How much should I spend???

[Dangermouse1968]

Ok, I'm in the market for an acoustic.

I'm a bad player, been noodling for a couple of years with a few lessons. I have a great Washburn WI66pro and Haydon mini mofo, all of which I adore.

Until recently I had a Fender CP strat which I sold because (a) I have not played that much this year (b) the other guitar was getting all the use when i was playing and (c) I have not listened to Straty music at all this year. I could n't justify having two elelctrics when I'm not using one of them at all.

However, I have conviced myself that an acoustic would be different enough to make it worthwhile and although money is not a problem I am from Yorkshire and therefore incredibly tight.

So, I could just order on-line a Vintage V300 which is an excellent guitar for little money or I could spend a lot more BUT will it inspire me to play more?

I'm off to Leeds this weekend and there seems to be a Stonebridge shop up there!!!

Thanks,

DM

[rdmf48]

From previous similar posts, the recommendation from Formites is that Acoustics vary more than Electrics in terms of sound, and that it's highly advisable to try out various Acoustics in person, and buy "the one" that clicks with you.

[bertie]

Acoustics vary more than Electrics in terms of sound and playability, and that it's highly advisable to try out various Acoustics in person, and buy "the one" that clicks with you.

this (with amendment!!)

finding the RIGHT guitar for you will inspire you to play more regardless of what you spend. You wont know that until you've played it.

[DaveMcK]

I wouldn't spend TOO much on your first acoustic for the simple reason that, as a beginner, you wont really know what the "right" guitar is for you. What sounds good to you now might not in 6 months or a year. Resale value might be a factor, buying second hand would help there. How much you spend is really up to you, if the guitar that you like is expensive and you have/are happy to spend that kind of money, if it makes you happy, then fair enough but if it's not then don't worry.
At this stage what it looks like and how (physically) comfy it is to play (as in, size/shape) are probably more important. Unless it's a total dog you will get used to it and it will become the "right" guitar for you.
Buying a guitar because it "feels right" at the time could be an expensive mistake...IMO.

I'm sure people will disagree with this but I personally think the whole "find the right guitar for you" is something people say because they have heard other guitarists say it and they think it makes them sound like they know what their talking about. Cop out.

[bertie]

I
Buying a guitar because it "feels right" at the time could be an expensive mistake...IMO.

I'm sure people will disagree with this but I personally think the whole "find the right guitar for you" is something people say because they have heard other guitarists say it and they think it makes them sound like they know what their talking about. Cop out.

so much fail

Buying a guitar you've never played, 'blind' from an internet site is FAR more risky and even more likely to be a mistake.

Go into a guitar shop with your top line budget firmly in your head. Then play as many as you can within that budget and dont let the staff sway you to spend more that you can afford.

No cop out, just 35 years of experience.

Simples

[DaveMcK]

No cop out, just 35 years of experience.

Simples

I thought you might disagree.

I think there could be better advise for first time buyers than "find the right guitar for you"...that's pretty f***ing obvious...excuse the french.

[bertie]

but thats not the question is it ? The question from the OP is 'how much should I spend' and the answer is, as much as you can afford. There is no finite answer, there is no finite answer what ever the level or experience of the player.

[DaveMcK]

but thats not the question is it ? The question from the OP is 'how much should I spend' and the answer is, as much as you can afford. There is no finite answer, there is no finite answer what ever the level or experience of the player.

This is true.

In all honesty I think that looking at your idols and the kind of gear they use is a good start. You want to look cool like them and if they are using them they should cover the styles you want to play.
But as you say, that's not really the question.

Pay whatever you feel comfortable paying. Do a bit of research so you don't get ripped off.