1 Topic by Rockfarmer (edited by Rockfarmer 2009-11-27 07:52:26)

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Topic: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Greetings:

First off, I have never played a note in my 47 years on this planet, but have always wanted to learn how to play.

I'm thinking of buying a guitar and taking lessons.

After a little reasearch, I think I want to start learn how to play electric.

So.. I have looked around alot and I really like the look of the Ibanez ARX500.


My question is two part.

For those of you who are experienced players, is this a wise choice for my first guitar?

Second, I see this guitar on musicians friend web site for $750.  Is this a decent price for this guitar?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Mike

  • ken
  • ken
  • Titanium
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Here's one for $633...I've never purchased anything through this site, but it's a great price with free shipping.
http://www.wholesalemusic.com/p-1284-ib … w-gig.aspx

That's a very nice looking guitar. I've never tried this one, but I don't think you can go too wrong with a medium range Ibanez. They're usually setup well and play very nice.

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

PRS for the money:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/navi … 275+202167

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Hey Tiger Fan:

This is the one I bought my son.  If you can find one of these used (or New) you're in high cotton.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/prod … sku=519938

BadMofo
BJJ FDOL

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website

  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Don't forget about EBay either. Once you have your mind set on a certain model, see what they are going for used. You can often get a higher end version for less money. I've stolen a couple of axes recently on EBay. Got them for $100s less than what they are worth (must be the economy). Sometimes you just have to be lucky. One in particular I got a couple of months ago. I was watching several of that particular guitar and they were going for $800 and up. I saw a new listing of one come up with a "Buy Now" price of $595 and I jumped on it immediately before anyone else could bid on it. It's in primo condition. Also bear in mind that there are many different guitars that are now out of production and can only be sourced as used.

Another thing to consider is what style of music will you be playing? A solid body electric with humbuckers will work well with most any genre so either an Ibanez or PRS model like that would be a good choice.

Good luck!

Major Tom to ground control...
  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Thanks Jeff.  I was also looking at the PRS guitars, but didn't know much about them.  I'll search around for these as well.

Ultimately, I would like to buy something that has some sort of re-sale value in the future incase I either upgrade or get too pissed off at practice to keep going ( kind of like golf if you know what I mean)

RIC- I have been looking on ebay as well as local craigslist entries, thanks for the insight.

Unfortunately, I'm so inexperienced, I don't know a good deal from a bad one, so I'll ask alot of questions before I make the plunge.

Stupid question #1 - The Ibanez ARX500 that I was looking at doesn't have apick guard in the photo.  Do pick guards come on all new guitars?  Are they easily installed on any guitar?  I suspect I would want a pick guard to protect my instrument from the gouges I'll inflict upon her


thanks again -

Mike

Geaux Tigers!!

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Don't get caught up in the hype or the gear acquisition syndrome (G.A.S.) bullshit. Get a decent low priced guitar and a small amp and start from there. Find The Best local teacher and hang with local musicians. Practice every spare moment you can, sleep with it, and set aside at least 2 full hours every day to practice. If you can't do that, then don't even bother trying. If you can do that, then when you fell more at home, more at ease playing a guitar, then move up to a better guitar, better gear. But not until!! Take it slow and don't expect miracles to happen. It will take time. A lot of time.

Good Luck To You and Stay Safe!
Spider

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Spider wrote:

Don't get caught up in the hype or the gear acquisition syndrome (G.A.S.) bullshit. Get a decent low priced guitar and a small amp and start from there. Find The Best local teacher and hang with local musicians. Practice every spare moment you can, sleep with it, and set aside at least 2 full hours every day to practice. If you can't do that, then don't even bother trying. If you can do that, then when you fell more at home, more at ease playing a guitar, then move up to a better guitar, better gear. But not until!! Take it slow and don't expect miracles to happen. It will take time. A lot of time.

Good Luck To You and Stay Safe!
Spider

Excellent advice from my bro.

cool BJJ

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

OK Rock Heads

I took your advice and ordered an  inexpensive guitar and amp.  I got  the Yamaha Pacifica with 15 watt amp.

Got the guitar,amp, stand, tuner, etc. etc. for under $300.

Maybe in a year or three,with lessons and practice, I'll upgrade to a better rig.

I do like the look of the Ibanez ARX 500.  I'll probably own it one day.

Thanks everyone for you input.

Rockfarmer Out -

  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Good choice!

