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Which guitar hmm....
Topic Started: Feb 5 2006, 06:28:54 AM (2,372 Views)
Kcman123


Guys and Gals :P I'm going to buy a new guitar but I'm having trouble deciding which type of guitar I should buy, I'm deciding between electric and acustic. The reason is, well they both almost require an amp :P Electric can actually make a guitar "sing", but acoustic guitars are soo much more often, aka YUI's music ^_^ I want to buy maybe an acoustic/electric?? But I heard those sound horrible, and since I know that there are alot of people on this forum that play guitar aka the tab page itself :P I want some opinions. Acoustic will probably be something like YUI's guitar ^_^ or unless you guys have a better model :P Electric I have no idea for which model whatsoever :P Thanks all for your inputs in advance :lol:
 
AditZ
YUI Lover & Knight!

Actually it is a wrong section. You're talking about guitar majorly, not YUI. So I hope you don't mind that I moved it.

Good luck on finding your new guitar! ;)
I'm very proud with the way this forum develops without me.
It's way better then when I started.
Great job to our current active admins and mods.
I can rest assured that this forum is in safe hands!
 
aricebox
Member Avatar


DONT INSULT ACOUSTIC ELECTRICS!!! >< YUI's guitar is an acoustic electric!!!
also the one i just ordered is also an acoustic electric =3=...so....BOO YOUUU : DDD i kid i kid, hmmm...well its all up to you... do you like the sound of an acoustic better or the sound of an electric, its all up to personal preference really...
 
Kcman123


hehe sorry about that, I just heard that the sound quality isnt that great compared to an original acoustic or electric guitar :( But Congrats on ordering your new guitar Hope you enjoy it alot ^_^ I like electric cuz it can sing ^_^ I like acoustic because it has alot of useful accomodations :P
 
Rakukojin
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I <3 YUI

I actually own an acoustic-electric and I can say the quality isn't worst than a regular acoustic guitar. The pickup inside of it doesn't make the sound worst, and if you meant the sound is worst when plugged in, well it sounds better than an electric with acoustic settings on the amp. So basically, an acoustic-electric is exactly the same as a regular acoustic except that it has the option of being plugged in.

Tips for buying an acoustic from yours truly:

1) Always buy a solid top acoustic guitar. With a solid top the sound is a lot better and will continue to improve with age. Do not get a laminated top because the sound is not great and you'll end up buying another acoustic due to it. Most commonly solid top guitars are made of spruce wood, but make sure it says 'solid spruce top' because if it just says spruce, then it's most likely laminated. As for the back and sides, if you can afford solid then get it. Otherwise get laminated because it'll be a cheaper compromise because the back and sides are less important to the sound than the top is.

2) Getting a single cut guitar will allow you to play all the frets. You'll be able to play higher notes if you get a single cut guitar because your fingers will have access to them. Without the cut, you'll have to reach over the guitar to play higher notes which is uncomfortable. However, getting a single cut will reduce the overall volume and bass of the guitar slightly.

3) An acoustic-electric will help you if you ever need to play on stage. Even if you don't think you'll ever play on stage, it's good to have the option to do so. Otherwise you'll have to attach/or play in front of a mic to get the sound out to the people in back. If it's out of your budget, then you can skip this because it's not that big of a deal.


If you give me some information like your budget and whether you want to buy it at a store or online, then I can give you some recommendations :)
 
Kcman123


Omg Rakukojin, that was very helpful. You are exactly the person I'm looking forward to in suggestions. I think I'm willing to spend around 300-400 US dollars?? hmm All you mentioned above was just acoustic, does that mean that the electric part of the guitar sounds worse?? Is YUI's guitar good enough, does it come with the spruce wood??? Thx for your help again :)
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Why Choose Acoustic First

Well, I only talked about acoustic because you can play any song on it. While you can play any song on an electric as well, certain electric guitars are better for certain styles. For instance, some guitars are designed for blues music and while they can play any song, it won't sound as great if you're trying to play heavy metal. So if you haven't found what style you want to play, you might have a beginning guitar and buy another more expensive on later (along with amp, pedals, etc.).

That's why I recommend acoustic, the sound is so pure that it can handle anything. The strings are harder to press down on, but you'll build up strength and it'll be no problem. Plus I believe learning acoustic first will make you a better guitarist because if you mess up with an electric, you can usually cover it up with all the distortion, overdrive, etc. but if you mess up with an acoustic it'll sound bad. That'll help you improve much better in my opinion. On another note, if you take a guitar class, you'll only use acoustic or classical guitars.

