FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Good Beginner Acoustic Guitar

Question:
Daughter wants to learn acoustic guitar. Can you experts, recommend a good specific brand/model for us? New or used, budget is 500.00 - 1,000.00. She is an accomplished piano player(graduated conservatory grade 12) Also plays flute at intermediate level.

Answer:
In the future you might want to let your readers know those dollars are Canadian instead of US so they don't get too excited. My recommendations would be Martin or Ibanez. Gibson is making some fine guitars lately but they are a bit out of your price range, at least the nice ones are. Martin has been in business since the 1830's, and they are generally considered the cream of the crop. I've heard great things about Seagull but I've never personally tried them out. You can visit http://www.musiciansfriend.com and also http://www.samash.com and order free catalogs from both places. Even if you choose to purchase locally, you'll at least have a good idea of what prices guitars run by checking these two out. I would stay away from HPL guitars (high pressure laminate). This means the guitar is made from plywood instead of solid wood and IMHO they don't have as good of a sound. The Martin DXM is HPL. The DCX-1E and DM both have solid wood tops but laminated sides and back. The D-15 Dreadnought ($699.99 USD) is a great guitar at the top end of your range. My first guitar was an Ibanez PF-3. I don't think they make the PF-3 any more but I've seen a PF-6 at Musician's Friend for $179.99 USD. Eight years later mine still plays at least as good as it did the day I bought it. The basic things I think you should look for are: Solid top Solid sides and back good quality tuners Both of the guitars I have recommended have these features. While the Martin is at or a little bit above your $1000.00 Canadian, it does come with a hardshell case which is a must for a youngster with a guitar. If you go with the Ibanez or any other guitar that does not come with a hardshell case, you'll want to go ahead and buy one. They cost around $100.00USD. There are literally thousands of great guitars within your price range. These aren't the only two you should look at but rather the two I'm recommending. I think there are a ton of great deals to be had in the used market but I also think you could be had if you don't know what you are looking for in a used instrument. Stay away from used unless you can take someone with you that knows guitars and can find a deal for you with your best interest in mind.