Electric guitar starter kit suggestions?

[kal3b.j0hns0n]

Hey, I have been wanting to learn to play guitar for a while. I have been looking to find a good electric guitar kit, but I keep seeing mixed opinions about them. I have looked at the squire affinity series and sonic series, some donner guitars, and some other guitar starter kits on Gear4Music. When I see some reviews on the guitar they either say it's absolutely fantastic, or it's absolutely terrible. If you suggest one, please could you tell me the pros/cons about that guitar and why you think it's good. Would be much appreciated

[Dad3353]

On 05/10/2024 at 18:28, kal3b.j0hns0n said:

Hey, I have been wanting to learn to play guitar for a while. I have been looking to find a good electric guitar kit, but I keep seeing mixed opinions about them. I have looked at the squire affinity series and sonic series, some donner guitars, and some other guitar starter kits on Gear4Music. When I see some reviews on the guitar they either say it's absolutely fantastic, or it's absolutely terrible. If you suggest one, please could you tell me the pros/cons about that guitar and why you think it's good. Would be much appreciated

 

I'd suggest that any reasonably-popular guitar, made by any reasonably-popular maker, from any reasonably-popular supplier will be fine for any beginner. There can always be a flaw in any manufactured item; guitars are no exception, but they are rare. If any guitar purchased could be vetted (played by...) a decently competent guitar-playing buddy, to check that it's all working (and it will be...), there's little chance of anything seriously wrong happening. What some reviewers might describe as 'absolutely terrible' could be really insignificant details, that don't affect playing, and wouldn't be noticed by most folk. Any described as 'absolutely fantastic' could, by the same token, have been written by someone paid to give a glowing review. Ideally, you should try out any instrument yourself, or with a competent chum, in a reputable store, and decide what's good for you and your budget. If you must order through the web, there is ample protection against bitter disappointment, and, of course, the normal legal guarantees for any faults.

In short, trust yourself more, and go for whatever you like the look of, that will inspire you to learn and play, and is in your budget, from any reputable source, the closer to you the better. If we all gave a list of what's 'great' and what's 'rubbish', you'll not be more advanced. It's all good, as long as it inspires you to learn and play it.

Hope this helps. 

Douglas

Edited October 7 by Dad3353

[Crusoe]

What is your budget? 

I started with a Harley Benton TE-20 set that came with an amp, from Thomann. The amp was just OK. It didnsound fantastic and stopped working after a couple of years. The guitar is very good, especially considering it only costs about £68. The neck feels really nice. The finishing on the fret ends could be better, but they aren't too bad and I don't notice them when playing. The tuners do a good job. They don't feel great in operation but they work. The height adjustment screws on the bridge stick out quite a bit and dig into my hand if I have it resting on the bridge. I got a Harley Benton TE-62 after a while. It looks and feels better. The frets are finished better, the fretboard is nicer, the tuners are better and the bridge is better. I still play the TE-20 and sometimes prefer  the tone of it. It cost £138.

[randythoades]

I will echo the above. Any reasonably popular guitar would be perfectly fine for a beginner, but personally I would stick with the ultra popular ones like the Squier. It will be easier to sell if you don't keep on with it, or hopefully, get more accomplished and want a better quality instrument (not that there is any need to sell, a Squier guitar, as well as many other 'cheap' guitars can stay with you well into semi pro level).