LeaningIntoTheMuse Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 And I write my own songs and record full length demo albums, but don't know how to read music. I just write down the chords or tablature. So musical talent isn't always measured by knowing how to read music. Plenty of popular musicians don't know how to read music, yet they write, and they're awesome.
IrishCarBomb Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 But back to the topic, all entry level guitars suck, bad, doesn't matter what brand. Yeah. The starter packs will not be great equipment, but it will be all you need to get going for about $200. Most often I see people get started and lose interest quickly, so I'd hesitate to get anything all that great right away. If he really takes interest in guitar, you can upgrade later on. I'd leave lessons up to him. If he really wants to get good at guitar, I'd recommend them. There's a lot of stuff online, but in-person customized teaching can ensure he is constantly learning and working at it. Then again, I never took lessons (and I'd like to think I'm a pretty skilled player...) so maybe I'm not the one to listen to here.
Author tigressA Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 (edited) Yeah, now that I think about it, fishtaco is right. If he wants to "rock", he'll want an electric. My recommendation is a Fender Strat, or a Manson model. Both are excellent guitars, although very pricy. If you can afford it, get him the Muse one, because as a fellow Muse fan, I would be in heaven if my girlfriend got me that guitar! Very pricey is something that I cannot do at this time, unfortunately. If money were no object, or much less of an object I'd happily spring for either of your suggestions out of love for him. If he gets really into it I would definitely look for something like that as a future gift. ICB, thanks for the additional feedback on the paid lessons. I have decided to leave those up to him. As initial encouragement though, I'm going to create a YouTube playlist with some lessons for him. Edited March 15, 2011 by tigressA
Ruby Slippers Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 I've honestly been shocked at how much nicer Guitar Center employees have become in the past decade. Really? I totally quit going there a few years ago because most of the guys were such know-it-all *******s. Other female musician friends of mine have also found them to be condescending to women who are there to make music, rather than be groupies. I just wanted to chime in and say go straight for electric. Technically, you're "supposed to" learn acoustic first, but there's no fine for breaking the rule. And I'd make sure whatever you buy can be exchanged. If he's serious about this, he might want to take his time and pick out a guitar that feels right to him. I spent hours trying out different guitars before I picked out mine. To me, choice of instrument is a very personal decision. It's a great idea! I'm sure he'll love it.
fishtaco Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 That's what I was thinking. Fish, I'm on rondomusic.com right now. Could you give me some pointers as to what to look for? (I'd like to keep the total to $200 or less, ideally, but will shell out a bit more if I absolutely have to...) You know, now that I think about it, maybe you should go with the starter pack. IrishCarBomb is right, at least with the starter pack, you get all the accessories too, where if you buy them separately, it all adds up. So if he already has a tuner and guitar stand and all that stuff, and he's just looking for a guitar, then Rondo would be a good choice. But if he has nothing, then it's difficult to beat the starter pack in terms of price. So maybe when he wants to upgrade to a say a $400 guitar, then maybe Rondo would be a better choice.
Author tigressA Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 You know, now that I think about it, maybe you should go with the starter pack. IrishCarBomb is right, at least with the starter pack, you get all the accessories too, where if you buy them separately, it all adds up. So if he already has a tuner and guitar stand and all that stuff, and he's just looking for a guitar, then Rondo would be a good choice. But if he has nothing, then it's difficult to beat the starter pack in terms of price. So maybe when he wants to upgrade to a say a $400 guitar, then maybe Rondo would be a better choice. Thanks Fish, but it turns out I don't need to buy from there after all, at least not for awhile. I was just on eBay browsing and I found a refurbished Strat with a small Fender amp and case; the starting bid was $75 and I was the only bidder with less than 5 minutes left. Now that leaves me with some money for other accessories, like picks, a tuner, etc.
fishtaco Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Thanks Fish, but it turns out I don't need to buy from there after all, at least not for awhile. I was just on eBay browsing and I found a refurbished Strat with a small Fender amp and case; the starting bid was $75 and I was the only bidder with less than 5 minutes left. Now that leaves me with some money for other accessories, like picks, a tuner, etc. Nice. Getting used gear is usually the best choice, provided you can find what you're looking for. Although normally you'd want to test it first. But on ebay, if the seller has good reputation, shouldn't be an issue.
folieadeux Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Crap, I'm late to this thread. Didn't read all the replies and not sure if you've already made your purchase, but I would steer clear of the starter packs; the equipment is subpar at best and, if you think he'll stick with playing for the long haul, it's worth investing your money on a solid guitar and have him purchase better gear later if he needs it.
