Learn - Articles about leading worship

Brands...
As far as brands go, this isn't an easy answer. Some brands are crummy and some are nice. But the tricky thing is, many of the nice brands also have "low end" guitars. These crummy guitars may have the same brand name as a really nice guitar, but it could still be a junker. I own a Fender acoustic. But as I mentioned, Fender also makes some low end crummy guitars. So it's not a simple as saying, "Buy a Fender."

Suppliers...
The question about suppliers is a better question. If you go to a big music store (like Guitar Center or Sam Ash) they will have a much larger selection. But if you don't know what you're looking for, you might come home with something you don't want. Instead, I would browse at the big store to see what is available, and then stay local when you buy. Specifically, I recommend a small shop in our town called Drum n Strum. I like the guys who run the place because they care more about music than they do about money. So they will make sure you you go home with something good. Ask a musician who lives in your area to recommend a small, local shop similar to this one.

Range of cost...
My first guitar was an Alvarez, about $300, probably more than what I needed to spend. But it was a really nice guitar. I kept it for about 5 years, and it was still a great guitar. You should be able to get a GREAT starter guitar for about $200, give or take. Anything around the $100-or-less range is not worth buying. Top of the line would be the $9,000 custom Taylor I'm drooling over... but I'll never own it. Just dreaming :o)

So what advice would you give to a first-time guitar buyer?

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