--------------
Recommendations (Acoustic)

1) Fender DG22SCE Acoustic-Electric $299.99 (Originally $749.99) Rake's Top Choice Award :D
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=517897
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This guitar is THE PERFECT CHOICE for you right now. It features a solid spruce top, single cutaway, and a Fender/Fishman pickup. You'll never need another acoustic ever (unless you become a famous musician). This model is right above the model I have (DG20SCE which is now discontinued) and I can say it'll be better than mine, which have recieved praises from every guitarist I know. It is an extremely beautiful guitar, which in fact looks just like YUI's with minor differences. You would have to purchase this guitar only since the model and price won't be available in stores, but I highly recommend you do so because Musician's Friend is the best online guitar store (I bought mine from them). You just can't beat this guitar for it's value.

2) Washburn D30S Acoustic $279.99 (Originally $799.99)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gui...stic?sku=515929
Posted Image

This is an amazingly beautiful acoustic with amazing inlays (The pearl lines around the edges). Though it doesn't have a pickup or a single cutaway, it'll still sound amazing. Pricewise, it's a steal for this quality guitar. Though I never played this guitar, a friend of mine (who taught me everything about guitars) owns a Washburn solid top guitar. His guitar, though much lower quality than this one, still sounded incredible over time. This guitar will sound amazing straight out of the box.

3) Fender DG14S Acoustic $250 (Approximately)
Available in certain guitar stores
Posted Image

If you're shopping at SamAsh, Guitar Center, etc. you can probably find this model. Though it isn't that great of a guitar, it does feature a solid spruce top which means the tone of the guitar will improve as it ages. That'll make your investment worthwhile in the end. Nothing else really shines in this guitar, but the availability in stores means that you don't have to wait for your guitar to arrive in a week after purchase.

4) Fender DG8S Acoustic Pack $200 (Approximately)
Available at guitar stores
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This is a very cheap, beginner's package. It comes with everything you'll need to start playing, including a solid top guitar and a dvd (which isn't that great). Though it is a solid top, don't expect it to sound like YUI's. This is just if you want to spend as little as possible to get as much as you can. Qualitywise, this isn't a good guitar that you'll be using in like 10 years from now. Also since it's so common, the resale value sucks. But for the price and things you get with it, it's an ok bargain.
------------------------------

YUI's guitar is a great guitar that'll cost you an arm and a leg at $700.
 
Kcman123


Thanks for the great post, can you recommend me in any more acoustic/electric guitar?? And does only musician friend have that first guitar??? I really want to buy that retail, does Sam Ash have that?? Thanks alot again ^_^ really helpful
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Well, if you want to buy retail your choice would be a lost more limited than buying online. However, buying retail would mean that you get to see and hear the guitar before purchase. Sadly, I doubt that Sam Ash would carry the DG22SCE, let alone at that awesome price (ask them though, and bring print out the page to show them). And since you want to buy at a retail store, whatever I recommend may not be there.

So here are some tips from yours truly about buying from stores:

1) Typically, S = Solid Top, C = Single Cutaway, E = Electric (Mainly Fender)
Though this is not always the case, it is for some brands. So if a model is the DG22SCE, it would be a solid, single cut, acoustic electric. DG14S implies that it is only a solid top. There are other letters but I don't know all of them.

2) Have an employee or customer play the guitar so you know how it sounds.
What I would do is let the employee play a Martin or Taylor brand guitar first before you let them play the guitar that you are actually interested in. Reason is because Martin and Taylor are the best brand of acoustic guitars so you'll know how a great guitar sounds (the prices on these guitars are $600+ for the cheapest ones up to the thousands). Though you won't find something that sounds as good as these at your budget, you'll have a better sense of what you want to aim for. Play it yourself as well so that you know how it feels too.

3) If you find something you are interested in, don't buy just yet.
Take some time to look at other places or online the check the prices. Remember that just because it has a $300, doesn't mean that it's the final price. Find a cheaper price one at a rival store's catalog or online and show the lower price. They'll usually want to match or lower the price of the guitar so that they can have your business. Online purchases, on the other hand, are nonnegotiable. Remember that you can haggle, like with a cars salesmen (just don't lowball).

