Acoustic Guitar

[boingo]

My daughter used to play the guitar in Lower School and became quite good at it, but, more importantly, enjoyed it. Due to family circumstances, she stopped playing for four years but has been talking about playing again. I would like to buy her a full size acoustic guitar for her 14th birthday in a couple of weeks. Money is tight at the moment, so I have been looking on the internet and seen a couple of sites selling just the guitar for around £50, and a bit extra for the tuner. We don't need a case or stand as we already have them. Could anyone give me advice on as best quality acoustic for my budget and also whether to buy a tuner or not. If she enjoys playing again I will invest in a better quality guitar when I can afford. Thank you.

[The Builder]

Definitely go to a music shop and have her try them out. It can be a very personal decision. There are loads of good introductory models around now....... particularly some of the Fender Squier acoustics.

My personal preference would be to go for a second-hand higher quality instrument. Say, a £200 guitar for under a £100.

Try Gumtree ............

http://www.gumtree.com/guitars/england

[boingo]

Thank you. I did wonder whether to look at second hand ones but was a bit worried that I might buy a 'dud'. Is there anything I should look out for or be wary of with buying a used one?

[ludwig]

Look along the length of the neck from one end. It should be as straight as possible. Avoid it if it looks twisted or bent.

You get what you pay for with guitars. I wouldn't buy a very cheap brand new one as it's likely to be a false economy. As builder says, you're probably better off spending a bit more for a better quality second hand.

When you go to look at them it would be a good idea to take along someone who plays to get their opinion if at all possible.

[EdmundD]

It also depends on what style of music she wants to play. For classical a nylon string is better and for pop/folk a steel string is better.

Personally I wouldn't buy a guitar on line. Whenever I bought a guitar I wanted to hold it, give it a play, see how the action felt, hear how it sounded.
If you can, take her to a guitar shop or two and let her try different ones (with the caveat of your budget!!), hopefully she'll find something she's comfortable and happy with.

A tuner is pretty essential and if you want a good one then a chromatic tuner is best.

[The Builder]

I guess you could do some Google research, boingo. Look for reviews on any model you might be interested in.

Another idea. I can't stress highly enough the value of a good teacher. The bonus is that they often have students who are looking to upgrade. A teacher's recommendation is very valuable.

I've bought and sold a little as I've upgraded. I've always found that other players tend to be very supportive. I'm thinking of second hand again here.

Go by brand and/or price. I think you would be very unlucky to be saddled with a duff one.......... except to say, avoid Ebay's Chinese ones. Their low price tells you everything.

[murraymints]

Most music shops keep second hand trade ins...

[tamborine]

Nephew 16y got a gr8 tone Hohner from Argos. Tuning on Youtube free

http://youtu.be/DxkMQvmKZaM

[boingo]

Thank you all so much for your help and advice. My ex-husband played guitar well and had a few Fenders. Unfortunately, it was a very bitter divorce and the children no longer want contact with him. We have a good musical instrument shop in town who I contacted about new guitars but even the cheapest were too expensive for me! I will get in touch with them tomorrow and ask if they have any second hand ones. I have seen one on our local BayCrazy which is a 'RocketMusic' one. Have Googled it but can't seem to find a site for them. Do any of you know this make and whether it is any good? Thank you once again.

[Mortartube]

I have a number of guitars, but my favourite is a steel strung Yamaha acoustic. Model FG700MS. If you can get one of those to try out before you buy, I don't think that you will be disappointed. It would have to be a second hand one as they are around £180 new. It was my second guitar after my low cost one that I learnt on and I would recommend it to anyone for ease of learning on compared to other models that I have tried.