Maxam Guitar w/case, strap and picks. Spruce woodfront, linden wood back and sides, machine tuning keys, mother of pearl inlays and maple fingerboard. Suggested retail $ 404.95
$177.13
Sale Price: $97.99
Maxam 40 On Sale
Wonderful first for the beginner guitar player! Get started with this wonderful instrument. It features a spruce top, linden wood back and sides, and maple finger board and steel strings. Suggested retail price $217.95 ...
What type of guitar should I buy for my first guitar?
There are three basic types of guitars; classical ( nylon strings ), acoustic ( steel strings ), and electric. Beginner guitar players buy their first guitar in any one of these three types.
Classical- Has a wider neck and fretboard than other guitar types, six nylon strings and is gentler on the fingers. This type of guitar is best for classical, Spanish styles, and folk music. Often purchased as a first guitar by the beginner guitar player but not as popular other types.
Steel String Acoustic - Has a thinner neck and fretboard than the classical guitar, six steel strings and is harder on the fingers. This type of guitar is best for contemporary, rock, blues, country folk, and other acoustic styles. Popular as a first guitar for the beginner guitar player.
Electric - Has a thinner neck than other type guitar types, and six lighter gauge steel strings and is easier on the fingers. This type of guitar is best for rock, alternative, blues, pop, and jazz. Popular as a first guitar for the beginner guitar player.
You must first decide what type or style of music you most likley are going to be playing and /or like listening to and determine the type of guitar that is best for you. If the guitar is for a child under 10 years of age, a 1/2 to 3/4 size guitar with nylon strings may be best. Consult an instructor for sizing an instrument for a child.
How important is quality for my first guitar and how does it affect price?
The quality of the wood, parts, and craftsmanship determine the tone, playability, and of course the price of the guitar. The type of wood also determines the tone and price of the instrument. When buying a first guitar or second and still a beginner guitar player price is very important, but try not to sacrifice too much quality. A good first guitar is more comfortable to play and brings more enjoyment and satisfaction to the beginner guitar player and the playing experience. Other factors that affect price and quality on electric guitars are its electronices ( pickups, wiring, controls, etc... ), type of bridge, and body type ( hollow or solid ). Cosmetic features such as inlays and finish also affect the price. When buying your first guitar try to buy the best guitar that will work for your budget. Make sure to put emphasis on playability and comfort rather than fancy cosmetic features. A poor quality first guitar can be difficult and uncomfortable to play and may sometimes lead to disenchantment or discouragement for the beginner guitar player or younger player. Make your first guitar one you will always remember!
Should I buy a new or second-hand guitar for my first guitar?
There are some bargain second-hand guitars available and make great first guitarsor second for beginner guitar players. People usually sell them for about 1/2 to 3/4 the price they paid for them depending on its condition and the owners knowledge of the guitars value. It is possible find a good second-hand guitar for the price of a new enrty-level or beginner guitar although it takes much looking. If you are a beginner guitar player and have the time it's worth a look. The classifieds and the internet are a good source for second -hand guitars but be advised that Guitar Dealers that sell second-hand guitars know the value of the guitar. Be very careful and diligent when checking a used guitar. Minor scratches do not have any effect on playability, comfort, sound quality ( tone ), but look for things such as cracks, anything that may be loose, bowed neck ( necks are not perfectly flat but are somewhat concave; an overly bowed neck is usually noticeable ( check the "action" ), or buzzing frets. A good second-hand guitar is better than a new entry-level or beginner guitar, can be found at about the same price, and makes a great first guitar for the beginner guitar player. You will always remember your first guitar!
What is "Action" and is it important for my first guitar?
"Action" is basically the distance of the strings from the fretboard at any given point on the neck. The greater the distance of the strings from the fretboard or poorer "action", the more effort is required to press down on the strings at any given fret, thus affecting playability of the guitar. This becomes especially prevelant as you move up the neck. Playability is very important for a first guitar and the beginner guitar player. A good rule of thumb to use is to hold down the sixth ( thickest ) string at the first fret, and the fret where the neck meets the body of the guitar at the same time. Halfway between these two points ( roughly the middle of the neck ) there should be a clearanceof about .010 plus or minus a little depending on personal feel and comfort. Remember feel and comfort are important for a first guitar and the beginner guitar player.
What kind of accessories will I need for my first guitar?
You'll need aStrapfor an electric guitar, optional for acoustic or classical guitars though rarely used with classical guitars. A Gig Bag will help protect your first guitar when it is being carried or transported. It is light, easy to handle, convenient, and has storage pockets for other accessories. Hard Cases offer greater protection you first gutiar and are great if the guitar is being transported often and/or being taken on airplanes, ships or boats, trains, or other mass transit where others may handle your musical instrument. Guitar Stands are optional but very inexpensive and a good idea. A guitar that is in constant view is more liklely to be practiced or played than one that is put away. It's your first guitar! Play it, play it, play it! Tuners are a necessity for your first guitar if you don't have another musical instrument such as a piano, or other tuned guitar in your home. Tuning Forksand Pitch Pipes require you to use your ears and help to train the ear the ear but can frustrating and time consuming for the beginner guitar player. Electronic Tuners are fast, accurate, very easy to use and also help develop a sense of pitch for the beginer guitar player. The less time you spend tuning your guitar the more time you have to practice and play your first guitar. If buying an electric guitar as your first guitar an Amplifier and Cord are necessities to make sound. Picks are inexpensive and are used with steel string acoustic and electric guitars. They come in many different gauges or thickness which are just a matter of personal taste. There are a lot of descent entry-level or beginner guitar player packages available that come with everything you need to get started, are quite affordable, and are designed to be a first guitar with the beginner guitar player in mind.
