I bought one of these almost a year ago, when they were clearanced locally at $35. "Gonna learn to play the guitar", I said. It's in the garage, still in the box (along with my 75% off electric piano). Someday. Thanks for reminding me, OP.
a not so flattering review of the Fender Starcaster Acoustic starter pack (which I believe Costco also sells for something like $130). Granted, this reviewer may have just gotten a particularly bad specimen; others in the comments section say theirs are fine.
DShaw94
Member
posted: Nov. 1, 2009 @ 9:49p
I couldn't tell from the specs, does it have a solid top and sealed tuners? I consider those two must-have specs for any guitar, even if it is a 'starter guitar'.
I've seen some people say it has a solid top, but others say it's plywood. Manufacturer's specs for guitars with solid wood always say so, though, and you'd think Target would be quoting those specs. If it did have a solid top, I'd think the word "solid" would be there....
I'd sugest spending a little more and going with something better than this thing. There was a deal on a yamaha for like 130. Skimping on a first instrument is a surefire way to stop playing.
glenatuf said: I'd sugest spending a little more and going with something better than this thing. There was a deal on a yamaha for like 130. Skimping on a first instrument is a surefire way to stop playing.
Y not just skip to the $3000 guitar and lets see how good U do with it when it's sitting in the garage? Sorry but I'm tired of ppl saying "get something better"... what the hell is "something"? U don't even know what "something" is how do U expect these beginner to know?
I say start with a dirt cheap FUNCTIONING guitar and go from there. There is a coupon code on SD to knock the price down farther.
guitarfreak65
Ancient Member
posted: Nov. 2, 2009 @ 9:03a
WorkerAnt said: glenatuf said: I'd sugest spending a little more and going with something better than this thing. There was a deal on a yamaha for like 130. Skimping on a first instrument is a surefire way to stop playing.
Y not just skip to the $3000 guitar and lets see how good U do with it when it's sitting in the garage? Sorry but I'm tired of ppl saying "get something better"... what the hell is "something"? U don't even know what "something" is how do U expect these beginner to know?
I say start with a dirt cheap FUNCTIONING guitar and go from there. There is a coupon code on SD to knock the price down farther.
If you are just curious about learning to play the guitar, you can start with just a FUNCTIONING guitar to see if it's something you'd like to try, but if you are the least bit serious, spend a few extra bucks and get something in the $150-$300 range. I have seen countless people get frustrated and quit because cheap guitars are harder to play and don't sound quite right even when played well due to crappy set up and and bad intonations.
WorkerAnt said: glenatuf said: I'd sugest spending a little more and going with something better than this thing. There was a deal on a yamaha for like 130. Skimping on a first instrument is a surefire way to stop playing.
Y not just skip to the $3000 guitar and lets see how good U do with it when it's sitting in the garage? Sorry but I'm tired of ppl saying "get something better"... what the hell is "something"? U don't even know what "something" is how do U expect these beginner to know?
I say start with a dirt cheap FUNCTIONING guitar and go from there. There is a coupon code on SD to knock the price down farther.
I didn't suggest a 3000 dollar guitar, so give it a rest. I just speak as someone who has played a lot of bag guitars a lot longer than I should have. I've looked at this starcaster in Target. It's not terrible, but it's not far off the 30-50 dollar chinese things you can get off eBay or occasionally posted here on FW.
glenatuf said: WorkerAnt said: glenatuf said: I'd sugest spending a little more and going with something better than this thing. There was a deal on a yamaha for like 130. Skimping on a first instrument is a surefire way to stop playing.
Y not just skip to the $3000 guitar and lets see how good U do with it when it's sitting in the garage? Sorry but I'm tired of ppl saying "get something better"... what the hell is "something"? U don't even know what "something" is how do U expect these beginner to know?
I say start with a dirt cheap FUNCTIONING guitar and go from there. There is a coupon code on SD to knock the price down farther.
I didn't suggest a 3000 dollar guitar, so give it a rest. I just speak as someone who has played a lot of bag guitars a lot longer than I should have. I've looked at this starcaster in Target. It's not terrible, but it's not far off the 30-50 dollar chinese things you can get off eBay or occasionally posted here on FW.
Glen, What beginner guitars in the $50-100 would you recommend?
The Yamaha would serve you well, and be a better enough guitar so that you wouldn't be discouraged by your equipment, on top of your own poor playing. Equipment that's too crappy can put an end to a potential lifetime of playing and enjoying the guitar. The Yamaha would be well worth the extra money.
edizogg said: The Yamaha would serve you well, and be a better enough guitar so that you wouldn't be discouraged by your equipment, on top of your own poor playing. Equipment that's too crappy can put an end to a potential lifetime of playing and enjoying the guitar. The Yamaha would be well worth the extra money.
