beginners guitar?

whatlliwear

Hi guys,

Can anyone recommend a good acoustic guitar for less than €100 for an absolute beginner? Does this one look ok? I have no idea, any suggestions appreciated.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5401123/Trail/searchtext%3EGUITAR.htm

Ravelleman

I have no direct experience with the brand but, honestly, I would not expect anything other than a terrible instrument for that price. Pay a little more. It will be worth it in terms of playability and sound.

glashanator

Yes, the elevation guitar just looks a bit too cheap. Can't imagine the quality would be up to much. And just remember if you're starting you are much more likely to stick at it if the guitar is easier to play and sounds sweeter to your ears when you do eventually start strumming out a few chords.

With that in mind there are a couple of Yamaha F -130's on Adverts.ie if you are not too worried about buying new.

http://www.adverts.ie/acoustic-guitars/yamaha-f-310/1224856

http://www.adverts.ie/acoustic-guitars/yamaha-f-310/1217323

These guitars are nearly always in the top 10 guitars under 300e, and would most likely be vastly superior to the argos guitar, for only a few euro more.

Monsieur Folie

From what I've heard I would never buy an instrument in Argos. Go into a music shop and give them your budget and see if they have anything to suit. Try out a few guitars to get a feel for them and see. You won't be able to play them, but see which ones you are most comfortable holding. The second hand option is a good one if you know what you're after, as was said above, and if you're open to buying online then you can probably get the guitar you want for cheaper than in the shop.. Even if you're gonna buy online I'd still recommend trying out the guitar you want in a shop..

SdoowSirhc

Yeah, I agree with not buying from Argos or any other similar place unless it's a branded model. If your'e near Sligo the Record Room has a few decent acoustics for around €85 or €90. Or you could just make a diddely bow for free out of scraps...

kahler

hi. definately steer clear of aargoss. if possible, have someone who actually plays guitar have a look at what you are thinking of buying. you wouldnt buy a car without driving it, would you? have a look and listen in a few music shops but dont bring money the first time you go in. that way, you cant be pressured into making a purchase. they ll prob keep it for a few hours for you if you REALLY want it! and dont be afraid of buying second hand. lots of very good gear up for sale at reasonable prices. if a guitar looks good, sounds good and feels good, chances are it is good. and good luck!

Irish Guitarist

I bought a Yamaha in Argos about two years ago. It was about twice the price of the Elevation but it was great value. To be honest though I took a risk and, while it was decent enough for the price, it's far from a perfect guitar and is a little hard to play. It would be better to buy from somewhere where you can actually try out the instrument. If you buy a guitar from a proper music shop you can also ask to have the action (the distance between the strings and the guitar) lowered to make it easier to play.

The best acoustic, playing wise, I ever owned was an Aria. I could play it for about three or four hours before I would even begin to get sore fingers. It's the only guitar I've ever owned that had the perfect balance between easy playability and sounding decent. I sold it years ago and have always regretted it. It cost about €300 but it was solid wood. I think you could get a laminated one for about half the price. You should try to scrape together as much money as possible though.

If you're really set on spending €100 you can probably get a Yamaha for around that price. Just try to buy it from a proper music shop so you can get someone to set it up properly if you need to.