Members Ramona Posted July 24, 2009 Members Share Posted July 24, 2009 I've decided to learn guitar and have Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Misha Posted July 24, 2009 Members Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hi and welcome on the forum! Things to look at: - Sound (do you like the sound of the guitar? Ask someone else to play it if you don't know how to play yet and listen to the sound! (Bright, darker, bassy, etc.) -Do you want to play with a plectrum or do you want to learn fingerstyle technique? - Comfort (size and body shape of the guitar) Jumbo --> BIG! Mini-Jumbo --> bigger than a dreadnought Dreadnought --> regular size OM, 000, 00, Folk size --> smaller body (more comfortable for me...) Parlor --> Even smaller than OM, 000, 00, Folk size - Neck shape, nut width (Do you have big hands and long fingers?) - Buy something with at least a solid top. Back and sides can be laminated. 80% of the sound (correct me if I'm wrong people) comes from the top. - Brands to look at in Europe (cheaper than in North America) Crafter Cort - Brands to look at... anywhere in the world: Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Art & Lutherie, Norman, Yamaha Guild Larrivee Takamine Those are the brands that I know. I don't know them all... You have to try different guitars (as many as possible) to make up your mind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Samilyn Posted July 24, 2009 Members Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hi Ramona. Welcome to our little zoo. Misha has covered things nicely - her recommendations are very good. I will just add that Crafter is widely available in Europe and is an excellent value. They are of outstanding quality and have lovely tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rakester Posted July 24, 2009 Members Share Posted July 24, 2009 I wouldn't spend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members AndrewGG Posted July 24, 2009 Members Share Posted July 24, 2009 I wouldn't spend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Samilyn Posted July 25, 2009 Members Share Posted July 25, 2009 Something cheap is more likely to put her off.Ramona, a great guitar which is well within your budget, sounds great and looks gorgeous is a Yamaha LL6-and it comes with a good quality case. If you feel it might be on the large side it has a smaller brother, the LS6. I agree with both of Andrew's points. A very-low end guitar is usually badly set-up, making the learning process even more difficult. Additionally, buying secondhand can be very risky unless you can have the guitar inspected by a trusted, knowledgeable person. Secondly, the Yamaha LL6 is an outstanding value for the money, as are all Yamaha guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members larry50 Posted July 25, 2009 Members Share Posted July 25, 2009 FWIW, I agree entirely with Sami and Andrew. The LL6 is a great guitar for the money, and easier to sell if you decide you don't want to keep playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guildfire Posted July 25, 2009 Members Share Posted July 25, 2009 Don't know the market there in UK but thats about $800 for guitar. I don't think you need to spend that much for a first guitar. But I'm basing that on U.S. prices for a quality solid top Yamaha for $300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members knockwood Posted July 25, 2009 Members Share Posted July 25, 2009 Something cheap is more likely to put her off.Ramona, a great guitar which is well within your budget, sounds great and looks gorgeous is a Yamaha LL6-and it comes with a good quality case. If you feel it might be on the large side it has a smaller brother, the LS6. +1 I just bought a Yamaha LL6 and I'm totally in love with it. It's a great guitar for the reasons pointed out by Andrew (who also owned one until recently), and when you are no longer a beginner you will still be able to appreciate it as a great guitar. When you go to look in a shop, if at all possible take a friend who knows at least a little bit about guitars. And print out Misha's post and take it with you. Good luck! Hope you will continue to visit this forum as you learn to play! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ramona Posted July 25, 2009 Author Members Share Posted July 25, 2009 Thanks for your help, it's all been really useful and given me a lot more confidence. I'll definitely look into the LL6. More difficult I know, given the fact that you're scattered across the globe, but can anyone recommend a good stockist in London. I've done a google search but they all seem to be mail order only. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Samilyn Posted July 25, 2009 Members Share Posted July 25, 2009 Thanks for your help, it's all been really useful and given me a lot more confidence.I'll definitely look into the LL6.More difficult I know, given the fact that you're scattered across the globe, but can anyone recommend a good stockist in London. I've done a google search but they all seem to be mail order only.Thanks again We have several members in the UK who are skilled, knowledgeable players. Among them, Garthman and Greymuzzle come to mind, but there are others, too, whose names escape me just now. Just keep watching this thread and I'm quite sure you'll get some excellent recommendations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members garthman Posted July 27, 2009 Members Share Posted July 27, 2009 Hello & Welcome I would say that the dreadnought is the just about best all-rounder guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rickoshea Posted July 27, 2009 Members Share Posted July 27, 2009 Hello & Welcome I would say that the dreadnought is the just about best all-rounder guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Greymuzzle Posted July 27, 2009 Members Share Posted July 27, 2009 Imho if your total budget is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members AndrewGG Posted July 27, 2009 Members Share Posted July 27, 2009 Thanks for your help, it's all been really useful and given me a lot more confidence.I'll definitely look into the LL6.More difficult I know, given the fact that you're scattered across the globe, but can anyone recommend a good stockist in London. I've done a google search but they all seem to be mail order only.Thanks again Stockists aren't exactly common but I have had great dealings with Dolphin Music in Gateshead. I bought both my Yamaha guitars from them (LL6 and LL26) via mail order and had prompt, polite and efficient service from them. The guitars arrived well-packed and immaculate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members corduroyhorn Posted July 27, 2009 Members Share Posted July 27, 2009 where in the uk are you from? will see if i know any shops that are local to you....500 quid should get you a pretty nice guitar...You could get a nice one cheaper than that if you wanted...crafter,a few tanglewoods, walden, oh and i have a simon and patrich sp6 for sale, u could get a nice guitar for cheaper and load up on books etc to help you learn, i might even have a book or two i could pass your wayIm from devon near exeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members corduroyhorn Posted July 27, 2009 Members Share Posted July 27, 2009 opps just notice u said london, only shops i know there are in denmark street and i would def say there are overpriced..... try GAK they may have a yamaha, i would check but its banned from my workplace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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