Hello everyone

Norman86

Hello hello!

Right, well, i am no guitar player, but i would really like to start!
guitar hero has been fun, i even bought myself a nice logitech gh controller for my wii, but, its time to step it up a notch!

i have always wanted to play, but never did! i once got the chance to learn on an acoustic, but it was terribly difficult as my hand just wouldnt fit comfortable around the neck.
so i gave up!

Now, being older, i would like to try again!
my love has always been for the Fender strat, that amazing sound that only a fender can give!
hell, if i had the money, i would just buy a fender vg strat and be done with it! unfortunately though, i dont have that sort of disposable income!
maybe if i win the lotto!

but for now, i dont know where to start or even how to start!

i am from the East rand, kempton park to be exact! and i do have a friend who plays guitar!

so, i have registered here in the hope of being led in the right direction!

Having had no real experience with a guitar, what do i need to look for?
all i know is, im looking for a guitar so that i can start learning! but i really need to be schooled from the beginning unfortunately :-[

i also have a few other questions!

1: what should i look at buying first? an acoustic, or an electric? my musical taste is as wide as they come!

im also actually a dance teacher by trade, owning and teaching, so my appreciation for different musical genres just makes it worse!
there are some really nice acoustic songs, but just as many, if not more electric that i love!

2: is a squier strat as good as a fender?

3: what is the difference between a squier affinity strat and a squier bullet strat?

4: should i buy a full size guitar from the get go?

5: budget is minimal, for whichever route i go :-[

6: i have found this combo which i quite like, but how do i know its for me if i cant even play?
http://musicconnection.co.za/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=32&zenid=1a7a4670ff805aa5d93cb94d56eb7b7e
also, it is a squier bullet strat.

So i really hope i have started correctly here?
and i hope to learn as i go along!
when it comes to music, i like to think i know whats going on.
so please help me now with musical instruments!

Kind Regards,
Norman

Norman86

also, i forgot to add...
i would love to be able to play guitar well, any and all songs!

not necessarily my own, yet, but i would like to be able to jam with anyone and be able to hold my own!

DonovanB

Welcome to the Forum Norman!

Lots of questions.. but what I can tell you is that buying one guitar and being done with it is never gonna happen... ? you always wind up wanting more.

Squier is not as good as the Fender's. That said, I have a MIJ (made in Japan) Squier which is awesome but harder to find. A looked at a MIC (chinese) Squier and it was very poor quality.

Sean

Welcome Norman. You mention a friend who plays. He could probably help you with advise? There are a number of threads that deal with the "first guitar" question. Generally ( and I'm sure guys will add to this ) do some research, if your budget is limited, definitely buy second hand, and don't rush into buying something ( which you've basically covered by asking some questions ? )

I'll try post some links later to other threads that might help.

Norman86

Donovan Banks wrote: Welcome to the Forum Norman!

Lots of questions.. but what I can tell you is that buying one guitar and being done with it is never gonna happen... ? you always wind up wanting more.

Squier is not as good as the Fender's. That said, I have a MIJ (made in Japan) Squier which is awesome but harder to find. A looked at a MIC (chinese) Squier and it was very poor quality.

True... i understand... this hobby is like my car sound... but at least that has settled since i now have what i always wanted!
my appreciation for good music lies therein as well! Alpine HU, Zapco Amplifiers, Focal Components = Lovely, good quality sound!

okay, about the squier... i should have actually asked, is the sound from a squier strat comparable to that of a fender strat?

Sean wrote:
Welcome Norman. You mention a friend who plays. He could probably help you with advise? There are a number of threads that deal with the "first guitar" question. Generally ( and I'm sure guys will add to this ) do some research, if your budget is limited, definitely buy second hand, and don't rush into buying something ( which you've basically covered by asking some questions ? )

I'll try post some links later to other threads that might help.

Thanks! yeah, he has, but obviously i cant be bugging him all the time ?
besides, i need loads a varying opinions to be able to get a better idea!
the problem with only relying on 1 person is that you only get their opinion, which somehow always tends to be biased in some way!

aubs1

Hey welcome to GFSA, Norman..........

You started with the right avatar though........the big "F"..........just find the right one..

Norman86 wrote: the problem with only relying on 1 person is that you only get their opinion, which somehow always tends to be biased in some way!

Absolutely........good call!.

Norman86

Aubs1 wrote: Hey welcome to GFSA, Norman..........

You started with the right avatar though........the big "F"..........just find the right one..

thanks dude! lol!
im a sucker for fender!

thats also why i have been looking at fender and even squier acoustics!

now its just to find one, never mind the right one! thats where all you knowledgeable peeps come in ?

