Korean Job Discussion Forums

Darkness · Joined: 12 Oct 2006

I'm lookin for a newbie accoustic guitar, I have played very little in the past, I know a few chords, but with all this time on my hands in Korea, I want to start to play an hour a day or so.

I need something that is not super high quality, something that will sound good, easy to learn on, cheap (2nd hand). Found this website, well my students did, but I dont know what is good, or what the description says etc....

http://corners.auction.co.kr/corner/usedMarket.aspx?category=36511401

shrews68 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006

i think it might be a good idea to try and buy one from this forum. remember to ask what make and model it is and you can generally find the price on a website from US or Canada e.g. you will also be dealing with someone who speaks English. Maybe find out if it is a 'solid top' or not - these are better quality. i don't know what you intend to spend but i saw a Martin go for $400 or somewhere close on here recently - that is v.good price

Darkness · Joined: 12 Oct 2006

Well I guess it all depends, I was thinking of not spending too much. But if I can get a good deal I might as well get a good one, and bring it home with me....I dont know too much about guitars though.

superdave · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: over there ----->

it's probably worth talking to harpeau (http://www.harpo.ca)

he's a member here ... search for him in the memberlist.

he sells guitars frequently and has lots of gear.

here's a guitar he advertised recently:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=68132

good luck! Smile

jhaelin · Joined: 30 Aug 2006

here's some advice...

when buying your first guitar you should consider the following...

if you're just curious about playing and want to try things out with no long term intentions, then buy a cheap one.

if you're thinking kinda serious like, "i'd really like to learn how to play", then invest in something that will grow with you.

the reason for this is, cheapo-starter guitars are usually hard to play and usually sound crappy (thus being cheap).
so when starting out, you may get discouraged, cause your playing might sound shitty (and likely because your guitar is a piece of shite).

if you want to go cheap, buy something used (and reliable sounding).
you can also go to the "nogwon arcade", near the jogno-3-ga stop (3 line), and have a look around. it's the biggest and most stocked music equipment retail place in seoul.

also, if you're desperate to just start playing, i have a cheapo acoustic which i can give you for the price of strings.

Darkness · Joined: 12 Oct 2006

Well I started to play before I left, and I know some chords, I enjoyed it but didnt have much time, with having friends and all Laughing

Now with no friends, I have more time on my hands, and I really want to learn to play, I'mjust being cheap about the price as I am trying to obtain my financial goal while in Korea

khyber · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Compunction Junction

Some more random tips for the guitar itself
(I don't know how much you know so these are pretty basic):

1) Check out how high the strings are from the fretboard. Look around the 10-12 fret. They should be .25cm or so; really low.
If it's too high, we geetar players say the "action is too high" and it sucks to play

2) If you are buying an electric guitar, plug it in and WAIL the crap out of it. Listen to it carefully to make sure that the strings aren't bending

3) General care and maintenance (is it clean INSIDE and out).

4) Turn the tuning pegs to see how they feel. Make sure they move smooth.

5) Listen to the sound of the guitar. If you're going to be spending "a lot" of money (whatever you consider to BE a lot) you should make sure you like the sound; whether it's tiny, high end, full, lower, or nice and midrange; and then there is the tone. Each guitar will sound a bit different. Take the time to figure out what sound you like. My buddies back in vancouver who play in alt-country bands go garage sale shopping for guitars until they find ones with good tones (usually around 20$). To each their own.

For the record, Everyone has their own opinion of what a great sounding guitar, and there are guitars that most/all players would agree give a good consistant sound. BUT, you can definately find guitars YOU think are great, for a cheap price.

This may all sound like basic stuff but i made ALL of these mistakes when i've bought my guitars.

Darkness · Joined: 12 Oct 2006

Thanks!!

I really appreciate your input! Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

Cheers