While it can be difficult to understand or believe, sometimes a budget has the final say. So, the question begs: If you've got $100 (TOPS) to spend, which would you go for?
boggsie said: edizogg said: The Yamaha would serve you well, and be a better enough guitar so that you wouldn't be discouraged by your equipment, on top of your own poor playing. Equipment that's too crappy can put an end to a potential lifetime of playing and enjoying the guitar. The Yamaha would be well worth the extra money.
While it can be difficult to understand or believe, sometimes a budget has the final say. So, the question begs: If you've got $100 (TOPS) to spend, which would you go for?
Slickone said: Also, that Rogue along with a mandolin is $90 at MusiciansFriend. Text. So $15 more and you get a mandolin. MF's customer service is excellent too.
I have played that particular mandolin and it was pretty solid.
I ordered the Rogue guitar/mandoling pack a few years ago. I still love both of them. The guitar that I got actually says Johnson rather than Rogue so I figure they must make Rogue guitars.
Logician1313 said: Slickone said: Also, that Rogue along with a mandolin is $90 at MusiciansFriend. Text. So $15 more and you get a mandolin. MF's customer service is excellent too.
I have played that particular mandolin and it was pretty solid.
glenatuf said: I'd sugest spending a little more and going with something better than this thing. There was a deal on a yamaha for like 130. Skimping on a first instrument is a surefire way to stop playing.agreed
guitarfreak65 said: If you are just curious about learning to play the guitar, you can start with just a FUNCTIONING guitar to see if it's something you'd like to try, but if you are the least bit serious, spend a few extra bucks and get something in the $150-$300 range. I have seen countless people get frustrated and quit because cheap guitars are harder to play and don't sound quite right even when played well due to crappy set up and and bad intonations.agreed. i've had a few guitars in the $300 range that play well enough that a beginner can learn on them all the way up to playing gigs.
personally, i recommend taking a friend who plays with you to pick out your first guitar. expect to pay around $300, unless you're getting something used. there are sometimes pretty good deals out there, so maybe you can spend half that. but definitely don't skimp on the first instrument.
rockcreek
New Member
posted: Nov. 2, 2009 @ 9:35p
Slickone said: Also there's a "Lyon by Washburn" acoustic with case for $70 at Aldi. Text
I'd skip it; I own one. The fret spacing is so poor that so it won't play in tune no matter what. Tuning mechanism is low quality, almost like it's made of tinfoil. They come strung with fishing line, essentially, so you will have to get new strings to get any tone at all.
I think that's the heart of the don't-get-a-cheap-instrument argument; if this were the only guitar in the house, there's no way anyone would be interested in playing. So this one is relegated for the kids to play dress-up with, plus one day I will go all Animal House on it.
RockCreek said: Slickone said: Also there's a "Lyon by Washburn" acoustic with case for $70 at Aldi. Text
I'd skip it; I own one. The fret spacing is so poor that so it won't play in tune no matter what. Tuning mechanism is low quality, almost like it's made of tinfoil. They come strung with fishing line, essentially, so you will have to get new strings to get any tone at all.
I think that's the heart of the don't-get-a-cheap-instrument argument; if this were the only guitar in the house, there's no way anyone would be interested in playing. So this one is relegated for the kids to play dress-up with, plus one day I will go all Animal House on it. Thanks. Do you happen to know about the electric one there?
What would be a good (easier to play) new or used electric guitar for a beginner in 300 range. I've been looking at some of the epiphone models. Any suggestions?
doncrescas said: What would be a good (easier to play) new or used electric guitar for a beginner in 300 range. I've been looking at some of the epiphone models. Any suggestions?
Look up Agile guitars. An Al-2000 costs about $200, but is much better value compared to Epiphone. These are very good instruments with excellent tone, hardware and playability - they're beautiful too. I've had four Agiles over the years, and they never disappoint.
mightyduck said: doncrescas said: What would be a good (easier to play) new or used electric guitar for a beginner in 300 range. I've been looking at some of the epiphone models. Any suggestions?
Look up Agile guitars. An Al-2000 costs about $200, but is much better value compared to Epiphone. These are very good instruments with excellent tone, hardware and playability - they're beautiful too. I've had four Agiles over the years, and they never disappoint.
Or go directly to their store for more colors and options: www.rondomusic.com They must be pretty good, since I've seen them mentioned quite a few times over the years. I already have a LP style. Would their strat style be better than a Mexi Strat?
Slickone said: They must be pretty good, since I've seen them mentioned quite a few times over the years. I already have a LP style. Would their strat style be better than a Mexi Strat?
Honestly, Strats aren't their forte. They have Chinese made SX line which is better than Squiers but not quite as good as Mexican Strats (or so I've heard, haven't tried them myself).
Every once in a while Korean made Agile ST guitars are available. They are comparable to MIM Strats, with the ST-1000 models being slightly better.
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