Guitar Shopping

[fourfeetx2]

Hey all you musicians!

I've decided to take guitar lessons and am currently looking at buying an acoustic guitar. Doing some research on the net, I'm really drawn to the Seagull S6. I would appreciate any advice and thoughts you may have.

Thanks!

Peace,
Veronica

[JohnPaul]

I have a Godin Nylon electric.. But I'd recommend any Godin.

My reasoning for this electric/acoustic is that as an acoustic, while practicing, it's got a nice bright sound that still sounds like a guitar - not like the Chet Atkins (tinty), the Guild Songbird - which I had, loved and regret giving selling - or the Martin Backpacker (which I also have.. love it.. when backpacking..)

But a full bodied acoustic electric tends to do the electric thing kindof badly (in my experience - which, is biased..).. So, of the hybrids that are specifically designed to be electro-acoustics Godin is by far the best I've played.

Why electro-acoustic? .. It's almost impossible to find venues that do not require some form of amplification. Micing is still a lost art on most acoustics.. and it takes some expensive mics and/or guitars - a Martin D28 with a Beyer M500 (SWEET!).. a $2100 investment. Ever drop a ribbon mic? chaching.. $350..

Thus, an electro-acoustic designed to be just that, which also can be played enjoyably as just an acoustic.. it's the best compromise I've found..

From one of my teachers - study great works.. by great artists - like STEVE HOWE!

..but, if you're on a budget, make sure the exact guitar you buy will be a welcoming friend day after day - good days and bad days.. you'll have both.

Enjoy!

[fourfeetx2]

Great info! Budget is always an issue, but I don't want to go low end, which is what the guy at the music store advised for a 1st guitar. His reasoning was that it takes a bit to find what works for you and no need to drop a lot of money to get started. I would rather have something that sounds great to learn with, I need all the advantages I can get! It has been many years since I played an instrument (clarinet in Jr High....a looong time ago!), so I don't even read music right now. For the time being I think I want to stick with acoustics and work my way into hybrids as I progress. I'm glad to hear your opinion of the Martin Backpacker, such a cool little guitar. I do alot of canoeing here in the land of 10,000 lakes, so I was wondering if there was such a thing as a waterproof case for the Martin?

BTW, Steve Howe is my inspiration for wanting to study guitar. Natural Timbre is my favorite of his cd's and I am anxiously waiting for Masterpiece Guitars to arrive in the mail!

Peace,
Veronica

[fourfeetx2]

I should also mention that I am a massage therapist, so I have very strong hands. But I can't have fingernails of any length at all, so I would always need to use a pick. Does this factor in when choosing a guitar?

Peace,
Veronica

[JohnPaul]

re: first guitar - if you know you're serious, best to spend a little more: < $200 compromises playability way too much..

On sound (acoustic): look for a solid spruce top. You won't have enough experience to know the nuances, so if you know a good guitarist, ask them to play it for you.. loud, soft, slide, .. everything you might do.

On playability: don't worry about the height of the action (space between strings and the fret board) on a new guitar. It will be high. When you buy, a guitar tech 'sets up' the guitar for you by lowering the action - by shaving the bridge and nut down. Be sure the neck is straight on both the 1st and 6th string edges. Test the harmonics - that I can't explain here.. ask a guitar tech..

Have you considered used?

re: Martin and kayaking - I wouldn't suggest it, even with a waterproof case as the wood is so fragile that it'll absorb just about any moisture it can find. Also, it's [b]NOT[/b\] a good guitar to start out with.. although, it's pretty nice for the price.

re: On finger nails - nylon strings and picks are a cool sound, but limiting.. On steel string, there's 2 basic picking styles: regular flat picking and 3 finger bluegrass - that's the style Steve uses on THE CLAP.

Steve has a least 1 really good book out on his music.. couple errors in it, but it's a great study once you've gotten some basics down.

[Kev]

4 Ft. X 2;

I agree with John Paul on many points.

Don't worry about the height of action on a new guitar. They can be altered. And since you have strong fingers, you will be at a great advantage in learning acoustically. Personally, I'd also warn against a Martin backpacker for your first guitar. It is important that you feel the true balance of a full instrument when learning it and experience it's true sound. When kayaking, leave your guitar at home and pick it up when you return. Take some time to learn it then impress your fellow campers later on.

Your initial connection to the Seagull I feel is a wise choice. As John Paul stated, Any guitar by Robert Godin is a keeper. The craftsmanship with which he builds the Godin, LaPatire and Seagulls are the best you can find at the price. Their guitars are simply the most crafted, brilliant and affordable on the market today.

[fourfeetx2]

JohnPaul and Kev your advice is so helpful, thanks so very much for taking the time to respond!

I understand about the Martin Backpacker, I will reserve that for my second guitar perhaps and won't take it near the water. Since I canoe with my pup, getting wet is almost a given.

JP, what is the title of Steve's book that you would reccomend? What about the interactive cd that is on his website, have you ever seen it?

I am still leaning towards the Seagull....perhaps a spruce top with steel strings?

Peace,
Veronica

[ANTIOCH]

After many years of much trial and error, what I found to work is; turn your back on the instruments you've decided on and let someone strum them for you. Standing away and blind to any frills, you'll hear exactly what the instrument is projecting and can choose without the enticement of; "but it's a Martin, or a Guild just like John Denver played.
It may shock you what you truely find you like.

