Yes you guessed it.....a beginner here with the age old question.....

Suggestions for a good beginner accoustic guitar????

How are Recording King guitars? Are they worth the extra money they cost in comparison to say an Epiphone?

Thanks

Posted - 02/08/2010 :  16:28:37    

People will be better able to help you out with advice if you could give an approximate amount that you are willing & able to spend. That helps to narrow it down some.

But since you mentioned Recording King, I bought a solid spruce top, laminated back & sides RK for $240 for my go anywhere, campfire "beater" box. I was amazed that I could get that kind of sound in a laminated guitar for that price. It's definitely a "starter" or even a step up from a starter-type guitar. I've heard good things about other RK models as well.

Let us know your approximate price range.

Posted - 02/08/2010 :  17:36:10      

I've heard good things about RK's. There are two others I'd suggest too. Believe it or not, the first is the Epiphone Masterbilt series. These are really nice solid top/back/side guitars with vintage appontments and amazing tone for the money. New they're often in the $400 - $600 range. A second option for descent laminants would be Alvarez. For some reason these seem to have a nice deapth/resonance I can rarely explain and also good prices.

Posted - 02/09/2010 :  19:16:13    

Any advice for someone with only $150-180 to spend..anyone ever try the less expensive Washburns and Fenders..???

Much agrass,

Reno

Posted - 02/10/2010 :  06:19:42    

What I think is important for a beginner is an inexpensive, consistent, reliable, rugged guitar, that will require little maintenance, setup and care.

IMHO, nothing gives a beginner more bang for the buck, and fulfills all these requirements better than a Yamaha FG700S guitar. Solid spruce top, with laminated nato back and sides. If you must have a more expensive guitar, look at the FG720S, the FG730S with laminated rosewood back and sides, or even the FG750S. These guitars start at about $199 new. They sound quite good for guitars in that price range too.

Posted - 02/10/2010 :  12:51:12      

Even in that price range, I'd suggest at least strumming an alvarez. My girlfriends was about $200 and I was very surprised/impressed with the sound. The other option is to keep an eye out for used. You can usually save at least 1/3 if not 1/2 of retail - especially in that price range. I'd also say it's important to strum them and see how they feel. Set up is also very important and new players often won't realize how much of the struggle is the instrument. It's hard enough learning something new - can use all the advantages you can find.

Also, you might want to consider classical guitars in this price range. Several advantages are: 1) often deeper/richer bass than steel-string similarly priced, 2) nylon strings much easier to play for longer periods of time and 3) typically wider spacing on nylon/classical guitars can be easier for a variety of reasons. Probably not a very popular option in this forum but something to consider. Hope all this helps..

Dave
www.thechordstamper.com

Posted - 02/10/2010 :  14:05:25    

Dave that is one cool product. Did you come up with it yourself?

Posted - 02/12/2010 :  20:20:39    

Thanks to all for the input..I ended up with a Seagull S6 Original from Guitar Center...$279. On sale for Presidents day weekend. Very impressed and has Tusq pins with DAddario strings. Now to get a humidity weenie to protect from the Nevada Air. :) Now to find some free online lessons...here I come a pickin'...

Edited by - Renoflatpickin on 02/12/2010 20:57:22

Posted - 02/13/2010 :  04:46:36      

Keep us posted how you like it.... I was thinking of getting one of those a while back but was leary of a maker I had never tryed...
Julie

Edited by - DeltaJewel on 02/13/2010 04:48:52

Posted - 02/13/2010 :  16:00:41  

Anybody had any experience with this one.....

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...-?sku=518569

Posted - 02/14/2010 :  06:46:20    

Yes...But to be honest...You get more for your money with the $150.00 Yamaha or Fenders...
The sound on the low end Epi was flat...just my HO...
Reno

quote:

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Originally posted by david64

Anybody had any experience with this one.....

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...-?sku=518569

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Posted - 02/14/2010 :  06:49:03    

You got it Julie..interested to see if it curls up and dies out here in the high desert...lol I hope a green weenie humidifier hose will make it last...
For $300.00 it sure sounds sweeeet and plays easily.
Reno

quote:

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Originally posted by DeltaJewel

Keep us posted how you like it.... I was thinking of getting one of those a while back but was leary of a maker I had never tryed...
Julie

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Posted - 02/14/2010 :  13:38:27  

Reno.....something like this...........

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...r?sku=620506

Posted - 02/14/2010 :  17:05:39    

Yes...If you can, however...get to a place that sells them...Honestly..buying a guitar without playing one...Is like buying shoes on line. I went to GC and was glad I did.

Reno

Posted - 02/15/2010 :  07:06:54  

Thanks Reno.

We have a GC in our area and I'm going to try and get by there pretty soon.

Posted - 02/21/2010 :  21:24:56        

I don’t know much about Recording Kings, but I been lusting after an Epiphone Masterbilt EF500RCE for a couple years now. I just never found one yet in the local music stores when I had the money to spend on another guitar.