Learning Guitar - Gibson?
Discussion
I think it’s hugely helpful if you genuinely love the guitar you’ve chosen, as you’re far more likely to pick it up and play.
As far as I’m aware, it’s only really the weight that’s a negative but I suspect you’ll be seated with it anyway, so unlikely to be much of a problem I wouldn’t have thought.
As far as I’m aware, it’s only really the weight that’s a negative but I suspect you’ll be seated with it anyway, so unlikely to be much of a problem I wouldn’t have thought.
One of the most memorable days for me was spending the day in a proper guitar shop and playing pretty much every guitar in the shop! I set myself a budget of £2k for an electro acoustic and spent the day playing Takemine, Martin, Gibson and Taylor, and played the type of music I like to play and ruled them out one by one until i found what was the 'perfect' guitar.
So my suggestion would be, set yourself a budget, find a decent guitar shop and do the same, rather than buying one you may not gel with.
C
ChrisPackit said:
One of the most memorable days for me was spending the day in a proper guitar shop and playing pretty much every guitar in the shop! I set myself a budget of £2k for an electro acoustic and spent the day playing Takemine, Martin, Gibson and Taylor, and played the type of music I like to play and ruled them out one by one until i found what was the 'perfect' guitar.
So my suggestion would be, set yourself a budget, find a decent guitar shop and do the same, rather than buying one you may not gel with.
C
I'm glad you had a great day. So my suggestion would be, set yourself a budget, find a decent guitar shop and do the same, rather than buying one you may not gel with.
C
Unfortunately I can't play. At all. So a different situation.
But thank you for replying.
counterofbeans said:
Heathwood said:
I think it’s hugely helpful if you genuinely love the guitar you’ve chosen, as you’re far more likely to pick it up and play.
That's very true. Excellent advice.
king awesome in my hands. That should be your main criteria, pick up a few & work out which one is talking to you.ChrisPackit said:
One of the most memorable days for me was spending the day in a proper guitar shop and playing pretty much every guitar in the shop! I set myself a budget of £2k for an electro acoustic and spent the day playing Takemine, Martin, Gibson and Taylor, and played the type of music I like to play and ruled them out one by one until i found what was the 'perfect' guitar.
So my suggestion would be, set yourself a budget, find a decent guitar shop and do the same, rather than buying one you may not gel with.
C
This all day. A good guitar shop will let you sit and hold/play a sample until you find one that fits you. Perhaps take someone with you who knows a little and can advise you. Like Chris, I recall spending a happy time in Frailers, Runcorn in 1992 trying out Gibsons, Martins and a cheaper second hand Guild F30 that I absolutely fell in love with and had to buy ... it just felt so comfortable and had a beautiful mellow bass. Despite buying more expensive guitars since I still love that Guild. Oh, and it's a completely personal thing, but I never did get along with a Gibson for some reason.So my suggestion would be, set yourself a budget, find a decent guitar shop and do the same, rather than buying one you may not gel with.
C
Heathwood said:
I think it’s hugely helpful if you genuinely love the guitar you’ve chosen, as you’re far more likely to pick it up and play.
As far as I’m aware, it’s only really the weight that’s a negative but I suspect you’ll be seated with it anyway, so unlikely to be much of a problem I wouldn’t have thought.
Are Gibson acoustics any heavier than other brands?As far as I’m aware, it’s only really the weight that’s a negative but I suspect you’ll be seated with it anyway, so unlikely to be much of a problem I wouldn’t have thought.
Just be aware that steel strung guitars can be much harder on the fingers of the left hand (assuming you are right handed). I always suggest nylon string guitars as a first learning instrument... but if you really want the steel sound, then use light gauge strings (probably not the ones Gibson will give you with the guitar).
My fingers used to bleed when I was learning (as I played a lot)... and that's a big reason to stop playing!
Most important is to keep the drive to learn alive.
My fingers used to bleed when I was learning (as I played a lot)... and that's a big reason to stop playing!
Most important is to keep the drive to learn alive.
Sure, why not get a Gibson as a first guitar if you want one. This one has walnut in the construction so should sound good. The only odd thing is the extra sound hole at the side - not sure I could live with that. Try it out first if possible, even if that means strumming the open strings.
Why not go full Gibson and get a Hummingbird?
Why not go full Gibson and get a Hummingbird?
Edited by Yahonza on Monday 17th July 21:53
Yahonza said:
Sure, why not get a Gibson as a first guitar if you want one. This one has walnut in the construction so should sound good. The only odd thing is the extra sound hole at the side - not sure I could live with that. Try it out first if possible, even if that means strumming the open strings.
