Electric Guitar Starter Kit

• 

  poboy on 26/12/2017 - 17:39

  +3

  If she wants to learn how to play, it's far easier (and quieter) to learn with an accoustic. The fretboard is the same size, so if she wants to later change to an electric, the skills transfer is met.

• 

  imurgod on 26/12/2017 - 20:49

  +1

  Start with an acoustic. Preferably a nylon string. Easier way to toughen your fingers.

• 

  blonky on 26/12/2017 - 21:07

  Go acoustic - easy to change to electric later but not the other way round (in terms of finger strength)

  If you have to go electric maybe try to find a Samick at the very least like this one:

  https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mordialloc/guitars-amps/sami…

• 

  aboabo on 26/12/2017 - 22:56

  +1

  "My friend has been interested in picking up an electric guitar.."

  This is an enquiry about electric guitars, not acoustic.

  [Joke time]:

  'My friend has been interested in picking up a tennis racquet..'

  'Start with a table tennis bat..'

  • 

    poboy on 27/12/2017 - 08:13

    +1

    You don't play guitar do you? Looking at the other answers in this thread should indicate that the advice has merit.

    If she jumps straight to electric there is a far higher probability that she will quit (can't be bothered getting out the amp, it's too noisy, my amp is crap, I can only play in one tone, I have to play near a PowerPoint, I can't play outside).

    • 

      Wickzki49 on 27/12/2017 - 13:09

      I understand and accept the advice. My mother played guitar (she's been deceased for a decade) so I understand why you'd want to start with acoustic rather than electric. The only reason why I was primarily interested in starting her with an electric is that she purchased Rocksmith a couple of years ago (with the truetone cable) and it's been gathering dust.

      However, another six to twelve months won't kill her and it'll give her some time to learn without the negative aspects of going electric from day one.

      Thanks.

      • 

        poboy on 27/12/2017 - 16:52

        Hmmmm…. That's an interesting one. If she really wants to use Rocksmith, that may be reason enough to get an electric.

      • 

        Magic Mirror on 28/12/2017 - 12:55

        Hmm, interesting. I was going to suggest that you might look into Rocksmith as well, as a motivation for daily practice.

        Do you know why she's letting it gather dust? Did she use another guitar with it or not at all because she didn't have a guitar? If she did start learning for a while then stopped, then you also need to look at the reason why, and how to keep the motivation going.

• 

  mistat on 05/01/2018 - 07:50

  +1

  For any future ozbargainers reading this thread, I went though the exact same dilemma. I wanted to get a guitar, I want to recreate the soothing sounds of Metallica, Rage against the machine, Hendrix, red hot chili peppers, etc so clearly an electric guitar was what I wanted.
  But I didn't want to spend $400+ on a starter pack that might keep me entertained for a few months before gathering dust never to be touched again. I decided that an acoustic would be the way to start, and if I stuck with it I'd upgrade to an electric in the future. I did a heap of research on models, and decided I wanted an Epiphone Pro-1 but still didn't want to spend $240 on one.
  After watching GumTree closely for 3 months a second hand DR-90T came up for $60 quick sale. After researching this model I discovered it was an ~5 year old beginner model (designed to be easy to play) and had a built in tuner! I ended up taking the seller down to $50 (there was some chips around the head stock and at the base of the body), and I couldn't be happier.
  I love the freedom of being able to roam around the house, and not being stuck in 1 room. Plus the music I like sounds good on an acoustic!
  So if your keen and really tight like me, go a second hand acoustic, but try and buy a decent model (there's heaps of crap quality models floating around), and then you'll know quickly if it's your thing, and besides when you buy an electric maybe you'll spend a little more on a decent guitar and amp as you'll have more appreciation!

  • 

    troyww on 05/01/2018 - 17:59

    Gumtree is definitely the way to go . Expect to pay less than half of what a new one retails for , Even if it's only a year old . So many "as new" guitars and amps on Gumtree that have been played almost never .
    Bargain territory is 1/3 or less of new price if in near new perfect condition . Gumtree is full of dreamers and pretty much any guitar that has been on gumtree more than a few days is overpriced . Bargains are gone within minutes , often seconds .

    You can get the a fender affinity starter pack pretty easily for less than half the price of new . I think there about $500 new and ~$200 on Gumtree if you decide to go electric but I'd go acoustic first as others have recommended .

• 

  SiolforTheJackal on 10/01/2018 - 01:24

  Saw the discussion about starting on electric vs acoustic.
  My 2c, I wanted to play electric guitar as a kid and I was given an acoustic to learn on. I tried to learn but my interest waned pretty quickly and I was very unsatisfied. Years later I asked again for a guitar, an electric this time and reluctantly, I was given one. Still playing 15+ years later.
  You should go for the type you want, whether that be electric or acoustic.