First time electric guitar buyer, need some advice.?

Question

I'm an absolute newby whose never played guitar in my life, but I've always wanted to. I've done some reading (a lot of reading) and I've had people tell me that it will be better for me to get started on an accoustic guitar (in terms of $$ anyway). I'm really set on buying an electric guitar though and have been considering in particular the Ibanez SA260FM. I've read some reviews and most have been rather good, with the exception of some people complaining about it not staying in tune very long? Any advice? Would you agree that starting on accounstic is a better option? If not, is there anyone out there that can give me an experienced opinion on the Ibanez? Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hello there,



Some folks say you should learn on an acoustic because it is more forgiving to play. Others argue you should start on an electric because the electric is easier to play (lower action and thinner strings). There is merit to both arguments. However, I think you should start with whichever you truly want to play. You can learn on either equally well. If your interest is in the sound of an electric guitar, get an electric. Why spend the money on a decent acoustic, if you will be getting an electric as soon as you learn how to play.



That model is a great guitar. Here is a sound clip from some shop that is selling one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X7J26NSNLA&feature=related

You can hear for yourself how the guitar sounds.



Not staying in tune very long? No guitar stays in tune very long. Every time you transport it, take it to the where your lessons are, take it to a friend's house to play, you will need to re-tune it. I have guitars that sit around and never leave the rack. I can pick one up a couple days since I played it last, and it will be in tune (or pretty close). I think what those comments are referring to is the tremolo bridge. When you use a whammy bar on a vintage Fender style tremolo the guitar goes out of tune. That does happen, especially to folks who do not know how to set up the tremolo correctly. Once you have it set up properly, it stays in tune quite well. When I hear folks talking about how that style tremolo does not stay in tune, it tells me how little the speaker knows about guitars. A lot of folks out there doing a lot of talking and they really don't know what they are talking about. I don't know everything about guitars, but I have been playing since 1957. So I do have a few decades of experience. I like Ibanez guitars. They make some great sounding guitars.



Later,

Answer 2

If electric is what you like then definitely get electric. It really isn't cheaper buying acoustic anyway if you want a decent one. I have never owned an Ibanez but I'm guessing the reason some complain about it staying in tune is because of the tremolo. Personally I'd avoid guitars with a tremolo in that price range but that's just my opinion.

Answer 3

Guitars sometimes come in value packs where you can get a guitar, amp, picks, strings etc for relatively low prices. I would go into a music shop where you can try out electrics and see how you like them. Some come with mediocre practice amps, and some come with combo amps. I don't mind practice amps, but some combo amps are worth it. I have had my Crate combo amp for almost 8 years if not longer! I haven't really babied it but still works well. For me, when choosing a guitar, I make a sort of checklist for what I want in a guitar. Things like: What color do I want? How many strings? How many frets? That will help narrow down the guitar that will be right for you. Good luck!

Answer 4

any guitar you get will be sufficient to practice on and get good, acoustic or electric. acoustic is cheaper for beginners but electric is just as easy to play and has fun electronic effects if you get the right amp. so it will sound much better and be more fun, esp if you plan of playing rock n roll stuff... as far as learning the best way, i think either are good. but the electric is more fun, theres more you can do with it.. just be ready to practice your *** off either way.

Answer 5

buy my epiphone les paul custom. case kept and restrung regularly. black finish, gold pickups and hardware.



most people pick the les paul for its warm sound and classic style. i would take a bold guess that 35 percent of artists own or use a les paul. although they probably own the much more expensive Gibson les paul. the cousin of the epiphone. if you are interested just email me! hope this helps.also check out musiciansfriend.com or craigslist. local pawn shops also carry decent set ups. but like i said.. mine is in perfect condition. a perfect beginers electric.