This happens every time I get in a certain mood and start listening to a lot of Pink Floyd. I have a couple of dilemmas here, though.
First of all, I'm normally left-handed. Having spent the last 24 hours looking into this, I can see where this might be a bit of an inconvenience when it comes to learning to play a guitar. However, I don't automatically do everything left-handed. Bowling, for example.. I do that right-handed. When it comes to the guitar, if I picture it in my mind I can see using it either way. Should I just go for right-handed and save a bit of expense, or is it something that I might regret later?
Second.. money. Always a problem. I can get one of those Squier Strats like the one pictured above for about $250. (I know I can get one for even less, but that one pictured above is about as low as I wanna go) I can get one customized the way I'd want one to look for around $400-450. Would it be better to start out as cheap as I'm willing to start out (for learning purposes) and go for the cosmetic shiznit later, or is there merit to getting what I'd want now and avoiding constantly thinking about when I'd get what I wanted and how I was going to pay for it? Remember, any money spent on this hobby-to-be is money taken away from my rather unhealthy addiction to Fox bodies. If I understand all this properly, almost nothing of the cheaper guitar would be re-used in the one I'd want to have assembled.
I'm serious about going ahead with this. We've been given some money to do some much-needed repairs to my '89 LSC within the next month or so.. so if I sell a few things I have here I can probably drum up a couple hundred bucks to get started on the guitar thing. (and yes, I'm aware I also need an amp and probably a few other incidental expenses.. but we'll get to that later)
EDIT: Add between $100-200 to the estimate for what I'd want constructed. Still, I think, within the realm of reason if it's a one-time purchase. I don't see myself having a collection of these things.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 05:53:00 PM
I have that exact Sqire Strat. I might be selling it if yuo want it.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 25, 2006, 06:28:51 PM
What i would suggest, is taking a trip to your local guitar shop or music shop, and seeing if you can tool around with a few guitars, to see which way feels more comfortable.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on August 25, 2006, 07:08:22 PM
as shawn said.. play around with them see which one feels best and sound quality
its all in style..
Quote from: 84 Fila
I have that exact Sqire Strat. I might be selling it if yuo want it.
buy his.. its pretty nice..
hey mike, im just gonna get a matching pair for me and britt :D
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 25, 2006, 07:20:49 PM
The problem with buying something else is that I don't think much of anything would carry over to the one I'd want made.. and I don't see myself as someone having a lot of guitars sitting around. I suppose I could always sell the starter one later on.. but as a front yard full of cars can attest, I tend to form unhealthy judgement-clouding emotional attachments to things like this. :p
I'm not saying I couldn't or wouldn't do it.. *shrug*
I'm messing around with the guitar builder flash program on WDMusic.com.. really not making this any easier. :p
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on August 25, 2006, 07:31:41 PM
lmao, start collecting them :D
ive got a wall full about to be even fuller :D
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 07:38:10 PM
Mine is all factory accept I changed the strings, thats it. I can post pictures if you want.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 25, 2006, 07:45:07 PM
OK, this isn't exactly what I had in mind, but it's as close as I could get with their flash program.
The differences are that I wouldn't have that gray bit on the body, the neck would be ebony instead of rosewood, and the pickguard would most likely be black abalone instead of that tortoiseshell:
Yeah, I'd want it dark. :p I'm sure most would think it looked tacky, but oh well.. you wouldn't be playing it. :p
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 07:49:23 PM
Well let me know if you want mine or even pictures of it. If not then I will continue to play it.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: thundergrowl on August 25, 2006, 07:52:17 PM
My first guitar was a Squire Strat. I liked it very much. It was a good first guitar. I paid $500 for it, learned to play on it, and sold it for $475 two or three years later.
