First Electric Guitar Purchase...Advice?

[ChaoticBliss]

Okay so here is my deal. I dabbled with guitar about 10 years ago, never really got into it and stop playing shortly after I started. However over the last couple of weeks I have gotten back into trying to learn. Basically all I have done is learned the Cords and parts of a couple of basic songs (on a cheap acoustic guitar).

Now I really want an electric guitar. I don't really know anything about guitars but growing up I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul (because of Slash). So my question is, is it recommended for me to go out and buy a Les Paul (probably the Studio edition) without having much guitar experience? The only other electric guitars I have ever played on are some cheap POS my friend had and a Fender Strat. At this point I don't think I know enough to try out different guitars and know which is best for me anyways so that is how I came to just wanting to pick up a LP.

Any advice is appreciated.

Oh and cost isn't a huge concern for me. Looking to spend <=$2000 for the guitar and amp.

Thanks

[Hamstrung]

Okay so here is my deal. I dabbled with guitar about 10 years ago, never really got into it and stop playing shortly after I started. However over the last couple of weeks I have gotten back into trying to learn. Basically all I have done is learned the Cords and parts of a couple of basic songs (on a cheap acoustic guitar).

Now I really want an electric guitar. I don't really know anything about guitars but growing up I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul (because of Slash). So my question is, is it recommended for me to go out and buy a Les Paul (probably the Studio edition) without having much guitar experience? The only other electric guitars I have ever played on are some cheap POS my friend had and a Fender Strat. At this point I don't think I know enough to try out different guitars and know which is best for me anyways so that is how I came to just wanting to pick up a LP.

Any advice is appreciated.

Oh and cost isn't a huge concern for me. Looking to spend <=$2000 for the guitar and amp.

Thanks

I see no problem buying what you've always wanted even as a beginner. If you have the means go for it! I've believed for some time that the better quality of instrument you start out with the better. You're less likely to get discouraged by a cheap instrument that doesn't stay in tune, has sharp fret ends or just plain sounds like crap. It's tough enough learning at the beginning.
Most beginners are price conscious so that usually brings a whole discussion of what's the better value. In your case you can afford the style you've always wanted and despite many opinions to the contrary Gibson makes a quality instrument. There are a host of other companies that may give better value for the money but it's a subjective argument. I'd recommend you follow your desire on this and get the Gibson. Even if someone talked you into something else you'd likely always wonder and if you stick with playing would probably end up buying one some day anyway. If you don't stick with it at least you have something with resale value. Bottom line for me, get the LP, however it wouldn't hurt to have a knowledgable friend along to go over the finer points as even Gibson has some variation in features, price and quality.

[RIFF WRATH]

welcome chaotic....lots of chaos here...lol
don't forget, you'll need a guitars canada guitar strap too.
cheers
RIFF

[generic]

Hamstrung has it right, if you're not bound by cost issues and you want a certain instrument, then go for it. Buying a Les Paul isn't so bad because even if you go with a Studio model (around the thousand dollar range), you can still resell it for most of your purchase price if it's in good shape. And if you love it, then no worries. I always find playing good gear makes me a better player simply because I want to play more often. If you really dig the Slash sound, go with a Les Paul Classic - it's what he uses and I wouldn't get rid of mine for anything. It's just an amazing instrument to play.

[dr_iggi]

There is also some good advice here http://www.guitarscanada.com/Board/showthread.php?t=11176

[Duster]

The great thing about guitars, as opposed to things like cars or motorcycles, is that the more expensive and desirable ones aren't any harder to use. In fact, it could be quite the opposite. A beginner could learn to play just as easily, if not better, on a more expensive instrument than a cheaper one. And there is definitely something to be said about having an instrument that you really love - it makes it so much more rewarding to play and practice.

The only thing I would say is, take a bit of time to look around. Consider it a "cooling-off" period, like they use for handguns. You might be enamoured with the Gibson at the moment, but if you spend a bit of time here and in guitar shops, you might come across something different that strikes your fancy. I was in love with an LP Custom just a month ago, and was going to get one almost on impulse. My girlfriend told me to hold off, and within that month I came across the Hagstrom brand of guitars that I hadn't heard of before. I thought they had character, were a little "different", while still retaining that rock-and-roll look. So I ended up getting something different which feels a little more personal and unique to me.

Otherwise, hell, get the Gibson. You certainly won't feel bad about it!

--- D

[ChaoticBliss]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I appreciate it. I'll hit up a couple of stores and see what happens.

[dwagar]

sit down with them, try them out. Especially with Gibson, every one is just a tiny bit different.

IMO color and finish is the last thing that makes me want a guitar. How it feels, how it plays, tone (granted you're probably not ready to compare tones yet) all are more important.

If you have a friend that plays, that you can trust his opinion, take him with you. If not, try to hook up with someone at the store that will listen to you, not just want to make a quick sale on you. I prefer 'Mom n Pop' type stores for this, but not many have Gibson.

And, I always suggest you buy used whenever you can. If you ever decide to sell or trade up, you won't take such a hit on the price.

[Andy]

I'd say there's nothing wrong with buying a great guitar as your first, you'll be more motivated to play if you like your axe. If you like the sound and feel of a LP and can deal with the weight, then that's the guitar for you. I bought a Gibson SG after playing for only 4 months, and it's the best purchase I've ever made.

Andy

[suttree]

i'd go for some quantity with my money. for the $2000 you could get a good little tube amp, and an epiphone les paul (one of the nice ones), and a decent strat too. in fact, you might consider buying some used stuff right here on the forums, too. it's a great way to save money, plus you get to try out different stuff. SRV and jimi are hard to make sound right on a les paul, lol.

[jane]

If you've always wanted the Les Paul, and you have the means, get it. Or you'll just keep wishing that you had. Definitely sit down in a music store and try everything though.

PS. Colour and finish does matter in a sense - I usually pick up the nicer looking guitars first. Not that it matters anymore... of my 2 guitars and 2 basses... 3 are black! The point is, if you like the look of a guitar, you're more likely to play it.

[Maxer]

LOL

And I thought I was a little strange. Pretty much half of my guitars and basses are black too! Something classic about it, I guess - they fit in, style-wise, in a lot of different vibes.

[jane]

Mine are my 3 fenders... For some reason, I only like strats, Ps and Js in black, sunburst, or white... and I bought all 3 used, so... yeah. Call it limited selection :D

Besides, if they're black, I don't have to worry about my clothes matching... jk.

[shoretyus]

If your budget is that big, truck down to that chain store and rent a few different guitars. It can take awhile for the right guitar to find you.

That les paul wasn't Slash's first guitar. IF guitar playing sticks with you this won't be your last either.

A good guitar makes the physical part of learning easier. You have the right idea. It's never to late to start.

[zontar]

I'd have loved to have started with a real Les Paul.
Although the copy that was my first electric was a decent guitar to learn on.

[fraser]

i'd go for some quantity with my money. for the $2000 you could get a good little tube amp, and an epiphone les paul (one of the nice ones), and a decent strat too. in fact, you might consider buying some used stuff right here on the forums, too. it's a great way to save money, plus you get to try out different stuff. SRV and jimi are hard to make sound right on a les paul, lol.

hey- suttrees got the guitarist from sandbox in his avatar- you never see him anymore, cept on t.v- lol

id say, get a guitar- really any guitar- go cheap for a couple months- start feeling your way a bit, listening to music and other players- then find exactly the guitar you want, get it and play it to death.