Guitars - where do i start?!

[Weaza_cfc]

Opinions please: considering taking up acoustic guitar lessons after my gcses. Wondering what are credible makes and perhaps what type of guitar a newbie like myself should opt for? Thanks!

[jenky]

Acoustic guitars cost from a few quid to thousands, with one jump in quality coming in the construction of the top (the piece of wood with the hole in). Cheaper guitars have laminate tops , ie made from several thin layers, whereas a bit more cash will get you a solid top (usually one solid piece of spruce for example) which will give a better tone.
A make like Yamaha produce a huge range of acoustic guitars starting aroud �70, with solid tops starting around double that amount. Personally I think it is worth spending �150 - �200 if you can, to get a guitar that you won't want to upgrade 18 months down the line.
Of course another thing to consider is whether you want to go with a steel string acoustic, or a more classical nylon string. They vary greatly in sound, technique etc, but I would imagine that you are thinking more of a steel string. Any specific questions, ask again...

[alfiebrady]

Also try them out in the shop - doesn't matter if you can't play; ask the assistant to help you check for an easy action.

[SaxyJag]

As Jenky says, you'll need to decide whether you want steel or nylon strung, and the type of music you want to play will influence that. If you want to play folksy, strummy sort of stuff, maybe using a plectrum rather than your fingers, then steel's the norm. Classical usually demands nylon.

I don't play anymore (and I was never that good, really), but my old teacher is very much respected in these parts, and his advice was always to go out and get yourself an Argos cheapy outfit to begin with (this was more for kids than adults, but it works the same). If you then decide you don't want to carry on, you've only spent a few quid. On the other hand, if you want to go further, you'll then have a little more knowledge with which to go out and make a proper investment in an instrument.