4) Buy a guitar that you have to level up to.
Generally speaking, no guitar is ever "too good" for you. A guitar that's easy to master is no fun since you'll feel limited and end up buying another one. Find one that will force you to improve to bring out it's true sound.

--------------

Another acoustic-electric I would recommend would be the Washburn D10SCE which should be around $300. Maybe I'll drop by SamAsh sometime to see what guitars they carry.
 
Kcman123


wow thanks alot RAKUKOJIN!!!! This helped me alot. Do you live in New York or close to there?? You seem to be very familiar with Samash ^_^ Thanks again for helping me!!!
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Actually I live in So Cal, and there's a SamAsh close by me. Anyways, I'm always happy to help out :)
 
Kcman123


hey good news raku!! i'm ordering the fender dg22sce dreadnought !! i dont know which color i shold pick though. Any recommendations??? It doesnt come with an amp plugin, or a strap or case though :(
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Good choice my friend, I'm envious :P
And as for the color, you're actually choosing what wood to have as the back and sides. This not only changes the looks of the guitar, but the feel and sound of it as well. You have a choice between ebony and bubinga, both of which are very good wood.

Ebony: This wood is more commonly found on acoustic than bubinga wood. It's a pretty dense wood so the guitar will last longer and it'll produce a very nice, bright snap to the sound as most people would say. As for the looks, the streaks on goes in a staight line.

Bubinga: This is actually the first guitar I've seen with bubinga as an option since the wood isn't that common. Well, the wood is gonna be heavier but it'll make the guitar have a nice, solid feel to it. The sound, however, will be a bright mid tone but the solidness makes up for it. The pattern of the wood is more of a wavy look, and the colors stand out better than ebony.

Rake's Recommendation: Ebony

Though it would be nice to have a beautiful bubinga wood guitar, I have to go with ebony because of it's brighter sound. I love the looks on the bubinga, and the solid feel is something that's desired but brighter sound is better in my opinion.

Posted Image

------------
Yeah, all you get is the guitar, cord, and little things you don't have to worry about right now. Here are the things I recommend you buy for now:

1) Guitar Research Gig Bag $29.99~$39.99 (Approximately)
Available at SamAsh

No Pictures. Sorry :(

A gig bag with provide you protection for you guitar when you carry it around and is more practical than a case. It has straps so that you can wear it like a backpack and lots of pockets so that you can have spare string, picks, tuners, etc. Though a case will provide the best protection, a gig bag with 20mm padding is enough to protect it from every things. I recommend 20mm opposed to having less.

2) Korg CA-30 Cromatic Tuner $19.99
Available at all guitar stores

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This is the best tuner for the money. You'll be able to tune your guitar anyway you you can imagine and is very easy to use. Not much to say except don't settle for anything else in this price range.

3) Medium Picks $2.99~$4.99 (Approximately)
Available at all guitar stores

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Don't get attached to these picks, as you'll go though hundred of them as a guitarist. You're going to have to experiment with different picks to find which on suits you the best. I recommend starting with medium picks because you'll be likely to use them a lot in the future. Light picks are best for beginners because it's very easy to strum with. Heavy are very solid picks that are best used for fast paced, picking (playing notes) rather than strumming. Medium is a compromise of both.

4) Martin Phosphor Bronze Extra Light Acoustic Strings $4.99~5.99 (Approximately)
Available at all guitar stores

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Though you won't need them right now, it's always good to have extra strings in case yours snap. This is the one I'm currently using and it sounds unbelievable. Extra light means that the sound will be thinner and easier on the fingers. The sound will last (ring) longer than the default Fender strings your guitar will come with. You can try different strings and when you find the one you like, stick to it. Remember that strings play an important role in the sound so get a good brand like Martin or Elixer.
-----------
Right now you don't need things like straps or an amp unless you plan to play for other people. Hold off on those until you get comfortable with you guitar.

I'm looking foward to you getting your guitar :)
 
Kcman123


hehe nice questions answered even though not anticipated!!! wow, Actually I'm doing a recital soon, so I think i need to look at straps. Do you haev any ideas about them?? and any amplifier will work?? Or something specific ^_^ thanks for the help ^_^
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Any strap is fine as long as it's comfortable for you. Get something that won't scratch your neck and looks good too :D I got a standard type Fender strap because it matches my guitar (YUI's strap is a popular Fender choice).