I'd say buy the strat and if you can't play it right handed take it to the music shop and have it flipped over so you can play it like hendrix :)
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on August 25, 2006, 07:54:49 PM
Quote from: thundergrowl
I'd say buy the strat and if you can't play it right handed take it to the music shop and have it flipped over so you can play it like hendrix :)
oooooooor be cheap and go buy a pack of strings and string it up for a lefty ;)
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 07:56:47 PM
At our guitar center, they don't charge to sting them up. I had my girls bass done there.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on August 25, 2006, 08:01:43 PM
pfft, stringing guitars is a snap, especially basses
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 08:02:45 PM
I know I just didn't wana do it.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: cougarcragar on August 25, 2006, 08:05:57 PM
Ben (it's Ben, right?),
You're in the same exact boat as me. I do many things left-handed, including writing. However, I bowl right-handed. I also play guitar right-handed, and I've been playing guitar since 1993. Go to a music store, sit down and play some guitars. You will immediately know which hand works better. I believe it all comes down to left and right brain coordination. I've owned two Squier guitars... they're not bad at first, but you will want something better as your talent progresses. My main axe is a Mexican Telecaster with a maple fretboard. Me likey long time.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 08:10:34 PM
I have the Squire Strat, a Fender non electric, and if it counts, my girls Fender Bass
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Beau on August 25, 2006, 08:25:09 PM
I've had several guitars, some shiznitty ones i ended up smashing ala Paul Stanley....guess I coulda sold em later on down the road....
Anywho, I too suggest handling a few before you commit to one, that you may or may not like as well later...I've got my current guitar, a Squier strat, and I hate the thing...it's always going flat, and I've never been a fan of the single coil pickups...but at the time I bought it, I needed another axe...as my Fernandes was getting repaired. I had a Lotus Les Paul that was ed nice, I'm looking for another one..and it'll come before any mods to any cars are done... So, I may have a cream strat for sale...really cheap....I got pics if you wanna see it...it's a right-hander too...I've locked down the tremolo b.s., shimmed the neck, and set the harmonics, it's just not my kinda axe though, i like the neck thru body versions, and the adjustable talipieces, dual humbucker pickups, and no ed whammy bar stuff, all the shiznit ones do is lose your tune for ya... Anyway, look around a bit before ya settle on one, you can take a good one apart and paint it any color ya want in less than an hour...nothin' to 'em.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 25, 2006, 08:27:25 PM
How much you sellin your strat for?
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: thundergrowl on August 25, 2006, 08:35:15 PM
FordTruckFreeek and cougarcragar are right, go to a music shop and try a few different models - left and right handed. You'll find out pretty quickly what handed guitar is for you.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Beau on August 25, 2006, 08:35:58 PM
Oh, I dunno, havn't seriously thought about what I'll take for it...I'd like to have a replacement first, but..with the move and all, money is kinda tight right now. Probably around 150 or thereabouts...ballpark figure.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 25, 2006, 08:47:23 PM
Quote from: thundergrowl
FordTruckFreeek and cougarcragar are right, go to a music shop and try a few different models - left and right handed. You'll find out pretty quickly what handed guitar is for you.
The only danger in this: If I go and my fiance goes with me, (and she most likely would) it might renew her interest in playing the drums. :p
When I picture it all in my head I tend to lean towards right-handed.. but I think that might be from seeing so many more righties than lefties.
When I started looking online last night, I came across this. At first it seemed like a good starter, but ultimately I don't think it's what I want:
Whatever name you choose to use for it, I just don't think I could adequately pursue my desire to emulate David Gilmour's work without the bar. *shrug*
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: cougarcragar on August 25, 2006, 08:54:42 PM
Here's my opinion:
Look on eBay for a Peavey Raptor I "International Series." It looks just like a Strat, but it is of MUCH better quality. I know because I own one (and I paid $50 for it). Hell, even the pick-ups sound better than ANY of the other guitars I've owned, and I've had at least 10 in my life.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 25, 2006, 09:11:09 PM
Alright, time for the slightly more involved musical questions, then:
How much of a given artist's sound would you say is down to his choice of instrument? Sure, I'd have an interest in playing other things eventually.. but the only thing that REALLY makes me want to take this up is David Gilmour's work in Pink Floyd. With tidbits like this:
Quote
Recently, David Gilmour was voted the greatest Fender guitar player of all time by readers of Guitarist Magazine, beating Jimi Hendrix.
