Where can I find a cheap acoustic guitar?

Question:I have wanted to play the guitar and my birthday is coming up so I want to find an acoustic guitar. It doesn't have to be of the best quality, I just really want one. Know of any places in Des Moines, Iowa or close to there?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have wanted to play the guitar and my birthday is coming up so I want to find an acoustic guitar. It doesn't have to be of the best quality, I just really want one. Know of any places in Des Moines, Iowa or close to there?

I realize that I am contradicting just about every answer on here, and my answer will probably be lost in the pile, but:

1) Don't go to a pawn shop. The guitars there are usually the bottom of the barrel. Think about it - do you want a used guitar from someone who didn't care about their guitar, pawned it, and never came back for it? On top of that, the pawn shop will not be able to help you with advice about guitars.

2) Don't buy your first guitar on ebay. Even experienced players who know instruments get disappointed sometimes with ebay purchases. One guitar looks pretty much like another in the photos; you will have no idea until you get it in the mail how it sounds, feels, or plays, or whether it has hidden damage.

3) Don't go to Guitar Center, Sam Ash, or that kind of big store. Those stores are about one thing: sales. They will tell you whatever they need to say to sell you a guitar. It may not be the right guitar for you; it will just be the most profitable guitar they can get you to pull out your wallet for.

4) Don't go to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart doesn't sell musical instruments. They sell crappy toys that are just about impossible to play.

So, you might be wondering, where DO I go? Go to a reputable small independent music store in your area. At a good store, they won't pressure you to buy, but they will ask questions about what kind of music you want to play, what musical experience you already have, and things of that nature. They will try to find you a good instrument in your price range - one that fits you and your tastes, and is adjusted and strung properly so as to be easier to play. They will advise you what books and accessories to get. They may even offer lessons. They do this because, unlike the other choices above, they want you as a return customer, and so they want you to be happy and keep playing. You will not get that kind of help at any of the others.

I see someone else has advised you to shop in person and then buy online to save a few bucks. I strongly disagree. No two guitars are exactly alike. The one you play in the store may be fine, while the one you get online may have playability problems or just not sound quite the same, even if it is the same make and model. When you pick a guitar, you should be picking that PARTICULAR instrument, not just one like it.

Congratulations on your decision. I hope it works out well for you and turns into a lifelong hobby, or maybe even more.

edit: In response to your additional question: I don't live in Des Moines, so I have never been to Rieman. I went and looked at their website, though. In acoustics they have Yamaha and Takamine. Those are not high-end brands, but not cheap crap either. Both of them make good quality beginner and intermediate instruments. When I was 14 years old and wheedled my first guitar out of my reluctant parents, it was a Yamaha, and I still have it. So you could do worse. :) But you might want to shop one or two other such stores in your area if you can find them.

One more edit: If money is an issue and your mom wants to settle for a cheaper instrument, tell her this: a bad guitar is hard to play, and hard to keep in tune. An experienced player might be able to cope with a hard-to-play instrument, but a new player will immediately get discouraged by it and the guitar will wind up in the closet collecting dust. Your chances of sticking with it are much better if you find an instrument that feels GOOD to play. It will help you get through those first weeks when your fingertips feel like someone has been pinching them with pliers. :)

Try a pawn shop.

ebay.com I got mine for $20 (with shipping)

is this the chat room

Why don't u get an expensive 1?? if u want it get a good 1!!!!

pawn shop

Ebay has everything. . . Seriously

Try a pawn shop

pawn shops, craigslist.org, ebay, overstock.com

I don't know about Des Moines, Iowa, why don't you check online or something? Good Luck in finding one!

go to like guitar center or walmart

wal mart. this are under 100, but are really shitty. you should really start with something no less than 200.

ebay or my house i give it to u for free lol

Check with your local music stores and see what they have in their used instrument inventory! STAY AWAY from walmart, etc kind of stores. The instruments they sell are horribly hard to play and very cheaply made.

pawn shop!

walmart , toys r us.. I have seen them there..Im sure they are not top of the line.. but when you get really good you can buy a better one...

It might be better to save for a more $$ guitar because it will last longer and have overall better quality. If you get a cheap one you might have to deal with repairs and stuff which could excede the price yo paid on ur guitar.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/J...

this site has tons of guitars

Go to guitar center. They know what they are talking about there. You can get one for about 100 dollars. And you can get a warranty on it if you buy it from guitar center. Plus if you decide you really like guitar, go back to guitar center again. They are really amazing at helping you understand what you are buying. They dont try to get you to buy the most expensive thing there, they help you find the guitar that is right for you, and in your price range. good luck!

Don't go cheapo and get the lowest priced guitar. You will not be happy playing it and quit and it will be a total waste of your money. Plan to spend at least $250 for a good guitar to start out.

You should go to the guitar store and try to play as many guitars in your price range that you can find. Choose the one that sounds and feels the best. If you know someone who plays then see if you can get them to come along to help. You don't have to spend a lot of money but don't buy the cheapest thing that you can find just because of the price. That is the best advice I could give.

Go online and find a bunch in your price range and write down or print out the make and model numbers. (The store prices will be higher usually) You can use the paper to take notes about what you played and whether you liked it or not.

Some sites are musiciansfriend.com and samash.com

Worst case scenario find one you like at the store and try to get the same one online. If you can get someone who knows guitars to come with you then look in pawn shops.

Pawn shop... do NOT buy one of those Act One pieces of junk at Wal-mart... you can pick up a GOOD acoustic in a pawn shop for under $100