fender vs carlo robelli?

[aa269]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for a beginner guitar - I have never played before, so I'm just looking for something to learn on. If I like it/get good, I my upgrade to a better guitar later.

 

I know this topic has been covered many times on this forum, and I read most of the messages before heading out to some stores today. I ended up seeing a few of the "starter packs" in the stores that I had no seen mentioned before in the messages I read.

 

There were two that looked appealing for $200 or under:

 

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?SKU=CBW414CPK

 

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?itemid=27267

 

The Fender one is $200, but it is not an electric acoustic like the Carlo Robelli for $150. It seems as if the Fender might be a better guitar, but I don't know enough about them. I don't really think I *need* an electric acoustic to start out on, but I figured if I found a decent one in my price range, I might as well get it.

 

The Carlo Robelli also had a built in tuner - I had not seen a guitar with this before. Is there any reason to have/not have a buit in tuner? Is it any better or worse than separate ones?

 

The Carlo Robelli is also described as a "jumbo" guitar. Is this bigger than the Fender one? They seemed to be the same size when I saw them in the store, but I was just wondering why jumbo was not used to describe the Fender?

 

If anyone has any suggestions on the above two "starter packs" and the guitars that come with them, I'd love to hear them!

 

Thanks,

 

Amber

[guit30]

The Fender has a sloid top and is a good beginner's guitar'

Another one is the Yamaha beginner guitar

 

http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemID=30996&TempID=1&departmentid=0

 

 

 

 

also, Alvarez RD8

JIm

[aa269]

So, between the Fender and the Alvarez, which one would you choose? The Alvarez doesn't come with everything that the Fender starter pack does, and it isn't a solid top. But I have read many good things about it on this forum and elsewhere...

 

 

 

Originally posted by guit30 The Fender has a sloid top and is a good beginner's guitar' Another one is the Yamaha beginner guitar http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemID=30996&TempID=1&departmentid=0 also, Alvarez RD8 JIm

 

[strummilo]

Avoid the Robelli, in my opinion, too much like a toy. The Fender will at least give you a little better re-sale value if you give/trade up. Generally the more you spend the more you get back (%wise).

[michael902]

fender......carlo robellies are crap

[Veee number 2]

Of the two you listed, I would go with the Fender. Washburn also makes a very good $200 solid top - try it if you can. For a little more $$$ you can get a Seagull (around $300) - great guitar for the money - you will have a guitar that will last you a long time - you wont need to "trade up" for quite a while.

Veee

[strummilo]

Also, try not to get caught up in the "starter pack" hype. You don't need a strap yet and picks are practically free. Spend your money on the best Guitar you can afford. Most places will also throw in a gig bag.

[tehuti]

 

Originally posted by Veee Of the two you listed, I would go with the Fender. Washburn also makes a very good $200 solid top - try it if you can. For a little more $$$ you can get a Seagull (around $300) - great guitar for the money - you will have a guitar that will last you a long time - you wont need to "trade up" for quite a while. Veee

 

 

+1 on the Seagull.

[deevee]

 

Originally posted by Veee Of the two you listed, I would go with the Fender. Washburn also makes a very good $200 solid top - try it if you can. For a little more $$$ you can get a Seagull (around $300) - great guitar for the money - you will have a guitar that will last you a long time - you wont need to "trade up" for quite a while. Veee

 

Funny you should mention Washburn since I'd read somewhere that they build the Robellis ... Seagull's have a wide neck that may not work for someone starting out ... But same company makes Simon & Patrick as well as Arts & Lutherie guitars that are very good quality, too.

[knockwood]

I swear to God, if I close my eyes I can hear snarling poodles...

[Cortfan]

I have a Fender DG-7 that I bought for a "beater guitar", and I actually ended up using it for stage gigs. It doesn't sound as good as my Martin, but I don't have to worry about someone at a bar crashing into it. The DG-7 has a laminated top, while I think the DG-8 is solid. Very decent sound for such a cheap guitar.