..it would seem to be a not-insignificant amount of association between the man and his Fender.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: cougarcragar on August 25, 2006, 09:39:04 PM
Anybody can take a py guitar and run it through a series of effects pedals and make it sound cool. True musicians can "spot a guitar" just by its sound. For example, I know a Gibson hollow-body when I hear it, but it kind of tough to spot a Stratocaster vs. any other axe with single-coil pickups. You shouldn't have to worry about that starting out. You could take a Strat-style guitar with a phaser or chorus pedal and get close enough to Floyd. Another good reason to hit the local moozak store and try their guitars and pedals. You may even prefer a digital pedal setup.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: thundergrowl on August 25, 2006, 09:41:06 PM
In my experience, the pickup configuration is the biggest determining factor of a guitars sound with the three single coil pickup, like the strat, being a more crisper clean sound than the two double coil pickups of the les paul that result in a more fat warmer sound.
The body material and weight do have a lesser effect on the sound along with your choice in amplifier.
Gilmore would make almost any guitar sound good.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: yellow86coogr on August 25, 2006, 11:39:16 PM
Quote
Recently, David Gilmour was voted the greatest Fender guitar player of all time by readers of Guitarist Magazine, beating Jimi Hendrix.
I've always loved the way he played. I wanted to do the same thing when I was younger, Pink Floyd was always my favorite band and Gilmour is such an artist when it comes to his guitar work. All the little stuff he does in thier music that allot of people don't notice, I've always found so cool. I saw David Gilmour live in Cincinnati, a long time ago, when they 1st broke up after the Final Cut album. I'm not big on concerts, but I have to say, that is the only one I have ever really enjoyed. I'm also left handed, and bought a left handed guitar when I was 18, and tried picking stuff up on my own. Did ok. Sometime later, I got saved (it's ok, don't be afraid), started learning in church, and the bass player left the church, and because they saw me with the base in my hand, for 5 minutes, ONE DAY, I ended up learning the base instead. I play a right handed bass, upside down (left handed), and it always felt right. I play all my sports right handed (some both), but I write, eat, smoke, and do a few other things only left handed also. You may want to buy something cheap just to start with in a guitar, and like you said, you can sell it later, and depending on your talent, desire, and so forth, you can sell it or upgrade later.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 26, 2006, 12:07:19 AM
Quote from: cougarcragar
True musicians can "spot a guitar" just by its sound.
This line has been bugging me all night, so I have to respond to it to get it out of my head.
This sentiment may change some day in the future, but I have little interest in being a "true musician". Allow me to explain.
Sure, I like music other than the music made by Pink Floyd.. but Pink Floyd music is the closest thing I'll ever have to a "religious experience". I think I'm the only person I know of who can watch The Wall perfectly sober and get completely sucked into it. An ex-girlfriend once commented how disturbing it was to her that when The Wall came on I would go into a blank stare. I've worn out an entire boxed set of CDs, and several individual replacements, from overuse. The only Internet radio station I ever listened to was Floyd Radio, and when that was shut down I never listened to another station again. The only music I ever play in my truck is a burned CD containing all of Dark Side, Echoes, and Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun. I haven't played anything else in the 9 months I've had the truck. Roughly 10% of the contents of my main computer's hard drive (a 300 gig drive) is 'Floyd-related, and I'm not finished collecting it. I've only ever been to two concerts in my life, and one was Pink Floyd. (the other being one of those things you do to get laid, because your girlfriend at the time wanted to go) I will probably never see another concert again, because the only one I'd go to would be another Pink Floyd concert.. and that isn't likely to happen.
OK, so quite a lot of words for one point.. but I think I made it.
I am not interested in which guitar is "better" than the next. I am interested in buying a decent guitar close to something David Gilmour would use, and one that's pleasing to my eye at that. As he's the owner of Strat S/N #0001, and it's all I recall seeing him use except when he uses a lap steel guitar or in a couple scenes from Live At Pompeii, I think maybe a Strat's a good place to start. I am interested in taking my enjoyment of Pink Floyd music to a more partitory level. Maybe five or six years from now someone will ask "hey, could you do Silent Lucidity by Queensryche?" or whatever, and at that point I'll expand my horizons a bit more.. but until then, my interests are rather single-minded.
