Acoustic Newb

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Comment by Jeff Barrett on April 13, 2009 at 8:47pm

Hello again,
The laughing out loud sign did not make it in after the G.A.S. annonoumas joke.
Jeff

Comment by Jeff Barrett on April 13, 2009 at 8:44pm

Hello all,
I am Jeff Barrett,and I also suffer from G.A.S.
But I do not care and will never ask for help.
It is a great affliction.Sorry I thought this was a G.A.S. anonoumas meeting. Serously guitars are one of mans greatist inventions.
Collecting is almost as fun as playing.

Jeff

Comment by Mario on April 13, 2009 at 7:29pm

Hi Scott,

Welcome to the group. London as in UK? I'm a beginner who's been playing a little over a year now and have been developing my playing one day at a time. I started out taking private lessons for about 7 months before I decided to buy my Taylor 314ce. I had the opportunity to buy it directly from the Taylor factory which is only 5 minutes from me. Like you, I started out late, but am really enjoying it right now. No, I'm excited about it and only wish I did this sooner. Kind of like a mid life crisis, I think. The corvette did cross my mind, but I soon realized I could buy a store full of guitars for the price of one vette (lol). So I've been slowly been adding to my collection, hense GAS. At four right now. Hey a guitar player always has room for one more guitar.

All kidding aside. It has just become a passionate hobby for me. I practice a couple of hours a day methodically. Bottom line in choosing a guitar is a personal preferrence. Like Walt, I recommend you stick to what you have and if you feel this is not a passing fad for you then plan out your next acquisition carefully. Not sure I'd recommend online unless you know exactly what you want in tone, feel, craftsmanship, reputable dealyer and cost. I am of the opinion of that "you get what you pay for." Whether it's Taylor, Martin, Guild, Ibanez, Mitchell, Breedlove, etc. it comes down to personal choice. I recommend you pick up and play serveral guitars before you make a choice. And ask lots of questions. If the sales person does'nt take the time to inform you even though you're a beginner then move on to another store. They should take the time to fully educate you on the different characteristic of a guitar.

Now, back to the GAS thing or getting ahead of yourself affliction. Hey, I've made every guitar purchase with my better half's approval and she fully supports me in my endevor. I save up the money before I buy so this way I don't put it on plastic and it keeps me from being impulsive. Gives me a goal to reach for.

Hey Walt, I'm saving for that Taylor T3/B by the end of the year :-)

Scott, I've rambled on enough. Play on man and play loud. Everybody started where you are. Let us know how your progressing. Plenty of pro teachers around this site to give a lending hand.

Mario

Comment by Walt Pilcher on April 13, 2009 at 3:31pm

Scott,

Welcome to the group. From what little I've read online, it sounds like you got a really good guitar to start with. The "aspirational getting-ahead-of yourself-too-quickly affliction" you mention is apparently called "G.A.S." or Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, and I know it's tempting, but I'd say, resist, resist! I started with a Greg Bennett D1CE and played it for 18 months before finally rewarding myself for sticking with it and making progress by moving up to a Taylor 210e, still not a high end guitar, but a significant investment. Last summer on vacation I rented a Seagull S6 and liked it a lot, but I didn't buy it. So, I've managed to avoid G.A.S. I want to play much better before getting another guitar (My recently acquired Little Martin LX1 travel guitar doesn't count, of course!).

But seriously, if you've got a good guitar that you like and are having fun with, my advice is stick with it until you feel you are really making progress. Read some of the discussions in this group, especially contributions by people who are professional guitar teachers - some really good advice is available here!.

Walt

Comment by Scott Matthewson on April 13, 2009 at 3:12pm

OK, here goes.

I've just started trying to play the guitar. I'm doing it when the (4) kids are in bed. I have no illusions - I am 36 and never going to be a rock star! I just don't want to waste my life watching TV. I just want to noodle around and maybe play a tune or two to myself. I thought of buying a guitar before but, if I am honest, I was too scared to go into a shop and admit that I couldn't play anything...but through the joys of the internet I discovered that the Vintage V300 was an inexpensive reasonable starting acoustic guitar for beginners, and bought it online. I like it a lot. Nice and comfortable. good sound (to my inexpert ear). It just makes me feel happy holding on to it and strumming away in my not-very-good way.

So - I am trying out the Steve Krenz Learn & Master Guitar. Enjoying it so far - in fact it is very good. I know about 7 chords (can't change between them too fast yet, but I am sticking at it). I've been going about 2 weeks now - trying to catch 15 mins or so each night. Callouses on my left-hand fingertips developing nicely...

For some reason I seem to be drooling over low/mid level Martins, Taylors and (more realistically) the Seagull S6, even though I can't really play yet. Why? I just can't help myslef. I keep going online and looking at all these lovely guitars knowing full well that I am not worthy of them. Anyone else suffer from this aspirational getting-ahead-of yourself-too-quickly affliction?

Anyone else at my very early stage?

Regards from London
Scott

Comment by Bernie on April 9, 2009 at 12:14pm

Dan I understand your pain, I ordered a martin in October and I am still waiting for it. I was told 4-6 months, 6 months is coming fast LOL

Comment by Walt Pilcher on April 9, 2009 at 9:54am

Dan,
Welcome aboard! Take a look at the "It's about Time (The Metronome Thread)" discussion here.

Comment by Dan Goodemote on April 9, 2009 at 9:50am

Hi all:

I've been playing two years, but have many issues. This looks like a great site, hosted by a great magazine. I'll stop often.

I'm a southpaw and just ordered a new guitar (lefties can identify with that) I bought a Taylor 110. I'm really looking forward to getting it. Unfortunately, not until mid-May.

I have a lot of problems keeping time and rhythm, even simple strums. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated.

-Peace

Dan

Comment by Tom on April 8, 2009 at 6:07pm

You know its really encouraging to see so many folks are enjoying, as much as I am, learning to play guitar. Lets all keep on keeping on!!

Comment by Susan Palmer of Lead Cat Press on April 8, 2009 at 2:09pm

I thought some folks here might enjoy watching this video of Bill Evans on creativity and self-teaching:

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

Susan Palmer
Guitar Instructor at Seattle University
Author of, "The Guitar Lesson Companion"
www.leadcatpress.com

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