Guitars you own (7 Viewers)

1996 Fender 50th Anniversary Flamed Maple Strat
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Gibson/Epiphone Elitist Les Paul
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Epiphone Elite Sheraton
Gibson NY mini humbuckers
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Acoustics:
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500 Rosewood
Taylor 314ce
Gibson J-185 (pickguard removed) original with Maple body and neck (not the modern Rosewood / Mahogany version)
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also have a Martin Travel guitar and an old junky classical guitar not pictured. Had a Charvel Model 1 that was stolen (but i still own it! :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: )
 
So learning a musical instrument, namely guitar or drums, has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever - going back into lockdown here, turning 40 in a month, finishing up continuing education that I've been doing, five year work anniversary and becoming a father this past year... have all led me to being a bit more reflective on things I've accomplished (or not accomplished) in my life so far and think about where I want to focus my efforts going forward.

One of the things that's been missing for a long time is a creative outlet... so, guitar it is (drums in an apartment just isn't a realistic option given space and sound limitations).

Any resident experts able to point me in the right direction to start off in terms of equipment (guitar and accessories) would be greatly appreciated!

Initial thoughts/background info:
- I'd like an electric guitar
- I'm a lefty like @BonScot and @bigblind
- My musical interest are wide, but guitar-wise I could see myself getting excited about playing pop-rock, modern-rock, funk-r&b-groovy type music.
- I'm a bit of a goof and am constantly making up songs/rhymes and find myself singing all sorts of improvised things at home. It would be great to get to a point where I could play a guitar in the same way creatively... not just memorize songs to play.
- My hands are on the smaller side (if this should be relevant for types of guitars)
- Budget: nothing crazy expensive, but I'd be okay spending more initially to get something of a higher quality that will last. Let's say max $1000 not including any accessories.

Any feedback on lessons (online courses, apps, etc) would be great. Face-to-face lessons aren't exactly an option here atm with Switzerland going back into lockdown mode for the next 6 weeks at least.

Thanks! :)
 
cpac54 said:
So learning a musical instrument, namely guitar or drums, has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever - going back into lockdown here, turning 40 in a month, finishing up continuing education that I've been doing, five year work anniversary and becoming a father this past year... have all led me to being a bit more reflective on things I've accomplished (or not accomplished) in my life so far and think about where I want to focus my efforts going forward.

One of the things that's been missing for a long time is a creative outlet... so, guitar it is (drums in an apartment just isn't a realistic option given space and sound limitations).

Any resident experts able to point me in the right direction to start off in terms of equipment (guitar and accessories) would be greatly appreciated!

Initial thoughts/background info:
- I'd like an electric guitar
- I'm a lefty like @BonScot and @bigblind
- My musical interest are wide, but guitar-wise I could see myself getting excited about playing pop-rock, modern-rock, funk-r&b-groovy type music.
- I'm a bit of a goof and am constantly making up songs/rhymes and find myself singing all sorts of improvised things at home. It would be great to get to a point where I could play a guitar in the same way creatively... not just memorize songs to play.
- My hands are on the smaller side (if this should be relevant for types of guitars)
- Budget: nothing crazy expensive, but I'd be okay spending more initially to get something of a higher quality that will last. Let's say max $1000 not including any accessories.

Any feedback on lessons (online courses, apps, etc) would be great. Face-to-face lessons aren't exactly an option here atm with Switzerland going back into lockdown mode for the next 6 weeks at least.

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...
Regarding lefty guitars: obviously, your options are limited, but most major brands will have something available. Do you have any idea what style of guitars you like?

The best way to find your first guitar, is to play it. This might be difficult as a lefty under normal circumstances, and even worse with lockdown restrictions. Talk to a local shop about options, if you can.

If you must purchase online, buy from a reputable dealer with a liberal return policy.

I’ve never actually played one, but I’ve seen lots of reviews that Harley Benton guitars from Thomann are a good value. Sometimes they need a setup and some fretwork, and some people choose to upgrade the pickups and other electronics, but I’m willing to bet there’s someone near you who can do that work. They have a wide selection of lefty guitars.

https://m.thomannmusic.com/lefthanded_guitars.html?i11l=en_GB:US.USD:EUR&manufacturers=Harley+Benton

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
 
cpac54 said:
So learning a musical instrument, namely guitar or drums, has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever - going back into lockdown here, turning 40 in a month, finishing up continuing education that I've been doing, five year work anniversary and becoming a father this past year... have all led me to being a bit more reflective on things I've accomplished (or not accomplished) in my life so far and think about where I want to focus my efforts going forward.

One of the things that's been missing for a long time is a creative outlet... so, guitar it is (drums in an apartment just isn't a realistic option given space and sound limitations).

Any resident experts able to point me in the right direction to start off in terms of equipment (guitar and accessories) would be greatly appreciated!