Sorry to get so wordy over one small sentence.. but statements like that get under my skin. It's similar to when people say things like "Real men only drive Chevy trucks".. (I'm sure someone somewhere has said it, and I've probably met them) well, what if I don't give a about being a "real man", and what if I prefer my Dodge truck? Or my Lincoln? Or what if I preferred having my nuts stapled to a rabid 3-legged wildebeast over driving a Chevy truck? (not that I've tried.. yet) :p
I'll consider the advice on the alternate choice of guitars, and I do appreciate the feedback on all this.. but for now I'd like to focus on what I initially selected.
(I can get away with these long posts now 'cause I figure most people don't even bother reading them anymore..) :p
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 26, 2006, 12:18:07 AM
Quote from: yellow86coogr
I've always loved the way he played. I wanted to do the same thing when I was younger, Pink Floyd was always my favorite band and Gilmour is such an artist when it comes to his guitar work. All the little stuff he does in thier music that allot of people don't notice, I've always found so cool. I saw David Gilmour live in Cincinnati, a long time ago, when they 1st broke up after the Final Cut album. I'm not big on concerts, but I have to say, that is the only one I have ever really enjoyed.
David Gilmour could make an old flatulent dog sound good.
Quote
I'm also left handed, and bought a left handed guitar when I was 18, and tried picking stuff up on my own. Did ok. Sometime later, I got saved (it's ok, don't be afraid),
I'll make you a deal.. I won't be afraid as long as you don't try to pass it along to me. :p I don't care what people believe on their own time.. but when people try to detach me from the Atheism I'm so very fond of, I do tend to get very animated. I've even left a job over it.
Quote
started learning in church, and the bass player left the church, and because they saw me with the base in my hand, for 5 minutes, ONE DAY, I ended up learning the base instead. I play a right handed bass, upside down (left handed), and it always felt right. I play all my sports right handed (some both), but I write, eat, smoke, and do a few other things only left handed also.
While I've focused on getting a Strat for the short term, I do have ambitions for the distant future. Eventually in a few years' time (as I alluded to in the last long post) I'd like to be able to make proficient use of this (http://"http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/bodies/d_neck.cfm?fuseaction=d_pstrat").
Quote
You may want to buy something cheap just to start with in a guitar, and like you said, you can sell it later, and depending on your talent, desire, and so forth, you can sell it or upgrade later.
There's an alternate guitar that my fiance and I both decided looked cool.. and it would be a bit cheaper (like $100-200 cheaper) than the one I'd really want to do. I know it's kinda goofy-retro, but why not:
Who knows what I'll end up with, though. I'm gonna Ebay a watch I have that's worth some money, (old Casio scientific calculator watch that they don't make anymore) and see what I can pick up when I'm done with that and some car-stripping for parts to sell.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 26, 2006, 03:33:41 AM
OK, it's really cheesy looking, but I found a virtual guitar builder that got the look mostly right. Only thing I couldn't manage was the black abalone pickguard. First pic is their rendering of the color scheme I'd want.. and the second pic is the abalone pickguard look that would be in place of the purple area on the guitar. You can find the builder here if you wanna mess around with it too:
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 84 Fila on August 26, 2006, 09:11:45 AM
IF your going to spend 200 on the Squire set I'll give you mine for that. The squire with new strings, a box a picks, a Crate XT-15 amp, 25 foot crate cord and a few guitar tab books. (http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2322000-2322999/2322669_21_full.jpg) (http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/6/web/2322000-2322999/2322669_23_full.jpg) By the way the green guitar looks like Blink - 182 to me
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: yellow86coogr on August 26, 2006, 05:40:51 PM
Quote
I think I'm the only person I know of who can watch The Wall perfectly sober and get completely sucked into it.
Now you know someone else who did the same. Some of the Floyd stuff can be very depressing, and if you have the tendancy, which I did (and still do, since I haven't been to church in some time), then you can sink right into it and fully relate to it. First time I ever heard comfortably numb, I must have listened to it at least ten times in a row. I use to have every album they ever put out and a few you could not get in the states, and individual members albums as well.
