What guitar for a beginner?

Hamish · 22 Jul 2009 at 22:36

I'm looking at getting back into guitar again after having not played for 10 years (basically starting again).

I don't really know what I want apart from that I know I want a steel stringed acoustic. Not sure on budget but looking to spend under £200, don't really know what a guitar costs these days though.
From a purely aesthetic angle I'd prefer one with a black body and I like the cutouts, apart from that I'm not really bothered.

I've seen this one: http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/lefthanded/878-stagg_sw206cetulh_left_handed_electroacoustic_guitar although I've never heard of the make before or anything.

Is it best to go to a shop and try a few out? If so can anyone recommend one in Central London?

P.S. I'm a lefty.

Cheers
Hamish

just Scott · 22 Jul 2009 at 23:27

My friend constantly raves about Art & Lutherie guitars as perfect cheap acoustics. He says he's never played a bad one, and he's played lots (been playing for 9-10 years). Try them out if you can.

Guzzidom · 22 Jul 2009 at 23:46

JHS's "Vintage" range are lovely, I bought an Electro acoustic a few years back and it's been great, however last year I felt like treating myself to something a bit more expensive, I was astounded that I couldn't find anything in the £250-300 range that was really any better, at least not £300 better.

http://www.jhs.co.uk/vintageacoustic.html

Mine's a VEC500, though they do seem to have risen in price (probably the weak pound), I recall mine was only £150.00.

The V300 (no cutout) was voted best buy under $1000 by "Guitarist" magazine.

You can get it for £129...........

Scrutinize · 23 Jul 2009 at 00:06

You do limit yourself playing left handed. I take it you just don't get on playing right handed?

All the cheap left hander acoustics are much of a muchness by the looks of it, my choice would be this http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/d-10s-left-handed/11431

As you are in central london you have a plethora of guitar shops around charing cross and Denmark Street

Dingleberry88 · 23 Jul 2009 at 00:37

Been doing a lot acoustic searching myself for the past few weeks, so hopefully I can offer a bit of advice.

I'd stick with purely acoustic for your budget - the electros at that range aren't likely to be up to much.

Have a look at the Yamaha FG series. You should be able to get one of the low end models for £200. They're absoultely brilliant for the price.

The Washburn D10S is supposed to be quite good, though I haven't tried one myself.

Whatever you go for, make sure it's got a solid top.

Edit: Like mrk1@1 says, you'll be even more limited with a left hander. Less choice and higher prices.