Stormy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:57 pm
Tbh I can sorta play 2 or 3 simple cords, but I always feel super embarrassed to try and play in a shop as I see such amazing & talented people play and can't bring myself to sit there and half ass it. Something I am always working on to improve but it is my achilles heel.
Doesn't matter how long you play, you'll still meet people who make you want to sit on your hands. Don't worry about it.
You can play some chords, great. Guitar necks differ in size which is good because people's hands are different sizes. This is where you may get some insight; if your hands are small, some necks may feel too thick to comfortably get your hands around. Conversely, big hands on a skinny, narrow neck can make life harder.
If you try this and can't really see what I mean it's not an issue for you; don't dwell on it.
Don't know where you are but if the local stores have SImon & Patrick guitars, consider them. I've played one recently that cost $1000 and gave every impression of being a $3000 instrument.
But bottom line, Sub $1000 guitars have never been better than they are now. Follow the store staff's advice, temper it with your own instinct and you have very little chance of doing the wrong thing.
Don't talk to me about failure; sometimes I even fail to disappoint myself.
So much great wisdom in these replies, I can't add any more. I have to say, the Godin family of acoustics are worth checking out. Slowy just mentioned Simon & Patrick, but Seagull and Art & Lutherie are also good. I had an Art & Lutherie parlour guitar once. It was fantastic. Unfortunately, the way many 12-fret parlours are built did not agree with my style of playing and crappy shoulder.
Anyway, I meant to say, I was in your position when I turned 40. The first guitar I bought was a Cort dreadnaught, can't remember what model. I did exactly what someone had suggested already and lowered the action. I may have lowered it a tad too much because, as my confidence grew, I strummed a little harder and some strings buzzed.
Fast forward 10+ years later... just as Slowy said, I have gone through quite a bit of gear, and now have a couple of Eastmans, a tele, a strat, a few others, including nice Breedlove and Larrivee acoustics. This forum is a collection of terrible/amazing enablers! You've been warned!
codedog wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:23 am
So much great wisdom in these replies, I can't add any more. I have to say, the Godin family of acoustics are worth checking out. Slowy just mentioned Simon & Patrick, but Seagull and Art & Lutherie are also good. I had an Art & Lutherie parlour guitar once. It was fantastic. Unfortunately, the way many 12-fret parlours are built did not agree with my style of playing and crappy shoulder.
Anyway, I meant to say, I was in your position when I turned 40. The first guitar I bought was a Cort dreadnaught, can't remember what model. I did exactly what someone had suggested already and lowered the action. I may have lowered it a tad too much because, as my confidence grew, I strummed a little harder and some strings buzzed.
Fast forward 10+ years later... just as Slowy said, I have gone through quite a bit of gear, and now have a couple of Eastmans, a tele, a strat, a few others, including nice Breedlove and Larrivee acoustics. This forum is a collection of terrible/amazing enablers! You've been warned!
Do you have that cute little Eastman hollow of Oleg's? Faded tobacco burst or something.
Jops wrote: ↑Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am
Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.
codedog wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:23 am
So much great wisdom in these replies, I can't add any more. I have to say, the Godin family of acoustics are worth checking out. Slowy just mentioned Simon & Patrick, but Seagull and Art & Lutherie are also good. I had an Art & Lutherie parlour guitar once. It was fantastic. Unfortunately, the way many 12-fret parlours are built did not agree with my style of playing and crappy shoulder.
Anyway, I meant to say, I was in your position when I turned 40. The first guitar I bought was a Cort dreadnaught, can't remember what model. I did exactly what someone had suggested already and lowered the action. I may have lowered it a tad too much because, as my confidence grew, I strummed a little harder and some strings buzzed.
Fast forward 10+ years later... just as Slowy said, I have gone through quite a bit of gear, and now have a couple of Eastmans, a tele, a strat, a few others, including nice Breedlove and Larrivee acoustics. This forum is a collection of terrible/amazing enablers! You've been warned!
Do you have that cute little Eastman hollow of Oleg's? Faded tobacco burst or something.
Nope... Oleg is (was? not his fault though) my regular supplier... but none of the Eastmans came from his venerable emporium.
codedog wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:23 am
So much great wisdom in these replies, I can't add any more. I have to say, the Godin family of acoustics are worth checking out. Slowy just mentioned Simon & Patrick, but Seagull and Art & Lutherie are also good. I had an Art & Lutherie parlour guitar once. It was fantastic. Unfortunately, the way many 12-fret parlours are built did not agree with my style of playing and crappy shoulder.
Anyway, I meant to say, I was in your position when I turned 40. The first guitar I bought was a Cort dreadnaught, can't remember what model. I did exactly what someone had suggested already and lowered the action. I may have lowered it a tad too much because, as my confidence grew, I strummed a little harder and some strings buzzed.
Fast forward 10+ years later... just as Slowy said, I have gone through quite a bit of gear, and now have a couple of Eastmans, a tele, a strat, a few others, including nice Breedlove and Larrivee acoustics. This forum is a collection of terrible/amazing enablers! You've been warned!
Do you have that cute little Eastman hollow of Oleg's? Faded tobacco burst or something.