    Yamaha makes some good gear. And next year, you'll have a better idea of what to spend $$$ on. There's a lot of great options. The difference maker will be your preferences.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Rockfarmer wrote:

OK Rock Heads

I took your advice and ordered an  inexpensive guitar and amp.  I got  the Yamaha Pacifica with 15 watt amp.

Got the guitar,amp, stand, tuner, etc. etc. for under $300.

Maybe in a year or three,with lessons and practice, I'll upgrade to a better rig.

I do like the look of the Ibanez ARX 500.  I'll probably own it one day.

Thanks everyone for you input.

Rockfarmer Out -

Good for you! Best of luck and never, ever, give up!

  • Registered: 2008-11-20
  • Posts: 21

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Good choice. You can get a lot of mileage out of a Pacifica. There is 1 in every practice room at the guitar school I used to work at.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

That Ibanez ARX500 does look like a GREAT guitar. I love the features and the hand contoured neck joint.
You ARE beginning, so getting the best isn't crucial... and you can base your "upgrading" guitars off of your "upgrades" in practicing and skills - a little incentive to practice. Like if I ever learn to play ___________ which I think is currently out of reach, perhaps I'll treat myself to that Ibanez ARX500. cool

The Gear Acq. Syndrome is an evil disease. But playing guitar and liking it makes one very susceptible. As long and you don't blow money on booze, drugs, car stereos, pimpin' rims etc. - you should be able to afford whatever you 'need' in the guitar realm. Plus I'd add blowing money on guitar stuff is a much better investment than the aforementioned outlets.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2009-10-27
  • Posts: 250

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

What kind of music do you want to learn/play? If you say I like Eric Clapton for example, then you should be looking at a Fender Strat and a Fender Blues Jr and not a Ibanez.  As an example, you can get a nice Made in Mexico (MIM) Strat, like the Jimmie Vaughan or Robert Cray on E-bay New or slightly used for $500.00 or less and buy Blues Jr for $300-400.00 and your all set.  I love this as a first guitar and amp set-up that you won't be bored with in a 1-year. Plan on spending around $50.00 for a tech to set-up guitar after purchase, even if purchased new - VERY IMPORTANT.

Again, buy a guitar that makes the sound you want to emulate in the future, or otherwise that $800.00 will be a waste in 1-year.  I assume you've not yet played a note on this Ibanez and I highly recommend going to a music store like Guitar Center, etc and talk to a salesperson on what style you want to play, etc.  Also, If this Ibanez has a floating tremolo, do not buy, creates more difficulty in changing strings, etc IMO, unless you want to play like Steve Vai music, etc.

Congratualtions!!

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

t92780 wrote:

What kind of music do you want to learn/play? If you say I like Eric Clapton for example, then you should be looking at a Fender Strat and a Fender Blues Jr and not a Ibanez.  As an example, you can get a nice Made in Mexico (MIM) Strat, like the Jimmie Vaughan or Robert Cray on E-bay New or slightly used for $500.00 or less and buy Blues Jr for $300-400.00 and your all set.  I love this as a first guitar and amp set-up that you won't be bored with in a 1-year. Plan on spending around $50.00 for a tech to set-up guitar after purchase, even if purchased new - VERY IMPORTANT.

Again, buy a guitar that makes the sound you want to emulate in the future, or otherwise that $800.00 will be a waste in 1-year.  I assume you've not yet played a note on this Ibanez and I highly recommend going to a music store like Guitar Center, etc and talk to a salesperson on what style you want to play, etc.  Also, If this Ibanez has a floating tremolo, do not buy, creates more difficulty in changing strings, etc IMO, unless you want to play like Steve Vai music, etc.

Congratualtions!!

Thanks for the advice.  I know this is probably stupid and definately naive, but for me, I have to like the way the guitar looks as much as it sounds.  I just don't like the look of the Strat or the Gibson SG.  My favorite looking guitar is the Gibson 335, but again, I have no idea if it provides the sound I'm looking for  (Rock/Blues/Country)

At any rate, I'm sure I will play around with the Pacifica for a few years on the journey to learn how to play and hopefully gain some understanding of the instrument to better help me decide on which rig to move up to.

Thanks again for all the helpful advice.

Rockfarmer Out -

Geaux Tigers!!!

16 Reply by ken

  • ken
  • ken
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

You have to play "Smoke on the Water" first on your new guitar, it's a tradition! tongue

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

Dah da Dah...bom-bom da-dah lol

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

bigjeffjones's Website

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Close to purchasing my first ever guitar

ken wrote:

You have to play "Smoke on the Water" first on your new guitar, it's a tradition! tongue


Will do!