Kid wanting to learn guitar here.

[Aerodynamic]

Yeah, so I have been meaning to learn to play guitar for a while, I already have myself a teacher, I just need to decide on one thing.

I am not sure which guitar to get. My dad says I can get an acoustic up to 350$, but that I will have to stick with that one guitar for quite some while (possibly 3 years), or I can get a guitar around the price range of 100-150$ and once I learn how to play that at a basic level in about a year or so, he will purchase me the electric guitar and amp of my choice as long as the price is not too extreme.

Right now I am leaning towards this one.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ovation-Celebrity-CC24-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-513279-i1148073.gc#read-reviews

I still am looking around in stores and other websites, but I really cant decide which to pick. I am open to other guitar suggestions as well, they just have to be acoustic.

Oh yeah, I am sure I want to learn guitar, comments like "Don't, the guitar is overrated and everyone and their dog plays one, learn the bass or accordion instead kid" are not really welcome here. Also yes, I know, learning it will not be easy.


So the question is, is this guitar good? or what do you recommend instead?

EDIT: I think this title will attract more people. At least I hope.

Double EDIT: Yeah, that title change did nothing, another thread dead by me.

 

[Horticulture]

I'd suggest getting a cheaper guitar now and taking your dad up on his offer of a nice electric in a year. By then, you'll have a better idea of what you want in a guitar and can make a better selection. Get a $150 Yamaha acoustic [http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-F335-Acoustic-Guitar-102919487-i1166364.gc], or look for a used Alvarez or Seagull.

Edit: Grab a tuner and metronome as well.

 

[SoxFan96]

http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0950801100

This is what I got when I began playing guitar. A pretty decent starter pack including:
A gig bag (replace if you become more serious)
A strap (replace)
Backup strings ( very useful)
Tuner (Fine to start but replace at some point with an electronic one allowing for different keys)
Picks (Medium, teardrop, standerd begging pick)
And of course the guitar. A Fender Acustic that I like a lot.

 

[Scizophrenic Llama]

I got an Ibanez acoustic-electric pack [http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-IJAE5-JamPack-JoltSE-AcousticElectric-Guitar-Pack?sku=519605] for my first guitar. I agree with Furburt about getting an acoustic to start, not only because it does have a clear sound so you know what you are playing, but it is actually slightly harder to push down the strings and builds up your finger strength.

I still use that guitar every so often and I personally like it's sound. Aside from that check out http://justinguitar.com/ for some good free lessons once you do get your hands on a guitar.

 

[Guy32]

God forbid you stop at the guitar center to try them out...

 

[Willem]

I think it really doesn't matter which guitar you choose as your beginner guitar. For the first couple of years you'll be developing your own style and feel. By then you'll know exactly what you want from a guitar.

I suggest you buy that guitar, it seems like it would be a good guitar even for a more advanced guitarist.

You should try it out first though...

 

[JPH330]

I got an Ibanez acoustic-electric pack [http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-IJAE5-JamPack-JoltSE-AcousticElectric-Guitar-Pack?sku=519605] for my first guitar. I agree with Furburt about getting an acoustic to start, not only because it does have a clear sound so you know what you are playing, but it is actually slightly harder to push down the strings and builds up your finger strength.

I still use that guitar every so often and I personally like it's sound. Aside from that check out http://justinguitar.com/ for some good free lessons once you do get your hands on a guitar.

Incidentally, that's the exact same package that my brother got as his first guitar. It's a pretty great deal, I'd recommend it.

 

[Generator]

You may want to just stop at a store to see what feels comfortable, as that is very important in a guitar. I, for example, cannot stand guitars with rounded backs, since they always slide off of my leg. You, however, may find them easier to hold. Honestly, the best thing to do is to just try some out and see which ones feel the most comfortable and make the best sound within your price range.

 

[Sonicron]

The Ovation is a very good guitar. My dad has one of the older models I believe and it's probably the acoustic I use the most. It will last you a long time, and if you have a decent acoustic you can work on getting a decent electric to compliment it further down the line.

I agree with this. I don't know where your preferences in music lie, but if you lean more towards acoustic then an Ovation is a very good choice. Beautiful in both design and sound.

Many people will tell you to start with nylon strings, and yes, they are a lot easier to play because you don't have to apply as much pressure on the fret board. However, back when I learned to play the guitar (and I was fortunate to play an Ovation as well because my mother owned one) I started out with steel strings. Yeah, it can be tough at first, but the sound is much better, the finger strength you gain is invaluable, and if you switch to an electric guitar at some point, playing that one will be a breeze - seriously, your fingers are going to fly all over that fret board.

Now, if you're more into electric guitars and just want to use the acoustic as a jumping-off point, I suggest starting out with a decent beginner's model... I don't know any of the current ones, but I'm sure someone else will cover that in this thread. Once you move over into electric territory (and if you're into the Rock and/or Metal sound) I can recommend the Ibanez GSA 60 series of guitars from my personal experience. Affordable price, high durability, good sound and pretty damn sleek design make it a decent choice for both relative beginners and advanced players.

 

[Vampire cat]

I have a Gibson SG, had it for many years. Cherry red. It's the best guitar I have ever used, and I think you'll notice a bunch of the most famous guitarists in the world use SGs (for a reason!) If you have the money, go for it. Used to cost a bunch even for a Standard one, which is what I have, but now I think it's like $1300.

A guitar I always wanted is the Gibson SG Goddess... Holy crap thats a good looking thing...

www.gibson.com

Screw Fenders!

Electric Guitar isn't the best to start with, because when you're learning at first, you really want to have a clear idea of what it sounds like, and electric can distort that, even on clean settings.

Not really, you just have to get a good guitar. I started playing on my dads guitar, a Gibson Les Paul. A little while after I tried various acoustic guitars and they didn't sound any more or less clean.

An acoustic guitar will cost you less for good quality tho, so that is no doubt a word in its favor. don't buy a cheap electric guitar, it's not worth even the low cost. Rubbish... Electric guitars are a lot more fun to play too, so I would actually recommend it if you have the cash.