As for amps, any amp will work but it won't sound good if you use an electric guitar amp or bass amp. Reason is because two different types of sound will come out (one from your guitar and one from the amp) and the two sounds don't always mix well. If possible, get a good acoustic amp because it'll bring out the true sound of your acoustic very nicely. These acoustic amps won't be cheap though as they're designed for professional use. Unfortunately, I don't have much knowledge in amps seeing as I've never needed one yet.

You need to check these amps out in person. You want one that will provide clarity and doesn't produce much hum or feedback. Having lots of control over the sound is something to look into also, especially reverb. Good amps with lots of settings will be around $300~$700, while you can get a good one without much control for around $200.

Recommendations:

1) Fender Acoustasonic 30 DSP Acoustic Amp $319.99 (Originally $456.99)
Available online and in most guitar stores
Posted Image

This is the only acoustic amp I've tried and I pretty much will get this if I ever need an amp. Though it's not super powerful, it's pretty loud and clear as well for a 30W amp. There's enough controls for me to produce the sounds I'd want. I also found that a Fender amp is a good match for a Fender guitar.

2) Ultrasound AG-30 Acoustic Amp $199.99 (Originally $276.00)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gui...Amps?sku=488500

Posted Image

If you just need an amp to get your sound out louder and clearly, this is probably a good amp for that. I've never tried it but judging from other people's comments, it seems like a really great amp for practicing and recitals, but not for huge gigs since it's only 30W. It is said to produce incredible sound, but you have to be the judge of that. If you choose to buy this, order it when you order the guitar so they come at the same time. I'm not sure if they sell them in stores.

I've occasionally plugged my acoustic into my friend's electric and bass amps for fun, but I wouldn't really do that for a performance.

If you get/use an amp, I highly recommend that you get a Feedback Buster.

Feedback Buster $5.99~$6.99 (Approximately)
Available at SamAsh and most guitar stores
Posted Image

I have one of these and they work great. You slip it into the sound hole and you'll get like zero feedback when playing. Unplugged, with this on you're guitar's volume will only be slightly lower but still pretty loud. The only thing I don't like is that it's made of rubber so it'll make your new guitar smell like a tire, slightly.
 
Kcman123


Yay roxy I might be getting my guitar this friday, because they delayed my order for a couple of days :( But, a regular guitar carry bag from the Samash store is good enough?? and the picks you recommended are there better ones?? Cuz i have the jim something picks and I feel that sometimes they are not good enough. They get caught up when I strum:( and if I want to play around with the electric portion of the guitar I would need an amp righT?? or else it would come out to be very soft or not even come out?? Thanks again for helping me out ^_^
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Aww, hopefully it'll arrive on Friday (my guitar got delayed when it came as well cause of UPS).

Any guitar bag will be fine (as long as it's an acoustic bag) but the flimsy ones only help you carry the guitar around since they offer the least amount of protection. Everyone I know has a regular bag (12mm foam) and it's worked out for them without any problems. As for me, I felt like I wanted the protection for my guitar but I didn't want a case so I bought a 20mm gig bag.

Well, overall the picks I love the most are Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Picks because I love the feel I get them them while strumming or picking.
Posted Image
I use medium picks instead of thin though. However, after I run out of picks (which is soon), I'm going to pick up some Dunlop Tortex standard picks because I heard great things about them. They are cheaper than Fender picks, the last a lot longer, they have amazing grip so it won't fall from your sweaty hands, and they're probably the best picks overall. They come in a lot of sizes though, so I don't know which one the go for. I'll probably get the .73mm and see if I like it.
Posted Image

And yeah, you need an amp to use the pickup on your guitar. In a larger room you need one to get a louder sound that will reach the back of like an auditorium.
 
Kcman123


o man, amps are expensive!!!! but i really want the electric sound or at least i want to test it ^_^ So what case(type/company and etc.) do you carry Rakukojin?? I'm interested in the case you carry around :P
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Case? I don't have a case, I use a gig bag. To be more specific I have a Fender Acoustic Dreadnought Deluxe Gig Bag. And yeah, amps are expensive because of the power they produce. With an electric guitar you can't get any sound out without an amp so the cheaper ones have like 15W, enough to practice with. For acoustic, you don't need a practice one so amps are expensive cause they're meant for gigs.
 
Kcman123


oh i see, thx for your help!!
 
