Calling all musicians! I'm looking to purchase an acoustic guitar, and I need help.

[Jason]

The title of the thread pretty much says it all. I've done a lot of writing as of late, and I've decided I want to start turning some of my poetry into song. I want an acoustic that's perfect for the beginner, something that I can learn on, yet continue to put to good use even after I'm no longer a beginner.

I need suggestions! If you're kind enough to toss me an idea, please include the brand name and model number of the guitar, as well as a brief explanation as to why you think this guitar is going to work for me.

Thanks in advance for any and all helpful responses. If you think you're going to be one of those wankshafts who clutters up this thread with useless shit, bear in mind, I will kill your parents.

[sTuPiD-gErBiL]

i'm not much of a guitar guy... i play every once in a while, though. my electric is an ibanez artist that's older than me (dad gave it to me in high school, so it's very sentimental as far as remembering him). my acoustic, however, is a piece of shit i got from service merchandise for about $50. it's missing 3 strings, but it still sounds great. go figure.

if you want good info on guitars, you should try asking brain fart (or c-wolf, if you ever still visit hz).

[Jason]

I'll definitely have a chat with the cookie wolf. I don't really see brain fart around much, though.

What you said about a cheap acoustic from service merchandise is exactly the kind of dilemma I'm in. I don't know whether or not to go cheap since I'm a beginner, or shell out the cash for a quality instrument.

[Jason]

Another question... online purchase or find a local shop?

[DUMBRIT!]

If you do buy one online (which I don't recommend because you don't know what it will sound like) use http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/ to find it and see what other people think of it


-DB!

[Jason]

Thanks DB. You make a good point about hearing the guitar first. I'll definitely be purchasing it in the flesh.

[yungLOVESyou]

my first guitar was the Yamaha C-40 Classic Acoustic, still have it, it's a great guitar, that's what I would suggest (If they still make it)

[Jason]

My roommate suggested that one, yung.

They do still make it, and I think I might be able to get it in one of those package deals where you get the guitar plus a case, some strings, some picks and usually an instructional video of some sort.

[sixtoo]

hmmm I've had my electric and acoustic for years now, The electric is much easier on your fingers at first, but acoustic gives you that all around best sound quality. especially if your going to be writing folk songs about girls and shit that I assume is what your getting at with your poetry.

just get one that you feel is right for you, sits properly in your lap an you'll be fine.

[ConcreteSchlyrd]

I'd recommend buying in a store--that way, you get to play the guitar before buying it. Every guitar has it's own little nuances, and it's better to hear/play it before being saddled with it.

[ÆNIMA]

Are you looking for a classical guitar (nylong strings)

Or a regular acoustic steel string?

Either one, just like everyone else, I suggest you go to a store and try out all different types of guitars. Remember, the higher the price of a guitar doesn't necessarily mean the guitar is any better than any lower priced guitars. I've heard $500 guitars sound a lot worse than one for half that price.
I also suggest that you take someone with you who has a good ear for acoustic guitars. Having never owned your own guitar, you might not know what to listen for in a guitar...don't rely on a salesperson, ever. Get a good, reliable friend to come with you.

If you are interested in a classical guitar, I could help you out even more. I should point out that classical guitars aren't meant to be played with a pick. The neck is wider and the strings are farther apart, making the use of a pick more difficult when strumming chords, and it sounds entirely different from a steel string.

I also want to point out that if you want to keep this guitar your entire life, that finding a great sounding guitar for a mid-range price might be your best bet...but if you can find something cheap, that sounds great...say at a flea market or auction, go for it

[Jason]

Let me say this. You know all that poetry I posted? Well, I'm going to start putting a melody behind some of my poems. I really have no clue as to what kind of sound I'm looking to have behind the words, so I don't know what to tell you when you ask if I want classical or regular. I'm assuming there's quite a difference in the sound produced by each, correct?

[ÆNIMA]

ya, a big difference....search for anything by Andres Segovia on kazaa, and you'll hear the classical guitar....and the acoustic steel string would be what you hear in Green Day's "Time of your life"

there's a huge difference...a classical guitar can sound more romantic also

[Jason]

Would a steel string be more punchy? I have a feeling my shit is going to end up being punchy. I'm one emphatic sonofabitch.

[Troll King]

If you're just starting out and experimenting, it's probably alright to find something reasonably cheap. For what it sounds like you're using it for, and at this stage, any difference in sound quality is negligible. If you eventually want to become more serious with the instrument, then would be a good time to buy a better one. Right now though, there's no real justification to spending more money for a difference in quality that you can't recognize.

Yamaha makes some very decent low-end accoustic guitars at resonable prices which would be great for someone starting out.