Buying a Wednesday guitar

[@LeachOnSociety]

I really enjoyed that little video. Never heard the term Wednesday guitar before, always learning 👍

[@justinguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@dennischurgovich1904]

Same as the Wednesday BMW.

[@firattopal9185]

Hello Justin, as a person who started to learn playing guitar with your website, follower of 2 years and using the features of the website and forum, i would like to say i am really happy with the change of social media use in recent months. I always like your lessons, laid-back, modest attitude and spot-on recommendations, but I would be really happy to hear your stories about guitar, buying, exchanging, trends, how music evolved, how guitars evolved etc. As a late guitar enthusiast (40 years old-trying to practice every day in last 2 years), it would be good to listen those experiences while working, running, cooking etc. Cheers...and thank you for all the input in our lives...

[@justinguitar]

Hey. Glad to read that. :) Trying to free as much time as I can to make more content. Loads of new stuff coming this year - think you'll like it! Thank you for your support.

[@rnrtruestories]

hey Justin i just picked up electric guitar a few weeks ago and i'm playing through your course and absolutely having a blast. thank you!

[@sontafrindt2765]

Been working Justin's course for a year. I love it.

[@adammills2095]

How is it going so far

[@justinguitar]

Awesome! Thank you! How are you getting on now, some months in? Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@justinguitar]

Thanks Where you up to now? 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@andrewbigelow1415]

When I started playing, I took lessons at a store that specialized in used equipment. Once my instructor figured out I wasn't a Townshend wanna-be, he would let me take my lesson on any instrument they had on display. This was a great way to get a private 30-minute "test drive" on a lot of different types of guitars. Sadly, the shop closed years ago. I HATE going into shops to try guitars, since Sammy Ray VanHendrix inevitably shows up the minute I sit down :0(

[@hartcons]

my favorite local shop was great. they would patiently let me try almost every guitar. unfortunately they closed recently because of retirement. i bought a guitar from guitar center last thanksgiving and it seemed like there was an endless stream of electric ukulele players.

[@B0K1T0]

2:43 "take the prices off".. that's brilliant :)

[@pgrovners]

While i agree with the concept of try before you buy, the reality is different. Firstly there are not many stores in the UK that will have the full range of PRS, Fender, Gretsch, Gibson etc with all models. Secondly its like an audition, while your strumming away on the guitar, in the middle of the shop playing a rendition of smoke, stairway, feels like teen spirit, wonderwall, sweet home etc and the surly salesperson is looking towards to the sky thinking "not again" and some spotty 13 year old is ripping through his Yngwie Malmstein licks...its all a bit daunting.

[@lvpg2943]

Finding guitars and amps is difficult here in the states as well. Most stores carry the basics. I've been looking to compare a Super Reverb to a Bassman for years. Nobody has either. One big box store told me to buy both, then return the one you didn't like. Finding boutique or vintage stuff is just as difficult.

[@nathonalexavier1505]

*smells like teen spirit

[@robyjuiceplus]

As a lefty, we don't have the luxury of playing a lot of guitars since there just aren't many available

[@justinguitar]

I know. :( And it's 2021...

[@molekyyli]

Yep, which is why I couldn't resist when I found a neon yellow one, have to hope I'll love how it plays as much as how it looks.

[@teleguy5699]

That's why I ordered a Fender Mod Shop Tele. It's the only way to get a choice of an American made Tele last year.

[@grog5564]

@@teleguy5699 But still you can not get all of the varieties can you. Some say not available.

[@flockenlp1]

I am a lefty and thinking about learning the guitar. I just wanted to ask: Why don't people learn playing the guitar the right-Hand way even if they are left handed? You have a lot more to choose from then. And you'll need to pracitce a lot either way, right? Or does learning playing with your weak hand make certain things more difficult?

[@GregsGuitars]

Cool Justin, thanks for the comment and the recommend :-) !!

[@JustSomeGuy]

By the time I got good enough to play so that I could justify going into a store to check out guitars, everything got locked down. The plus side, though, is that I don't have to carry any the gear I buy home on a bus and train.

[@justinguitar]

How are you getting on now - several months later? Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@JustSomeGuy]

@@justinguitar Better than I expected. I still find memorizing songs I don't already know very tricky, and I can't bend in tune to save my life, I'm surprised by how much I've learned. Thanks for asking!