I like the green one, and would like it better in yellow though :D
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Haystack on August 28, 2006, 06:59:17 AM
well, first off, you will prolly not sound anything like floyd, at least to begin with. As far as which hand, I wished that I had a left handed guitar when I started, because I am alot more flexible with my right hand, and its stronger.
The longer you play, the more you will adapt. I had an old first act guitar that I started on, it didnt help me much in anything exept power chords and tuning, but I can still tune a guitar in about 10 seconds. 20 if its by ear. You should not get a guitar cause someone else uses it. Get one that you like. You dont want to spend $3-400 or more on your first guitar. I dropped mine, smashed it, and stripped the pickups and the strap screws.
If you want a learner guitar, with replacement parts, get either a $100-$200 range fender, or a first act. You will progress from there. After you start playing and then you will know what you want, instead of being told. My second guitar was a smaller epiphone, and now I have an ibanez art core. That was a complete turn around. I bought the epiphone on impulse, but I played and researched when I got the ibanez. I love that guitar so much more.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 28, 2006, 07:41:31 AM
Maybe I will eventually, maybe I won't. (get close to a 'Floyd-like sound) The point, for me, is to try and see what happens. Trying is the goal, not doing.
I need a new hobby. I spend too much time on the computer, and the pain often keeps me from spending the kind of time I want to spend on my cars.. I need something else in between. Something for those times I can't or won't do the other things.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 30, 2006, 02:04:00 PM
Update of sorts: I've begun putting the word out about other stuff I have for sale, to try to raise more money for this. If I can unload my grandfather's old Playboy collection (nearly 20 years' worth, all in mint condition.. thought about putting a for sale post on here, but I'm hesitant to publicly post a sale of adult material in case someone bitches) and a couple other things around the house, I'll be able to do this.
I've decided I'm going to go for a new Squier Strat. The amount I get for the stuff I'm selling will determine how far I go with this. If I can only raise about $300-ish, I'll go for their "Strat Pak" with an Affinity-series Squier Strat and a Fender Frontman 15G combo amp. If I can get more, like around $400 total, I'll buy the pieces separately and go for a standard Squier Strat (about $50 more than a lone Affinity-series) and go for the Fender FM 15 DSP amp. I'm also planning on getting better strings, extra picks, a better cable, a Korg metronome/tuner, and a different (but not expensive) pickguard right off the bat.
I've spent the past two days mostly reading user reviews on this site: http://www.musiciansfriend.com
Don't know if I'll buy from them, as some people have cautioned against having a guitar mailed from them.. but the reviews help. Here's the Strat Pak, if I have to go the cheapest route: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Strat-Pak-with-Frontman-15G-Electric-Guitar?sku=519633
Here's the itemized stuff if I don't: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=510422 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-FM-15-DSP-Frontman-Series?sku=481135
One question.. are these strings right for this? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ernie-Ball-2246-Stainless-Steel-Regular-Slinky-Electric-Guitar-Strings?sku=100637
I realize neither guitar is exactly a masterpiece.. but many of the reviews say they're good guitars for beginners, and that's what we've decided on. (my fiance is also interested in learning now that I've shown an interest) I've been having her double-check reviews for me because A) she has more musical experience than I do, and B) my concentration is really bad right now for a number of reasons.
The cheap metronome/tuner we decided on: (my fiance thought it had less reported major faults than the others under $50) http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Korg-TM40-Digital-Tuner-Metronome?sku=210533
More questions/details/etc.: Can you think of anything I REALLY should get that I haven't mentioned already? I was thinking about one of those string-winding tools or whatever. Haven't finalized the choice of extra cable yet. Will probably get a few extra packs of the premium 351 picks in medium and heavy. Planning on getting at least 2 extra sets of strings. Will pick up a cheap strap if I don't get the Pak. Already have some decent (for cheap) noise-cancelling headphones I can use if I don't get the Pak, and I already have a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter for it. Are these amp plugs 1/4" or bigger? Last question for now: Is it really worth $50 to upgrade 10w and 2" (speaker size) on amps? The FM 15 DSP is $149.99, and the FM 25 DSP is $199.99. I don't see myself playing this anywhere noisier than our screen room or the bedroom here.