Why not go full Gibson and get a Hummingbird?
Is the Hummingbird worth considerably higher cost?Why not go full Gibson and get a Hummingbird?
Edited by Yahonza on Monday 17th July 21:53
A steel-strung acoustic is a bold choice to start learning on.
Due to their heavier gauge, the strings will be much more difficult to fret cleanly which will be frustrating. When you're trying to fret your first chords, it's hard enough to get your fretting fingers in position without it sounding shyte when they do.
A nylon strung classical guitar has wider string spacing with less tension, and will be easier to play clean chords.
Due to their heavier gauge, the strings will be much more difficult to fret cleanly which will be frustrating. When you're trying to fret your first chords, it's hard enough to get your fretting fingers in position without it sounding shyte when they do.
A nylon strung classical guitar has wider string spacing with less tension, and will be easier to play clean chords.
I'm a pretty basic player, only been learning for a few years, but from personal experience, I would first get something cheap and cheerful first. Something like a Yamaha, and get it setup by the music shop so it plays nicely. Then after you have learnt some basics, then spend a day at a decent music shop like Andertons and try all the guitars you like. Most decent shops will let you play to your hearts content, especially on a weekday.
Differences in neck feel, how and where the body sits, etc. might not be apparent or feel significant if you are not used to playing, and you may prefer something else once you get more advanced.
I bought my first electric when I was pretty inexperienced, I played loads of guitars and settled on a Jackson, I loved the flat fretboard and skinny neck. however as I learn more and moved around the neck I grew to dislike the thick glossy finish on the neck, and my next guitar was back to a more traditional vibe with a much chunkier satin neck, which I love.
Also the advice about choosing a guitar you like the look, as it makes you want to pick it up all the time is great advice. However if you are just starting out and are excited to learn that might be enough until you can get the basics down. Even inexpensive acoustic guitars sound so great jsut playing chords.
Differences in neck feel, how and where the body sits, etc. might not be apparent or feel significant if you are not used to playing, and you may prefer something else once you get more advanced.
I bought my first electric when I was pretty inexperienced, I played loads of guitars and settled on a Jackson, I loved the flat fretboard and skinny neck. however as I learn more and moved around the neck I grew to dislike the thick glossy finish on the neck, and my next guitar was back to a more traditional vibe with a much chunkier satin neck, which I love.
Also the advice about choosing a guitar you like the look, as it makes you want to pick it up all the time is great advice. However if you are just starting out and are excited to learn that might be enough until you can get the basics down. Even inexpensive acoustic guitars sound so great jsut playing chords.
Many thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to reply.
Inevitable the advice has polarised into "get something easy to play as that might keep you playing" or "get something you will want to pick up and play as that might keep you playing".
I go into this in the full knowledge and expectation that I will have not the slightest aptitude for it (this is based on a lifetime of experience). At my age my fingers will not want to do what I want them to do (nothing else does) whether they're on steel strings or nylon ones.
So I'm going ti buy the nice Gibson. I might even buy the Hummingbird. Then at least I've got something nice to look at!
Many thanks again for all the advice. I deeply envy all of you who can play, to whatever level. It must be a great pleasure.
Inevitable the advice has polarised into "get something easy to play as that might keep you playing" or "get something you will want to pick up and play as that might keep you playing".
I go into this in the full knowledge and expectation that I will have not the slightest aptitude for it (this is based on a lifetime of experience). At my age my fingers will not want to do what I want them to do (nothing else does) whether they're on steel strings or nylon ones.
So I'm going ti buy the nice Gibson. I might even buy the Hummingbird. Then at least I've got something nice to look at!
Many thanks again for all the advice. I deeply envy all of you who can play, to whatever level. It must be a great pleasure.
Another thought / consideration is to swap out the strings. I personally hate nylon so wanted to stick with steel but I did find the strings on my Tanglewood acoustic to be quite hard on my fingers. I swapped these out for something with a lighter gauge (super slinky) which are a LOT more comfortable on my fingers and allow me to play and practice for longer. Strings are very cheap and a guitar shop should be able to restring and tune in next to no time for little cost. Just a thought.
Pretty sure the OP is set on the guitar they suggested & is merely seeking validation. They replied that they were sorry I seemed offended & then deleted it. Mate, I don't care what you spend your money on & I am sorry though - sorry I offered the benefit of 30 years experience with guitars good & bad. I'm sure you will find your own way with your new *checks internet* £3000+ beginner's guitar.
Edited by President Merkin on Tuesday 18th July 10:20
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