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IGemini

So...I'm considering a foray into learning another instrument. And the important step of choosing one to learn on is where I need help. I'm not overly concerned with the distinctive sound quality between different guitars, as this would be mostly for just learning purposes, but as with anything else, I'd like the best bang for the buck.

I'd like to get a 6-string electric. I'm not big on acoustics since I think there's more I could do on an electric guitar for my purposes. Mostly the melodic metal or rock, or anything in the jazz department. A friend of mine got a Starcaster by Fender and while it sounds nice, it feels a bit too big. If I had to order one now, the one I'd be going for is a Behringer iAXE629. The specific one I found is on zzounds(dot)com (do a search there, I'm looking at the package). It's not a bad-looking guitar, and the reviews I've seen look solid.

I'm looking to spend $300 at the outside. An amp is nice but not essential, as I have headphones with a 1/4" plug. Any comments/suggestions about anything (else) I should get is greatly appreciated.

 

pkster8235

I would get an Epiphone.. They are very well made and I own two of them.. They definitely stand well over time and have a great warranty. Kind of like a Gibson in quality. I played an Epiphone SG and then a Gibson SG and I could hardly tell the difference. Epiphone is definitely worth it.. great quality at a lower price.
I paid around $700 for my Epi a few years ago.. but now they are going for around $300-$400.
My local music store has an Epiphone electric in a package with a practice amp, cords and some picks for around $400.
You can also get a sweet Les Paul style for around the same price..
Epiphone Musical Instruments
You've probably heard this before but I'll mention it again.. it is generally best to start on an acoustic. It's a lot more difficult than an electric and after playing an acoustic for a couple months you will have enough strength built up in your fingers, hand and wrist. Not to mention the callouses will be very tough. It'll make it so much easier when you switch to electric.
Also, I've talked to many people who said they'd never want to play acoustic.. so they started on electric. A few of them regretted it because acoustic was that much more difficult when they eventually wanted to pick it up.
Just some words of advice from one guitarist to another
Good luck and please let us know what you get!

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twistyman

Epiphone makes a nice modest priced guitar..I've played drums for 42 yrs. and have seen many people use them....for their #1 guitar also.....you can get a Takimine for about $100. more...think about that...Don't you love shopping fir instruments......................

StonedImmaculate21

Your best bet would be to get a "starter pack". Try going to samash.com and searching "electric guitar packages". These will provide everything you need to get started without breaking the bank.

Won't work, unfortunately. The pickups on a guitar are passive devices (i.e., no power runs through them), as are headphones. The signal that comes out of the guitar's output is so tiny, you have to have some kind of amplification in order to hear it.

Good luck!

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twistyman

I was pricing packages the other day...A Fender Squire and amp combo go's for about $260.00 and its not that bad............

 

Tenderlungs

Maybe check Rondo Music Home Page

Good prices on pretty good instruments, but stay away from the Floyd Rose bridges.

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SmokeyMc420

I say forget the guitar, buy yourself a banjo, no one can hold a banjo and not smile

KingTubby

I've been playing guitar for 4 years, and learning was one of the best decisions of my life. Your headed down a good road!

A really good bet for new musicians is to ask around. Some local musicians, or even just enthusiasts, will help you out and sell you a used guitar for a very low price. This is good for many reasons.

One: There's a good chance that the guitar will be a high-quality brand. Fender and Gibson are the usual favorites, but don't hesitate to go with some lesser-known brands such as Gretsch. I'm a Gibson man myself, but all brands have their strong suits. I would stay clear of imitation brands such as Epiphone, but that's just my opinion.

Two: By buying used, you've made a connection with a musician who, if you choose to continue with music, you could meet up with to jam, record, form a band, whatever. Doubtless you'll have questions as you learn, and who better to ask than the person who learned on the very guitar you now own! Not only that, but I'll go out on a limb and say musicians are often some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.

Three: The feel of a well worn guitar thrashes a new, new lower quality instrument. Also, if you buy cheap, there's a good chance that the instrument you get won't sound great. This could lead to you getting demoralized as you learn. The better the quality, the easier to play, and by extension the easier to learn on.

But above all else, it doesn't matter what you play AT ALL really. Its how you play. Some of the greatest guitarists in the world started on dreadful instruments.

Have fun and I hope I helped!

Coolguy

As these people already said, it doesn't really matter what your first guitar is.. just something you can learn to play on.

I would re-think not getting an amp though.. that's like the point of getting an electric guitar. You said you have headphones but what would you plug them into?

The combo deals are nice for beginners.. guitar amp tuner strings cord case

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Alive-And-Dreaming

I've got a Gibson SG right now, but I'll probably upgrade to a fender soon.