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

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Question:
I've lurked and searched and I understand a bit more about buying my first electric guitar. I've read that it's best to... Buy the first guitar from a shop as they can/should set it up for me, shame really as there are some good prices on EBay but a lot of people have mentioned things to look out for like twisted necks and such. Take someone along who has some experience of playing (this might be difficult). Actually try two or three guitars (even though I can't play), and try one out of my price range just to compare. Try and get a few extras thrown in for the price. Buy an electronic tuner. Get some lessons. According to most of the comments on this and other newsgroups the current favourite is the Yamaha Pacifica 112 and a practice amp, something like a crate or a vox pathfinder. Can anyone suggest a decent guitar shop get the first one from - someone who doesn't see the word victim written on my forehead when I walk through the front door? I'm in Surrey.

Answer:
Check: http://www.regentguitars.co.uk  - They are very well set up for beginners guitars, and each guitar receives a setup from their Tech (Peter Allen), who comes highly recommended! Good choice with the Pacifica - But there are lots of alternatives on that site, check it out! Peter Cook's of Hanwell - small, unobtrusive shop in a residential area but staffed with knowledgeable people who aren't there to rip you off! Can vouch for them!  Just bought an acoustic from 'em! Very pleased indeed - was worried about buying blind, but very happy indeed! Seconded. Regent Guitars customer service is pretty much second to none. They are based in Leamington spa, but do a great mail order service. If you want recommendations for guitars check out the forum, there’s lots of good advice to be had. I can recommend the Cort G250 - similar to the Pacifica. There are lots of fans on the forum (I’m one!) I ordered an American Series Strat from them in November; all I can say is excellent! Also @ £599 Damn good VFM. BTW I have just ordered my holy grail from them a Gibson LP Standard @ £1199 again top VFM. If you can travel to them I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else...BTW my purchases have been mail order so I can confirm that you are safe buying blind from them. Plus they've been around for 20 years... Dave have a look at www.gak.co.uk in Brighton, good selection, friendly team who always match prices when they can. Just to add my (FWIW) endorsement to this. The shop looks a bit like someone's front room, who's a guitar nut an they are moving house. It's a wreck, usually full of cardboard boxes. But the people are always good, enthusiastic and helpful. There are always people dropping in to have a chat and play with the latest gear, and their prices are good. Their tech know what he's doing. Well, Surrey's a big place... Let me see. Andertons in Guildford, just opposite the police station. Huge, loud, bright and shiny, but with helpful staff who'll let you sit in one of their practice rooms in relative peace, and help you as much or as little as you like. They don't carry a lot of Yamahas though, but they have many good names and instruments of all price levels. Hands Music in Kingston, hidden down by the river just off the market square. In terms of atmosphere, the complete opposite to the above - a real old school music shop. The staff are equally friendly, and every time I've been there I have seen someone clearly buying a first guitar. Guitar Village in Farnham, south along the high street after Elphicks and the Art College. Seems to be more of a box shifter than the above two, but does seem to have some cracking value for money deals through all price levels. There are many, many more, depending on where you live, but those are some that I have used in Surrey. The only bits of advice I would add to those you've distilled for yourself are:- 1.) You do not have to buy. 2.) You do not have to buy *now*. In the guitar-related world, there is a new offer every single month. You can try as many as you like, in as many shops as you like. If the sales staff put any pressure on you, ignore them, or if you feel uncomfortable, walk. Guitar shopping is no different from any other consumer item. Don't give them any special leverage by telling you that this example you hold is, a particularly good one. Nor should you let their own playing, when they tune it up intimidate you. You can ask *them* to play a couple of guitars for you, too you know. Sometimes helpful if they seem reluctant to let you touch that expensive PRS. Yep, I'll second that. Can get a little crazy in there at busy times - try avoiding the rush e.g. Saturdays are not ideal. Anderton's were very helpful recently when the Valvetronix I bought from them cut out. They also don't seem to mind how long you stay in their practice rooms - they don't hassle you, and offer advice when needed. I'd just like to add another word or two of praise for Mr Allen. I had a problem with intonation on my Godin ACS, and mailed him for advice since regent are Godin dealers. He was an *enormous* help via email, so much so that I managed to solve the problem without even needing to take it to him. Dashed decent helpful chap.