Acoustic or Electric?

Beau x1

Hey there.

I've decided what with the new year and all that I'll pick up the guitar again; last time I had a pretty well...piss poor acoustic, learnt some basic chords and such it really put me off the whole thing completely.

So, I've got €150 to spend, pretty limited budget. I already have an amp, if that makes a difference (a Fender 15 W but it's only going to be going on in my bedroom so no worries). I can get a second hand electric guitar on adverts -- a Epiphone Les Paul Special 2, or what I hear has an awful reputation..a Squier. I listen to both types of music; acoustic and electric both equally. I have no preference, really.

And then there's this custom made electric guitar which has what I believe Fender Strat pickups, except the guitar is broken; I think it's a minor issue, but I'm not sure if I'm up for getting it fixed since I have no idea what road that'll lead me down.

I think it would make more sense to buy a half-decent acoustic, rather than by an awful electric.
Thoughts? I just have the urge to pick up and play again, and have for a good while.

Kenny_D

Playing a bad acoustic would put anyone off I think. The electric is a little more forgiving I think. I've played both acoustic and electric on and off for years. In the last year though I've sold all my electric gear and bought two custom hand made acoustic guitars and it has really boosted my playing. It's really a personal thing. If you know somebody with a half decent acoustic, ask them to show you some chords and try it out on their guitar. Buy second hand and spend at least around €300 and you'll have a much better learning experience. Go into the shops in town to try out some guitars in the €500-600 range and then try and find the same guitar second hand. This is roughly what you can expect. Good luck

Blackhorse Slim

To be honest, you don't see too many 'awful' guitars around these days, especially electric ones. Squier wouldn't be my preference, but they are fine guitars for a beginner. Similarly SX (strat type, not too sure about the others) are fine and cheap, and many other brands. Most people here will tell you that Yamaha make the best low-priced guitars, both electric and acoustic, and they're probably right.

I would advise you against buying a second-hand guitar with a 'problem', though. The last thing you need when you're learning is a guitar that doesn't work.

Dord

Blackhorse Slim wrote: »

To be honest, you don't see too many 'awful' guitars around these days, especially electric ones. Squier wouldn't be my preference, but they are fine guitars for a beginner. Similarly SX (strat type, not too sure about the others) are fine and cheap, and many other brands. Most people here will tell you that Yamaha make the best low-priced guitars, both electric and acoustic, and they're probably right.

I would advise you against buying a second-hand guitar with a 'problem', though. The last thing you need when you're learning is a guitar that doesn't work.

I agree with GStormcrow, lower end electrics are a bit more forgiving in terms of quality versus acoustics.

As blackhorse slim said, SX strats aren't too bad. I had one last year and loved it. Nice neck on it, nice finish. I changed out the pickups and tuners and good to go. I played it stock for several months and it was fine but I wanted a change. They're a good platform for mods, the guitar can grow with your playing, change it as you go.

Also as he said, Yamaha make good lower end guitars. The Pacifica is a nice one. Check them out.

All Squier's are not equal, the new Squier VM series have been getting rave reviews on most forums. They look very nice too.

Personally I'd steer clear of any guitars with issues, they could turn out to cost more than its worth.