Any Guitar Players? Need Some Advice.

What's his experience level? A Few years ago I bought hubby a guitar. His previous experience wasn't much. He could pick at it. I researched amazon and looked for a good starter guitar. I think amazon reviews are brilliant for pinpointing what you need.

I'd be tempted to give him a gift cert to a guitar/instrument/music store and let him pick out what he wants.
There are just too many choices for you to make for him.
He needs to pick out his own.

I agree with the gift card idea.

I would truly find out if there is a music store that sells items in his town. Then I'd find out if they do gift cards. A guitar is a personal thing. He needs to sit down with it and play it to find out which style feels better.

I'd probably send him a mastercard/visa gift card with a good amount on it and tell him it's so he can buy that dream guitar.

If he's your special guy then take him shopping with you and find a reason to go in a music store that sells them. Then surprise him with cash/card to purchase what he wants.

My boyfriend and I both play guitar.
I would not dream of trying to buy him a guitar.
The relationship between a real musician and his/her instrument is a deeply personal, I daresay intimate one.
Get a gift certificate in an amount you can afford to a music store and let him use it toward the purchase of the instrument of his choosing.

Epiphones are good. We have a store called the Guitar center here and it is huge. Maybe one of those there? or get him a gift certificate so he can pick it out himself. They are sized differently.

I would get a gift certificate in an amount that you are comfortable with. He will want something that he is comfortable holding and playing (there are different styles, etc.) I think Guitar Center is a nation wide store so check to see what's in your area. Or ask him for a picture or web link to one that he likes and go from there.

Go to 2 stores that sell instruments and give lessons, and ask to talk to someone with experience. Most music stores have a very good handle on used instruments too, when other musicians are upgrading. You can still go back to buying on line if you want (after you get some info), but you really won't know what you are getting. I think you should think about getting something from a reliable vendor who will honor returns and repairs, and guarantee that it's in good working order. If this is a first guitar, no, you don't spend a ton of money. If this is someone picking up guitar after years away from it, be sure he wants one for real and isn't just reliving his dream of starting up a band in the garage! I'll bet, if you ask around among your friends, you will find someone who plays guitar who would be willing to go with you too. Don't try to do this on your own.

My daughter plays guitar--she taught herself after learning a few chords in a short class in 7th grade. She has 3 electric guitars. They work well for her as she is a beginner. If she asked for a good electric guitar, I would not have a problem getting one of those mentioned by others. I think the question to ask is "Does he actually play or want to play" or "Is there some cool factor at play"? I would just go to a store, either mom and pop or big chain and ask someone there what they think would be a good starter guitar if that is what he is. I can tell you that I have spoken to other people that spent a lot of money on an intrument for a beginner and after a while they realize that holding it does not make they an expert and how much work goes into it. Then it just sits. Plus they have to get used to the feel and now to use it. I purchased my dd's acoustic guitars, she was given her electrics. She does not llike one at all because it just does not fit her well.

You'll need to know a few things before buying an electric guitar.

Does the man have any musical experience (is he familiar with reading music, playing any instrument ever?)

Has he ever played a guitar?

What is the purpose for the guitar? Does he want to learn, or does he want to be in a band, does he want to just expand his horizons?

What kind of music does he prefer (heavy metal, rock and roll, classical music, jazz, etc)? Because there are different guitars for different music styles.

If you go to a Guitar Center, they'll give you excellent advice, if you can provide them with the information like that. Any reputable music store will want that kind of information, actually. And of course, you don't need to purchase it there, but you'll at least be informed about what type of guitar to look for.

I agree on the gift certificate to a store because it is an expensive purchase and so personal. But if you really want him to be able to open something, you can always pick something out (from a store that has a bullet-proof return policy), let him open it and try it out and then exchange it if it's not right. Obviously is has to be exchanged in brand new condition - if you do this, make sure the store knows what you're doing so that they tell you anything you need to know to be able to bring it back and get full value of it towards a new one. This is actually a pretty common thing to do, and a small dealer will welcome your business and be willing to work with you to make it a great gift-opening experience but also make sure that your recipient is happy after the sale.

My oldest son (16) has been playing for over a year so I asked him for his thoughts. He said that Epiphone is a good brand to start with...specifically the Epiphone SG or Epiphone Les Paul, or Schecter Hellwin or Schecter C1. These are decent guitars that retail for around $250.

His first guitar was a Gibson Les Paul Melody Maker that he happened to be able to pick up for $250 from a store going out of business. The original price was $500 so he lucked out a lot on that and happened to be shopping with a guy who has been playing for 30 years so he was confident that it was a good deal. So there are great deals out there, but you really need to know what you're looking for. The guitars mentioned above are good ones to start with but are nicer than the $125 package you would buy for a 13 year old.

I'm with Julie G. on this. Amazon has given me great direction in the past with their reviews. I would narrow down the choices and read reviews from there

If he's 30 try to spy and find out what type he likes. It depends largely on the style of music he wants to play.

Fender Stratocaster is a great starter guitar and depending on where it's made the price ranges from around $100 to way, way over what you would be willing to spend. Gibson also makes some good starter model guitars as well.

If he has never played before, he will need an amp too, and you can usually get a package deal of a small amp with a starter Strat for around $250. That guitar is the lowest level of Stratocaster (called a Squier) but is good for beginners.

For a better quality beginning guitar that is still lower in price, I would expect to pay a minimum of $250 for the guitar only.

I would look for a smaller guitar store (not a guitar center, more like a mom & pop shop) where you can purchase a guitar as well. Most have someone that will help you find something good in your price range, set it up for you (get it tuned and get the action set so it's ready to play), and be able to sell you replacement strings, a tuner, and a cord if you need it.

Knowing that he is a 30 year old man, he likely will have some brand or style in mind, so I would ask before buying either way!

HTH! I used to work in a guitar store and play drums and guitar both.

I am not a guitar player, however my inlaws have owned a guitar store for 35+ years and now my BIL has the business. Last year my son wanted an electric guitar for Christmas. Of course it was easy for us!

Here is my advice: 1. Buy from a small business/local. The people who own the business are very knowledgable and want you to return to buy again. They are invested in you because you support their livelihood. They will also service your guitar and usually subcontract teachers for lessons.

I would visit a couple of places first before you decide where you would get a gift certificate. I am not saying that a Guitar center isn't the way to go, just find the right salesperson.

2. Get a gift certificate. A guitar is a personal thing. It needs to fit and feel right to the owner. Not to mention all of the colors you can choose from in electrics! You can wrap up a guitar ornament and put the gift certificate in an envelope. Agreed with Ms May, you will be looking at around $250 for just the guitar. You can get a second hand amp.

Have a wonderful holiday and your husband will be a lucky man Christmas morning!

Updated

I am not a guitar player, however my inlaws have owned a guitar store for 35+ years and now my BIL has the business. Last year my son wanted an electric guitar for Christmas. Of course it was easy for us!

Here is my advice: 1. Buy from a small business/local. The people who own the business are very knowledgable and want you to return to buy again. They are invested in you because you support their livelihood. They will also service your guitar and usually subcontract teachers for lessons.

I would visit a couple of places first before you decide where you would get a gift certificate. I am not saying that a Guitar center isn't the way to go, just find the right salesperson.

2. Get a gift certificate. A guitar is a personal thing. It needs to fit and feel right to the owner. Not to mention all of the colors you can choose from in electrics! You can wrap up a guitar ornament and put the gift certificate in an envelope. Agreed with Ms May, you will be looking at around $250 for just the guitar. You can get a second hand amp.

Have a wonderful holiday and your husband will be a lucky man Christmas morning!