dolos
Well, so I'm new to the forum and also new to the guitar, but would like to know from both other newbies and veterans alike what their advice would be on my predicament. Since I started learning some 4 months ago and attending lessons I can not help myself from constantly browsing guitar sites looking for a second guitar. I find myself drooling in fact. Is this normal or should I call Dr Phil or take medication? ? . I currently have a Cort M-200, a small Laney 20w amp and aZoom x1on peddle (and also a cheapie steel string acoustic, which in retrospect was not a good buy), but my eyes return to the Cort CR250 and Epiphone LP Standard (or Studio) each time I browse. Is it too soon to consider a second guitar? What should I be looking for in this price range or should I save, beg, borrow and "steal" for an even higher end guitar in the longer term? The LP looks just seems to grab my attention and imagination. What to do?....
V8
dolos wrote:
Well, so I'm new to the forum and also new to the guitar, but would like to know from both other newbies and veterans alike what their advice would be on my predicament. Since I started learning some 4 months ago and attending lessons I can not help myself from constantly browsing guitar sites looking for a second guitar. I find myself drooling in fact. Is this normal or should I call Dr Phil or take medication?
Bwahaha, perfectly normal!
If you havn't seen it yet, Singemonkey put together a intro for those new to G.A.S here :
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-gear/buying-your-first-gear-the-smart-way-the-singemonkey-approach/
Though my inner Dr. Phil reckons the M200 is a decent guitar (I've played two, nothing wrong with 'em)...but if a LP calls, then go for it. I'd have a Epi over a Cort version. Cort's typically need a pickup upgrade (unless they are loaded with something name-brand).
Jazzman105
Welcome to the curse my friend :roflmao:
If something is wrong with you for being obsessed with wanting a new guitar, you are certainly not alone. Most of us on this forum can relate to you on this one. It's part of what makes the guitar journey great!
This GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) you are experiencing is an emotional thing, and emotions and sensible decision-making is not known for going well together. Some degree of discipline is required. Two more things to consider:
- A new guitar does not make you a better player. Practice Does
- You have to "earn" a new guitar. (your progress should warrant it)
- You will outgrow most of your guitars, so consider resale value when buying.
Jazzman105
Jazzman105 wrote:
Some degree of discipline is required. Two more things to consider:
- A new guitar does not make you a better player. Practice Does
- You have to "earn" a new guitar. (your progress should warrant it)
- You will outgrow most of your guitars, so consider resale value when buying.
Okay. Three things ?
Stoffeltoo
The first time I mentioned the GAS affliction to the spouse, She recommended ENO's. Well 30 years later, many bad choices and little practice cost me much more than a few bottles of effervescents.
It's sound advice. Earn a guitar and it will serve you and your style. My preference is still acoustic buuut after being introduced to tube amps. I have moved into the world of electrics and analogue pedals. Next time I think the remedy will be Rattex :?
daveo1977
Hi Dolos!
Isn't it weird how some guitars call to you? My guitar teacher helped me find my first electric, an Ibanez GSA60. It's a lightweight, super strat type. I found the Ibanez Artist (AR300) all on my own, here on GFSA. ? It's a double cut away, with humbuckers, and I couldn't resist. I don't know much about the Epiphone LP, but if it's solid mahogany, it'll be a heavy guitar. It takes some getting used to, carrying that weight on a strap. With the Artist, I'm also considering heavier gauge strings, as the 10's on there feel floppy - it may have something to do with scale length. It could be similar with the LP.
If you can't go and play the one advertised, see if your local music store has a similar model. Try it, and see how it feels. And do spend extra on a good set up.
I've been learning to play for about four years now. I stuck with my dad's Harmony archtop for close on eight months before I got my first electric. This was followed quickly with a semi-acoustic, and then some time later the Artist. I practice on the acoustic mostly, as I don't need to shlep with cables and amp, but it's nice to change it up from time to time when motivation to play is low.
One thing is sure: the fever is unrelenting. I've just now got my eye on this tobacco burst Mexican-made tele advertised on S.A. Music Store on Fb.
Enjoy every new discovery (and welcome to the club)!
dolos
....and that reminded me of an incident some time ago where the response was "But daddy, why does good advice always hurt so much?"
Thx for the advice guys. :'(
Appreciated
Tuckstir
Hey Dolos
Nothing wrong with browsing for a new guitar..
another site I frequent is a local Cycling forum where they have a saying. which I'll Modify
Ideal number of Guitars is N+1 where N is the current number of guitars you Own..
also maybe look at a Diy Guitar. its the perfect way to get to know your guitar in and out.
modulator
One guitar is not enough. Ideally you will need at least four: Steel string acoustic, classical, and two different-style electrics. Your collection may change as time goes along, finding your guitar uncomfortable, too small/big, heavy, uninspiring, or finding a "better" one. You will need to assemble a collection of guitars that works for you, gives you playing pleasure. They do not need to be expensive. I have in the past decade made two "risk" purchases, which worked out fine. Am looking into another one. And bought one I liked the look and specs of. It's a monster I have yet to tame, but I do not see myself getting rid of it! Sold off a nice dreadnought acoustic, replaced with a "parlour" sized one. And still do not have what I "want" or "need", but cannot afford. I am slowly building the ideal guitar in my head, though.
