BK

http://www.americanmusical.com/item...&menu=0104&keyword=AAE11&item=TAK+JASES45C+NT

 

[kcbluegal]

Was that Johnson a Nylon String?

Sometimes they take a while to stretch the strings out. I only ask because you say: "I know nothing about guitars so I need help."

No, it wasn't a Nylon String..... I don't know why it kept doing that. We asked around and somebody said maybe the neck needed to be re-positioned.

My husband was the one who wanted to only spend around $150. Money's not an issue with me, so if I had my way, I'd spend the $400-$600 neccessary for a GREAT guitar. I've always believed "you get what you pay for" and I really want him to have a guitar he'll be super-pleased with, since it's HIS guitar.

Anyway, thanks for the ideas... I'm trying to convince him right now to SPLURGE on HIMSELF for once in his damn life.

Stine

 

[Treeline]

Is he just starting or is he a player already?

Maybe a good strategy is to get him to accept the idea of paying $750 as "OK" and then take him shopping. If he's the one to be playing it, he needs to try out different guitars. Once he gets into the swing of things, then see if you can get him into something with a solid top, laminated sides, good intonation and decent action - which should not be hard for $ 400 - 600. In his head he'll have done well spending under the "budget" and he will avoid the schlock guitars.

Look at Washburns, Takamines - and especially Tacomas in this price range. I'd avoid Ovation Applause products - the decent instruments, without compromises, really begin with the Celebrity line (an Elite might be a good choice) although high end Ovations can really cook. If you can find a Seagull dealer, that's likely to give you by far the most bang for the buck at this price point.

And of course, look at anything used, but factor in the cost of a tech's setup - maybe $50 - 75.

Also check out the Fender Acoustic thread.

 

[kcbluegal]

Is he just starting or is he a player already?

He already knows how to play.... we were actually looking at Washburns and he seemed to really like those. Thanks Treeline! I'll check out Tacomas!

Stine

 

[therage!]

My husband was the one who wanted to only spend around $150. Money's not an issue with me, so if I had my way, I'd spend the $400-$600 neccessary for a GREAT guitar. I've always believed "you get what you pay for" and I really want him to have a guitar he'll be super-pleased with, since it's HIS guitar.
Stine

Certainly you'll do better at $400-600 but if you want to make the quantum leap to high quality sound you'll need to spend $1000 plus. I know everyone has a story about how great some $500 acoustic sounded on such and such date at such and such place but in the end a POS is still a POS. 3 series Taylors and equivalent Larrivee's are the entry point and you will never match their sound with a $500 whatever.

Save up and make the quantum leap. You will not regret it and he'll love it!

 

[Fusion2]

i also played a fender D something 4 or 5 years ago that felt good in my hands and sounded pretty good...

it to was around a buck and a half i believe, on the review search, your looking for user reviews, not reseller/site reviews, i hope most here know that web sites suger coat there reviews so they can recieve products to review, who's going to send a site products if there truthful and say its crap, right, no one...

just a thought and excuse the vagueness on my part...

i also played a 200 dollar washburn about 6 years ago that was a bit stiff, it may have been the setup or strings so don't hold me on that one...

user reviews at times are truthful, if the reviewer knows whats what to start with, you can tell within the first few lines if he does usually...

that is, if you know yourself

peace...

 

[kcbluegal]

Thanks all... we ended up going with an Ibanez AEF18TVS Acoustic Electric Guitar for $250 (including shipping) off eBay. Hopefully the hubby will be happy now. He is so high-maintenance.

Stine

 

[TeleMasters]

He is so high-maintenance.

LOL