Thanks for reading all that, if you make it this far. :p This stuff has absolutely consumed me lately.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Haystack on August 31, 2006, 05:50:33 AM
Quote from: Bird351
Update of sorts: I've begun putting the word out about other stuff I have for sale, to try to raise more money for this. If I can unload my grandfather's old Playboy collection (nearly 20 years' worth, all in mint condition.. thought about putting a for sale post on here, but I'm hesitant to publicly post a sale of adult material in case someone bitches) and a couple other things around the house, I'll be able to do this.
I've decided I'm going to go for a new Squier Strat. The amount I get for the stuff I'm selling will determine how far I go with this. If I can only raise about $300-ish, I'll go for their "Strat Pak" with an Affinity-series Squier Strat and a Fender Frontman 15G combo amp. If I can get more, like around $400 total, I'll buy the pieces separately and go for a standard Squier Strat (about $50 more than a lone Affinity-series) and go for the Fender FM 15 DSP amp. I'm also planning on getting better strings, extra picks, a better cable, a Korg metronome/tuner, and a different (but not expensive) pickguard right off the bat.
I've spent the past two days mostly reading user reviews on this site: http://www.musiciansfriend.com
Don't know if I'll buy from them, as some people have cautioned against having a guitar mailed from them.. but the reviews help. Here's the Strat Pak, if I have to go the cheapest route: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Strat-Pak-with-Frontman-15G-Electric-Guitar?sku=519633
Here's the itemized stuff if I don't: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=510422 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-FM-15-DSP-Frontman-Series?sku=481135
One question.. are these strings right for this? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ernie-Ball-2246-Stainless-Steel-Regular-Slinky-Electric-Guitar-Strings?sku=100637
I realize neither guitar is exactly a masterpiece.. but many of the reviews say they're good guitars for beginners, and that's what we've decided on. (my fiance is also interested in learning now that I've shown an interest) I've been having her double-check reviews for me because A) she has more musical experience than I do, and B) my concentration is really bad right now for a number of reasons.
The cheap metronome/tuner we decided on: (my fiance thought it had less reported major faults than the others under $50) http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Korg-TM40-Digital-Tuner-Metronome?sku=210533
More questions/details/etc.: Can you think of anything I REALLY should get that I haven't mentioned already? I was thinking about one of those string-winding tools or whatever. Haven't finalized the choice of extra cable yet. Will probably get a few extra packs of the premium 351 picks in medium and heavy. Planning on getting at least 2 extra sets of strings. Will pick up a cheap strap if I don't get the Pak. Already have some decent (for cheap) noise-cancelling headphones I can use if I don't get the Pak, and I already have a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter for it. Are these amp plugs 1/4" or bigger? Last question for now: Is it really worth $50 to upgrade 10w and 2" (speaker size) on amps? The FM 15 DSP is $149.99, and the FM 25 DSP is $199.99. I don't see myself playing this anywhere noisier than our screen room or the bedroom here.
Thanks for reading all that, if you make it this far. :p This stuff has absolutely consumed me lately.
Well guess what? I worked at muscian's freind. The shipping is only going to depend on the shippers. If ups sucks in your area, then go fed-ex. If you get the guitar damaged, musican's freind will send you another one for free after they receive the damaged one back, or you can order a new one and send in your old one. 25w will be kinda loud for a practice amp. You will prolly not even want anyone to hear for the first little while. You can always use the headphones, just make sure they are mono instead or stereo, or you will only get sound to one speaker. They are 1/4".
