Learning Guitar Part III?

Posted by: MontyW on 21 July 2006

Hi,

For a while I have been following a number of threads on hear about learning to play the guitar and this has been an ambition of mine for some time, but I've never done anything about it. I have seen a Fender Tele with a rather battered Fender Deville guitar amp. The Tele is an American in natural ash and is I think from the late 90's..

A few questions; how do I know if the Tele is in good order? Is there anything I should look at specifically that would give away if it has been misused? How do I know it is an American Tele - is there a way I can check it's serial number and history? Is the asking price for the Tele and amp of £750 a good deal. And finally is the Fender Tele a suitable beginners guitar?

Thanks,

Dave

Posted on: 21 July 2006 by NaimThatTune

Hi Dave,

I say go for it regarding the adventure of learning to play guitar.

My specification of a good beginner's guitar would be a new one, a few hundred quid's worth rather than uber-cheap, and of a quality make (such as a Yamaha).

A way to tell if any guitar is in basically good working order is that the strings should not be miles above the frets and should ring cleanly when pressed only quite lightly against the fret. All strings should do this at all fret positions. If there is a buzzing noise then the action of the guitar (general height of strings above frets) is too low and shows a poor set-up or a warped instrument.

A problem many beginners tend to have is that they push far too hard with their left hand - both wearing themselves out and also causing the string to sound out of tune. This can be caused by starting to play on a badly made/set-up guitar which has too high an action. Think 'gently hold a butterfly against the fret' rather than 'strangle the ex-wife' - if the guitar makes a clean note under these conditions it is basically sound.

I can't really answer your Fender Tele questions but if it was me I wouldn't be shelling out 750 quid on a guitar just yet - but its your money and you can always sell it again later I guess.

Maybe not quite the answer you were angling for, but should help at least generally.

Good luck,

Rich.

Posted on: 23 July 2006 by MontyW

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the reply - the decision was taken out of my hands as the guitar/amp combo had gone when I went back. However, there was a guy behind the counter who is a tutor and we started chatting. The upshot, is I am going to have a few lessons on one of his 'beginners' guitar and see how I get on.

All the best,

Dave

Posted on: 23 July 2006 by NaimThatTune

Hi David,

Such things will happen, of course. No bad thing though - its the ability not the equipment that you need (though you'd be hard pressed to play guitar without actually having one - this is getting a bit existential!).

I really want to get back to playing again - last 12 years of my life has been devoted to one of those things called a 'career'.

A tutor can be a great source of encouragement and knowledge - good for you and enjoy yourself!

Cheers!

Rich.