Buying a guitar
As a beginner you probably don't know much about guitars and how to go about buying one. So here are some of my thoughts.
If you want a cheap, useable instrument to 'have a go on' and are not yet ready to spend lots of money then your best bet is to go with a reasonable classical guitar (from around £80). You can learn classical, folk, rock, jazz, flamenco or any other technique on an ordinary classical guitar. They tend to be cheaper, don't need an amplifier and don't make your fingers as sore as steel strings can.
If you know you are only ever going to want to play rock and often with a 'heavy' or distorted sound then you'll be needing an electric guitar. These are not good for learning anything other than plectrum technique though.
If you just want to strum chords or 'finger pick' you'll probably want a steel string acoustic. Of course you can play that way on a classical guitar but there is a difference in tone.
If you are in the Nottinghamshire area (looking for a local teacher) I have two recommendations for guitar shopping.
- Dave Mann's Music - I trust this shop for consistent quality at the cheaper end. It is possible to get cheap guitars that don't work properly. They will not sell you a guitar like that. Nor are they after selling you something expensive that you don't need! They sell: classical guitars from entry level up to fairly good; Acoustic guitars for all levels (and it's amazing what you can get for your money now!) ; entry level electric guitars and amps. They also sell pretty much any type of folky instrument you might ever want. They also do interest free finance (run through the Arts Council scheme) so you can spread payment. Follow this link to find out more: www.davemann.co.uk
- For intermediate (grade III) and above standard guitars I recommend The Spanish Guitar Centre . They commission and import guitars from Spain in particular though they often have cracking guitars from English makers. They really know their onions and take real pride in their stock. You're probably looking at upwards of £230 for a guitar here. To try the guitars you have to make an appointment!
Higher quality electric guitars are trickier as people's tastes vary so much. Different electric guitars have very different aesthetic aims. My personal preference is for Fender Strat style guitars because I like the sound and they are ergonomically well designed. Les Paul style guitars are harder to control, too heavy but great for really meaty tones. Ibanez seem to make guitars that offer a lot of 'bang for your buck' and that's what I currently play. Yamaha Pacifica guitars are good value and quite reliable, though the tuners aren't that great. Since the closure of Sound Academy all the Nottingham based shops have plenty to offer.