Nope... Oleg is (was? not his fault though) my regular supplier... but none of the Eastmans came from his venerable emporium.
There was one he was selling here a few years ago. From memory it was smaller body, no cutaway, full hollow, one pickup and a lovely subtle burst. It's at the top of my "woulda coulda shoulda" list.
Jops wrote: ↑Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am
Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.
Do you have that cute little Eastman hollow of Oleg's? Faded tobacco burst or something.
Nope... Oleg is (was? not his fault though) my regular supplier... but none of the Eastmans came from his venerable emporium.
There was one he was selling here a few years ago. From memory it was smaller body, no cutaway, full hollow, one pickup and a lovely subtle burst. It's at the top of my "woulda coulda shoulda" list.
Hmm... I'm struggling to remember what one. I know he has (had) some El Rey models, but I can't recall one being for sale. Can't recall if he had any full hollow ones. Let's carry on talking about Oleg like he's not in the room
Nope... Oleg is (was? not his fault though) my regular supplier... but none of the Eastmans came from his venerable emporium.
There was one he was selling here a few years ago. From memory it was smaller body, no cutaway, full hollow, one pickup and a lovely subtle burst. It's at the top of my "woulda coulda shoulda" list.
Hmm... I'm struggling to remember what one. I know he has (had) some El Rey models, but I can't recall one being for sale. Can't recall if he had any full hollow ones. Let's carry on talking about Oleg like he's not in the room
I agree with the action being important on a first guitar. It has to be set up for you, so make the shop (if bought new) get the action comfortable for you, otherwise it can be off-putting.
My nieces have cheaper acoustics they're learning on, and they're very uncomfortable/hard to play, even with decades of experience.
There was one he was selling here a few years ago. From memory it was smaller body, no cutaway, full hollow, one pickup and a lovely subtle burst. It's at the top of my "woulda coulda shoulda" list.
Hmm... I'm struggling to remember what one. I know he has (had) some El Rey models, but I can't recall one being for sale. Can't recall if he had any full hollow ones. Let's carry on talking about Oleg like he's not in the room
Stormy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:57 pm
Tbh I can sorta play 2 or 3 simple cords, but I always feel super embarrassed to try and play in a shop as I see such amazing & talented people play and can't bring myself to sit there and half ass it. Something I am always working on to improve but it is my achilles heel.
Doesn't matter how long you play, you'll still meet people who make you want to sit on your hands. Don't worry about it.
You can play some chords, great. Guitar necks differ in size which is good because people's hands are different sizes. This is where you may get some insight; if your hands are small, some necks may feel too thick to comfortably get your hands around. Conversely, big hands on a skinny, narrow neck can make life harder.
If you try this and can't really see what I mean it's not an issue for you; don't dwell on it.
Don't know where you are but if the local stores have SImon & Patrick guitars, consider them. I've played one recently that cost $1000 and gave every impression of being a $3000 instrument.
But bottom line, Sub $1000 guitars have never been better than they are now. Follow the store staff's advice, temper it with your own instinct and you have very little chance of doing the wrong thing.
Thanks for all the advice so far Slowy.
I am planning to go into some of the local shops around me this week when I have a free moment.
I will try and feel what the various guitars are like but I doubt I would know what's better than the next.
I am based in Tauranga so we do have a few shops around the area that I can visit.
There were a few of the brands you mentioned, I did look at them but didn't really pay them any mind. Will def relook at them when I go back out.
It's good to hear that there are so many good choices in my currently budget. When I bought the first one I was totally clueless and probably got taken for a ride by the sales guy. This was back in my old town and don't actually knownif that shop is still in business.
2025 Yamaha FGX 830
--I specialize in annoying through excessive optimism and boundless enthusiasm--
-Thinking I can play like Hendrix while calling all the cats in the neighborhood-
codedog wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:23 am
So much great wisdom in these replies, I can't add any more. I have to say, the Godin family of acoustics are worth checking out. Slowy just mentioned Simon & Patrick, but Seagull and Art & Lutherie are also good. I had an Art & Lutherie parlour guitar once. It was fantastic. Unfortunately, the way many 12-fret parlours are built did not agree with my style of playing and crappy shoulder.
Anyway, I meant to say, I was in your position when I turned 40. The first guitar I bought was a Cort dreadnaught, can't remember what model. I did exactly what someone had suggested already and lowered the action. I may have lowered it a tad too much because, as my confidence grew, I strummed a little harder and some strings buzzed.
Fast forward 10+ years later... just as Slowy said, I have gone through quite a bit of gear, and now have a couple of Eastmans, a tele, a strat, a few others, including nice Breedlove and Larrivee acoustics. This forum is a collection of terrible/amazing enablers! You've been warned!
Hi codedog,
Great to hear from others that started out where I am now, makes me excited to get going.
I will def look at getting the shop to set up the guitar to help me as beginner.
Haha I have no doubt that in a few years from now I will own way to much of everything as well, but for now I am just happy to start at the beginning and try not to look to much of an ass when I play.
