Beginners' update

[libraryvolgirl]

still pickin away. i want a new mando!!!! i went to a shop over the wkd and picked on a washburn m118 and the guy offered me a great deal....hmmmm what to do!

[Pen]

In order to get the best deal, you'll want to buy used (say - from Craigslist).  However, there are big pluses to buying from a local shop.  I like the Pickin' Parlor in Olde Town Arvada.  They have a great selection.  You'll pay a little more - but as a new player, you can rest assured that they will help you through the process.  Also,  you're helping a local shop (personally, I never buy from Guitar Center).

If you want to go to a store to try a variety of instruments, I'd recommend taking another picker with you.  Listen to them play the instrument.  It helps.  Also, clarify your budget fairly early in the process.  Otherwise, you're going to have just too many guitars you might be considering.  In fact, if you give me a budget, I can offer some suggestions.  IMO, you'll start to find really good quality instruments at  $300 used.  If your budget gets to $1000 - you'll have a wealth of selections that you will love.

Personally, I'm a Martin guy.  I play a D28 - but that's not an entry level instrument.  I know you love bluegrass Landy - so you may like Martin's too.  LOTS of bluegrass players play a Martin.  However, you may enjoy the sound of a Taylor or Gibson - who knows.  It's good to know what you like.  Now, your first guitar may not be a marquee name - and that's ok.  However, knowing what you want is key.

[landshark]

still pickin away. i want a new mando!!!! i went to a shop over the wkd and picked on a washburn m118 and the guy offered me a great deal....hmmmm what to do!

That's a nice Mandolin , however, if you build it at RGA the cost is about the same but the end product is worth twice that and the sound(if you pay close attenion in class) that is acheved is off the charts IMO.

We need to get you into RGA!!!!!!!!!!

I listened to your video of I'll Fly Away. Very nice!!!!!! progressing nicely!

[landshark]

In order to get the best deal, you'll want to buy used (say - from Craigslist).  However, there are big pluses to buying from a local shop.  I like the Pickin' Parlor in Olde Town Arvada.  They have a great selection.  You'll pay a little more - but as a new player, you can rest assured that they will help you through the process.  Also,  you're helping a local shop (personally, I never buy from Guitar Center).

If you want to go to a store to try a variety of instruments, I'd recommend taking another picker with you.  Listen to them play the instrument.  It helps.  Also, clarify your budget fairly early in the process.  Otherwise, you're going to have just too many guitars you might be considering.  In fact, if you give me a budget, I can offer some suggestions.  IMO, you'll start to find really good quality instruments at  $300 used.  If your budget gets to $1000 - you'll have a wealth of selections that you will love.

Personally, I'm a Martin guy.  I play a D28 - but that's not an entry level instrument.  I know you love bluegrass Landy - so you may like Martin's too.  LOTS of bluegrass players play a Martin.  However, you may enjoy the sound of a Taylor or Gibson - who knows.  It's good to know what you like.  Now, your first guitar may not be a marquee name - and that's ok.  However, knowing what you want is key.

I think for this adventure $500. is tops for now. Because a Cello is next! Pen you have been a great guide and insperation to me. How are you and the family?

[libraryvolgirl]

aww thanks mik!

unfortunately i already bought my tix out for RG...although i see there is a spot open for mando. i can't swing it this year b/c i have a wedding the wkd that the academy starts. i am just gonna keep pickin on my beginner model and plan for academy next year!

i am working on will the circle be unbroken and rocky top right now. and still struggling with soldier's joy...ha!

[landshark]

Soldies Joy is fun and you will get down! We should try to hook up while you are at RG. What is your schedual like?

So next year I will meet you and Mandogeek(Beth) at RGA Sounds like the beginng of a plan.

There is a mando space still available,,, hua?

Flippin teasers!!!!!!! My head keeps sayin,,, come on you know you want to

[landshark]

It's off to Woodsongs Thursday to scope out Martin Guitars. I hope they carry them, guess I should call first.
Did a web search to get a feel for the different price ranges...

What is up with these tiny travel guitars. They look fun but how do they sound I wonder.

[Pen]

I wouldn't recommend a travel guitar.  They have their nitch - but are limiting.  A few Martin's to look at that will be in your price range...

1) Martin DX1K
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-DX1K-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514672

2) Martin DX1
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-DX1-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514814

3) Martin 000X1
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-000X1-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514817

Also, you may want to look at some lessor known makers (like Blueridge).  Also, be very aware of what body style you want.  Dreadnaughts are pretty popular, but may be too much to fit comfortably under kyour arm.  Get a guitar you can play for hours at a time.

