What is a good acoustic guitar for a beginner? Should i invest big? Is a Gibson/Epiphone all right?

Question

I'm 16 and just enrolled in a guitar course in school. I'm very serious about purchasing one that i can use that is durable and has great sound. I can't decide on a brand tho. i'm looking at a Gibson/Epiphone on ebay for two hundred. Seller is 99.7% positive feedback. Would this be a good beginner? Or would it be a lot of upkeep? Can i take it wherever (e.g. to a friend's to play, to my school for class, etc.)? If you have any specific brands or models i would appreciate it.
Thank you.

Answer 1

I've been playing a Gibson Epiphone for years. I had some junky guitars when I started playing. All had bad actions and were hard to play. I think my Epiphone cost me $230 new in 1998.

I bought a good case and take it wherever I want. It's pretty good as far as wear and tear go. I don't do much to keep it in good condition. It usually goes back in the case as soon as I'm done playing. I've put a few scratches in it, but nothing big. I wipe it down when I'm done playing but rarely use any kind of polish or cleaner.

I've gone through a truckload of different string set-ups over the years. I used to use Martin strings, then D'Addario. I switched to Ernie Ball Earthwood a few months ago and they play so easy. I tried Elixer strings last month. They're good, but they cost twice as much as the Ernie Ball strings and I think the Ball's last longer and sound better. Elixer is a gimmick.

If I was going to buy a new guitar tomorrow I would get a Breedlove. I've played a bunch of them and like them better than Ovation, Takamine, or Martin. (but I like it because it has a good action and a nice hollow sound...not a tinny sound like the Takamine.)

Answer 2

It all depends on how serious you are going to be an how long you plan on playing and what you are going to do after you have gotten to a point where you can go off on your own an entertain people.

you can start out with beginners but most of them are hard to play because the string's are set much to high for a beginner.
but they are much cheaper.
I would go with the name brands you can't go wrong such as,
Gibson
Gretcsh
Fender
Epiphone
Guild
Yamaha
Martin, this is depending on what kind of music you plan on playing.

You can take these guitars where ever you go but you have make sure that they aren''t exposed to frezzing cold or high heat.
the tempuratures for these guitars need to stay at a moderate steady temperature or the finish will start cracking and the paint will
start cracking , you will also get wood separation at the seams if you don't take care of it.

Sincerely yours,
Fred M.Hunter

Answer 3

It depends on which model - the most important thing is to get a SOLID wood top. The model number usually has an "S" after it. The Epiphone DR200S is good - the Washburn D10S is higher rated and sells for $240 with a case at places like musiciansfriend.com.

Answer 4

The one you're looking at is a good choice. I would recommend a low-level Alvarez as well.