[@mikea75201]

I bought a new electric online last fall, an Ibanez Artcore As73, from Sweetwater and was super impressed with the build quality of the guitar as well as the customer service. I got an actual phonecall from an actual person a couple of days after my guitar arrived, asking if I was satisfied, did I have any questions, did I want to talk to their tech department about anything, it blew me away. I'm sure not all online retailers will provide the same level of service, but it really took the worry out of buying online.

[@justinguitar]

Great - thanks for sharing it!

[@robyjuiceplus]

I shop Sweetwater and love the service. I recently bought the new Taylor GT urban ash. I'm a lefty so it's always a risk. The first one I received felt great but I could not eliminate string buzz on the low e and they're was zero tension on the truss rod. I sent it back and they shipped me a new one. Unfortunately this one had a very similar issue (the serial numbers were just 3 numbers a part) and I had to return that one as well. Obviously not Wednesday guitars, 😂😂 No other company would allow returns and give 100% refund as well.

[@whiskersb5296]

Seeetwater has great service in the us.

[@MoonCatRepair]

I’ve purchased a few guitars and amps online. I prefer to have them in my possession, in my house, with my own gear. Then put them through a band rehearsal test or maybe even live. By then I can tell if I jive with it or not. Normally I buy used and if I don’t jive with he instrument I can usually resell it around the same price. Been lucky with anything new I’ve purchased. I’ve done the in store thing too, but sometimes the environment actually distracts me from properly getting a read on a guitar!

[@indramilena7467]

Justin you always hit the nail on the head! I’ve just visited 3 guitar stores and suffered my way through trying them very very publically. I’m not a good player (yet) by any means so was constantly upstaged by 12 year old boys playing a few feet away. It was horror. Now every guitar had something wrong with it for my own personal taste. Weight, fretboard radius, scale, color etc. So finally went online and filtered on my preferences which led me to a Fender Mustang which should be a lightweight, short scale, 9,5” radius and as a bonus a pretty pink one. Just received it one minute ago so excuse me while I go ballistic!

[@hollywoodactress]

Great little video and good advice. I totally agree, if someone has the option to try a bunch of guitars before buying they can tell which one suits them and feels right. It may not matter so much if your starting out as a beginner and the key then is a well setup guitar that they like the look off and inspired them to play and practice.

[@lvpg2943]

You are correct Justin - today's mid-level, entry-level and top-of-the-line "rack" guitars are great. But, in the 6 years I've been playing, I've never been able to walk into a store and find what I want. Generally, you're reduced to picking from what's available. It's often not a lot from which to choose. The best place I've been to is the Martin Factory. But, that's only because it is so close to where I live. I believe finding great guitars has regional requirements. If you're not near a music industry location, online is the only way to get much of what we see/hear on KZbin.

[@trackadi]

I am a lefty and tried playing both a right handed and a left handed. Left handed felt natural and I started learning on it. It's difficult to find left handed guitars in store. So online it is. But would definitely be great to try them out in store.

[@justinguitar]

2021 and it's still hard to buy a left handed guitar, eh? :(

[@molekyyli]

@@justinguitar Yes, it is. And if any brand releases new, at least 50 - 75 % is BLACK. I have nothing against black (my guitar is black) but I want something else too. And just found a neon yellow and had to grab that cos there won't be another chance when these get sold out. Very rare colour for a lefty to get.

[@sorbonne]

@@justinguitar : we're still the same proportion of the population as we always were after all! Weird thing in my case: I'm right-handed for writing and racquet sports, but left-handed (footed) for football (soccer), throwing and . . . guitar. I'd gladly play tennis with my left and play guitar with my right as a trade! haha

[@autocratdaddyjones]

One key factor is the return policy of the store. At the moment - when it's harder to be able to go into a store and try guitars out - this is even more important. Some of the better stores have a no questions asked returns policy of 14 or even 30 days where, as long as you haven't damaged it, you can just return the guitar. When you can't try first this can be a real anxiety reliever since you know that, if you don't feel the mojo in the guitar you can send it back. It might take longer to find "the on", but maybe that's just a problem of the times!

[@troop840]

People knock guitar center but I think the thing they're best for is having like a 30 or 45 day return policy no questions asked. Pretty useful at a time like this.

[@battlejitney2197]

I’m glad to hear you say now’s a great time to buy a new guitar online, because my first acoustic guitar, a Taylor Academy, arrives today by post. Hopefully, it’s a Wednesday guitar, delivered on a Thursday. Then I’m starting your beginner’s course! 😉

[@patrickfowler4673]

I bought a used Squire Strat online about a year ago when I started learning. There was only one medium sized picture of the guitar. It was from a big guitar store so I thought It would probably be fine. When it arrived it was pretty dirty. I expected to change the strings, but everything seemed to have a layer of dirt and oxidation on it. I ended up cleaning it up and learning how to set it up properly over the past year. I figure it was a good learning experience even if it was not the best buying experience.