Author tigressA Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 (edited) Nice. Getting used gear is usually the best choice, provided you can find what you're looking for. Although normally you'd want to test it first. But on ebay, if the seller has good reputation, shouldn't be an issue. Yeah, I checked the feedback for them before I confirmed a bid, and it looked really good. There were multiple pictures of the item too. I think it's a good buy for this particular scenario. And I saved a bundle, which is a bonus, so if he turns out to not get that into it, I at least wouldn't have shelled out quite a bit of money. Edited March 15, 2011 by tigressA
Cee Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Wow, Tigressa, you've got me beat. We started dating our boyfriends around the same time and all I got him was a book for his birthday. I dated a musician for 4 years and I bought him a trumpet for his birthday. He loved it. And he got a used acoustic and tried to teach me guitar. Chords and tablature are in abundance on the internet, but your BF might need a lesson or two for confidence. My boyfriend loved to repeat the Woody Guthrie quote, "If you are using more than three chords, then you're just showing off." There's a lot of truth to that. If he learns the 12 bar blues structure and a few basic chords, he can write a lot of songs.
Author tigressA Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 Wow, Tigressa, you've got me beat. We started dating our boyfriends around the same time and all I got him was a book for his birthday. I dated a musician for 4 years and I bought him a trumpet for his birthday. He loved it. And he got a used acoustic and tried to teach me guitar. Chords and tablature are in abundance on the internet, but your BF might need a lesson or two for confidence. My boyfriend loved to repeat the Woody Guthrie quote, "If you are using more than three chords, then you're just showing off." There's a lot of truth to that. If he learns the 12 bar blues structure and a few basic chords, he can write a lot of songs. Thanks, Cee. I'm starting to think I shouldn't have gotten it so early; it's going to be hard to keep it a secret from him. :laugh: I also ordered a set of strings, picks and a tuner. Those totaled less than $30. I figured this would be a good gift since it's something he seems genuinely interested in, and it could be the start of a lifelong hobby. I wanted to get him something nice; it's the big 3-0 and he told me he hasn't celebrated his birthday in a long time. I'm going to give him his gift on his actual birthday. For the day before we're going to traipse around a nearby city he hasn't been to; I also made dinner reservations there for Brazilian food, which he said he really likes.
Sivok Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Ahhh too bad I'm late to the party. When I started learning electric guitar a few years ago, I bought this pack from musician's friend: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Special-II-Electric-Guitar-and-All-Access-Amp-Pack?sku=513150 It was absolutely amazing and lasted me a few years before I started getting good enough to take advantage of more expensive guitars.
Author tigressA Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 Ahhh too bad I'm late to the party. When I started learning electric guitar a few years ago, I bought this pack from musician's friend: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Special-II-Electric-Guitar-and-All-Access-Amp-Pack?sku=513150 It was absolutely amazing and lasted me a few years before I started getting good enough to take advantage of more expensive guitars. I was actually looking at that one! Go figure. I think I went the right way for now, though.
fishtaco Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Crap, I'm late to this thread. Didn't read all the replies and not sure if you've already made your purchase, but I would steer clear of the starter packs; the equipment is subpar at best and, if you think he'll stick with playing for the long haul, it's worth investing your money on a solid guitar and have him purchase better gear later if he needs it. All entry level guitars are crap. Starter packs are the crap that craps crap. But, we don't know if he'll stick around for the long haul, hence it may not be wise to invest in something better. Assuming the guitar and amp work, you can't beat $75. If he sticks with it, he'll out grow the starter pack real soon anyway. Then it'll be a long and expensive journey, although well worth it.
P&R Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 The other day my love and I were talking about music and listening to Pink Floyd when he mentioned wanting to learn how to play electric guitar. Later I had a lightbulb-moment, thinking that will make the perfect birthday present for him. His b-day is in less than a month, and one week after mine. I was struggling for a time to come up with a good gift idea for him, but now that I have one I'm all excited, naturally. I plan on giving him at least a guitar and some lessons. I've been looking online for the last couple of hours and have seen a lot of value packs--guitar, amp, etc all sold together, for around $200. I'm currently surfing musiciansfriend.com and guitarcenter.com. On guitarcenter.com I have my eye on the Fender SE and Ibanez IJX20 value packs (both top-rated). Should I bother with the value packages at all, or just focus on finding a decent guitar + lessons and either let him get the amp and what all else, or use another occasion to gift him those things? Buy a lower mid-range guitar he could use. In my experience those starter packs are absolutely terrible. Playing on a decent guitar can sometimes make all of the difference. A good option is a Made In Mexico Fender Stratocaster. They are a bit more than what you're looking at but it's a guitar that is hard to grow out of. I've played for 10 years now and still adore my MIM Stratocaster, and in the grand scheme of things it's a cheaper guitar. Secondly please don't buy from places like Guitar Center, or any music store in general, you can get much better deals. I'd go to Craigslist or a pawnshop (if you do this be sure to do a ton of research).