You have been advised to get the setup done: very important, I have only once bought a guitar that needed no setup, and not knowing anything about "setup" back then, thought it was a reflection of build quality. Might have been? Get that action low, frets leveled and polished, and start with light strings, develop your style and requirements from there. The right shop should do the setup as part of the sale, no extra cost. They do exist, one assistant recently told me to bring my old favourite for a re-solder. Price? Free. Will maybe look into that! Just that I think there has to be a better way to do the earth connections to the pots, soldering a lot of wires to the pot body seems "dof" to me.
As you are taking lessons, I assume you will have the opportunity to play other peoples guitars as well, to help shape your opinions. If you do buy (you need to replace the Acoustic with a Cort Luce 450 as soon as possible, anyway), enjoy the guitar, as well as the widened experience and pleasure ("ah, this is nice!!").
domhatch
four? only four guitars? never! ?
- les paul
- sg
- strat (if you're into that kind of thing. i'm not, but i did love mine while i had it - sweetest, fastest, smoothest neck i ever played)
- tele
- some kind of archtop/jazz box
- dreadnought
- om
- one million and seventeen different classical/spanish-types
(all those shapes at the VERY least. don't let's start on manufacturers) other than:
- prs original standard 22 (if you can possibly find one)
each of these has its own particular blessid reason for being. and while you don't need to own them all at the same time, you absolutely MUST own each of them once during your lifetime as a guitarist. what i'm trying to get across to you is that no, it's never too soon...
good luck with the GAS!
i'm only about halfway through the list, and halfway through the playing lifetime
dh|
Guitarstar
Hi and welcome -
Some very sage advice here, notably the bit about practising and 'earning' your next guitar or upgrade.
I would only add the following, based on 40 years' playing experience and ownership of around 35 different guitars (not all at once), from jazz hollow bodies to solids to steel strings to classical & travel guitars. Added to which, experience of trying out over 1000 guitars (I know it's an arbitrary round number, but I did have a go at attempting to work out how many and gave up, with this as a best estimate) in the UK, USA, Europe - and SA.
Try as many guitars as you can. Don't be shy of trying instruments in a higher price bracket than you can justify at present - they'll help point you in the right direction. Buy the best one that you can afford. Look after it properly. Play it and fall in love with it. If/when you outgrow it, you'll have earned a better one, or at least one more appropriate to the evolution of your playing - and so it goes on.
There is no limit to GAS...and there are times when, having learned that Keith Richards thinks he owns around 1000 guitars, I feel maybe I've been a bit conservative. But my own position is that I am a player, not a museum curator, thus I have never owned simultaneously more guitars than I have time/need to play. Around 6 at present.
Good luck !
domhatch
Guitarstar wrote:
Hi and welcome -
Some very sage advice here, notably the bit about practising and 'earning' your next guitar or upgrade.
I would only add the following, based on 40 years' playing experience and ownership of around 35 different guitars (not all at once), from jazz hollow bodies to solids to steel strings to classical & travel guitars. Added to which, experience of trying out over 1000 guitars (I know it's an arbitrary round number, but I did have a go at attempting to work out how many and gave up, with this as a best estimate) in the UK, USA, Europe - and SA.
Try as many guitars as you can. Don't be shy of trying instruments in a higher price bracket than you can justify at present - they'll help point you in the right direction. Buy the best one that you can afford. Look after it properly. Play it and fall in love with it. If/when you outgrow it, you'll have earned a better one, or at least one more appropriate to the evolution of your playing - and so it goes on.
There is no limit to GAS...and there are times when, having learned that Keith Richards thinks he owns around 1000 guitars, I feel maybe I've been a bit conservative. But my own position is that I am a player, not a museum curator, thus I have never owned simultaneously more guitars than I have time/need to play. Around 6 at present.
Good luck !
this...
Guitarstar wrote:
Don't be shy of trying instruments in a higher price bracket than you can justify at present - they'll help point you in the right direction.
especially this...
Guitarstar wrote:
Good luck !
and about +1000 to this...
dh|
MoJo-JoJoe
I have the Ibanez TSA 1x12" cab in black (very scarce) loaded with a Seventy/80 from the factory. It's a great match for your head. I'm not using it so if you're interested in buying it, send me a PM and we can discuss.
Oops. Sorry wrong thread
