I want to start playing guitar but I talked to a friend who knows and even plays guitars. He said to buy one at walmart to start which I agreed cheap see if I catch on then buy upgrade from it. But then I talked to my dad and he said there are cheaper ones on eBay but I'm scared on getting one that has problems (since it is ebay) so I was wondering where can I buy a good first guitar around or preferibly below 100$ thanks allot!

On eBay, each user has a reputation where people have rated the merchandise they've bought from that user. Only buy from members with good reputations.

Also, check pawn shops.

I use to work with a guy that played guitar seriously. He brought and sold many high end, good condition guitars on Ebay without any serious problems. Now the guitars he dealt with where in a much higher end price range but as long as you look into the reputation of any buyer and what guarantees they offer on merchandise it shouldn't be a huge problem.

Like nikosmom also mentioned pawn shops would also be great places to look. Sometimes pawn shops will even have drastically under priced guitars because they are unaware of what they have so you could potentially find a cheap higher end guitar.

I’ve played guitar for more decades than I’d like to count. I would suggest that if you buy the wrong starter guitar, you’ll set yourself up for failure. Musical instruments are as varied as the individuals who play them. I’m assuming that you’ll be looking for an acoustic guitar because you won’t be able to get set up with an electric in the price range you’re talking about.

There are some reasonably playable starter guitars out there in the lower price ranges but you need to find the one that’s right for you. That means you have to hold it and hear it. You can go to your local music center and look them over. You can even get someone in the store to play them for you. Get the sales person to let you hold them. Sit on a stool of proper playing height and put it on your lap as though you can play. Pluck it a little bit and press the strings up and down the neck. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the body the right size for you?
• How do the strings feel?
• Which one feels most comfortable when you push the strings down?
• How wide is the neck?
• How large is your hand? If you have a large hand, you’ll probably prefer a wider neck.
• Look at the neck, is it straight? You want the distance between the string and the frets (brass lines on neck) to vary as little as possible. They will get progressively further away from the frets as they go higher on the neck but they should NOT be close then far then close again. That would mean the neck is bowed.
• When you pluck the strings, do you hear a buzz? If so, the strings are probably too close to the neck for you.
• If you can find one in this price range with a truss rod, that’s a real plus. A truss rod is a metal adjustment device that goes through the center of the neck.

Some brands that I know that offer models in this price range are:

• Epiphone – a sister company of Gibson
• Takamine – a sister company of Ovation
• Ibanez – I once chose this brand for a friend of mine who was looking for a starter guitar.

There are other starter guitars out there with names I’ve never heard of that make decent instruments. These are just a few that I know and have some brand trust for.

Finally, take your time making this decision. Go to the store and find the makes and models you think fit you. Go back home and check the prices on a site like Musicians Friend or American Musical Supply. I’ve done business with both and find them reliable. If the price at your local store is in the same ball park as these web vendors, I recommend buying from the local music store even if it costs a little more. They’ll be there when you need help finding the right replacement strings. They’ll be able to advise you about how to restring a guitar etc. And they’re the ones that let you play with their stock.

When you find the right one, be prepared to have sore fingertips for at least a month. If you’re not willing to suffer a little until you build up calluses, then you should save your cash.

I hope this helps :cool:

pickandgrin knows his stuff!

I wanted to second a remark he made. If you don't feel comfortable with a certain guitar, don't buy it. It is worth paying a little more if you're serious about it. The ones on Ebay, you can't hold... Or hear.

What about craigslist? My boyfriend had a guitar he sold there a while back. Since it's more local, they guy was able to check it out before he actually purchased it.

Hi, macman11393!

Outstanding answer by pickandgrin above! I'm wondering what type or types of music it is that you'll eventually be wanting to be able to play, please?

Thanks!

Thnks guys for the answers and I went to a guitar center near by and picked up a Ibanez thanks to pickandgrin and I'm loven it

I'm glad you found the information helpful macman. :D

Pick and grin

I know that name!
Do you have your own website?
Or do you also know pickandgrin and using the name?

I can't think how I know it just do!

I don't have my own site but I post a good bit of computer art under that name. Perhaps that's where you've seen it. Also, I'm not the only one that uses pickandgrin. On some sites, I have to put a number behind it.

Hi,
You can try Amazon.com

Click Here: Amazon.com: cheap guitars

Click Here: Amazon.com: cheap guitars electric

Keep checking their site until you see one you want. :)

I think he already found one summer ;)

That's awesome!

I agree with pickandgrin! There is an interaction between the player and the guitar. I would suggest as a beginner you only buy one you can try first. Not only are there good and bad guitars out there but each person is also different as to what feels good and sounds good to them. Think of your guitar hero (if you have one) You can buy every piece and type of equipment they have but that doesn't mean you will play like them, sound like them or more importantly enjoy playing it
I have bought guitars site-unseen before but they were from high-end custom builders with a reputation to worry about. Other than that, buyer beware and try before you buy!!