35 and just starting to rock! So, need help...

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35 and just starting to rock! So, need help...; Help on first guitar set up
Topic Started: Sep 10 2008, 01:30 PM (182 Views)
Digital_Dave	Sep 10 2008, 01:30 PM Post #1
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #8,813 Joined: September 9, 2008	Hello, So the mid-life crises starts here! I'm 35 and have finally decided to learn to play electric guitar, something I should of done 18 years ago but hey, that's life. I blame my children... I wonder if anyone here could recommend a good first guitar and amp, please? I am happy to spend a bit of cash on something descent, that sounds and looks good, which will also encourage me to pick it up more often. I have about Ł500 for the whole set-up, before my wife starts beating me up. I am london based and Denmark St is a five minute walk away. I've had a look around the stores there but feel like a total plum. Like buying my first car, I know nothing about the best makes etc. and I don't want to be ripped off and laughed out of the store. I'd want to play Indie rock style music. Oasis, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys that sort of thing. Any help much appreciated! Cheers DD



monwobobbo	Sep 10 2008, 01:44 PM Post #2
Posts: 600 Group: Moderator Member #8,625 Joined: June 23, 2008	welcome. if you poke around the forum particularily in the electric guitar section you will see a bunch of posts asking the same ?s sorry i've got to head out in a few and can't fully answer your ?. don't be shy just go in to the stores and look around and see what you fancy. then go on line and look up the guitars or amps and see what the buzz is on them. most important try them out especially the guitars to see how they feel or sound. see what the players you admire use and use that as a basis to look for.
	and now for something completely different


Digital_Dave	Sep 10 2008, 02:05 PM Post #3
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #8,813 Joined: September 9, 2008	Many thanks. Any chance you can point me to some good websites, both to buy equipment and to get "the buzz"? Cheers.



monwobobbo	Sep 10 2008, 08:39 PM Post #4
Posts: 600 Group: Moderator Member #8,625 Joined: June 23, 2008	i'm in the US so can't really give you any good sites to buy from. as for info what i always do is type the item i want to know about into the browser and see what comes up. you'll find user reviews all over the web. these tend to be of limited use but are often whats available. take 'em with a grain of salt as most people tend to think their latest purchase is great (or they piss and moan because the cheap thing they bought doesn't match up to a top of the line item that they really wanted). it all really comes down to whats right for you (and oddly enough that can only be determined by you). trying equipment out first hand is always the best thing to do.
	and now for something completely different


carpster61	Sep 13 2008, 07:47 AM Post #5
Newbie Posts: 7 Group: Members Member #8,765 Joined: August 25, 2008	You sound exactly like me Dave, I am in London, 40, and recently went for an electric guitar and amp. My first port of call was Denmark Street but I got the feeling they just wanted to get me out of the shops, as they didnt have time to help. I looked at all the guitars, then went home with my list and looked on the web to find out about them. I went for something out of your range even tho I couldn't afford them ... Ha, Ha..!!! I went for a Fender Stratocaster 2008 model with Fender Hot Rod De Lux amp. Denmark Street were far too expensive and I saved about Ł150 by ordering from my home town in Exeter. Their website is www.projectmusic.net , ring them and tell them the stuff you want and they may give you better price than the website. I did lots of ringing round and noone could do cheaper. Avoid Denmark Street because they have got do raise their prices, due to rent etc. Go in, pretend you are gonna buy, handle the guitar, ask them for a demo, and then buy elsewhere. I bought my set up about 2 months ago and there is no turning back. I'll be chucked out of London soon, at the levels I have it at...!!! Stereophonics, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Verve ... etc, etc .. for me, just wish I could play em all..!!! Good luck Gavin Edited by carpster61, Sep 13 2008, 07:55 AM.



Digital_Dave	Sep 15 2008, 04:51 PM Post #6
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #8,813 Joined: September 9, 2008	Hey, thanks Gavin! It's funny you mention the Fender Strat, as I have been thinking about that one also. Thanks for the website tip, I shall check them out asap. This mid-life crises is wicked fun. After I've learnt guitar, I think I'm going to put a band together. Get some 20-something rock-chick as the front girl (to get the crowds in) and I'll jam like a crazy old rocker at the back. Nice one. DD


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