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!