NEED ADVICE ON A PURCHASE

[afireinside]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice as to what to look for when buying a new electric guitar. I've never owned a guitar, but I want to get a high-quality guitar that my friends will envy. Is getting a nice new Fender worth it? I'll probably use it mostly at home or at jam out sessions with some friends. Price isn't really a factor so any suggestion is alright with me.

-afireinside (AFI)

[lalimacefolle]

it's all a matter of taste... I don't think that the jealousy of your friend is a good factor. Try out guitars in shops, look for one you feel comfortable with, and whose sound you enjoy... Then, leave, and come back a week later to try it again... If you still like it, leave, and come back the week after... If you think about it the whole time, buy it!!

[James]

Price isn't a factor? I hate you! You will want to look at some PRS's then. They're pretty much regarded as the top quality guitar on the market nowadays. My friend got a new $3000 custom built one (actually he hasn't got it yet, it takes 'em 6 months to make them once ordered). It all depends on taste though. You may want an '78 custom Les Paul for a few grand as well. It depends on taste. But as for guitars currently being produced, I think PRS's take the cake.

[hendy114]

Hi,
im new to guitars and im going to buy one in about a week or 2 so could some one tell me what shall i get a second hand or a new elesctric guitar?ive just started my first lesson 2 dys ago at school but i use my friends untill i get one off my own!so can some one tell me what shall i start with!:-)

[trebledamage]

It depends on how much you plan on playing. If you just want a guitar to noodle around with every once in a while, you shouldn't splurge and by a high end guitar. A guitar that stays in tune, has a straight neck, and sounds good to you should be all that you need. Something in the price range of under $500.00, like some of the Mexican made Fender Stratocasters or some of the Ibanez guitars would be good examples.

But if you are totally into playing and find yourself playing hours at a time and you can't get enough of playing, and you think that you would like to play gigs eventually, then maybe you should consider getting something a little more professional. Something made of quality wood with up graded tuners, and electronics. PRS, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender American Strat., etc... Keep in mind that you could spend anywhere from $700.00 to a couple thousand for one of those guitars, depending on where you live. If your just starting out, but really plan on playing a lot, I don't think you can go wrong with a Fender American Strat. They are very versatile, you can do all kinds of modifications to their electronics without hurting their resale value, and they are pretty classic. I don't think they make the greatest death metal guitars, but for rock, blues, jazz, country, etc... you can't go wrong with one.

If you decide to buy used, make sure you actually physically play the instrument and bring someone who knows a lot about guitars with you to check it out before you buy it. I can't tell you how many bad purchases I've seen people make over the years (including myself) of used gear because they just didn't really know what they were looking at. Good luck.

[trebledamage]

As for the money is no option guy, go out and buy the Benedetto Kenny Burrell Model Archtop guitar. It's only around $30,000.00. By the way, are your parents looking to adopt??? (Don't buy a guitar to impress your friends !!!)