Anyone play?

This is my new years aim, so I want to start up. Don't want to buy a heap of junk, but not something really expensive either.

At the moment, been browsing www.piedog.com (reccomended by a friend) and also eBay.

What does this look like?

eBay Guitar

It's a registered business, with 100% feedback, but I want to know (from someone who knows what they are talking about) whether it's a good buy for a beginner.

Personally I'd say do not buy that guitar, Staggs are notoriously unreliable and in my experience have horrible necks never mind the sound. To be honest I think you would be so much better taking a day off to get to a decent size guitar shop to try a variety of until you find one you like the feel/sound of.

You can pick up a beginners guitar for a similar price to the one you're lookin at, and no doubt will find a better made guitar :D

Some models worth checking out>
The whole Fender Squier range (some really well made beginners guitars)

The low end Epiphone range (tho the necks and bodies are alot chunkier on these babies)

The Yamaha Pacifica is an awesome beginners guitar, although after about 6 years mine did virtually disintigrate.c :D

Also, what sort of music will you be looking to play? as this might sway you in one way or another.

Well I'm into my indie *coughs* Arctic Monkeys, the likes, but I mean my taste varies with my mood. Some days I might like a bit of The Clash, you know *grin*

I would stick with a local on on this type of purchase. I don't play, but Madman makes sense.

The thing is even the finest guitar companies still make the occasional dog, so to buy any guitar without first playing it is dangerous.

As for your tastes, you'll presumably be needing a guitar with a bit of versatility so generally the strat type jobs may be more suited to you.

I *can't* play it, hence the need to buy one *grin*
How can I see which one is good for me by playing it, without knowing how to play it.

Have someone at the store play it for you so you can decide if you like the sound. Also gives you a chance to hold it & see if it's comfortable for you. Your physical size might affect what shape guitar feels good to you.

How about taking some lessons first ? After a while you might decide that it's not your thing after all, and it would be a waste of money if you already purchased an expensive guitar by then.

I *can't* play it, hence the need to buy one *grin*
How can I see which one is good for me by playing it, without knowing how to play it. </font>[/QUOTE]You dont need to be able to shred it up, just get a feel for it. See how you like the pots and the different pickups. The neck is probably the most important thing to consider, as a beginner a thinner neck is probably more suited to you so try just hittin a few notes on it an see how it feels.

Another idea is to hear what the guitar sounds like unplugged as a well made axe should still sound awesome without an amp.

*edit* Just saw Johnnys post and he may be right, alternatively you could try gettin hold of a complete raft to jam about with an see how ye like it

[ 01-05-2007, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: Madman-Rogovich ]

Well, look who's sober!

I've got a few friends who play. Good plan, seeing what it's like first before I commit to buying one.

Or you could have your teacher help you by giving some suggestions...

..if I spend money on a teacher ;)

Well some of the best players are self-taught :D

I wouldn't advise buying that guitar. Stagg aren't exactly the most impressive of guitar makers. I don't trust Ebay at the best of times, but I'd advise going to your local music shop and talk to them there. If you live any where near leeds (where that seller is), there are some great Music shops there.

Unfortunatly I'm a smoggie, from Middlesbrough. There are two music shops in town I can think of off the top of my head, so I guess I'll pop in next time I'm down.

I play Frets on Fire. Does that count?

Its got five strings,
I play tehse two
I don't know what the otehrs do,
I'M A BASSIST!

Try the guitar before you buy it. Only way to tell if it's for you, unless you're lucky.

I wanted to add that a 10 watt amp is going to make any guitar sound horrible. This will impede your willingness to spend time with the instrument.

And guys, he's an indy rocker, he's not going to need to get very good at guitar to be a star ;)

*snickers* So very true. If I learn to play a few songs I know, I'll be more than happy...

Of course, my crap singing (even though I think I'm pretty good [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) is a drawback ;)

Not really. Just listen to Blink 182, who made it big [img]tongue.gif[/img]