Quote:
Originally Posted by Yorkshire Flame
I got a 6 string Simon & Patrick when I started learning, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. They're inexpensive for a solid top Guitar, and they sound better and better as they age. You can pick them up for about $300ish at Guitarworks. Never pay the stick price though; if you go to Guitarworks and they even smell that you're considering buying something, they'll knock off money right on the spot.
|
S&P are great guitars. May I also recommend a Seagull or Norman guitar. All three come from La Patrie, Quebec, a small village that apparently attracts guitar makers. Seagull and Norman are also solid-top, very playable, sound great, and in the sub-$500 price range. Haven't looked at guitar prices recently, but Seagulls used to go for around $350, Normans for around $400.
I was really taken by their playability - really low action - and sound: The cedar-top seagull (I think it was an S6) was warm but loud with great bass. The spruce-top B-20 was very crisp with bell-like trebles and decent bass.
Would also recommend looking used. Take along a guitar-knowledgeable friend to look for signs of defects/problems with a used guitar, just in case.