Sean

Try some of these for now, but seriously, you have LOTS of reading to do ? ...and enjoy

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/introductions/new!/

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/introductions/new-guy!/

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-gear/guitar-advice/

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/general-discussion/with-what-guitar-should-i-begin-with/

Norman86

Sean wrote:

Try some of these for now, but seriously, you have LOTS of reading to do ? ...and enjoy

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/introductions/new!/

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/introductions/new-guy!/

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-gear/guitar-advice/

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/general-discussion/with-what-guitar-should-i-begin-with/

Thank you kindly!
Yeah, i realised i need to read alot! thats another reason for coming on here!
its also just nice to know there is a south african forum dedicated to guitars!
i would hate to be asking advice overseas!

Thanks again!

hopefully some of my other questions will also be replied on!

Regards!

Sean

Aubs1 wrote:
You started with the right avatar though........the big "F"..........just find the right one..

Thought you would have preferred the big "P" .... ? .....yikes, I hope that won't be misunderstood :-[

aubs1

Sean wrote:
Aubs1 wrote:
You started with the right avatar though........the big "F"..........just find the right one..

Thought you would have preferred the big "P" .... ? .....yikes, I hope that won't be misunderstood :-[

LOL!!!!........yeah, but Norm was very specific, Sean ............ hahahaha...

Bob-Dubery

Norman86 wrote: 1: what should i look at buying first? an acoustic, or an electric? my musical taste is as wide as they come!

I'd say acoustic. You don't need to get an amp as well that way - so less investment if you start playing and then find it's not for you.

im also actually a dance teacher by trade, owning and teaching, so my appreciation for different musical genres just makes it worse!
there are some really nice acoustic songs, but just as many, if not more electric that i love!

You'll be able to produce a passable version of most songs on an acoustic.

2: is a squier strat as good as a fender?

Squier is Fender's budget line. Generally they have cut some corners on the Squier range, but they can represent good value for money.

3: what is the difference between a squier affinity strat and a squier bullet strat?

Ask the guys in the shop ?

4: should i buy a full size guitar from the get go?

Yes. Unless you're 6 or 7 years old - which you don't seem to be.

Some more notes/observations/thoughts....
1) Don't rule out 2nd hand instruments. You can get more guitar for your money by buying 2nd hand.
2) Shop around! See what's on offer, what the price is. Don't be afraid to haggle - it's a buyer's market right now. Look around, build up a short list.
3) WHen you're ready to buy (have your shortlist) then take your guitar playing friend with you. He will be a better judge of an instrument than you.
4) Don't buy the cheapest guitar possible. It will be junk and hard to play. IMO a lot of people who start playing struggle with a cheap, hard to play guitar. They think they can't do it, but the problem is the instrument. So steer clear of the Cash Convertors house brands etc etc.
5) Take lessons! You will progress much faster, and pick up less bad habits, than if you go it alone.

Norman86

thank you X-rated Bob...

too much to quote on, but i like your post!

One of my students is willing to lend me their electric guitar and amp, as its just collecting dust by them!
unfortunately though, i have NO idea what type of axe, nor amp etc!

this would obviously be the best approach for me though?
without having to buy second hand yet?!

also, what do i need to look for when buying an axe? regardless of electric or acoustic?
especially when buying second hand?

Bob-Dubery

Norman86 wrote: also, what do i need to look for when buying an axe? regardless of electric or acoustic?
especially when buying second hand?

This is why I said to take you friend with you ?

Firstly see an article by one of the forum moderators that may be of help
http://www.ratcliffe.co.za/articles/buyerbg.shtml

I'll try to explain some other issues, and I apologise in advance if it looks as I'm trying to blind you with science.

The ACTION is the distance between the strings and the fingerboard. Too high and the guitar gets difficult to play, too low and the strings buzz against the frets.

INTONATION is the way the guitar stays in tune (or doesn't) along the neck. If a guitar has poor intonation you will tune the open strings correctly but the guitar will go out of tune as you move up the neck.

If the action is not good then you may think you lack the talent to get the strings down at the right fret at the right time, when it's really the guitar that is problematic.

If the intonation is badly out you may conclude that you can't play in tune because you lack the basic aptitude but, again, the guitar is the problem.

This is all complicated by the fact that for an absolute beginner the act of pressing down the strings is going to feel unnatural and may even cause some discomfort.

An experienced guitar playing friend will have a better idea than you of wether a guitar has a reasonable action and intonation.

With cheaper guitars you may not be able to get the guitar setup perfectly, but you should be able to get it set up reasonably well.

IMO the way the guitar sounds and looks should be the least of your worries right now. Try to get a guitar that is reasonably easy to play and that stays in tune tolerably well. A guitar that looks great but is difficult to play or will not stay in tune will quickly frustrate you.