2025 Yamaha FGX 830
--I specialize in annoying through excessive optimism and boundless enthusiasm--
-Thinking I can play like Hendrix while calling all the cats in the neighborhood-
JoeBlow wrote: ↑Sun Jan 19, 2025 8:44 am
I agree with the action being important on a first guitar. It has to be set up for you, so make the shop (if bought new) get the action comfortable for you, otherwise it can be off-putting.
My nieces have cheaper acoustics they're learning on, and they're very uncomfortable/hard to play, even with decades of experience.
Hi JoeBlow
Thanks for the advice, will def look at doing this when I have decided on which guitar to buy.
I can relate to your nieces, I felt like the unit I first own was a bit of a disaster and lead me to never really want to play as it was so darn difficult.
Hopefully with the help of everyone I will be able to get something that works better for me and can really get going on this journey now.
2025 Yamaha FGX 830
--I specialize in annoying through excessive optimism and boundless enthusiasm--
-Thinking I can play like Hendrix while calling all the cats in the neighborhood-
Stormy wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:57 pm
Tbh I can sorta play 2 or 3 simple cords, but I always feel super embarrassed to try and play in a shop as I see such amazing & talented people play and can't bring myself to sit there and half ass it. Something I am always working on to improve but it is my achilles heel.
Doesn't matter how long you play, you'll still meet people who make you want to sit on your hands. Don't worry about it.
You can play some chords, great. Guitar necks differ in size which is good because people's hands are different sizes. This is where you may get some insight; if your hands are small, some necks may feel too thick to comfortably get your hands around. Conversely, big hands on a skinny, narrow neck can make life harder.
If you try this and can't really see what I mean it's not an issue for you; don't dwell on it.
Don't know where you are but if the local stores have SImon & Patrick guitars, consider them. I've played one recently that cost $1000 and gave every impression of being a $3000 instrument.
But bottom line, Sub $1000 guitars have never been better than they are now. Follow the store staff's advice, temper it with your own instinct and you have very little chance of doing the wrong thing.
Thanks for all the advice so far Slowy.
I am planning to go into some of the local shops around me this week when I have a free moment.
I will try and feel what the various guitars are like but I doubt I would know what's better than the next.
I am based in Tauranga so we do have a few shops around the area that I can visit.
There were a few of the brands you mentioned, I did look at them but didn't really pay them any mind. Will def relook at them when I go back out.
It's good to hear that there are so many good choices in my currently budget. When I bought the first one I was totally clueless and probably got taken for a ride by the sales guy. This was back in my old town and don't actually knownif that shop is still in business.
You’re screwed for shops in Tauranga mate…I’m there too and have dealt with them all for many years. go to Rotorua if you want to look in the RS, Music Planet here is not bad for looking at acoustics, they have a couple acoustic players that work there so should know what they’re talking about, and ole Bazz at music works is certainly a character, very humble man, but has some interesting ideas about things…
I’ll flick you a pm, might be able to help more since I’m local…
Doesn't matter how long you play, you'll still meet people who make you want to sit on your hands. Don't worry about it.
You can play some chords, great. Guitar necks differ in size which is good because people's hands are different sizes. This is where you may get some insight; if your hands are small, some necks may feel too thick to comfortably get your hands around. Conversely, big hands on a skinny, narrow neck can make life harder.
If you try this and can't really see what I mean it's not an issue for you; don't dwell on it.
Don't know where you are but if the local stores have SImon & Patrick guitars, consider them. I've played one recently that cost $1000 and gave every impression of being a $3000 instrument.
But bottom line, Sub $1000 guitars have never been better than they are now. Follow the store staff's advice, temper it with your own instinct and you have very little chance of doing the wrong thing.
Thanks for all the advice so far Slowy.
I am planning to go into some of the local shops around me this week when I have a free moment.
I will try and feel what the various guitars are like but I doubt I would know what's better than the next.
I am based in Tauranga so we do have a few shops around the area that I can visit.
There were a few of the brands you mentioned, I did look at them but didn't really pay them any mind. Will def relook at them when I go back out.
It's good to hear that there are so many good choices in my currently budget. When I bought the first one I was totally clueless and probably got taken for a ride by the sales guy. This was back in my old town and don't actually knownif that shop is still in business.
You’re screwed for shops in Tauranga mate…I’m there too and have dealt with them all for many years. go to Rotorua if you want to look in the RS, Music Planet here is not bad for looking at acoustics, they have a couple acoustic players that work there so should know what they’re talking about, and ole Bazz at music works is certainly a character, very humble man, but has some interesting ideas about things…
I’ll flick you a pm, might be able to help more since I’m local…
Thank you for letting me know.
I never want to be that person that knocks a shop as they probably dealing with the hand they were dealt, in saying that I certainly do feel that Auckland has far more choice as usual than we do. It is frustrating at times.
This is one of the many reasons I joined here, looking for the advise of those wiser and very likely more street smart than I could ever be.
Thank you very much for the offer of helping, always happy to take any I can get. Haven't considered Rotorua, but will def go check the shops out there.
2025 Yamaha FGX 830
--I specialize in annoying through excessive optimism and boundless enthusiasm--
-Thinking I can play like Hendrix while calling all the cats in the neighborhood-