Good acoustic guitar for newbie

G-Money

So like a lot of people I've had the idea of learning how to play the guitar. I love the sound of a good acoustic guitar but I don't know the first thing about them. What's a good one for a newbie? I don't want some crappy one but at the same time, a top end one with a load of bells and whistles probably isn't needed either.

Having said that, I'd want something that sounded really good. Last thing I'd want is something crappy that sounds bad no matter how good you might be at playing.

So recommendations please, including places in Dublin to buy, or online if better.

Thanks

Blackhorse Slim

The first thing you need to decide is how much you want to spend. You can get a decent beginner's acoustic steel-string guitar for around €150-€200 (I'd go with Yamaha). Stay away from nylon-string, unless there's a reason why you specifically want a nylon-string guitar - such as to play classical guitar.

A good quality intermediate guitar would more likely cost around €300-€500. There's no reason why a beginner shouldn't start on one of these except for cost. Yamaha, Epiphone, Tanglewood, Takamine, Fender all do some good instruments in this price ranage, and plenty of other brands too.

Then you're getting into quality guitars, from around €700 up. Probably not necessary for a beginner, but if you want to put that much money into it there's no real reason not to.

Stay away from anything with a laminate top - the back and sides can be laminate, but the top really needs to be solid wood for a decent sound. Other than that, try out some guitars, and if any feel harder to press the strings down against the fretboard than the others you should probably stay away from those too.

In Dublin, I'd drop in to both Music Maker and Perfect Pitch in Exchequer St, Waltons, Goodwins Capel St and of course XMusic. I think XMusic probably have the largest selection to try out.

Good luck, and good hunting!

Irish Guitarist

I used to own an Aria acoustic guitar (I forget the model number). I paid about €300 for it. I sold it a few years back and I've always regretted it. It was really easy to play and it had a very good sound. I used to be able to play it for hours without my fingers paining me.

I now own a Freshman FA300D. It has a great sound but you might find it a little difficult to play. If so you could always ask the shop to lower the action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard). It was €500 but there's cheaper Freshman models available that aren't made from solid wood. I think the cheapest model is about €150 or €200.

I also own an Ibanez Artwood which has a pretty good sound. I think I paid €300 for it.

Another good cheap brand is Ashton. I bought an Ashton Joeycoustic travel guitar to bring on holiday with me a couple of years back. It has a great sound for the size of it.

Tomas911

Out of the brands that were mentioned I go either Tanglewood or Yamaha.
Stay away from Fender or Epiphone, Epiphone are generally very inconsistent and Fender aren't know for their acoustics anyway.
And +1 Music Maker, since they did the clear out of staff, the place has really turned around.

Blackhorse Slim

Tomas911 wrote: »

Out of the brands that were mentioned I go either Tanglewood or Yamaha.
Stay away from Fender or Epiphone, Epiphone are generally very inconsistent and Fender aren't know for their acoustics anyway.
And +1 Music Maker, since they did the clear out of staff, the place has really turned around.

Minor point - since Fender bought out Guild in 1995 they "borrowed" Guild's expertise in acoustic guitar design - and Guild are one of the best. Since then Fender's acoustics have improved drastically.

G-Money

I kind of like how this guitar sounds. No idea what make or anything it is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HU6TdXq5gQ

Erren Music

grandmaster wrote: »

So like a lot of people I've had the idea of learning how to play the guitar. I love the sound of a good acoustic guitar but I don't know the first thing about them. What's a good one for a newbie? I don't want some crappy one but at the same time, a top end one with a load of bells and whistles probably isn't needed either.

Having said that, I'd want something that sounded really good. Last thing I'd want is something crappy that sounds bad no matter how good you might be at playing.

So recommendations please, including places in Dublin to buy, or online if better.

Thanks

buy a garrison in x music. they are about 200 euro. they are brilliant