[landshark]

I wouldn't recommend a travel guitar.  They have their nitch - but are limiting.  A few Martin's to look at that will be in your price range...

1) Martin DX1K
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-DX1K-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514672

2) Martin DX1
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-DX1-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514814

3) Martin 000X1
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-000X1-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514817

Also, you may want to look at some lessor known makers (like Blueridge).  Also, be very aware of what body style you want.  Dreadnaughts are pretty popular, but may be too much to fit comfortably under kyour arm.  Get a guitar you can play for hours at a time.

OK so no Martins but tons and tons and head spinning tons of others. I take my car to be serviced near by in the valley and I am a multi-tasker. It's a start.

So Pen really great advise here as usual The arm thing,,, are some models thicker than others?
I like slim and light, all about good posture, my chest expands and my vocals sound better..funny how it's all connected to,,, well,,,,you the main input thank you

[libraryvolgirl]

mik, i'll be @ RG camping w/ hooch & crew onsite

[Pen]

Correct Landy - some models are deeper than others.  A few measurements you'll want to consider (and need to play some to see what you like)

-nut width (how wide apart the strings are).
-body style (previously noted).  Dreadnaughts are the larger type.  They also make O, OO & OOO (O being the smaller).  All of the O's are smaller body styles than Dread's.
-neck profile.  Some necks are thicker than others.  Find a guitar that your hand can easily play.

A first thought might be to get a Taylor Big Baby.  They have a solid top and are a bit on the smaller size.  They're fairly popular so you should be able to find one.  I often find them used on craigslist for under $300 (saw one last month under $200).  Also, they'll have good resell so when you upgrade, you can likely get your money back out of it.  There's also a Blueridge up on Craigslist right now.  Would be a good buy if you can get him down to under $300 IMO.

[landshark]

Correct Landy - some models are deeper than others.  A few measurements you'll want to consider (and need to play some to see what you like)

-nut width (how wide apart the strings are).
-body style (previously noted).  Dreadnaughts are the larger type.  They also make O, OO & OOO (O being the smaller).  All of the O's are smaller body styles than Dread's.
-neck profile.  Some necks are thicker than others.  Find a guitar that your hand can easily play.

A first thought might be to get a Taylor Big Baby.  They have a solid top and are a bit on the smaller size.  They're fairly popular so you should be able to find one.  I often find them used on craigslist for under $300 (saw one last month under $200).  Also, they'll have good resell so when you upgrade, you can likely get your money back out of it.  There's also a Blueridge up on Craigslist right now.  Would be a good buy if you can get him down to under $300 IMO.

Pen you are the man!!! I choose a Taylor and it fits me like a glove! Nice tone and the neck is just right for me. I am very excited to dig in. 

[Pen]

Which one did you get?  They certainly make some nice guitars.  Now - be ready to take some good natured ribbing from hard core bluegrass players.

[landshark]

Which one did you get?  They certainly make some nice guitars.  Now - be ready to take some good natured ribbing from hard core bluegrass players.

The guitar is just for writing and accompanyment. My mandolin is for Bluegrass. As soon as I got home with my Taylor. I picked up my Mandolin and started playing ONLY bluegrass pickin tunes. I really want to stop all that strummin on my mandolin. And I will starting yesterday. Already doin much better pickin.

Now after trying on tons of guitars and strummin em the Big Baby Taylor is my choice.. feels so good. I think I'm in love

I had Shawn from Woodsongs play a $4500.00 guitar so I could hear it. Man,,, the depth of tone was outstanding....really nice.
Thank you Shawn from Woodsongs in Boulder. Really walked away informed and felt like you really helped me pick just the right guitar...


Whats the most you have paid Pen?

[landshark]

Sooo I would love to hear a Martin compared to a Taylor at the same price level. Do you think  I will be able to hear a tone delivery difference? 
I am soooo curious...

I didn't get to try a Martin and now I just HAVE to hear one now!!!! SOOOOOOOO, sooo  curious

Thanks for your help Pen on that, I was so anxious to get at it,  that once I started touching and hearing and seeing the real differences,,, well what can I say

I was just really ready for a guitar.

I'm glad I'm in good hands. You are so informed and share, thanks ,,,if your not a teacher, you should be

 Next a Cello!



 Listening to: my brain,,, why did I miss that Ben S. set,,,,  bummer