1st Guitar?

[slowcraig]

Hi Guys -

First, thank you very much for your tutorials Mojo. I am a self proclaimed horrible musician. I have an acoustic with steel strings that I have been beating down trying to learn Wonderful Tonight. If I learn the song (I think I am close) and buy an electric guitar would you recommend a Stratocaster Squire? Would you buy a used one at Guitar Center? I am open to all ideas.

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Craig

[gasman]

Hi and welcome Craig!

First of all, what is your budget for your first electric? You have to figure in the cost of an amp also. As for Squiers, it all depends on the model. I think you can't go wrong with the Classic Vibe series (the member in the thread entitled 'GAS' is getting a Telecaster model, you might check with him). You might consider getting a Telecaster model over a Strat model simply because the Strat has a whammy bar (trem) that, when used, might cause the guitar to go out of tune quicker. You might also check out this thread:mojocaster.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=guitdiscussions&action=display&thread=369

I personally like to buy used guitars. It is economical, and chances are, you will be getting a guitar that has already been set up and has had the bugs worked out of it by the previous owner. You have to be careful that it isn't being sold off because it is a lemon, though! Check that it has a straight neck, good action (not too high, but not so low that the frets buzz). BTW, action and intonation can be adjusted during a set up. Make sure the electronics work like they should and make sure it stays in tune. Shop around, and keep in mind what kind of music you will be playing (you don't want a shredder guitar with EMG pickups if you want to play Blues!). Good luck and happy hunting!

[kevina]

Hi Craig

What is your budget and do you have any cash for a amp?

[Mohikanas]

Hey dude, you picked a nice song Here's my improvisation of it with Yamaha RGX series (strat body) www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFdoT79Ykag I bet Squire Strat would sound cleaner. I played with that guitar and it surely has that Fender tone, so you go ahead and buy it, it won't be a miss for you as a begginner If you want to buy a used one, take a specialist with you, couse there are certain things that might be wrong with an electric guitar, such as not working pick ups, tone and volume controls, deformated neck and much more. My suggestion is, take someone who knows about guitars with you Good luck

[pwfirst]

A strat is always a good choice. It is used by more musicians than you can count very versatile guitar. Phil

[469roadking]

What does your guitar hero play? Get as close to that as funds allow.

[slowcraig]

Hello All,
Thanks for all the suggestions. I got a handmedown amp, and some really sore finger tips. However when I pull the trigger on a guitar I will post it here.

Craig

[469roadking]

Congrats on the amp, free is always good. Definitely post when you decide on the guitar. You may find like many of us have that agonizing over equipment really makes life much more enjoyable. Welcome my friend to the wonderful world of GAS. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) It runs rampant amongst the faithful.

[leerummey]

hi craig my first electric was a lag jet js 100 special they are not expensive and are (well i find it ) user friendly
just make sure u try out a guitar before buying it

[lilbiker]

I just bought a cheap 100.00 Silvertone, strat knock off, and it is good for learning. Sounds pretty decent played through a line 6 amp. I am more into the acoustic, but I enjoy picking it up and trying out some blues scales. My 5yr old son likes it as well. :-D

[pwfirst]

Maybe a picture of your toys. We all feed off of everybody's GAS.