Initial thoughts/background info:
- I'd like an electric guitar
- I'm a lefty like @BonScot and @bigblind
- My musical interest are wide, but guitar-wise I could see myself getting excited about playing pop-rock, modern-rock, funk-r&b-groovy type music.
- I'm a bit of a goof and am constantly making up songs/rhymes and find myself singing all sorts of improvised things at home. It would be great to get to a point where I could play a guitar in the same way creatively... not just memorize songs to play.
- My hands are on the smaller side (if this should be relevant for types of guitars)
- Budget: nothing crazy expensive, but I'd be okay spending more initially to get something of a higher quality that will last. Let's say max $1000 not including any accessories.

Any feedback on lessons (online courses, apps, etc) would be great. Face-to-face lessons aren't exactly an option here atm with Switzerland going back into lockdown mode for the next 6 weeks at least.

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...
If you’ve never played get something like a Squier Stratocaster. Also get an amp that has a headphone socket.
 
Beakertwang said:
Regarding lefty guitars: obviously, your options are limited, but most major brands will have something available. Do you have any idea what style of guitars you like?

The best way to find your first guitar, is to play it. This might be difficult as a lefty under normal circumstances, and even worse with lockdown restrictions. Talk to a local shop about options, if you can.

If you must purchase online, buy from a reputable dealer with a liberal return policy.

I’ve never actually played one, but I’ve seen lots of reviews that Harley Benton guitars from Thomann are a good value. Sometimes they need a setup and some fretwork, and some people choose to upgrade the pickups and other electronics, but I’m willing to bet there’s someone near you who can do that work. They have a wide selection of lefty guitars.

https://m.thomannmusic.com/lefthanded_guitars.html?i11l=en_GB:US.USD:EUR&manufacturers=Harley+Benton

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Click to expand...

BonScot said:
If you’ve never played get something like a Squier Stratocaster. Also get an amp that has a headphone socket.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys! Yeah, trying one out in person may be a challenge for the foreseeable future, but I will definitely seek out a local shop for advice and see what I can find for lefty selection and available brands.

I was looking at the Squire Telecaster, Fender Player series and the Epiphone models today, which all seemed to have good reviews. In terms of pure optics, I really like the look of the Telecaster. The Epiphone Les Paul models would be a close second.

Good call on the headphone jack. Any recommendations?
 
cpac54 said:
Thanks guys! Yeah, trying one out in person may be a challenge for the foreseeable future, but I will definitely seek out a local shop for advice and see what I can find for lefty selection and available brands.

I was looking at the Squire Telecaster, Fender Player series and the Epiphone models today, which all seemed to have good reviews. In terms of pure optics, I really like the look of the Telecaster. The Epiphone Les Paul models would be a close second.

Good call on the headphone jack. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
The Stratocaster is the most comfortable to play. The other ones will dig into you a bit. I tried everything before a strat as i thought they were boring. I couldn’t be more wrong.
A cheap small portable amp is what you need. Line6 do some like the pod that are good.
If you’ve never played don’t go mad and spend a fortune until you know that you’re hooked. If you can buy second hand do that.
 
BonScot said:
The Stratocaster is the most comfortable to play. The other ones will dig into you a bit. I tried everything before a strat as i thought they were boring. I couldn’t be more wrong.
A cheap small portable amp is what you need. Line6 do some like the pod that are good.
If you’ve never played don’t go mad and spend a fortune until you know that you’re hooked. If you can buy second hand do that.
Click to expand...

It's like you're in my head, man! :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: I'm sure they're great, or else they wouldn't be so popular. But, I've had the exact same thought.

I've checked out some local online classifieds. Lots of "normal" guitars, but nothing for left-handed folk. I'm having flashbacks of trying to find scissors during grade school!
 
cpac54 said:
It's like you're in my head, man! :ROFL: :ROFLMAO: I'm sure they're great, or else they wouldn't be so popular. But, I've had the exact same thought.

I've checked out some local online classifieds. Lots of "normal" guitars, but nothing for left-handed folk. I'm having flashbacks of trying to find scissors during grade school!
Click to expand...
If I was starting out again I would tell myself to get a straight with light strings. The strings will hurt your fingers so the lighter the better for you until your fingertips toughen up.
 
cpac54 said:
So learning a musical instrument, namely guitar or drums, has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever - going back into lockdown here, turning 40 in a month, finishing up continuing education that I've been doing, five year work anniversary and becoming a father this past year... have all led me to being a bit more reflective on things I've accomplished (or not accomplished) in my life so far and think about where I want to focus my efforts going forward.

One of the things that's been missing for a long time is a creative outlet... so, guitar it is (drums in an apartment just isn't a realistic option given space and sound limitations).

Any resident experts able to point me in the right direction to start off in terms of equipment (guitar and accessories) would be greatly appreciated!

Initial thoughts/background info:
- I'd like an electric guitar
- I'm a lefty like @BonScot and @bigblind
- My musical interest are wide, but guitar-wise I could see myself getting excited about playing pop-rock, modern-rock, funk-r&b-groovy type music.
- I'm a bit of a goof and am constantly making up songs/rhymes and find myself singing all sorts of improvised things at home. It would be great to get to a point where I could play a guitar in the same way creatively... not just memorize songs to play.
- My hands are on the smaller side (if this should be relevant for types of guitars)
- Budget: nothing crazy expensive, but I'd be okay spending more initially to get something of a higher quality that will last. Let's say max $1000 not including any accessories.

