Where can I buy a guitar cheaply, and what sorts of things should I be looking out for?
I really want to learn the guitar and would like to get hold of one cheaply. But as I don't know much about them, I'd also like to find out the kinds of things I should look out for, to check that it's of a reasonable quality. (Although I know that buying a cheap instrument might mean that quality
You could find a cheap guitar on Gumtree.com (Notice you live in London). I've just done a quick search on Gumtree and they range from £25. One hasn't been used and its £45. So I think you'll be spoilt for choice.
Not sure what to look out for though but you could also check Gumtree for teachers who teach how to play the Guitar and ask them. I'm sure you'll find someone helpful.
Try looking on eBay. You can find cheap guitars there that are quite good quality.
Hi there - cheap is a subjective term, isn't it! I'd go for a Taylor baby guitar - great tone, easy to play, you might never have to upgrade it, plus it's brilliant for travel, even by air.
Cheers, Jon Green
Read this sticky topic @ Ultimate Guitar forums (electric guitar section).
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/sh … p?t=365675
It explains pretty much everything you need to know.
Hi I want you to check this... I wrote this hub for your question.... http://hubpages.com/hub/Choosing-Your-Guitar
You should easily be able to pick up a good used guitar at your local music store. The trick is to ignore the price tag they have on it and get them down to the real price they'll take.
I found really good page online about what to look for in a guitar: http://www.freeeasyguitar.com/beginners … uitar.html
Most major manufacturers make economy lines for beginning players that you can get at Guitar Center or local music stores. I have seen inexpensive guitars at Costco and Walmart, usually around the holidays.
There are certain things to look out for. If possible, play the guitar. You don't have to know chords yet, just strum the open strings. Listen for buzzes or rattles. Next, press your index finger on a fret and move one note at a time, one string at a time up the neck as far as you can go. Each note should sound clean, again, no buzz or rattle. Usually inexpensive guitars have trouble in this area above the 12th fret for acoustic guitars and the 15th for electric. As long as the 1st through 12th frets sound cleanly and clearly you will have a good instrument to start with and will be able to play songs as transcribed in the popular chord books and web sites.
I hope this helps you.
Do some research. I don't know how much you have to spend, but Fender Squires can run pretty inexpensive. Check out:
http://hubpages.com/hub/how-to-buy-an-a … sed-guitar
Try pawn shops. You would be surprised at how many people pawn awesome, quality guitars when they are in a bind, and never return for them. The key is taking someone with you who knows a good guitar when they see and hear one. Rule of thumb: if it sounds like crap, don't buy it. Take a tuner with you if you can't tune using harmonics. Also, take into account that strings can be changed. Also, the action of the guitar (how high the strings sit from the fretboard) can be adjusted to suit your playing style. The best thing to do is check out what they have, play it (or have an experienced guitarist play it), go home and check out reviews on it, and then decide if the price is right.
Moon Daisy, I have owned many guitars in my life time and have found if one doesn't get a good instrument in the beginning frustrations with too high string action leads to soreness and often discouragement. Cheap guitars aore notorious for high action. There are however several nice guitars made by reputable companies. Martin has a new series, the D1 and the prices are decent.
If you have access to a local trade newspapeer such a iwanna, many times you can find a good used Martin or Gibson depending on how much your willing to invest. Musicians Friend is another option, They stock brand name instruments at very competitive prices.
Finally you can always shop Pawn shops. Look for Martin, Gibson, Washburn, Blue Ridge, Santa Cruez,or Collings guitars. these oftentimes are a bit more pricey but well worth it in the long run and best of all the resale value often appreciates.
Good luck in your search
Robert Ballard
guitarplayersource.com, I have some reviews on the side. hope this helps!
I got an epiphone les paul when I began to play electric. I love the guitar and its great for beginners because the price is reasonable and it plays like an expensive more advanced guitars such as the gibson les paul. I really recommend it. I got it at guitar center for around 500 dollars but Im sure you can find it cheaper online or at other stores that argent so commercialized
I have a article on my blog that will answer allot of this for you! Need any other help just ask.
I know some suppliers at wholesalepages.co.uk but they all do business in wholesale i am afraid that they will not sell a single piece but I think you should try
Whether you are willing to spend $200 or $500 USD, finding an inexpensive guitar is not hard to do. There are plenty of good Web sites I will mention later on but what's important now is getting the answers to the 2nd part of your Q.
Plan on spending 2-3 hours at a large, friendly music store near you. You'll need a place where they will not hound you to make a purchase. In this setting you will learn about guitars. In the States, Guitar Center is one such place.
If you aren't near a store like one described above, find the nearest one and go. Either go w an educated friend or do some research if you have to go solo. I'll help w the research part shortly...
Once you visit a store, ideally you will walk out much more informed. If you have'nt already made a purchase you will be able to go to a good Web site for affordable guitars such as Musician's Friend.com, Sam Ash.com, eBay, maybe even Amazon.com.
Now for the meat and potatoes: What should you be looking for in said affordable instrument?
Electric Gtr
-Strings should be low but not buzzing.
-A straight neck. Any good gtr store will do a free guitar neck 'set up' for you after you make a purchase.
-Good 'pick-ups'. These are the things under the strings on the guitar's body. Without them there would be no amplified sound.
Acoustic Gtr
-The same two top concerns (above) are apply to acoustic guitars.
Don't worry about pick-ups unless the acoustic you are getting is an electric acoustic guitar (an acoustic guitar that can be amplified).
-Storage (especially for nylon-string "Classical" or Flamenco guitars). Acoustic guitars are not solid-bodies like most electrics so where they are stored requires more consideration. Case in point: guitar case humidifiers are available for more cautious acoustic guitar players/performers.
-There are more considerations, but Warranty / service is important, of course, for both (elec. + acoust.).
-6SV
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