What acoustic guitar: Silvertone, Epiphone, Ibanez,or Fender?

Question:im 14, looking to buy my first guitar and i just wanted an opinion on what is the best beginner acoustic guitar out there: Silvertone, Epiphone, Ibanez, or Fender. i'm looking for one thats roughly under $250 and is a good quality guitar for its price. and i want one that would be available at a music shop. or if there is any other brands that are good then dont hesitate to tell me.thanks for your help!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: im 14, looking to buy my first guitar and i just wanted an opinion on what is the best beginner acoustic guitar out there: Silvertone, Epiphone, Ibanez, or Fender. i'm looking for one thats roughly under $250 and is a good quality guitar for its price. and i want one that would be available at a music shop. or if there is any other brands that are good then dont hesitate to tell me.thanks for your help!!

There are so many different brands because no single one of them pleases everybody.

So we need to tell you how to find the one that pleases you.

If you have a knowledgeable friend, take him/her along to that music store (and try to shop at a really good one; Sam Ash or Guitar Center or your local shop that sells orchestral and band instruments as well as guitars).

Try out as many guitars as you can find in your price range--do not be afraid of used or display or scratch-n-dent b/c those will give you the opportunity to buy more guitar for your $250. When you try them out, you're looking for FEEL: does the neck nestle nicely in yoru left hand with all strings within easy reach of those fingers? Does your right arm drape happily over the body with fingers brushing the strings near the sound-hole?

Get several finalists that feel good, then have your friend or the store clerk play the same tunes on each while you turn your back. The one that sounds best when your back is turned is the one you want. Buy THAT PARTICULAR ONE, do not accept a "new in box" from the stock room; there are differences in sound among the same model of acoustic guitar due to vagarities of wood grain, etc.

Now, two other things--to avoid potential injuries (tendinitis, carpal tunnel, etc.) and to make fastest progress:

1) Hire a good teacher for at least a dozen half-hour lessons. After that, if you want to continue with the teacher, fine--otherwise you can teach yourself from books, cds, dvds (which are cheapest from ebay or a used bookstore). That dozen lessons will ensure that your fundamentals are sound.

2) Start out by practicing no more than 10 minutes at a time, several times a day. Four or six 10-minute sessions will get you further at first. In the second week, extend the time by a minute or two, and keep extending it a little bit each week--eventually dropping the number of practices until you finally end up with one hour-or-more practice per day.

For a starter guitar I would recommend the epiphone guitar, I have always preferred the gibson, and the epiphone is close to the gibson. Even though your beginning, you should have a guitar that plays easy.

I think an Ibanez or a Yamaha would be an excellent choice.

Fender makes great electric guitars (telecaster/stratocaster), but I don't think much of their acoustics. Epiphone makes good acoustics as well, but I think they're a bit pricey for the quality. The good quality Epiphones like the Dove and the Hummingbird (Gibson copies) cost more than $250. I woudn't even consider a Silvertone.

Try as many as you can, get alot of opinions, in the end it's totally your own choice and preference that matters.

fender

Don't go into it with a brand name in mind; go to the shop and handle several guitars, listen to them and feel the action.

A used 'name' guitar is generally a better instrument than a new cheap one. Some of the dimestore brands also make bicycles and toys, etc. Best to stick with an actual guitar manufacturer! Washburn is pretty good for a beginner, I'd think.

Be aware also that many guitar shops keep their top-line (expensive) guitars in tune but not the cheaper ones. Don't let them rush or pressure you into making a decision- you'll spend lots of time with your purchase so find one that feels right to you.

Frets should be smooth and free of buzzes or dings. Machines should work smoothly and respond immediately as you turn them.
The neck and fingerboard should be nice and smooth, no dings or sharp edges.

Don't buy a nylon-stringed guitar thinking you'll switch to steel strings later!

Let your ears and fingers be your guide.

If you stick with it, you'll develop your own style by the time you purchase your next guitar. Then again, you'll have to listen to all the models in your price range but you'll also know which one sounds 'right' for you.

At that point, I'd definitely look into a Martin, or a Gibson. :)

No dount about this. Epiphone has the fatter sound and better sounding. Also, as a technician in repairs, we rarely have to adjust Epiphone guitars. Once they are set, they stay set.