P&R Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 (edited) All entry level guitars are crap. Starter packs are the crap that craps crap. But, we don't know if he'll stick around for the long haul, hence it may not be wise to invest in something better. Assuming the guitar and amp work, you can't beat $75. If he sticks with it, he'll out grow the starter pack real soon anyway. Then it'll be a long and expensive journey, although well worth it. Here is the thing about entery level guitars though... Sometimes they'll turn players off to learning guitar. I know I got pissed off when I had to tune thing darn thing 1457475656676577657745677745765876587 times. I'd go with something just a little better. Edited March 15, 2011 by P&R
Feelin Frisky Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Buying a guitar is a nice idea for a gift. Buying lessons too might be pushing it a little though. You might want to hold that for another gift at another time if he shows some aptitude and enthusiasm for playing. I agree with the above poster that those combination packs can be junk and you're probably better off getting a guitar and letting him pick up some of the little extras along the way. Put all the money into the guitar. A better guitar tends to make a player. I do however disagree with the advice not o trust a Guitar Center or other store. That will be kinda complicating things for you quite a bit since you don't have expertise in knowing what good value is. What I suggest is decide what your absolute top budget is. Then you could go to on line musical merchants like Musicians Friend and see what you can get for that money. Don't pull the trigger yet on something you see there either. If you want, you can PM me and I'll advise you if you you picked a likely good value. I'm sure my fellow guitarists will be happy to take your PMs and give you the same looksee for an opinion. There's so much to it really and I know you'll want to do the best you can.
fishtaco Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Here is the thing about entery level guitars though... Sometimes they'll turn players off to learning guitar. I know I got pissed off when I had to tune thing darn thing 1457475656676577657745677745765876587 times. I'd go with something just a little better. Actually that's true. But the difficulty is there's only $200, and you have to get the guitar, amp, tuner, cable. $200 can get you a reasonable beginner guitar at Rondo, that probably won't be totally lame, but then there goes the budget. But after reading your post & Feelin Frisky's post, I think maybe tigressA should have spent the entire $200 on a decent beginner guitar, then let her BF buy the rest. A crappy beginner amp, tuner, and other stuff may cost another $100 or so. If he could afford $100, then he will have a MUCH better setup than the beginner pack. But I think tigressA already bought the ebay one. Hopefully it'll work out. If the BF sticks with it, sell the ebay junk back on ebay, and get better stuff.
Author tigressA Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 But I think tigressA already bought the ebay one. Hopefully it'll work out. If the BF sticks with it, sell the ebay junk back on ebay, and get better stuff. Yeah, I did get that one. If by any chance it doesn't work out I can return it for a refund. It will be shipped here 2 weeks or more before his b-day, so I can have someone look at it for me and if it doesn't seem up to par, I'll return it and get something else. I'll update this thread when I get the guitar, and after I gift it to BF. Thanks again for all your input; it's deeply appreciated.
folieadeux Posted March 15, 2011 Posted March 15, 2011 Buy a lower mid-range guitar he could use. In my experience those starter packs are absolutely terrible. Playing on a decent guitar can sometimes make all of the difference. A good option is a Made In Mexico Fender Stratocaster. They are a bit more than what you're looking at but it's a guitar that is hard to grow out of. I've played for 10 years now and still adore my MIM Stratocaster, and in the grand scheme of things it's a cheaper guitar. Secondly please don't buy from places like Guitar Center, or any music store in general, you can get much better deals. I'd go to Craigslist or a pawnshop (if you do this be sure to do a ton of research). I actually have one of these I'm trying to unload.
Author tigressA Posted March 24, 2011 Author Posted March 24, 2011 I received the refurbished Strat guitar I ordered from eBay (the amp hasn't come yet, should be here tomorrow I guess) from the postal service today, and it looks great! It's out of tune, but otherwise it is in fine condition. No scratches or anything, and it came in a zip-up case. I'm so excited, BF is really going to love it. The replacement strings, picks and tuner I ordered from a different site came in the mail last week. Now I have to wait 16 days to give it to him...time to find a good hiding place!
reservoirdog1 Posted March 24, 2011 Posted March 24, 2011 If I had to guess, I'd say he's going to love it. What a cool present! I'd had a bit of interest in learning the electric guitar since I was a teenager, but never did it. (My dad, who's a big folkie, loved the idea of me learning but never supported the electric idea... always said I should learn acoustic. Bless his heart, but I couldn't get into it... the stuff I like is electric rock.) A little over two years ago, I plunked down $250 for a Peavey Raptor starter pack which included an amp. Cheap combo, certainly not the greatest guitar, but it's fun to fool around on. The amp seems decent enough; the manual said that, without overdrive, it will produce a pleasant, even sound, but "press the overdrive button, and this little amp will rock." Basically true. Mostly for reasons of time, I haven't done nearly as much with it as I'd like. But jamming along to simpler stuff using power chords and learning the occasional cool song intro is great fun.
Author tigressA Posted April 11, 2011 Author Posted April 11, 2011 Circumstances forced my hand and I had to present the guitar to him two days before his actual birthday, but he loves it (said it was the best gift anyone's ever given him). He was all smiles upon seeing it. He played with it for awhile the other day. I'm going to email the instructor I found before and have BF get in touch with him for an introductory session, which he expressed a desire for. All in all, a great success. Thanks to everyone who posted!
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