starter dreadnought

[arielle41]

hey, can anyone suggest a cheap but decent dreadnought for a first guitar? i've heard that Washburn makes some ok ones, any opinions on the subject?

[PapaTom1]

Washburns are good. Seagulls, Art & Lutheries, Yahamas, and Alvarez guitars are also good. Lots of good choices! When you go shopping for a guitar try to bring along someone who plays so that you can get an idea of which one sounds best to you. Also, make sure it feels comfortable when you hold it and try to play it. When you do decide to make a buy, try to get the music store that sold you the guitar to include a proper set-up of your new guitar (important).
Prices can range for the ones listed here go from about $200 (Washburn, Alvarez, Yamaha) to Seagull (about $350).
Good luck shopping.

[leftync]

You can probably find some advice on hot to buy at one of the guitar magazine websites. I'd say just be sure to get something with a solid top. that way you've got a decent guitar that will get better with age. beware of marketing materials that say "select spruce" but not "solid." And go to a store to figure out which size you're most comfortable with.

I bought a Seagull M6, which may be a little high priced for a first guitar, but I hear great things about the Seagull S-6, which costs less. There are a lot of brands with inexpensive models I don't think you can go wrong with: Yamaha, Alvarez, Takamine, Ibanez, and Fender. You'll probably hear a few more from this group. Before you buy, check out the model on the Harmony Central user reviews. I've found those very helpful. People in these discussions can be very generous (sometimes amusing as well).

[Jimboputter]

carvin

[arielle41]

thanks very much! i do actually already play guitar, in addition to being a serious classical cellist, so i know what's crap when i play it and i know a lot about woods. i just wanted suggestions as to what i should try so i didn't waste my time . i'm playing currently a borrowed B&J Serenader archtop, which is a very nice insrument,but it's NOT for sale and i need to have my own instrument...