Dilemmas to buy a guitar for a learner in London

starfish_chimp

:)Hi,

I've decided to learn the guitar.

My dilemma is: I would like to buy something at a reasonable price but of nice enough quality so that the sound is inspiring rather than offputting.

Also, my 8 year old son might like to learn on it too. Or should I buy him a separate one in case he ruins mine?! I have to learn in a way to teach him. So, two guitars or one? Should I get him a cheaper one? A smaller one?

Also, although I am tempted to buy online for reasons of economy, is it better to go to a shop to get more choice and advice/service?

Thanks in advance for any pearls of wisdom....

:A

redsclubbedup

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Wilko-Play-Role-Play+Musical-Toys/Electric-Guitar-with-Amp-Black/invt/0295038

out of stock at present - but worth keeping an eye on - would be ideal for an 8 year old !

Stompa

Do you know what sort of guitar you want? Electric? Acoustic? (steel string? Nylon string?)

slummymummyof3

Last year, Lidl had a really good deal on guitars, stands etc - might be repeated???

starfish_chimp

Thanks so far ..

Probably an acoustic or semi-acoustic.

Does anybody think I should go to a guitar shop ?

.....

kerri_gt

I would go to a guitar shop where you can try some out, and speak to some experts who will be able to advise you of some options based on your needs. Once you have an idea of make/type etc, you can start looking around more. Bear in mind that there might be some good deals in the guitar shop - or they may have a notice board where people are selling second hand guitars. Musical instruments are costly and many many people rush out and buy brand new ones with the best intentions, only to sell them are barely using them.

Regarding your son, why not take him with you. The chances are at 8yrs old he may need a 3/4 or 1/2 size guitar for his fingers to be able to reach all the frets - again, I would get some advise from a guitar/instrument shop and then perhaps consider a second hand one.

I would be wary about purchasing from a high street store like Wilko's or Lidl before you have done any research - I get the feeling that these are aimed at people who don't necessarily know what they are buying or what to look for and might not offer the best sound/quality for the price.

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for - check out some of the dedicated music/guitar magazines too, they have ads in them as well usually from people selling instruments.

starfish_chimp

thank you kerri.

as a good example of what you mention, i rushed out and bought a ukelele for me / my son recently. Fabulous instrument except because of my total hourglass figure (!) I found it incredibly uncomfortable play as you are meant to hold it flat against your chest. (there are ways round this but way too convoluted and irritating to me).

... so i am now selling a very nice ukulele on ebay if anyone is interested, lol.

i think i will go down the guitar shop route, really have a chat with them, really think about it, and as you suggest take my son with me.

kerri_gt

Oh dear - so the ukulele isn't for you then lol!

Good plan to go with the guitar shop idea (no, not cos I suggested it lol!) - you can't work in somewhere like that without being genuinely interested in what you stock so I am sure they will be happy to help. All the best with the guitar playing

Power_cosmic

starfish_chimp wrote: »

:)Hi,

I've decided to learn the guitar.

My dilemma is: I would like to buy something at a reasonable price but of nice enough quality so that the sound is inspiring rather than offputting.

Also, my 8 year old son might like to learn on it too. Or should I buy him a separate one in case he ruins mine?! I have to learn in a way to teach him. So, two guitars or one? Should I get him a cheaper one? A smaller one?

Also, although I am tempted to buy online for reasons of economy, is it better to go to a shop to get more choice and advice/service?

Thanks in advance for any pearls of wisdom....

:A

Hi, I have played guitar and bass for almost 20 years, so I hope I can help!
Firstly, does your son has small hands for his age? If so you could either purchase two guitars (one a three quarter size) or, buy yourself one and as you learn, hope to enchant him into learning and teach him slowly. It can be tricky getting those fingers around chords no matter how big they are!
Secondly, what kind of music do you listen to/ intend to learn? A good beginner electric guitar will be much easier to play than an acoustic. It will also endure more knocks and damage. You only need a small amplifier, if one at all, and these are pretty cheap.

Finally, online is OK if you buy from reputable shops. It's easy for anybody to get stung from private sellers on eBay etc, especially if you're new to the field. If you want to buy online, go to a music shop and check a few out . You can always come home and buy from the 'net if it's cheaper.

IMHO Squier by Fender, Yamaha, Epiphone, and Peavey make good entry level guitars.
Good luck and have fun!

cabco22

Great timing of this thread - I am going to my first guitar lesson next week and have absolutely no idea what guitar to buy so am going to try to get all that info from the first lesson (will report back). I am going down the electric guitar route and so far the Squire looks a good bet - you can get them from ebay for around £50 and some even come with a practice amp. I suggested my 9 year old had lessons too but he said he wants to be a drummer!!! Oh and good luck by the way!

BritRael

Hi, good luck with learning to play.

Here's a link to a thread on this subject on one of the best guitar forums around:-

http://jsguitarforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57952

Have a read and it'll give you a load of ideas on how to go about getting your first guitar. There are also loads of free lessons and advice for guitarists of all levels.

A few points to help you:-

1) Ask yourself what kind of music that you want to play; electric or acoustic?
2) If electric, you'll need a small amp (preferably one with a headphone jack so you don't annoy the neighbours ). Don't buy one without an amp as it'll lead to you learning mistakes which will take a long time to correct later.
3) Whether electric or acoustic, buy some new light gauge strings; the thinnest should be 0.010". This will reduce the amount of pain that you'll feel in your finger tips when starting. Yes, there is a lot of pain when learning the guitar
4) If acoustic, buy a capo, and use it on the second or third fret. Again, this will make it much easier to play.
5) If acoustic, do not try and learn finger picking at the beginning, just strum. Reason being, you will make a lot of mistakes in your fretting hand, so if you try finger picking (which will also be riddled with mistakes) you will not know where the error is coming from.
6) (within reason) get the best guitar that you can afford, and certainly not the cheapest. If you get a 50 quid cheapo it's bound to be almost unplayable.

Good luck

edit: Just noticed that you're in London. Do not go to Lidl's!! Get down to Shaftsbury Avenue. There are many music shops around there.