Rush Cocky Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Hey everyone: I'm new to the guitar realm, just learning to play. I've been diddling on other people's guitars, and realized it's time for me to get my own. I want to buy an acoustic guitar, but really have no idea what I am looking for. I don't need anything professional (as I am very far from that) but I would like something decent. Thing is, I don't have a concept of what "decent" is in the guitar arena. Any recommendations of what to look for? I am thinking of maybe getting a deal on a used guitar at a local pawn shop, but I need some instruction on what to look for, and also what to avoid. I am on a budget too, by the way. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancient Ways Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 I would try to avoid pawn shops if you don't know what to look for. The best advice is to take someone who knows with you. The two major things i would suggest are: 1) research "action" on the internet and check the guitar for proper action. Basically you want the strings close enough to the fretboard to play comfortably but not so close that they are touching frets. 2) Fret notes all over the guitar and make sure their is no "buzzing" sound. (caused by strings being too close to frets not being fingered. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowItIs Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 QUOTE (Ancient Ways @ Sep 7 2011, 03:28 PM) I would try to avoid pawn shops if you don't know what to look for. The best advice is to take someone who knows with you. The two major things i would suggest are: 1) research "action" on the internet and check the guitar for proper action. Basically you want the strings close enough to the fretboard to play comfortably but not so close that they are touching frets. 2) Fret notes all over the guitar and make sure their is no "buzzing" sound. (caused by strings being too close to frets not being fingered. Good luck. Make sure you take it to a luthier and get it set right for you. I can tell you from experience that trying to learn on a guitar with poor action is frustrating as hell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rush Cocky Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 Thanks Ancient Ways, I'll take that advice! Anyone else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridertoo98 Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 I have a "cheap" flattop, it is a Kona brand, has a pickup too. Surpise me that it plays well for the cost. Sound nice too. I dont have an acoustic amp so i can say how well the pick up sounds through one. Its ok in the Vox I have. Just goto the music store and play a few in your price range, take a friend whom knows guitars and have fun. Sigma,Martins cheap guitars are not bad for the $$. Hard to get a bad guitar today most are very playible with a little setup work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rush Cocky Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 QUOTE (ridertoo98 @ Sep 13 2011, 12:39 PM) I have a "cheap" flattop, it is a Kona brand, has a pickup too. Surpise me that it plays well for the cost. Sound nice too. I dont have an acoustic amp so i can say how well the pick up sounds through one. Its ok in the Vox I have. Just goto the music store and play a few in your price range, take a friend whom knows guitars and have fun. Sigma,Martins cheap guitars are not bad for the $$. Hard to get a bad guitar today most are very playible with a little setup work. Thanks for the input. I'm taking all of this in! Any more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rand Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 What's your budget? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LakesideMaiden Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 keep in mind that if you get a guitar with an accessible truss rod, the action can be adjusted. There are quite a few good, inexpensive acoustic guitars out there. You can get an Epiphone (Gibson is the parent company) acoustic through Musicians Friend (Guitar Center) for around $90. Always go to the shop and try out a few. You'll know it when you play it if it's the right one for you. I recommend getting a slightly higher gauge set of strings, like 10's (they have a little more give to them), to take it easy on your hand as you're learning chords. Always check the action, like Ancient Ways said, make sure you have no fret buzzing. A lower action will help you out as well as you're learning chords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Quixote Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 If you can afford it, get one with a solid top. The sound will be much better. I have one with and one without - there are days the latter one would be better served as a canoe paddle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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