Beginner Steels "Have I GOT a DEAL for You:)

[Atom Schmitt]

I just started a couple of months back. Sort of expected that no matter how much research I did, I just wasn't going to be able to avoid the possibility of getting something I'd eventually find inadequate. Ended up with an old Sho-Bud Pro I. It's not perfect, but it's fine, I've learned a ton, and I've probably already made as much money as I spent on it by playing it, so... I figure this is a good starting point.

That said... for someone really only looking for an S10 or an SD10 E9 steel, what would you folks who know better recommend to a beginner/intermediate player who has every intention of taking this as far as it'll go as fast as possible? In other words, I'd rather not be limited by the instrument once I know enough about how to use it - I'm feeling kind of frustrated already with my guitar because in addition to being a little stiff to play, it's only got 3 knees and there are certain changes I'd like to have available that I simply can't set up.

Just some food for thought - I've been playing guitar a pretty long time, and probably digging around on guitar forums for a good four or five years. If I've learned one thing, it's that when you're new you simply cannot separate bad advice from good, shilling from enthusiastic customer satisfaction, and all that jazz. Unless you've got a friend or teacher who knows what they're talking about to help you, there isn't a whole lot you can do to educate yourself without taking the risk of getting burned once or twice.

[Mark Daniels]

I've been playing guitar a pretty long time, and probably digging around on guitar forums for a good four or five years. If I've learned one thing, it's that when you're new you simply cannot separate bad advice from good, shilling from enthusiastic customer satisfaction, and all that jazz. Unless you've got a friend or teacher who knows what they're talking about to help you, there isn't a whole lot you can do to educate yourself without taking the risk of getting burned once or twice.

Agreed!

I play bass and post on a bass forum. If there's a beginner with problems with an instrument, and they're nearby, I always offer to setup their instrument for them for a minimal charge. It's important that more experienced players help out the newbies!!

[Lee Barber]

Herb
I wrote Reece and asked him what he saw. He said the only thing MSA he saw there was an after market fret board.

[Jake Bopp]

http://tallahassee.craigslist.org/msg/2628610471.html

I contacted this goofball (sorry if it's any of you'se guys!) to potentially purchase this steel, but he was so rude when I asked him to flex on his pricing a bit, I didn't even bother. It's a beginner steel, and it's one that I was told to avoid at all costs. (I was ignoring advice, desperate to get my hands on SOMETHING to start on.) In my spare time, I work on guitars, basses, amps, just about anything, so I understand mechanics. I understand the basic premise of these beautiful and complicated machines, so I hope I know enough to not get taken when I do finally get my hands on one. I have this forum as a guide, though, so I feel I'm in good hands...

[Lane Gray]

Some would say avoid some would say buy, assuming it still has the Sho-Bud pickup. It's a $500 guitar, in my book.
I have forgotten whether all the strings have pull-release fingers or just the ones hooked up.
There's something to be said for Sho-Bud tone. At $500
But since you're new, you'd want someone who knows what they're looking at to check it over. Even if it's expandable, it's not necessarily easy to do.

[Jake Bopp]

I'd rather get something that isn't going to limit me in the long run. Unlike guitarguitar, which are typically cheap, abundant, and easy to fix, steels seem to be more of an investment than something you might drop in a few weeks after you get bored. I plan on teaching myself using the net, and common sense (and hopefully a little direction from you fine folks!)

I'll keep my eyes peeled, if I find anything that may be my game, I'll see whatch'all think of it first...

[Lane Gray]

Wise move. In order to go all Franklin on a Maverick, first you'd have to go all Rube Goldberg on a Maverick.
OTOH, for those that LIKE going all Rube Goldberg on stuff; Hey, you gots two hobbies in one box!!

[Douglas Schuch]

I'm still a newbie, but fortunately ran into this website before pulling the trigger on a Carter Starter or similar. Actually found the website by searching "Carter Starter steel guitar". And the reviews of that generally panned it, and highly recommended a Stage One. I think it was a wise choice (particularly since I live in the Philippines, so buying local is impossible, and buying used would have significant additional risks). So, there is GOOD advice out there as well....on this forum, anyway!

Cheers (and a hat tip to Doug Earnest),

Doug

[Mick Kollins]

I bought my little ZB Student model right here from a forum member..but I had researched for 6 months or so..and believe me it helped..when I got in touch with the seller I had learned by then what questions to ask. I believed he was telling it to me straight and it was within my budget..so I bought it...and now..I have a classic ZB, that plays just fine, sounds great and serves me well as I learn this great instrument. This forum helped me tremendously in making that purchase. Here's a pic of my first gig here in the Virgin Islands..and yes it is the ONLY PSG on the island.