Can anyone recommend an electric guitar for a beginner to learn on please?
I like Squire stratocasters and looking to get a starter bundle ie with amp and cables included.
Is it worth going via any particular online retailer or is Amazon just as good at this level?
Looking for something that won't break the bank but will be reasonable quality to learn on from scratch
Cheers
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Comments
www.guitarguitar.co.uk have a huge range.
Online tuition - only one to consider in my opinion www.justinguitar.com
Tuneinn and Normans music are local and good if (and when) you want to try out something.
Don’t go too cheap. A poor quality guitar will put you off.
Secondhand?
Second the don't go for poor quality comment above
I learnt on a Squire Telecaster that I still play 15 years later though. I find it just as nice to play as my other guitar that cost more than 10x the price.
Would be preferable to buy from an online retailer that will set it up properly before sending it out. I know that Andertons would do that if you asked https://help.andertons.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/360009225080-Can-I-Get-My-Instrument-Set-Up-
In some ways it might be more important to get a decent quality amp. You could spend thousands on a guitar and it would still sound awful through a cheap bundle amp and when you’re learning that can be really off putting.
Bear in mind that resale value on branded guitars and amps is good.
I love Yamahas as well, so another vote for the Pacifica. I bought an entry level acoustic for my daughter (from Gear4Music) - well packaged and great quality. You can also try the Yamaha centre online/over the phone - they will match any online price, just ask to speak to the manager who's name I think is 'Crunch' or something like that. Really nice guy, did me a great deal last time I was in there.
As for amps, I'm not up on the latest practice amps but I would check out the modelling amps with valve pre-amps from Marshall, Blackstar and Line6.
Another vote for www.justinguitar.com - he's great for beginners and does beginners versions of songs. This month's is 'Cocaine for Beginners' which he admitted, probably wasn't the best title!
If playing is for you make sure you buy an acoustic as well at some point. Overdriven electric guitars can mask bad fretting, you can’t hide when playing an acoustic.
Whatever you choose, don’t give up, it will seem impossible at first, but persevere, small steps take you there.
Good luck.
@bobmunro yeah thanks mate I've seen justin guitar and was using him when I bought an acoustic years ago which has sadly sat tucked away since the kids came along and liked him. With an electric I'll be able to put headphones on and not worry about noise bothering anyone.
Cheers all much appreciated
Otherwise it's a lottery whether you get a playable guitar or one that's a pig to fret ..... and that will kill your fingers and your enthusiasm.
If that doesn't deter you, you'll end up paying extra for a full set up.
Amazon and the discount warehouse box shifters will be cheaper - and you'll be tempted.
Do yourself a favour and buy from a specialist music shop - you'll pay a little extra, but you're buying from a shop that sets up the guitar before they send it out.
Plus they will give you proper after sales service, support and advice. You won't get that from Amazon.
And you can still buy on line. Okay there's lockdown at the moment. But really, when you can, go and visit the shop, try out a few instruments and talk to staff who should be knowledgeable.
It's the very best way.
And your music shop needs you if they are going to survive.
Just got a new practice amp to replace an old Marshall - Fender Mustang 1 V2 Combo. £119 from GuitarGuitar and cracking value for money.
Okay, thought I would check because, different neck lengths / widths, etc. I guess you would have said if it was for a child in the original post.
No further advice other than what everyone else has said really.
Good luck.
Battle of the Bands at the first game back with fans.
https://vintageguitarsus.com/electric-acoustic/
I changed the pickups in mine many years ago (SD 59's) for less than £150 and added a bone nut and new/better bridge. My mate who's a pro guitarist and owns a custom shop Gibson 355 (£5k+) said he could hardly tell the difference, in fact he borrowed it to take on tour in Japan as didn't want to fly his Gibson.
My son, who is rather more serious than me has a little Blackstar practice amp. Absolutely swears by it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yamaha-ERG121GPIIHII-Electric-Guitar-Set/dp/B07KFG6SCN/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1RAGD5R1V54N9&dchild=1&keywords=yamaha+erg+121&qid=1613229855&sprefix=yamaha+er%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-2