Just looking for some recommendations for a beginner guitar. I don't want to break the bank, but I also don't want to be outgrowing it in a year or two and be looking to replace it. I have been directed towards a Seagull S6 with cedar top/cherry sides/back. I do really like it and I am giving it some serious consideration. However, I really haven't given any other brands/models any real look and have hardly shopped for anything else. I like that it is Canadian made and really like the sound. It has the plug in for amp and built in tuner, but no cutaway which I don't really think I will be needing anytime soon as at this point I can't even play a song yet. I am however practising a lot on a rental and am really enjoying it. Oh yeah, my budget is between $300-500, although this is not set in stone....I am willing to pay a little more if needed.
Your beginner guitar will be with you a long time. I see many beginners give up because they are unhappy with their guitar and not getting the sound they want because they are wrong or they cheaped out and got something bad. I wouldn't worry about the cutaway but it is something nice to have if you think you might keep the guitar for a long time.
Look for something with some good resale value if you want to go down a slightly more expensive route.
Most importantly, I would find something that's easy to play with a lower action maybe (the height between the strings and the fretboard). I don't like recommending brands because it's all down to personal feel and touch in my opinion.
There are a few options you may want to look at. In the lower range, Yamahas are good, as well as Simon and Patick. If you want to spend a little bit more, Epiphone acoustics are nice. The lower end Taylor guitars are also great.
A lot of it comes down to personal feel, head down to Guitarworks or at Long & McQuade and fiddle around on a bunch of different models.
My advice is to pick a guitar YOU like. For the most part you get what you pay for, and your budget should get you something quite nice. If you like the seagull, get it... Otherwise I would go to the shop, pick up as many guitars as you have time for and find the one your fingers and ears like best.
Your beginner guitar will be with you a long time. I see many beginners give up because they are unhappy with their guitar and not getting the sound they want because they are wrong or they cheaped out and got something bad. I wouldn't worry about the cutaway but it is something nice to have if you think you might keep the guitar for a long time.
Look for something with some good resale value if you want to go down a slightly more expensive route.
Most importantly, I would find something that's easy to play with a lower action maybe (the height between the strings and the fretboard). I don't like recommending brands because it's all down to personal feel and touch in my opinion.
Is your rental the Seagull?
My rental is a Simon & Patrick but it is under the same umbrella as Seagull...Godin I believe.
My advice is to pick a guitar YOU like. For the most part you get what you pay for, and your budget should get you something quite nice. If you like the seagull, get it... Otherwise I would go to the shop, pick up as many guitars as you have time for and find the one your fingers and ears like best.
Well I DO like the Seagull...it's beautiful and sounds great! The only problem is when I pick up a guitar I can't really play anything (save for a couple notes) and I don't yet have the ear for it...however I did go with a buddy today and he played the same song on 2 different guitars and THEN I could hear the difference!
I would recommend a Simon & Patrick. I own 2 and both have amazing sound for the price, plus have withstood the dry climate here without cracking or warping. My 6 string is a spruce/mahogany electric and was bought for $500 brand new. Definitely my favourite and most frequently used guitar.
It doesn't have extremely high action (distance between strings and fretboard) so it's comfortable on the fingers, and depending on the strings; makes a very nice whole sound.
But really, what it comes down to is trying multiple guitars in your price range, and pick the one that feels the best. If you plan on sticking with it, you're going to want a guitar that you fall in love with right away.
My advice is to pick a guitar YOU like. For the most part you get what you pay for, and your budget should get you something quite nice. If you like the seagull, get it... Otherwise I would go to the shop, pick up as many guitars as you have time for and find the one your fingers and ears like best.
This is the best advice so far. Find something YOU like. Even if its not the most expensive one of the bunch you're considering, or not necessarily the best name out of the bunch. So much tone is in the fingers and not in the guitar - it has to be an instrument you genuinely enjoy just being around.
You might want something completely different in a year, but you won't know until you've realized your guitars limits which only comes in time. So just take the gamble on the one you've got a good gut feeling about . It probably won't be your last!
Recommend a guitar for beginner
I am however practising a lot on a rental and am really enjoying it. Oh yeah, my budget is between $300-500, although this is not set in stone....I am willing to pay a little more if needed.
. It probably won't be your last!
