Guitar Advice?

[JollySipper]

http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Acoustic/PRO-1-Plus.aspx

I'm thinking of buying this acoustic guitar. I was wondering if any of you guys who play would please look at the run-down of features and tell me if this would make for a decent beginner/novice guitar. I'm thinking of getting a black one. They run from $120 for a laminated top to $250 for a solid top........

Just looking for opinions from someone who isn't trying to sell me one...............

Here's a black one,

Thanks.................!! 

 

[Belugawrx]

Hey TJ

Can't go wrong with an Epiphone...but you really need to try it out ...hands on.

Will you be buying this from a store, or on the net ?

[iamsuperdan]

Agreed. Even if you're buying online, go into a local store, sit down, and try a few. EVen if you don't play, hold the guitar, try and learn one chord before going in, and just strum a few. The tones that guitars have vary wildly, so find something that you like.

A word of advice, don't get the cheapest one you can. Spend a little money and get a good guitar. If you go with a budget model, a lot of times the quality isn't there, there may be set up issues, the tone may not be there. If they're not set up correctly, it will frustrate you and you won't get into it. If you do get into playing and really start to enjoy it, you'll want to be upgrading. So start with a slightly better guitar, and you shouldn't need to upgrade for a while. You don't need to spend a lot to get something good. 

Having said that, Epiphone is a great brand, can't go wrong with their sound or quality. Fender make some awesome acoustics, even their entry level stuff is really nice. I have an Ovation which I really like, even though the round back isn't for everyone.

Personally, I like how the BC Rich acoustics feel. Everyone knows them for their pointy metal guitars (of which I have a few) but their acoustic line is really nice. If you look around, you can pick one up for well under $400. 

 

[JollySipper]

Thanks for the replies, Fellas........ The nearest music store is about a 45 minute ride from here and I have no way of getting there, that's why I wanted to maybe get some opinions from you guys. I would be getting the solid top, I've read they have a better sound..........

[Pete J.]

Beginner? Ok, find a good guitar store and over in the back some were they will have "used" section. Musicians can be amazingly fickle and broke and I will bet with a little perseverance you can find a nice Martin Dreadnought or if you are really lucky a Taylor for a good price. These and Epiphone are really top notch instruments. The worst thing for a beginner is a gituar with poor action that is hard to play. Don't frustrate yourself if you are serious. Get a nice used guitar. Once you get more into the hobby, then buy a new guitar, but a well kept used one can be an excellent choice. Remember, there is no stigma to getting a good used instrument. Every violist who plays a Stradivarius is playing a used instrument.

[JTalmage]

Ovation is nice for that round back, doesn't feel like its cutting into your gut or arm if you're sitting down and playing. 

Depending on the size of your hand, you may want to find something with a thinner style "D" neck instead of a thicker "C" neck. (someone at the guitar shop oughta know what you're talking about)

Definitely go and play with some. I have an Epiphone AJ acoustic. Got it for $100 at a second hand store and its brand new.. I think it's an AJ-100 or maybe an AJ-220... but I can't remember now. But it's a nice piece. Plays great and stays in tune nicely. It's kinda of a big body and can be cumbersome to play sitting down certain ways. 

An acoustic is nice for a starter because you dont have to drop all the money for the electric guitar equipment just to make noise. 

I also like my Squire Bullet (Fender Stratocaster) it's light, comfy and you can get them cheap. And sometimes you can find a little pocket amp or cube to play thru and go nuts on. 

[Mike_G]

Ovations want to slide off your leg when you play sitting down, at least that's been my experience with them

 

 

[JTalmage]

Ha! That's true. I forgot about that. I didnt really see it as a downside at the time I was playing with one. But good call. 

[JollySipper]

Thank you for the posts, guys........! I have an old acoustic that's not very good, my hand hurts after just a little while of playing........ I was hoping some of you could look at the specs for the above guitar and tell me how it compares to a higher end one....... I know $250 for a new one is pretty cheap..........

[Mike_G]

A $250 budget could get you into a better used guitar

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

TJ, I don't know where your at in North Carolina, but around here, you can pick up a decent guitar at a Pawn Shop pretty often. You need to feel the action on it in person, like several have already said. Some Pawn Shops are hard to deal with, and will not let you tune the guitar up to standard. Without it being close to standard, you wont get an accurate feel for it. Another thing that you might try after purchasing your guitar is using light gauge strings until your fingers get used to cording the guitar.

[JTalmage]

Your hands/wrists will hurt for a while. The more you play the better they feel. I don't play nearly enough (because I suck at learning) and my hands hurt each time I start playing a lot. 

However I have a whole lot easier time playing my stand up bass... easier on my hands and wrists... but my finger tips hurt!

[gino]

whatever guitar you decide to buy, be sure to check the height of the strings off the fretboard.

this is called the action. take a US quarter and put it under the twelfth fret , it should fit in between the fret and the string.

if it is a little higher it's okay but the higher the string , the harder to press the strings down resulting in difficult playability .

acoustics have a tendency to pull the wood on the body up where the bridge is mounted because of the string tension. stay away from these.

i'm a long time player and I repair guitars and wanted to offer you some tips to make your purchase more enjoyable.

[JollySipper]

Thanks, Gino.......

Would a solid top (versus a laminate top) and light action strings help with the tension on the bridge?

[Mike_G]

 

If the bridge is pulling up it's because the bracing is weak, whether it has a solid or plywood top

 

[gino]

a solid top will give a better sound. lighter strings would be easier to play and have less tension on the neck.

it depends on your playing style.