Hello by the way. Just thought I'd post after lurking for a while and try and get some help.
Well, it's time to think about a new guitar. I've picked up my guitar after several years of neglect. I've returned to my once loved mistress and enjoying it all again. To be honest I didn't realize how much you could forget in 10 years.
But now the fingers are beginning to know that familiar ache again and my wallet is starting to burn in my pocket and I think I need to change my old guitar. It's been in it's gig bag for 10 years and is serving me well while I remember how to play chords and also explore some new avenues I had never thought of before. the guitar in question is a Fender Gemini 2, but is a bit beat up now and is in need of a setup. I just don't know if it's worth spending the £40 on it or put it towards new guitar.
I used to always play electric when younger (Ephiphone Sheriton and Strat Copy) and now looking at just playing acoustic and also exploring finger picking techniques. So what would anyone recommend for around £500. the figure can go over this amount or below this amount by some distance (£1000 max), but thought this would be a nice mean point.
I've tried and liked anything from a Gibson J45 to a Yamaha FG and tried quite a few Crafters, Tanglewoods and Simon and Patricks in between (well I do have 7 guitar shops on my works doorstep). I was quite taken by the Taylor Big Bird today but not sure if I'll only wish I'd saved up and bought THE ONE if you know what i mean.
So can anyone give me 2 penny worth or point me to some sites that have quite a few user reviews on them
Cheers
Chris
Harmony Central
http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/#man
Has plenty of reviews
I think as you already have a beater, you might as well get 'the one'. You might want to look at some more Taylor's beyond the Big Baby.
"Things may get a whole lot worse/ Before suddenly falling apart"
Steely Dan
"Look at me coyote, don't let a little road dust put you off" Knopfler
Harmony Central is a good place for reviews to determine the quality of a guitar, music123 and Musiciansfriend are good for pricing but more important is how it feels to you. So far it sounds like you are taking the right approach and trying a few. So try all you can and soon one will pick you.
I liked a line from one of the Harry Potter books that had something to do with picking a magic wand.
"The guitar chooses the player"
If you're lucky enough to have that many shops in the area. Then visit every one and just sit down and pick up any guitar and just play for ten minutes or so.
Your fingers and brain will tell you if that is the right guitar or not.
I've tried many types of guitars this way and I keep coming back to several guitars that just feel right in my hands.
Something about the fretboard being the right size for my fingers and hands. I think that each guitar is unique to each individual.
So look for something within that price range and just play, you'll know when it's the right one.
I really just want to Welcome you to Guitar Noise.
You have already gotten some sound advice.
I can only echo this. Go to the shops and spend some time playing various instruments. You will know which one is for you when you get it in your hands.
Best of luck
Thanks for the links and the advice. I think the staff on Denmark St are already recognising me after my recent visits and seem to be understanding about trying to find "the one". Played a lovely Larrivee guitar this lunch. It's now been added to the list of possibles.
The search continues ...
Hey, I love the Larrivee's. Those are the ones I mostly pick up and play. There are built here in Vancouver, BC (they also have an American location in California?).
With my particular hands and fingers, the LV-03E and the LV-05 are the ones that I just feel right.
http://www.larrivee.com/data/products/products_main.htm
I don't have the money for something this good yet, but hopefully in the near future.
Heppy shopping and good luck.
Harmony Central just went into my favorites......great site...lots of information
" We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams." - Willy Wonka
Although at my place these sites will NEVER ship , yet i find them really good for buying online -
http://www.zzounds.com
http://www.musiciansfriend.com
http://www.samedaymusic.com
http://www.music123.com
They have scores of reviews :wink:
