Hi everyone,

I am buying a guitar for someone who hasn't played in a few years and is very rusty. Any recommendations for essentially a beginner? I have looked at electric like a Les Paul and a Martin acoustic. The Taylors are gorgeous, but a little out of my price range, i.e., no more than 1500.00

Thanks!

Jen

 

a Les Paul is a great gift, I would go with that.

 

thanks, but I did find some nice acoustic guitars yesterday, but I am think I am buying online. Some fantastic deals to be had!

 

You cannot go wrong with Les Paul or an American made Fender Stratocaster in most cases. Just like you could not go wrong with a Taylor if you want to go the acoustic route.

That said, there are Taylor acoustics that are under $1500.

Bear in mind that electrics are a bit easier to play because the strings tend to be less, shall we say, "stiff". But on the flip side, an electric obviously requires an amplifier. Amps can be had very cheaply nowadays, so that really shouldn't be an issue.

Without knowing the person your buying this for, it is tough to say which style of guitar to recommend.

I will say this though... If you're going to go electric, one of the best "bang for the buck" guitars you will ever get, bar none is an American made brand called Carvin. New, $1500 gets a totally custom guitar. The best materials, made for your intended recipient. OR, you could get a used Carvin for an insane deal some place like Ebay. Carvin, hands down is one of the best guitars out there, just not very well known. But those that know them, love them.

 

thank you! I went shopping again today and I found some very nice Taylor acoustic-electrics and Fender stratocasters and Gibson's. I think he really wants the sounds of bands like coldplay, smashing pumkins, u2, rem, etc.... so, I am going to google the Carvin brand. thanks for your input! He can wait until after Christmas since he already has quite the selection of gifts from me!

PS. i would not have looked at Taylors until I saw they were a sponsor here and since then, I have found them to be THE choice of guitarists...I tried one today myself and it was the best guitar I ever played...maybe I'll get one, too!

 

Try out the Taylor T5. Best of both worlds with acoustic sound and hard crunchy electric tones too. Really a beautiful axe.

 

I have a beautiful Taylor 714ce that I would part ways with (mint condition). Paid 3200 new and would pass on a deal for 1800 if you are interested.

 

Damn, a les paul as a gift. I'd love that. Personally I'm a Les Paul guy, love the humbucker style. As for the question of acoustic vs electric, I'd say it's a natural progression for most guitar players to go from an acoustic to electric, so acoustic first. But if he's already a guitar player who would enjoy an electric, nothing better than a Gibson Les Paul.

 

thanks for all the input guys! I the electric route is the way to go for now. I checkouted the Carvin website and all I can say is wow! Very nice and very affordable. I am going to contact them today (if they're open) or Monday for some suggestions!

Happy Holidays!

 

A Carvin is on my list after another Taylor!
So it is with intent on my own part that I reference them. On Carvins website, there is a page that has "in stock" guitars, you may have a look at those, so you don't have to wait the seven weeks it'll take to get one custom done.

Enjoy!!!