Herman
Hi all,
Needless to say I am new to the site (looks great by the way!) and also new to guitars. I tried playing the harmonica but that didn't really float my boat. I tried learning a musical instrument that most people don't play, but now I am converted to guitars.
As far as guitars go I don't know my head from my but. All I know is that I want an acoustic guitar with steel strings. I live in JHB so if anyone has some advice and where to shop that will be appreciated.
Herman
AlanRatcliffe
Hi Herman - welcome to the forum!
Shops in JHB, I'm sure a few guys will stop in shortly and give advice. Bob Dubery is resident acoustic aficionado, but it will also help if you let us know what kind of budget you are setting aside for this.
On the entry level side, I usually recommend the Cort guitars as being the best quality for your money. I suspect most stores will have those, but Jean Village Music are connected to the guys who import them, so you should find a range there at least: Shop 3, Jean Village Shopping Centre, Corner Jean Avenue & Gerhard Street, Centurion, Tel: 012 644 9200.
Squonk
Greetings Herman
You have come to the right place. Lot's of good shops with good specials, it really is a buyers market right now!
Where are you situated?
I am sure we will find you a Guitar that will "melt your cheese" (float your boat)
LMinnie
Welcome fellow muso!
Have a look at Ibanez and Cort...really good enrty level geets
Herman
I live in Paulshof so I am close to Sandton and the northern parts. Well, for the budget... I know it is useless to buy the cheapest guitar, want some value for money as well but being a beginner I also don't need something that is going to cost me a few grand. I have checked out some prices on the net, looks like I can get away with somewhere in the region of R1500???? But I would also like a carrying case and tuner. (?). But like I said, of the spec on guitars I don't know anything about. What wood should the body/neck be? Should the body have a cutaway design?? So please, any advise will be much appreciated.
AlanRatcliffe
Don't worry about woods - the choices are pretty standardised and it's not going o make a difference to you as a beginner. Likewise, a cutaway is nice, but not essential. Chances are, with an entry level instrument, you are going to upgrade later if you take to it. Then you can decide what you need.
Bothner's (Glenwood is part of the Bothner Group) have these on their Xmas specials list:
Cort Cap-830 Complete Acoustic Guitar Pack (guitar, gig bag,pitch pipe, strings, strap, capo, picks). Retail: R1,795. Xmas special: R1,250. Add in an eElectronic tuner and you're away...
Or, if you want to go a bit more upmarket:
Cort EARTH 70E NS. Retail: R1,995. Special: R1,395. (Add a few hundred for a tuner, bag, picks and a strap.)
Herman
Thanks Alan. Sounds awesome. Looks good to me. I will most likely upgrade later, for now just entry level as you have mentioned. I see there is a Paul Bothner branch in Centurion, will go check it out.
What is the best way for fasttracking your learning. Is lessons a must or one of these self help audio & books sufficient? None of my friends play that well for me to go ask for assistance.
AlanRatcliffe
Someone else might know of a special around JHB that I don't, so see what other guys come up with in the next few hours before you rush out.
If you do go for the Cort from Jean Villiage, just phone ahead and make sure of stock and price - the Rand has been yoyo-ing lately and I have seen a few items change as they come in at much higher costs at the last minute.
To start with, lessons are the best way to go. A teacher at this stage will help you avoid any bad habits and give you the solid groundwork that you will need if you are going to explore further yourself.
Herman
Thanks Alan for all the advice. You have been fantastic and a great help.
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If there are any other of you whom want to share a bit of wisdom it is more than welcome.
Riaan
Hey Herman welcome to GFSA. My two cents: Also look at Yamaha's steel string acoustics, though I'm not sure about the cost of Yahama acoustics nowadays. You may also want to look at electro-acoustics, as I'm sure it won't be long before you would want to play amplified...so much more fun! Then GAS hits you and there's no turning back...
In addition to lessons...which I didn't have but wish I did, might get around to it soon...is play as much as possible, and the key is to play every day, if only for five minutes or so. Don't let a day go by without playing. Buy a chord book, learn a few chords and a few scales. Then listen to CD's and try to jam along. Good for practicing your ear. But yes, one can pick up bad habits that way (I did) and it's a good idea to go for lessons.
Also check out YouTube, especially Justin Sandercoe's site. There are lots and lots of video lessons.
Another useful thing is the Guitar Pro software, which is not expensive and enables you to download tabs which the software plays back to you whilst showing you the music notation and tabs.
I think it's so much easier to get started nowadays with all the computer and internet resources available.
Anyway, enjoy it! The guitar is a most amazing and addictive instrument.
BTW: Is that a stethoscope around your neck in your profile pic?
Herman
Thanks for your input Riaan. LOL. No, i'm not a doctor, that was my camera hanging around my neck. Only pic I have of myself on my laptop. Will definitively keep you suggestions in mind. Thanks!
Bob-Dubery
Herman wrote:
As far as guitars go I don't know my head from my but. All I know is that I want an acoustic guitar with steel strings. I live in JHB so if anyone has some advice and where to shop that will be appreciated.
Herman
Andy McGibbons Guitar World in Randburg. I have no connection with that shop other than being a satisfied customer.
All guitarists in Joeys should accquaint themselves with Andy's because his workshop facilities, and the work done in them, are so good.
Herman
Thanks Bob. Appreciate the help. I will definitly pop into Andy's to see what they have in stock.
Sean
Welcome to the forum Herman.