Kcman123


Omg my guitar was delivered today!!! i'm so happy!!! I'm not a home yet, and I'm about to buy new strings and some pics and a bag and a strap :) I cant wait till I see it Thanks again Raku!!!!!
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Same happened with my guitar, it came when I wasn't home. Congrats man, and don't forget to buy a tuner. It'll be out of tune when you first pull it out.
 
Kcman123


Hehe I dont need to buy a tuner, cuz I am used to tuning my other guitar ^_^ Omg I could not find Yui's guitar strap at Samash's store, actually they really had a bad selection. THe only thing maybe that was ok looking was the fender's black strap one. Raku do you know the model# of the strap or what the name of it is?? I need to goto another SamAsh's store lolz
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

The one that YUI uses is the Fender 2" Monogrammed Guitar Strap in white, brown, and yellow. I think I know the black strap you refer to, it's the Fender Patchwork: Black Fallout, cause I bought that one.
 
Kcman123


haha really? I think that was the one!! wow you respond fast :P I was looking at your space just now ^_^ Anyways, I need to find that guitar strap!!! Maybe some other samash's store has it.
 
Kcman123


Hmm i was wondering I looked at Yui's life performance videos, and the strap is connected not near the tuners but I dont really know how to connect the strap like how Yui's guitar does.. I mean i have the outer edge thing where the amp is pluigged in but where does the other end of the strap go?? THere is no hole or outer edge hanger where I can puit it in..
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Well, right now you can't put it on the way YUI does because you'll need another strap button. Since I don't recommend you do it yourself with any prior experience, just go to SamAsh or any guitar store and ask them if they can do it for you. The reason I don't recommend you do it yourself is because you have to drill a hole to get it in.

In my opinion, I like attaching the strap near the headstock because it'll naturally make the guitar tilt upwards when playing, which is a lot more comfortable.
 
Kcman123


Does putting an extra strap button decrease the performance of the guitar?? Does it sound worse?? I really dont want to tarnish the sound of my new guitar ^_^
 
Kcman123


rakukojin!! where are you :( i need your advice ~~
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Sorry about not checking this thread for a while. Well, putting another strap button will not affect the sound of the guitar at all, just the balance when you put it on.
 
Kcman123


I ordered YUI's strap thanks alot!!!
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Hehe, it's a cool strap :D
 
Kcman123


Omg rako i got it but how do i put it on?? its like all notted and stuff!!!! :( i cant do anythign with it I'm not sure if i should take it apart or something
 
Kcman123


Rako I finally got the guitar strap, I'm thinking about buyign an amp because I need it for a recital I"m doing in the upcoming 3 weeks. Its in a church with around 280 people I think. I was wondering If you can give me some tips on the actual amp and if I need a feedback buster?? I am not sure a bout these things :P So far I <3 the guitar so i trust your judgement in equipment as well :) thanks alot for helping me out so far
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

The strap should have two strings at the end which you just tied above the nut of the guitar. As for an amp, how much many can you spend on it?
 
Kcman123


i'm thinking around 100-200? for the amp
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

1) UltraSound AG-30 30W Acoustic Guitar Amp $199.99 (Originally $276.00)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gui...Amps?sku=488500
Posted Image

I'd recommend that you buy this amp then for your price range and purpose. 30W is pretty powerful and should work in your church well unless it's a huge church. For it's price, this is probably the best amp you can get. It doesn't have really any onboard effects but it will provide a rich, clean tone when you play (which is really important).

2) Guitar Research AC-60R Acoustic Guitar Combo Amplifier $249.99 (Originally $439.99)
http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp...&departmentid=0
Posted Image

If you can spend an extra $50, you can get this amp which features more than the UltraSound AG-30. It has two custom 8" 30W speakers opposed to one which the AG-30 has. It also has more effects such as Reverb and Chorus.


And as for the Feedback Buster, hold off on it till you get an amp. Both amp provide control to reduce/eliminate feedback so you might not need it at all.
 
Kcman123


I heard for acoustic electrics the feedback is huge so I tahts why i'm asking about hte feedback so early :P
 
Rakukojin
Member Avatar
I <3 YUI

Well, I'd recommend that you get it then because whenever you play, you want zero feedback. Even if the amp could reduce feedback, there's probably very little feedback caused by the sound hole which would be solved with the Feedback Buster.
 
Kcman123


i am also trying to play with the distortion but i heard it is horrible, people say that the "acoustic electric" was not meant for that instrument :( Need some advice please ^_^
 
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