Pretty much any type of string will work fine for it. There are alot of diffrent earnie balls, but they all sound okay. You can always change out the strings if you dont like them. $5 a set, and you will go through them eventally no matter how careful you are. The medium to heavier strings would prolly be better because your fingers prolly aren't used to small strings. i cut my fingers up when I first started playing cause my hands weren't used to the small strings. You will build up a calaus. Also, for the tuner, you will want to get one that will tell you what frequency to tune it at. There are alot of diffrent E's and notes that you can do by just tightening the string. If you tighten it too much it will break the string. I tune my by ear, and you will prolly pick that up too after tuning alittle bit.
any questions about musican's freind in particular, I can help you out with. I worked in there only call center for around 2 months, so I am not an expert at everything, but I know how they work.:D
*edit* oh and there is no reason for a string winder thingy. I have never used one. good luck.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: bhazard on August 31, 2006, 11:14:21 AM
My buddy has his yamaha pacifica (dont remember exact model, its one of the more high end ones) for sale, hes looking for around $400. Needs money bad, 2 month old baby.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 31, 2006, 12:48:03 PM
That's a bit beyond my budget, since I'm trying to get a new Squier Strat plus amp and all the other stuff for around $400 total. (maybe less, depends on how much I can raise) Remember, I have absolutely nothing guitar-related at present.. I am starting from scratch, and on a tight budget.
If your friend needs the cash, maybe you should post it up for sale for him in the misc. section of the forum?
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: 86 night cat on August 31, 2006, 01:09:11 PM
mabey i missed something here, but if you can't find a left handed guitar, you can always just restring it for left hand play. that's what Hendrix did.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: cougarcragar on August 31, 2006, 04:18:11 PM
I spent 12 years playing on a 15w practice amp with an 8" speaker. It didn't bother me at all. Only recently did I upgrade to a Fender Champion 300 amp with a 12" speaker. Don't worry about starting small with the amp, unless you plan on playing some really heavy stuff.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 31, 2006, 04:24:33 PM
That's good to hear, because I'd much rather dump the $50 difference into extra strings and stuff like that.
Any of you use that Guitar Pro program?
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: bhazard on August 31, 2006, 04:28:01 PM
guitar pro rocks, but dont ask how i got it.
My other buddy has a low end pacifica and a small amp hes trying to get rid of, I think he wanted $100 for the pair. He never played it as far as I know. His dad bought it for him brand new.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on August 31, 2006, 04:35:16 PM
I won't ask if you won't. :p
The stuff I listed above is pretty much my final decision on what to get. Now I just have to unload this Playboy collection, a small document safe, a Casio scientific calculator watch they don't make anymore, and a few other little things and I'll be all set.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 03, 2006, 03:20:45 PM
Still have to get close to $250 worth of other stuff, but this is a start.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: HAVI on September 05, 2006, 11:11:24 PM
guitar-pro is great, but the copyright laws went into effect, so now you can't download any copyrighted songs. IE, all of them. As for the strat, David Gilmour uses extra light gauge strings for the 2 step bends. They hurt a little more at first, but your callouses will develop, and soon you won't feel it anymore.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 06, 2006, 10:02:13 AM
I already have something like 28,000 tabs for it, but let's not discuss that further. :p
The guitar shipped.. I get it Friday. (same day I get my front rotors) Still have to se up the money for an amp, more strings, picks, a strap, a cable, a tuner/metronome, and whatever else I may need to get going. But at least it's nice to have the single most expensive piece on its way.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Cougarcruisin on September 06, 2006, 10:33:02 PM
Sorry guys I dont mean to hijack this anything. I'm interested in learning how to play guitar. Mainly because I've been addicted playing Guitar Hero on ps2. A few of my friends play and are pretty good.
Now I have no idea what stuff costs or whats a good brand or anything. But does anyone have any equipment for sale or advice?
thanks again, sorry for the hijack.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: HAVI on September 06, 2006, 11:02:43 PM
without spending a fortune, look at the squire stratpak from musiciansfriend. If doesn't work out for ya, then you ain't out too much money. Or go to any local stores, try some out, and see what works best. the trick is to not give up too easily.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 07, 2006, 10:31:41 AM
Steve, if you'd like to take a trip out here one Saturday or something, we have a pretty cool store (New York Music (http://www.newyorkmusicinc.com/)) 2 blocks down from Chili's at the mall. Very cool place...you would definitely get hooked up with a decent deal, plus figure out what fits your hand best. Let me know.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 09, 2006, 04:20:04 PM
It's here: (bad pic)
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on September 09, 2006, 05:17:32 PM
nice..
should sound that way too
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: nirvanagod on September 09, 2006, 06:13:22 PM
Quote from: Bird351;103157
It's here: (bad pic)
Mmmm.... Black!!!
