| So, you're looking to buy your first electric | | | | also hold their value should you ever want to |
| guitar for yourself, or perhaps a gift for a | | | | sell them. |
| young budding musician. Buying your first | | | | |
| guitar can seem like a daunting task. With so | | | | Consider buying a used guitar. Unlike |
| many different brands and models available | | | | computers or electronics used and older |
| today it can be difficult to decide which | | | | guitars don't become obsolete. You can find |
| guitar to purchase. Here are some helpful | | | | some fantastic deals on lightly used guitars |
| tips to help you make the best choice. | | | | that may have some light cosmetic signs of |
| | | | wear but will perform just as well as a new |
| I can't stress enough how important it is for | | | | instrument. Some people even feel that a used |
| new guitar players to start out with a good | | | | guitar has been 'worn in' and will play even |
| quality instrument that is easy to play. | | | | better than a new one. Most of these guitars |
| Electric guitars, in general, are easier to | | | | will have already been set up properly and |
| play than acoustic guitars because of their | | | | ready for play. Another advantage of buying |
| lighter gauge strings and lower playing | | | | used guitars is that you may find instruments |
| action. They require much less hand strength | | | | that have been upgraded by their former |
| to fret the strings and are much easier on | | | | owners: new pickups, strap locks, and custom |
| beginner's uncalloused fingers. A quality | | | | graphics to name a few. |
| guitar will assure maximum comfort and | | | | |
| ease-of-play while beginners are starting | | | | Another great option in guitar value is to |
| out. Otherwise, young players can easily get | | | | consider Factory 2nd and refurbished guitars. |
| discouraged with an instrument that is hard | | | | These guitars may have slight cosmetic |
| to play and painful on their fingers. | | | | blemishes or factory repairs that prevent |
| | | | them from being sold as new instrument. They |
| For consistency in quality I would recommend | | | | usually sell for significant discounts from |
| sticking with a well-known brand name guitar | | | | their new counterparts. Besides minor |
| rather than a cheap knock-off or | | | | blemishes you are practically getting a brand |
| reproduction. Spend a little more money to | | | | new guitar. |
| invest in a quality instrument. Many of the | | | | |
| bigger guitar brand names will offer | | | | Seek the advice of someone you may know who |
| affordable lines of guitars specifically | | | | plays guitar. Most experienced players will |
| targeting beginners. For example, the Fender | | | | be familiar with the various brand names and |
| guitar company offers their Squire line of | | | | can help guide you in your decision. |
| guitars. The Gibson guitar company has their | | | | Guitarists love to talk about guitars, and |
| Epiphone guitar models. These guitars look | | | | this is a great way to get some honest advice |
| and play like their more expensive | | | | without the pressure of the salesman pitch. |
| counterparts but are much more affordable, | | | | |
| often hundreds to thousands of dollars less. | | | | Follow these tips and you're sure to find an |
| Other popular brands such as Ibanez, Jackson, | | | | affordable, great quality guitar that will |
| BC Rich, Gretsch, and many others offer | | | | provide you with reliable performance and |
| lower-end affordable models alongside their | | | | music for years to come. |
| premiere models. Good brand name guitars will | | | | |