The above all applies to electric and acoustic guitars.

singemonkey

Hey welcome.

I agree with Bob. But I think you should get an electric.

Fender Strats are what inspires you and inspiration can be important. Don't worry about amplification right now, get - as Bob said - the best guitar you can afford. If it plays well, you can learn on it, and you can worry about amplifying it later. Skimp on the guitar in order to afford an amp, and it may hold up your learning or even push you to give up. Electrics are also easier to play which can be an advantage as a beginner.

Don't fixate too much on Stratocasters made under license to Fender. While we love to debate this issue here, the reality is that many other companies copy the famous guitar designs and often provide better bang for buck - especially when it comes to budget guitars.

The overall best bang-for-buck strat type ever made, in many peoples' opinions, is the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112. But this may not suit you because it's not an exact clone of the Fender strat. But they are incredibly well made and put together for such cheap guitars. Other makers such as Cort, Ibanez, Tokai, and many others make more faithful clones of the strat that vary in quality. But they are well worth checking out against the Squier because, although Squiers are liscensed by Fender, as has been mentioned they vary enormously in quality - having been made at different times in different factories.

As Donovan said, his made-in-Japan Squier is excellent, but my made-in-Korea Squier has serious issues, and I've heard a lot of scary stories about Made-in-China Squiers. So bring someone experienced to try out any potential Strat-alike guitar to make sure it's a good 'un that won't put you off playing.

Norman86

thanks, i had read that article!

but it does say one thing then... im more interested in going with the electric!

but i suppose, if i can get my hands on a good deal, whether new or 2nd hand, acoustic or electric, i'll go for it!

you're not blinding me with science yet! when i read the topic on learning the guitar neck and playing by ear, THAT was science!
hell, i dont understand a clue of what going on in there, and im too afraid to ask because i have never been schooled in music like that!

But thank you Bob, your post makes a lot of sense! Much appreciated!

Norman86

singemonkey wrote: Hey welcome.

I agree with Bob. But I think you should get an electric.

Fender Strats are what inspires you and inspiration can be important. Don't worry about amplification right now, get - as Bob said - the best guitar you can afford. If it plays well, you can learn on it, and you can worry about amplifying it later. Skimp on the guitar in order to afford an amp, and it may hold up your learning or even push you to give up. Electrics are also easier to play which can be an advantage as a beginner.

Don't fixate too much on Stratocasters made under license to Fender. While we love to debate this issue here, the reality is that many other companies copy the famous guitar designs and often provide better bang for buck - especially when it comes to budget guitars.

The overall best bang-for-buck strat type ever made, in many peoples' opinions, is the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112. But this may not suit you because it's not an exact clone of the Fender strat. But they are incredibly well made and put together for such cheap guitars. Other makers such as Cort, Ibanez, Tokai, and many others make more faithful clones of the strat that vary in quality. But they are well worth checking out against the Squier because, although Squiers are liscensed by Fender, as has been mentioned they vary enormously in quality - having been made at different times in different factories.

As Donovan said, his made-in-Japan Squier is excellent, but my made-in-Korea Squier has serious issues, and I've heard a lot of scary stories about Made-in-China Squiers. So bring someone experienced to try out any potential Strat-alike guitar to make sure it's a good 'un that won't put you off playing.

To be quite honest, im really interesten in the mexican strat for sale by ET phone home...
i just hope i can scrape cash in for it!

The yamaha looks good too! where to get one though? that is a question!

Amp wise, what about jacking into the auxillay input of a hi-fi? or is that looked down upon? i ask, because honestly, i have no clue!

Sean

Norman86 wrote:
Amp wise, what about jacking into the auxillay input of a hi-fi? or is that looked down upon? i ask, because honestly, i have no clue!

If it's just to hear yourself better, it's fine. If it's to appreciate the sound your guitar makes when amplified, it's not so fine ?

I often practice on an electric unplugged, no problem. So, while you're squirreling away your $ to buy a nice amp, it's fine to practice without an amp imo. Anyway, you could also use it ( amp as a reward ) as motivation to practice ?

IceCreamMan

Hiya Norman ,welcome to the forum..

i aint got too much to ad as the others have covered everything but just to ad that amps can be gotten quite cheapish these days so even with a budget of 1k a fairly good amp could be acquired esp second hand.

Norman86

IceCreamMan wrote: Hiya Norman ,welcome to the forum..

i aint got too much to ad as the others have covered everything but just to ad that amps can be gotten quite cheapish these days so even with a budget of 1k a fairly good amp could be acquired esp second hand.

thanks dude ?