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 09, 2006, 06:28:20 PM
Woot.. for about $14 I picked up a couple cheap cables from Radio Slut and I'm using my SB Live as an amp now. :p
Guitar Pro 5 comes with a tuner. Too bad there's a thunderstorm coming and I won't risk my brand new guitar on a power surge, even with a UPS.
And yes, I got black metallic with a maple neck. I'd like to get an all-black pickguard for it, and stain the neck a little darker, (if that won't screw things up any) to copy a guitar I've seen David Gilmour use. (Roger Waters has a matching bass)
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on September 09, 2006, 07:54:03 PM
ben, they make pickguard kits.. they come with pickup covers switch s and the pickguard itself for all around $10
and if you de-fret and de-pearl the neck it should stain nicely
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 09, 2006, 08:22:02 PM
Don't need different pickup covers and s.. just an all-black pickguard. This is what I want to duplicate:
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on September 09, 2006, 08:32:32 PM
krylon fusion spray bomb? :dunno:
thats all i can think of
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 09, 2006, 08:36:12 PM
I can get a black/white/black pickguard for $10.. I'll just Sharpie or paint out the little white stripe on the edge, that's all. I'd rather keep this pickguard intact if I ever want to return it to its original look.
Is there anything I can use as a decent pick substitute until I can get out and buy some real picks?
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: HAVI on September 09, 2006, 08:44:56 PM
stewart-macdonald for the guitar builder/luthier in you. try this link:http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Pickguards/Strat_style_pickguards/Strat_Pickguards_Single_Single_Single.html
PS, if you paint the white pickguard black, the paint will wear from the pick strokes and the white will eventually show again.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: CougarSE on September 10, 2006, 12:17:30 AM
Your gona put all this work into your guitar trying to make it look all pretty and your gona forget the learn to play it part.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: blu84302 on September 10, 2006, 12:48:43 AM
it's all about the fashion, no passion...
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 10, 2006, 08:01:17 AM
I wouldn't exactly call changing a pickguard a ton of work..
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on September 10, 2006, 12:02:02 PM
Quote from: Bird351;103195
Is there anything I can use as a decent pick substitute until I can get out and buy some real picks?
a quarter...
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on September 11, 2006, 07:57:17 PM
learning anything new there ben?
seeing how your into floyd try this on.. its relitively easy.. but honestly.. its not smoke on the water :D
honestly whoever cant play 0-3-5-0-3-6-5-0-3-5-3-0 is kinda slooooow
wish you were here- pink floyd: http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/p/pink_floyd/wish_you_were_here_solo_tab.htm
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 11, 2006, 08:21:52 PM
I'm not starting on a specific song.. I looked for a website showing the basics of learning to play the guitar, and I'm doing what it suggests. It starts here:
Heh.. one of the lessons on that first site was close enough to the intro to Nothing Else Matters, so I just started doing that every so often.
Not doing much with it today.. haven't felt very good today after being in the sun a lot yesterday. (not sunburned now, but I was yesterday.. this new medication is screwing with me)
I have thousands of tabs already.
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Clayton on September 11, 2006, 08:26:56 PM
not a bad place to start.. i started in a book called.. Guide to guitar by bert casey..
and i dont remember a single likk if it..
tabs are much easier to read
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: cougarcragar on September 11, 2006, 09:28:53 PM
Make sure you keep us posted on your progress. Guitar is one of the more important things in my life, and has been for about 13 years. It's a great "release."
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: CougarSE on September 11, 2006, 10:49:59 PM
And Zach some weekend I'm bringin a case of beer down and I'm gona learn some cords on a guitar...
Title: (it's here!) I need advice from the musically-inclined..
Post by: Bird351 on September 14, 2006, 12:53:02 PM
Found this site the other day:
http://www.cyberfret.com
There's a lesson on there for improving speed and reflexes.. even after half a dozen rounds of the first exercise today I've noticed I'm more comfortable using my left hand.