Any feedback on lessons (online courses, apps, etc) would be great. Face-to-face lessons aren't exactly an option here atm with Switzerland going back into lockdown mode for the next 6 weeks at least.

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...

I was forced by my parents to learn classical piano and violin as a child. I never really enjoyed it but it did give me a grounding in theory. As soon as I went to university I dropped them both, bought a guitar and had a few lessons but my fat fingers made it tough and I wasn't as dedicated as I should have been. I also DJ'd a lot, something I continued until I got married and had kids (hard to be out in a club until 4am when you have a newborn at home). I have a very nice electric guitar but it has come out of the case more often to show buddies than actually to be played.

Wanting to make music, I bought myself a harmonica and tried that out. It was difficult - I struggled and struggled to sound decent and eventually gave up. They're cheap but hard to play.

Anyway, fast forward 15 years and I'm now in my mid 40s and my daughter asks me to buy her a guitar. This has me wanting to get back to playing an instrument myself. Coincidentally my sister (who's very musical) was visiting and she suggested a ukulele. I got on Amazon and bought a $50 uke and I love it! It's so much easier than the guitar since there are only 4 strings to worry about. And there are so many youtube videos and song websites out there than I managed to learn 5 songs in a matter of days. The fingers will take some breaking in but I'm hooked. And being a (poker chip) obsessive compulsive, I've already bought uke no2 and no3 is on the way. My sister left last night to go back to California and has 3 ukuleles on order also! Our last night together was the two of us sitting on the couch playing duets.

For the low cost of entry, I definitely recommend giving it a go. Perhaps I'm in my honeymoon period as this adventure just started last week but I'm sitting at my desk, reading emails with the uke in my lap. It's so small, the barrier to picking it up and playing is as low as it can possibly be.

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And, if you want to progress to guitar, the finger patterns are all the same just a different key. The g chord fingering on a ukulele is the same as a d chord on a guitar. So the muscle memory you develop is directly transferable. And at the affordable end, there is no real difference between a left and right handed uke, you just reverse the string order.

Oh and it's worth mentioning that even as a left hander, you can play the guitar right handed if that feels more natural to you. Both my sister and daughter are lefties and my daughter play left handed but my sister plays right handed.
 
look on eBay or something and buy a left handed starter kit they come with a cheap amp.
then see how you like playing. this way you can research and see what you like. if not
you don't have really nothing invested in guitar and you can just walk away. since your a
lefty, your options are limited. look around . when i first started i was asked about learning
to play right handed i tried it, just couldn't get use to playing that way. some people do
learn that way.
 
ok, about time I joined this thread :D I'm an acoustic guitar snob, stick to the very few handmade shops still operating.

1. Collings 000-2G

- German Spruce top over Rosewood back/sides
- 12 fret to body
- 1 3/4" nut , 25.5" scale
A medium size body and full scale length, this sucker just RINGS. Colllings might be my favorite "bang for the buck" acoustic.


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2. Santa Cruz Skye 00 Custom
- Adirondack Spruce over African Blackwood back/sides
- 12 fret to body, slot headstock
- 1 13/16" nut, 24.9" scale

Smaller, incredibly balanced and accurate tone. A pleasure to play in every possible way. and dare I say, looks wise that blackwood is classy as hell.


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If I ever was going to buy anything else, it'd probably be a Bourgeois with a torrefied top and Brazilian, probably OM size body. That'd be like $15k+ though. I've already got two incredible guitars though - more than anyone would need in a lifetime.
 
My daughter and I were learning a few songs last night - she was on her guitar and I with my uke. My goodness, the difference in difficulty is exponential. I was able to pick up new chords petty damn fast but she was struggling. Having 2 fewer strings makes a massive difference. A lot of uke chords are just one or two fingers and barring is a lot easier.

In other news, my sister ordered 3 more ukes last night. Oh to be single and successful.
 
This arrived yesterday. It has really put all my other ukes to shame - it's so loud in comparison and also a dream to play. Koaloha Opio spruce topped tenor.

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And I should add that my sister has got it bad:
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cpac54 said:
Arrived last night! Exciting and intimidating all at the same time! :wow::nailbite:

Signed up for the Fender Play app to get started and will aim for F2F lessons as soon as the lockdown here is lifted (whenever the hell that will be...)

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There was a guy on YouTube years ago called Justin Guitar and his beginner videos were brilliant. You should give them a try.
 
I sold some TRKs and managed to get my hands on my first "big boy's" ukulele, a Kamaka tenor. Made in Honolulu on July 7th 2020, my 100% Hawaiian made lady. A bit quiet at the moment since she's new but she'll open up as I play her more.

She was stuck in a FedEx warehouse in Memphis for a week while we were having our icepocalypse but a humidity bag kept her in perfect condition. Colour me happy!

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Thirteen years after the music career ended, and all that’s left are a 1995 alpine white (beautifully yellowed) Gibson LP Studio and a Martin C16. I love them both dearly.

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