[@TheForce_Productions]

Wow, that was to becoming luthier before guitarist!

[@hartcons]

i got a donner and otherwise the guitar was good but the strings were "gunky". easy enough to change the strings, though, and they did include a spare set.

[@patrogers3229]

Hello Justin, thanks for giving us some history and excellent ideas. I joined your online class and I am really enjoying it. It's been one month now and I've learned 12 chords. I really appreciate the way you teach on the guitar. 👍💯

[@PaulieVideos]

Hey Justin, I just got on the wagon of leaning to play a guitar and I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for doing these for us, you are a great person and I'm always exited even when I just hear your voice. You turn my experience really into something.

[@AdaptivePhenix]

I buy online for the simple reason that I've never seen my favourite guitars in a store. These are the Line-6 Variax and the now discontinued Peavey AT-200. I suspect that the stores don't want visitors to hear a single guitar that instantly switches to alternate tunings, emulates a 12-string, emulates acoustics, emulates bass and in the case of the AT-200, has automatic tuning (without changing string tension) and absolutely _perfect_ intonation. They want to sell multiple guitars to you instead. I don’t buy into any sentimental "vintage" hype; all that’s required for playability is a pro-grade setup and as for sound, you can make these things sound like _anything_ , including Dobro, Banjo, Sitar, etc. :)

[@mattfrench9901]

Hey Justin, I really enjoyed that video, as I do all your videos! One thing I would love is if you would tell us about the guitar you are using in each video. Make, model etc, maybe even a story of when you bought it. Thanks again for everything you do!

[@xealzy7157]

I bought a Sigma GJA SG200 online and LOVE IT! It’s a Gibson J200 alternative and plays amazing.

[@saurus738]

I have learn so much from you, you are a great teacher. As my playing gets better, I tend to not thinking about the guitar, much more to the sound it was giving, of course the playability of a guitar is important as well. A good looking "the ONE" guitar helps you to have that passion to pick it up and play, the best guitar is the one you have right now, start playing.

[@kennyloggins465]

You are fantastic, been following for 15 years now and have learned so much!

[@patriciolegett1757]

Back in '94 I was in the market for an LP. I went to a shop in Doncaster whose name I've forgotten and played 14 different LPs over about three hours. The money wasn't a major concern - but the guitar that went home with me was a Studio model, by far the best of the lot! Justin is right: play the damn things, one of them will be YOUR guitar!

[@nicolasf193]

I bought online only because I wanted a very specific one. A signature model which I could not find in retail. For a more 'standard' guitar I would recommend to try them in stores.

[@Whatsisface4]

I think all your points are good ones, particularly about the quality of the cheaper guitars. However, I recently tried a high end acoustic made by a well-known manufacturer. It looked fantastic and had a strong sound. Thing is, I soon discovered it was playing flat. The notes on the 12th fret were slightly but noticeably flat. They had two in the shop and both were the same. I emailed the manufacturer in case it was a production set up fault, but they didn't seem interested. Bottom line, I''m worried about buying without trying.

[@rusty823]

Phenomenal life wisdom. Thanks Justin 🙏🏻

[@literaryescapade]

I bought my first guitar online but it wasn't a simple process. For one: it's a signature model so I had to find one in the first place. Before I even considered looking for a seller I listened to KZbin demos, it being used at live concerts and through different albums. Luckily there was a plethora of material. After that I went through (what I'm thinking is) every single guitar store on the face of this earth. I compared the one I wanted to everything I could find. This included looks, sound and quality. Even down to the smallest details. Then it came to the ultimate "if I bought this would I end up playing it?" "Would I ever sell it?" Both came as hard no's. That was when I searched near and far for one...It came in from the Netherlands just under a week ago. Best purchase I have ever made. The moment I opened the case I knew it found a forever home.

[@darluthier]

Justin, thank you so much for making a video about the very thing I am perpetually explaining to my repair clients. Most importantly of all: guitars are, generally, make of wood, a natural, organic material that has its own biological make-up. Even pieces of wood cut from the same tree can sound very different and have a different weight, i.e, feel. Then there's the human touch in the finishing, it will always be subtly different. And, as you've rightfully said: there most definitely are a lot of Wednesday guitars floating around out there! Keep up the amazing work! Cheers, David.

