[chris]

Hi my name is Chris and i'm new on the forum. Just wanted some advice on a first electric guitar. I have been playing acoustic for a while but now I'm looking for some different sounds. I dont need anything fancy just something basic and cheap I will only be playing at home by myself. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance Chris..

[jackr]

Welcome to the forum.

How about a 1959 les paul burst? ( just kidding they sell for hundreds of thousands)

Can you be more specific in your price range? Some of the best deals can be found on craigslist or ebay. But you have to be careful. Do you want something brand new?

[Highballin']

Find some place where you can try out some different models.
Don't go too cheap. It isn't worth it. Unless you want to get a firsthand lesson in what is wrong with guitars, and how ultra-low quality can effect your playing style, and ability.
For example, in my opinion, your taking a big chance with one of those Squire Combo Deals. The ones with the axe, the "amp", and the strap, and picks and instructional DVD.
These are good if you want to learn about a guitar which most likely can't be set-up, and an "amp" that has the same power as a boom-box speaker. It's not about volume it is about Tone.
If you generally are committed to playing the guitar, and now want to go electric, then find a nice used electric, and a nice used amp, and have them set-up by a luthier, or a guitar guy.
Just make sure you don't buy something that's broken, or crappy.

[Highballin']

I have an electric guitar that I left in my car at 9 deg.F overnite, then I brought in my house and let it thaw out by the heat register. The neck separated from the body, just a little hairline crack.
I'll show you photos,(you could never tell it was garbage) then you can send me money for it.
I have another one some guy gave me, cause he owed me money, it's crap too, but it looks good in photos. I'll put up some photos of it, let me know if you want to buy it.
No dude. I'm joking of course. Unless there is a way for you to guarantee your money back, don't buy anything you can't hold, feel, and play- for at least 15-30 mins. Read up on what to look for, and inspect that guitar.
If your going to lay down 1-2 grand for a guitar for example, and you pick one off the rack, and you try it out, and you like it, but a million other shoppers have tried it out, and the back of the body has belt-buckle gouges and scratches-don't buy it. Or ask for a deep discount! Tell the shopkeeper you think that's pretty shoddy business practice.
And if I could make one more suggestion- On principle alone, this is just my beliefs, BUY AMERICAN.
Just like your Martin brother. Good for you!!

[Grateful.Ed]

EC: "I don't think there's any easy way in, to be honest. If it's a question of finance, the problem is if you buy something cheap, it will actually inhibit your progress, because a cheap guitar is going to be harder to play than an expensive guitar. It's probably best to go in at the deep end and buy something really good like a Fender or a Martin. In their catalogues there are lower-priced models, but they will still have the quality of workmanship, so you can make leaps and bounds in the earliest part of your trying. I think it's important to buy good quality merchandise because it will enhance the playing and sound better."

You can get a really good used guitar for $500+/- and you will have it for life.