New to playing the guitar

[BobbyBobBob]

Ive just bought a Yamaha f310 as it was recommended as a decent acoustic for complete begginers.

I have a few questions, that can hopefully be answered.

1) one of the strings are missing, is it best to replace them all?
2) what are the best and not too expensive set of strings for the Yamaha?
3) as a begginer what gauge would you recommend.....someone in the know has already told me 12 or 13 gauge?
4) what's the difference between light and medium strings in relation to a begginer using them?
5) I' m going to take to a shop for a setup, what does that acually consist of and what other information do I need to know about so I don't go in sounding like a stump?

I already know its best to have low action when you're starting out as it can hurt your fingers if you are not used to it but that's the only thing I know really ?

Many thanks

[rojash]

1) Replace them all - but if you are taking it to be set up, they'll do that as a matter of course.
2) Matter of taste, but I like Fender or D'Addario phosphor-bronze for acoustics.
3) Again, it's a matter of personal preference, but I would go for 11-52
4) Not a lot - until you've practised a bit, you'll have sore finger tips, regardless of the gauge.
5) They'll check the straightness of the neck, look for any high or low spots on the frets, check the condition and height of the nut and bridge saddle. What they actually do will depend on what they find when they check it.

There's not much room for adjustment of the action on the F130. Acoustics sound better with a slightly higher action than electrics. Yamahas tend to have a decent action out of the box.

[BobbyBobBob]

ok thanks rojash, appreciate that.

I'm planning on taking it to my local Dawsons, I know you've said it depends on what they find when they check the guitar as to what they do with the setup, but what should I expect to be paying if all that needed doing was a new set of strings fitted to how they are out of box (pref low action)...I'm pretty sure everything else is pretty much fine!!

many thanks

[rojash]

No idea what they are likely to charge - the strings I've recommended are around 6 quid a set. You could fit them yourself. Here's a video (you don't actually need a string winder - it just makes life easier).
http://youtu.be/Gq4sBDYA2fA