Latest Purchase. Advice needed.

[Spry]

OK, so I've decided that there is only so much SFM Surfing, Halo 3, Work, College and exercising I can do and that I need a more creative/relaxing hobby. So I've decided to take the plunge and buy a guitar.

Lessons and teaching myself I can handle. It's what I should get thats damn confusing me. I'm not looking for something awesome and expensive like a Startocaster or a Gibson Les Paul straight off. I just want something thats good to play, and sounds alright.

This leads me to my dilema. I've done some shopping around and am presented with a few options.

Option One:https://www.billyhydemusic.com.au/sh...on=view&id=150

I was told not to touch this as squire are a "VERRY bad brand." Price is AUD, and in my price range, but again, conflicting advice as one friend recommended it, another told me to stay away.

Option Two: https://www.billyhydemusic.com.au/sh...n=view&id=1979

Looks like an awesome pack. Never heard of the guitar brand before, so I'm really not sure.

Option Three: My local music store has a pack for AU$ 349 that includes a guitar "Cruiser by Crafter" Drive CD100 15v amp (WTF?), Picks, Straps and a gig bag.

Option three sounds the coolest, but again, I'm not sure about the brand of guitar. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated as it's all just muddled up for me ATM!

Thanks guys!

[JeffrySG]

Just as a thought... what about picking up a slightly better quality guitar but one that is used? also used amps can be great as long as they are in good shape... just a thought...

[backstept]

the Squier line is made by Fender
I'd say as a starter the Squier is a decent choice. you'll undoubtedly get a much better sound and feel if you go with a higher end guitar.
you can sometimes find absolute gems in used equipment

my best advice would be to forget everyone else's advice and buy your dream guitar. you'll know it when you see it. the best thing about learning to play on a guitar that you absolutely love is that you're more likely to stick to it and actually want to learn, instead of falling into the thought process of "oh well I'll get better once I get a better guitar" and be stuck with a guitar that's not your dream guitar and isn't something you look forward to

I hope that made sense

one last thing. don't buy online unless you're absolutely sure it's the one you want. the best thing is to go to a music store and play with 'em
then you definitely know what you're getting

[Samurai]

I knew when I saw this thread you were after a guitar before I even clicked on it- don't ask me how.

Best advice I can give you is the same advice I got from Al and friends. Squier guitars can be good, but dont offer the consistensy of a "true" Fender electric thats made in the USA. It's very easy to buy a substandard one, especially when you're new to choosing.

Ask yourself what sort of music you want to play, and select your guitar based on how it feels when you pick it up- as Backstept said, you'll know when you've found the right style for you.

I've got a Yamaha Pacifica 112, and I personally think its great. I got that, a Line6 15W Amp, and the usual bits and bobs (picks, lead, strap, bag) for about £200.00GB- build quality is better than squier, and the Alder body gives better tone.

[Nutsy]

Les Paul there is no argument really

Tbh go to the shops try them all out and pick the one you feel comfitable playing that gives you the best sound exsperience.

[spudmonkey]

What Nutsy said; go to a shop and try some. The Yamahas are good performers, though unspectacular. The Squiers are a bit hit-and-miss but you can get really good ones. Epiphones are nice and solid though you are probably looking at more money and I would stick with a Les Paul for your first one as the SGs, Explorers and Vs can be a little variable. A Godin would also be a good choice if you don't mind paying a little extra

[Spry]

Wow a lot of very good points raised, and I'd like to offer my thought process behind some of them.

The only ones I've picked up are the Squier and the "Cruiser by Crafter." The latter sparked my interest, and felt really good to hold, and fun to look at

At the moment the "Cruiser by Crafter" hold my interest most and I think if I was to buy that I'd follow through. To be perfectly honest, I'd get the Fender Stratocaster straight up, no questions asked. As I don't have a few grand(literally) On hand or laying around, thats not a realistic option until I have the skill and ability to justify the purchase.

Buying is still a few weeks off, which is why I'm doing my research and asking for advice now.

As I said, the "Cruiser by Crafter" would basically be the main one. A Google search produced results leading me to believe that they sound pretty good, whilst being a high quality Guitar.

And Greg - You spoke to Al? That or you see a lot of you in me?

[Alec Trevelyan]

Originally Posted by JeffrySG

Just as a thought... what about picking up a slightly better quality guitar but one that is used? also used amps can be great as long as they are in good shape... just a thought...

That's what I told him weeks ago

[Dr-Timelord]

Les Paul

or a Fender

hmm....but then you think Telecaster or stratocaster, decisions ....

[Spry]

Originally Posted by Dr-Timelord

Les Paul

or a Fender

hmm....but then you think Telecaster or stratocaster, decisions ....

Then I think "No." Because I don't have that kinda money. Thus the reason for the thread