In the market for Gueeeetar

[Enyalius]

So, this summer I am looking to finally learn how to play the guitar. I want to play an electric guitar since I feel like they are way more badass then an acoustic with a lot more variety of songs to play.

What I am wondering is are these things: Where is a good place to find an affordable amp and guitar other than guitar center? What guitars would you guys recommend? I have looked at Fender's stratocaster and telecaster, but other than those I have no idea what to get that's affordable.

Any help or inside information would be great!

[Lomi]

I love Musicians Friend they have tons of great deals. Also a great forum to read for tips and sales and what not is Harmony Centeral

Good cheap brands, Gibson carries some good starter models, Ibanez, B.C. Rich if you want a cheap awesome looking metal guitar has a Warlock starter pack that I kinda wanna get.
Some choices Im throwing out there is
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...age?sku=518877

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ack?sku=511201

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...DSP?sku=512576

If its your first guitar don't blow a ton of money on it, get a starter pack usually 199 or 299 for everything, and also pick up an effect pedal of some kind, starter amps will give you a basic sound and you won't think it sounds good at least I hate my starter amp.

Guitar man makes an awesome effects pedal that will make you sound like you're playing in a giant ampatheatre and you can get tons of sounds out of it, accoustic, metal, they are awesome.
Which they apparently don't sell much of anywhere anymore.

Smokey Mini Amp is awesome too just for travel they used to be really cool and were put inside cigarette boxes, and I'm sure you can still get them somewhere but this site doesnt sell them like that also they are only 30 dollars
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...Amp?sku=483005

[Enyalius]

Those sites look pretty nice. I don't know how much I would want a starter kit though. If I really get into it, then I know I will just go out and by a new/better guitar and amp. Still, those look like some nice kits to start with.

[Varas]

Don't write off the acoustic - nothing gets you strength and accuracy like playing an acoustic, you then pick up the electric and it's like you're playing silk...

Most important for me, is learning to walk before you try and run - if you have a poor foundation, your house is gonna fall apart.

I like my electric, but nothing beats my acoustic.. it's my baby

[Enyalius]

Originally Posted by Varas

Don't write off the acoustic - nothing gets you strength and accuracy like playing an acoustic, you then pick up the electric and it's like you're playing silk...

Most important for me, is learning to walk before you try and run - if you have a poor foundation, your house is gonna fall apart.

I like my electric, but nothing beats my acoustic.. it's my baby

I understand what you are saying, but I am not a huge fan of acoustic music and I prefer the sound of electric a lot more.

I have thought about getting an acoustic for a while since they are cheaper, but I figure that if I am going to be spending hundreds of dollars, might as well get what I want...especially since I know that I would want an electric down the line if I got an acoustic

[Lomi]

Yeah I gotta agree I started learning on an acoustic and it made playing on an electric like 100 times easier and I was much faster. They do make electric acoustics but they aren't usually very cheap.

[Enyalius]

Update. Right now I am looking heavily into en Epiphone Les Paul and an Epiphone SG. Anyone have any insight on either of those or on Epiphones in general?

[Lomi]

heh other then personal opnion no, SG's are metal hehe.

[Varas]

Originally Posted by Enyalius

I figure that if I am going to be spending hundreds of dollars, might as well get what I want

I've got no idea about your situation, but i'd generally advise against spending much money to begin with - you may get hold of all this stuff and find out you're all thumbs and guitar just isn't your instrument.

If it turns out that you take to it well, then you're going to want to upgrade your setup regardless - new amps, guitars, effects etc... there's loads out there.

Whether you get an acoustic or an electric first is personal preference i guess - i'd advise that you'll be a better overall player if you learn on an acoustic, just because they are less forgiving and will train you to play better. Its not about sound, it's about technique.

Its up to you - depending on what type of music you want to play you may want to budget for an effects unit to go with the electric though, but thats another story...

Good luck though, guitar is great!

[Master.Ink]

just an adivce, ive been playing for maybe 1 and half year. And i started off with electirc guitar. but when i got an acoustic about 4 months ago. I improved beyond my electirc could have made me. Like right now the strings on the accoustic is still pretty hard to down but when im in the eletric their like pushing on a pillow.
i advice myabe borrow and accoustic from a friend or someone and play that for maybe 2 weeks. and see what you think. i played electric more than the accoustic but i know i improved more in the accoustic.