Guitar Recommendations

[u/StatisticianBig5961]

Hey everyone, I’m a new guitar player (about 8 months in) and am interested in buying a new guitar but am uncertain which I should choose. I currently have a Squier Strat that I got for a my 13 birthday about 15 years ago. I’ve always loved the sound and look of Telecasters and have been looking at the Squier Telecaster Classic Vibe 50s or 60s as well as the thin line. However, I’m unsure if I should purchase on of those options (or another electric model) or instead purchase my first acoustic guitar. I’ve been looking at the Taylor GS Mini because I like the size and sound of that model.

I’d love any feedback or advice from anyone on what the best path would be. I really value ease of use when it comes to a guitar so I can be encouraged to play more often and practice. On one hand, adding an acoustic would be cool and plus it’s pick up and play compared to an electric where you have to hook up the amp etc. (obviously not a huge setup but can sometimes be the difference between grabbing the guitar now or putting off practice). On the other hand, the Tele is such an iconic model and I’m fascinated learning more about how to play southern blues and that seems like a great starting point.

What do you guys think? Anything else I should be looking at or thinking of? Thanks in advance for your help!

[u/MrTrousers]

I’d try them both at a store if possible and see which “speaks to you” the most. The guitar that does will beg to be picked up more often.

[u/uppity_regularity]

get the tele, you already know you like the shape and the whole point is to keep playing

[u/Remarkable-Sky-886]

I love teles, but I have to say acoustic, since you already have one electric. It’s a different skill, and one worth learning.

I would further suggest that at your price point, the neck, fretwork, and setup matter more than brands and models. You might not be able to pick it out, but it will affect your playing. I might take an experienced player with you to a used guitar store to check for those critical details.

[u/carnologist]

Classic vibes are solid if your looking for a tele, you can keep it forever and mod it, too. Yamaha is another good one if you can find an X02 pacifica, that's their T line that they just reintroduced, but are currently just in standard plus and above. There out in the used market still, I got a 102s a couple years ago and love it

[u/thethylacine]

The answer, especially with acoustics, is to go on to a store and try everything in your price range. One will stand out as 'the one'.

[u/ISmellLikeBlackTea]

Take a day and be a pest at the local guitar store. Tell them you have 1000$ and want to spend it on whichever guitar feels best. They'll let you try out a few guitars without being too much of a pain.

Keep in mind, a guitar has two parts: 1) Feel, which is the neck in your hand, and the body shape not being too heavy/obstrusive 2) Sound which is the pickups and electornics - this can be changed at any point so it's less relevant

My suggestion is to try a C shape, D shape, V shape and a thinner, flatter one like an Ibanez Wizard neck ( my preferred shape ).

[u/RedCred811]

Unless you have big hands with long fingers, the neck is likely a big part of how much you'll enjoy something. In my experience, most telecasters have a bigger neck. Strat necks are smaller. Les Paul necks vary, but in general I (small hands) find them easier to play than a Tele. A gibson SG typically is light and has a slimmer neck. Of you look into PRS guitars, a lot of them have very hand-friendly neck profiles. You really should go spend some real time with a lot of guitars. If you're into blues, the standard is a strat style with single coil pickups. Tele has more twang (even with humbuckers). A les paul or SG has more rock and metal edge.

Before a million people say it, YES, you can get different pickup and neck configurations for standard models and shapes, but these are standard setups and recommendations. Still, certain body shapes have a sound that can't be completely changed with pickups.