[Rabin105]

Ovations are great guitars I own a black Celbrity 6 string (i'm thinking about buying a 12-string

[fourfeetx2]

Antioch, great advice! I will give that a try b/4 making my final decision.
Rabin105, thanks for responding! I hadn't looked at Ovations yet....I'll take a peek at their website.

Peace,
Veronica

[JohnPaul]

This is the one I found on Amazon, but the cover is different than the one I own.. I'll have to get to the one I own this next week to get you the ISBN for that.. I keep my valuable books in storage.. I live a pretty wet life myself - I live on a boat.. but as a GREAT bumper sticker in our parking lot said: Life's Pretty Dry Without A Boat!

Veronica?.. What are you doing for instruction? Do you have a good teacher in your area? A good Guitar Tech? Have you looked online for the resources?.. there are a lot.. scales, chord patterns, off-tunings..

I'd suggest (might not be true) but the more you read about techniques from different sources, the more you'll 'getit' when you sit down to practice them.

Oh, 2 more cents: a guy once came up to me after I'd played a great set but subtly moaned about a Bach piece I thought I'd blown.. he asked, how come guitarists are never pleased with their work? .. point being, if you find yourself trying to get better and are not quite satisfied .. get used to it, that's the journey of a masterful guitarist! (not beingconceeded here.. I'm only 1/2 way to being anything near a master.. but I keep trying!)

[stevepenn]

Veronica,

I live in St. Paul right down the street from THE guitar shop in Minnesota: Willie's American Guitars. I have a couple of old, but very nice Epiphones but I'm getting a Martin acoustic for my birthday there, but so far have only purchased two amps: a 1959 Supro with 2 12s and a 70s-era 200 Watt Marshall 15 stage bass amp with built-in pre-amp and crossover. I'm a bass player and have a Chris Squire Signature Model Rickenbacker 4001, but I play guitar, too, and Willie's is a great, great place. They specialize in consignment purchases of used guitars but do stock new models, too. They have a boatload of VERY sweet Martins, new and used. You can find really wonderful guitars nicely broken in there. Check out their website below. Better yet, hop in your car tomorrow and drive quick like a bunny over there. Cool guys. Great axes.


http://www.williesguitars.com/

[fourfeetx2]

Plus that's the name of my cat...cosmic. I will definitely check it out, probably tomorrow. Although I have to drop a boatload of $ on Saturday to get my Yes tickets! That's OK tho....the tickets are priority. My best Yes buddy is in the BWCA right now and will be sooo surprised when he gets home!
I'm feeling much more comfortable about buying a guitar now that I've talked to you guys...Thanks!
JohnPaul, I have a client who is a piano teacher so she is giving me some referrals and I've also been poking around the internet quite a bit. Is there anyone you would reccommend here in town Steve? I would prefer one on one instruction, but am also a very visual learner, so the net is great that way.

Peace,
Veronica :lady:

[JohnPaul]

MELT

I Guess Minneapolis IS a happening Port!

Say, do you guys ever run into what's it's name? Prince? or.. WasPrince? or SoonToBePrinceAgain? Dude.. ? I mean, like, do you ever tease him about that Raspberry Barrett thing? (grin)..

Ok.. so, not meaning to morf this thread but I'm interested.. who else is famous from Minneapolis? ..and don't poke me with The Twins (shess..., hehe)

[fourfeetx2]

LOL, JohnPaul! With the amount of rain we have had this summer & fall, you could sail your boat here no problem!
From what I understand a couple of Angels are from this area too....we grow big strong people here. Except for the little Prince....he's gone the way of Michael Jackson, more than a little odd. I did see a new commercial yesterday tho. Concert footage from every decade since the 50's with all the songs being about cars. The last is Prince with Little Red Corvette...the commercial was for Corvette.
BTW,on this side of the river we have a great guitar shop too, Twin Town Guitars....kinda out of my league, but a girl can always look!
http://www.twintown.com/

Peace,
Veronica :lady:

[stevepenn]

Hey Veronica,

I don't know anybody off the top of my head, but again the guys at Willie's can point you to some people. Another avenue that you might pursue is to call the MacPhail Institute in Minneapolis. It's a highly nationally acclaimed performing arts school with a very strong music program. Lots of students who teach and instructors who do lessons on the side, too. I enrolled my daughter last year for 3 year olds in a music appreciation class and the instructor was just marvelous.

If you like learning visually, go to Musiciansfriend.com and check out their wide selection of video learning tools. I still use 'em and they're awesome.

Peace :}

[fourfeetx2]

Hi all,

I went to Willie's today and bought a Seagull S6, just what I wanted! You were right Steve, they were fabulous. All kinds of advice and they discounted the guitar, the case, the humidifier, and threw in some strings for free. They even gave me info on lessons that were a better deal than what I was considering.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

Peace,
Veronica

[Ridvan]

Good on you Lass,
Beginning guitar is tough. It takes a while to get good enough to play even simple songs and I'd say that 70% or more give it up during the first year. Just keep at it.......The joy is well worth the time. Good luck!

[fourfeetx2]

Thank you, Ridvan! I intend to stick with it, it's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm just waiting for a call back from the instructor to set up some lessons. Everybody is a little slow to move here, we lost our beloved senior senator yesterday...just 10 days b/4 the election.

Peace,
Veronica