Electric guitar for a learner.... which one?

[spunkypumpkn]

To anybody who knows about electric guitars...

My husband would like to learn so I'm getting him a guitar for christmas. I have no idea what to look for, except that I'd like one of those package-y kind of deals with amp included etc. He wouldn't want a rubbish one, but also... I dont think its wise that I get him a top-of-the-range guitar either.

Ideas... websites... recommendations... etc, all appreciated.

[snapdarlich]

Well it's the sad truth that usually the better the guitar, the easier it will be to play... You really need to tell us where you are based and how much you want to spend. I know of an excellent place in Glasgow - It's a music superstore and you can buy online.

[snapdarlich]

Or how about here

http://www.soundcontrol.co.uk/mod_1/pages/mod_1.12/pages/mod_1.12.1/pages/index.php?dep_ref=1.1.1.1.4

[OBonio]

From what I remember as a budding Hendrix, Squire Stratocasters were a good starting guitar.

http://www.guruguitar.co.uk/Catalogue/items/Guitars/Squi reStratPak.htm

[OBonio]

I now know what I want for my 30th :o)

[The_Mac_Lad]

I got a Fender Squier pack about a month ago in Cosco, it's great, highly recommend it.

[jamesy boy]

i've been playing for 16 years (I'm still rubbish, though!), and i want the squire strat package they've got in argos for 199.99.

Squires can not be beaten for the money, IMHO.

your local musical instrument shop probably has package deals where you get a guitar, 10/15 watt amp, (trust me, it's plenty for a beginner!) a gig bag (cloth case) and lead, tuner tutor, book and a few plectrums for about �200. There are also deals like this on E-bay.

[spudqueen]

Look up music shops in yellow pages and go down and speak to someone in the shop. The people who work in the music shop in Preston where we go are really nice and helpful, even if I go in, not Mr Spudqueen (I don't usually know anything about the thing I've been sent to buy!). Teenage son has a Dan Electro guitar which seem to be admired by everyone who sees it, but no idea how much it cost (funny how Mr Spudqueen never tells me how much he spends in that music shop............................)

[WaldoMcFroog]

Generally, I'm afraid, those 'all in' packages are awful. Guitars that warp if the temperature changes by half a degree, action like cheese wire, badly soldered connections, diabolical amplifiers etc.

You would probably do better to decide on a budget and have a look on eBay or equivalent. You're likely to get more for your bucks, though obviously Caveat Emptor applies.

If there's something you like the look of, I'm sure people here would be happy to give you the benefit of their wisdom.