[@thoughtgarden8090]

I've been watching you since at least 2009 I think I cant remeber it's been so long. It's been almost 12 years and now I have my own studio and I am teaching kids the basics....I just want to say how much I appreciate your pioneering kind spirit. I think that's what drew me to you(besides the amazing in depth lessons.) I always used to think; if I'm going to learn it fully correct, I better see if justin has a lesson. I love you man thank you for this life changing skill

[@iamJROD]

For the most part, you pretty much know what you're going to get with the common electric guitars. With acoustic guitars, that's a different story, high end one's included.

[@17colosal]

Justin, you are a great man. I really appreciate what you do with your videos, you made me fall in love with my guitar again, and this time I want to practice, I enjoy it. Gracias. Saludos desde Argentina

[@michaelruocco6690]

At least where I am guitar stores have been struggling for at least a decade. Even before most of them shut down there would be a pretty small selection, and the new ones were usually budget guitars so if you wanted a new higher end one there was even less to try. Online is just the only real option for alot of us. Also when I used to work in a factory I put just as much love and care into them on Monday as Wednesday 😝.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Great description of the wednesday guitar. Pretty much applies to anything made with human hands, especially something built 30+ years ago. Now days factories have more CNC machines that help keep things more consistent. Guitars are still made from different pieces of wood that have different aging. Mojo still exists. LOL

[@S8250503]

I've bought new 2015 SG and Les Paul Traditional from Thomanns with no problem. I bought a 2015 Les Paul Junior on ebay and was well happy. bought a Custom Shop Fender Stratocaster on ebay and it is brilliant. I sold a Gibson L00 on ebay to a guy in Scotland, who put the money directly into my bank account, and he was ecstatic with the guitar. You get a feel for what's right and what's not.

[@nikolaki]

I've come to the conclusion that the differences in the amplified sound of the same model guitar come down to the tolerances in the pots, capacitors and pickups. (Assuming the physical setups are the same.)

[@jamesemerson4102]

The you describe a vintage guitar is perfect. There is a mystique about a cool vintage instrument that is very hard to explain but it's remarkable. Especially if it sounds amazing as well as feeling awesome.

[@DC-no3vi]

He's right as always, ordering from the internet I had returned 3 examples of the same model because they all had different issues. It's unfortunate but true. It also depends on how much you care, some people will say as long as it has all 6 strings its fine, some will care about details.

[@robertnewell5057]

This video is for right handed players only. The nearest store to me that has more than one left handed acoustic guitar is over 200 miles away. Even before COVID, that's a long way. Once you start to narrow the price range the distance gets higher and higher. Buying sight unseen is a way of life for lefties outside a few big cities.

[@seancregomusic]

I've been super lucky with guitars, and I am not that much of a player compared to my other life as a pianist. I got my Parker from a co-worker who needed to make room for another guitar. He handed it to me, I took it home, played it and LOVED it. I wanted an LP style guitar, too, so I bought a Chapman ML-2 online sight-unseen before they discontinued them for their current series, re-set it up myself, and I love that thing, too! The Parker fits my hands way better than the Chapman when I am in fibro pain, but it's nice to have two options. (I have some other guitars that are doozies that were inherited. They just stay in cases and I haven't touched them in years.)

[@joebryant8500]

Will you consider doing a collection video, showing us every guitar and amp you have, and the story behind each one?

[@TheSbd3]

I just got my fourth Fender guitar, although I don't own any of the previous ones now ('77 Strat; '85 Japanese Tele; an appalling Fender Telecoustic) but now I've just taken delivery of an American Original '60s Telecaster in Lake Placid Blue. This is by far the best guitar I have ever played. So this confirms's Justin's point about how good new guitars are, compared to those of 20-30 years ago.

[@hamiltonburger4574]

Justin - A little late to this post but...there's one circumstance that you left out and that is, if you're living in a remote area like myself, having access to a plethora of quality instruments of ANY kind is not going to happen. I've lost track of how many times I hear the old, "Play before you buy" line and after a while I start to get a bit perturbed. Having said that, I'm happy that my online buying experience comes with a full refund policy should you not bond with your purchase. I also find buying from boutique makers like Sadowsky (of whom I am a huge fan and own several) is well worth it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Krustenkaese92]

I've been playing for two years. Just got my first 'proper' guitar in december. I had saved up 700 bucks. Went into a guitar store and tried a bunch of Fenders and Gibsons, but ended up going home with a Squier Classic Vibe 70s Strat. Most importantly, it makes me want to play! It feels amazing, it plays amazing. The Fenders I tried didn't feel worse or anything, but I didn't think I was a good enough guitar player yet to be able to distinguish the differences between them anyway. Even the guy there said these new Squiers come really close and offer an absurd amount of guitar and quality for the price. So I went with the Squier and saved myself 300 bucks :-)

[@justinguitar]

Classic Vibes are good choices to play and enjoy. How are you getting on with it now? Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@niels2520]

Bought my first electric online. Due covid could not go to store. I bought a Fender Telecaster from a small store and have let it set up beforehand. Awesome experience but I can imagine it not going so well.

