Guitar for hubby...

[shewasmyshadow]

So my husband comes from a AMAZINGLY musical family. All his relatives play instruments at professional levels and have a handful of instruments they just "pick up and play" without having to be taught.

He's getting interested in a guitar and I want to surprise him with one. Does anyone know anything about guitars? What do I look for? He loves electric guitars, but I think he'd go for either kind.

Oops. He's walking in now, so gotta get off. Just spill your guts and tell me everything you know. Thanks! :D

[Fjords <3]

Fenders and Gibsons are really great guitars, acoustic and electric. You might want to shop around on ebay though, because they're really pricy brand new. I have a Squier acoustic guitar (which is a Fender brand) and I love it. The electrics are amazing as well, so I'd look for those.

Oh, Les Paul guitars are good too, but I'm not sure how expensive they get.

[shewasmyshadow]

Okay, he's napping now, so I can add more...

I'm looking for something that is fairly inexpensive and basic. I used to play guitar when I was a teen, but don't really remember much. I just know I could have started off with a cheaper guitar and been fine. So, I was thinking an inexpensive acoustic would be a good start. Do you think it's unreasonable to think I can get something for under $100? I'm seeing lots of acoustics for around $60 on craigslist.

[Fjords <3]

I'm sure you could find something for under $100 if you shop around enough. We bought mine brand new and it was only $120.

[iluvbo]

Oooh I play guitar. All I can say is I've played cheaper guitars and every guitar pro I have met or talked to says it makes all the difference in how you play if you have a quality guitar. If it is cheap/low quality, the strings will constantly be going out of tune and the notes/chords wont sound nearly as clear. I have an ibanez acoustic/electric and LOVE it. My dad has a dorado, much older guitar, but plays beautifully. If I were you I'd talk to his family and get their opinion. As for electric, in my opinion, they are alot harder for a beginner to learn. Different style. Also...one other thing...dont buy those 100 dollar guitars from walmart/target. I have friends that did and it was a waste of money! Good luck!!!, you may be able to find a quality guitar for a really good price online. :)

[shewasmyshadow]

Oooh I play guitar. All I can say is I've played cheaper guitars and every guitar pro I have met or talked to says it makes all the difference in how you play if you have a quality guitar. If it is cheap/low quality, the strings will constantly be going out of tune and the notes/chords wont sound nearly as clear. I have an ibanez acoustic/electric and LOVE it. My dad has a dorado, much older guitar, but plays beautifully. If I were you I'd talk to his family and get their opinion. As for electric, in my opinion, they are alot harder for a beginner to learn. Different style. Also...one other thing...dont buy those 100 dollar guitars from walmart/target. I have friends that did and it was a waste of money! Good luck!!!, you may be able to find a quality guitar for a really good price online. :)

Well, I was hoping to discover a nice used one for cheaper. Stick around iluv and I'll post the ones I'm thinking about. You can tell me what you think.

All his relatives play other finger board instruments like violins, cellos and such. Oooh, I think I know one that plays guitar. I'll have to fb him.

[doc_western]

I'm a bass girl, I don't know a ~whole~ lot about guitars... Fenders & Gibsons are good... Les Pauls, Strats... I know Rickenbacker basses are amazing, (but veryyy pricey) really don't know much about their g-tars. :)
I'd avoid the $100 guitars... you don't have to spend alot to get a good guitar, ya just have to look.

[Fjords <3]

Yes, definitely don't buy the ones from Walmart, just a waste of money. It's better to spend a little more and get something that will last and sound good than something that's going to break and sound like crap.

[Remali]

A few of the people I know who play love the Les Paul.
Go to a reputable guitar shop/music shop and check out a few.....
Too bad you didn't live closer to Eau Claire, I know a couple guys who have their own shops, and one is truly an amazing guitarist.

[iluvbo]

Les Pauls are great. :) Just reallllyyyy pricey. Same for Fenders and Gibsons.