Hey all. Hope everyone is having a great summer. It's sure been hot one so far and Lord knows that?s the way The Beard likes it. I got the coffee on, the stereo is rockin' (The Mars Volta, Small Faces, Doomriders) and I'm ready to go. We got some mail this month so let's get to it.

I wanna buy a guitar and I haven't played?ever. As a newbie, do I start with electric? acoustic? What should I look for or avoid? Think: moderate price range.
Thanks,
Rod

Wow!! That question is uber-wide in scope and calls for careful analysis. Until that happens, I will bring you these thoughts:

For starters, decide what kinda music yr gonna be playin'. If it's electric-based then acoustic isn't the way to go and vice versa. I don't play that much acoustic anymore, so I'll assume electric should be yr choice, especially if I can stop anyone from becoming a Dashboard Confessionalist.

One thing I suggest?as someone did to me long ago?is that when learning to play an acoustic, use heavy strings. That'll strengthen yr hands so when you pick up an electric, it'll be easier to play.

The bottom line with any guitar (cheap or expensive) is: Does it sound good? Feel good to play? Is it comfortable? Cost isn't always a consideration. I've played expensive guitars that felt like crap and cheapos that felt great.

Things I look for: A guitar that sounds full-bodied and rings out unplugged. The making of every guitar is dependent on its situation. Was Happy Joe the luthier grumpy when he was building yr instrument?? Was it built on a Monday or a Friday??? Folks suggest that these are not good build days?weekends tend to influence ability/concentration. One thing you don't want is a fucked up/bowed neck that no one can get straight. You?ll be constantly out of tune as you move up and down the neck and yr band/jam mates hate you for it unless yr after a blend of half-Japanese and the freak-out guy from the Ex.

If yr totally new to this, go into a guitar store and try out a bunch of guitars to see if you can find something that feels good. Take note though: Do not under any circumstances play any parts of ?Stairway to Heaven? or ?Smells Like Teen Spirit.? This might get you killed. Instead, try saying something like, "Man, it's a real shame about Danny Gatton. That guy had chops!" or, "Have you ever noticed that Steve Vai is a total douche-bag?" You could also try borrowing a guitar from a friend or renting one to see what rocks ya (maybe even decide the electric vs. acoustic debate for yrself).
Another question you have to ask is what kind of sound you want. Each guitar sounds different and when you combine it with amp and effects possibilities (a whole two other columns, folks), you are unlimited in color and tone.

With that, there are lots of deals out there. I got my last one for $400 and I love it. Check out the Internet or Ebay to find deals (although you can't try 'em out).

I would spend some time snooping around guitar shops, pawn shops and vacuum cleaner/pet grooming/instrument stores to see if you can find a deal. It took me seven years to find my '65 SG but the hunt was worth it.

In conclusion, the guitar will be a representation of yr voice and it should feel like the greatest lover and best friend combined?although sometimes it might feel like the enemy. To be really committed to yr craft (or insane asylum) you must find yr true voice (or voices in yr head). This is what people react to. It's important. Find yr voice; wrangle and caress it out of the instrument and if you think yr really gonna play guitar for the rest of yr life then maybe you should invest in it and spend a little bit extra for something that'll age well and is easy to play.

Hope that helped,
The Beard