[@justinguitar]

Good idea to ask for the set up even if buying online!

[@trikalabris]

Do you need to set up a guitar you buy online ? Iam super new to this and don't even know what or how to set up.

[@eatyoursouls]

@@trikalabris most any guitar will need some adjustments, youtube videos about setups are pretty common and most of it is not actually complicated and things to learn. After deciding no truss rod adjustment is needed for neck straightness You will probably at least need to do some work for intonation and action, neither are really difficult.

[@petite.madame]

I love the video. I am a beginner and got my little mini electric guitar from guitar center and still learning but still a beginner. Today is practice day 4 cause yesterday I had terrible cramps on my tummy sadly but you are the best guitar teacher ever and so smart with knowing about guitars🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@katiexanda4881]

I just bought a Takamine P5DC online without trying it first. I checked out loads of videos online and online tours of guitar factories and decided on the P5 as I was desperate for a new acoustic. It was an awful lot of money for me but I took a chance and it finally arrived from Japan and is unbelievably fabulous. I think new acoustics that have a good reputation are probably a better chance then an electric. Just my opinion. Good luck with your purchase.

[@steel_horse7570]

Agree. I think you can’t beat trying them. I have a ESP ltd 256 and I love it. Took delivery of a 2nd hand Charvel yesterday (in theory a much better guitar)and instantly I’m not keen. Cost me £550 and I should’ve waited. Lesson learnt.

[@DamianDiazepam]

Hey Justin, I really appreciate all the lessons u provided me with, it got me started real good back in the days. But now I am teaching my niece to play and i tried your app. I was very dissapointed by it. It's not very phone-friendly. It even made my MI A2 crash. Just wanted to let you know. Nothing but love though!

[@barryr449]

I bought three guitars online this year at Sweetwater. They were all brand new. I like getting the exact modal and color that I want. No regrets

[@sorbonne]

Overall, would you recommend Sweetwater? I got a $200 Fender acoustic to learn on a couple of months ago from a different place and it appears to have been a shop model and came with a missing string. I had bought it new. Anyway, the seller quickly gave me 15% back over chat, no questions asked. In other respects, the guitar was fine so it worked out as far as I am concerned. I wasn't fazed by the string because I'd previously played (halfheartedly) a classical guitar 20 years ago, and knew that I could get a few packs of D'addario's from the refund and still have change. However, I would be reticent about buying from that same seller again, particularly if I'm in the market for a more expensive electric guitar in a year or two. A $200 learner guitar is one thing; a $700+ electric would be quite another!

[@barryr449]

@@sorbonne Yes I would recommend Sweetwater. You deal with the salesperson every time and he called after every delivery to make sure everything was okay with the order. I did not have any problems at all.

[@sorbonne]

@@barryr449 Thanks!

[@StefanGBucher]

Had a kind of muddy Epiphone EL-00 for years (and an Ibanez Roadstar II that I bought 17 years before even ever playing) for years. I finally wanted to get a "proper" acoustic, and then everything locked down. I started surfing Reverb a lot, and a very lightly used Waterloo came up with all the things I wanted, so I decided to take a chance. As you said, in the mid- to high level segment, the quality is so high, and I was coming off a particularly unimpressive acoustic... it was SUCH a great feeling playing the Waterloo the minute it arrived! I got lucky! I recently also bought a 1950s Silvertone Colorama that had been converted by Baxendale, and it's not as rapturous a first week as the Waterloo, but I don't regret my purchase. That said, I'm so excited to get back to stores, now that I feel like I've learned a little more about the differences in at least four guitars, and having a bit more of a repertoire I can use at the store. Which is always super intimidating. Thank you for your always kind and useful insights, Justin!

[@justinguitar]

Enjoy those guitars Stefan. Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thanks for sharing your insights & wisdom.

[@robyates136]

Had an excellent experience with my first relatively expensive online purchase (from Sweetwater). Engagement from the retailer was excellent (better than the often poor service at some bricks & mortar stores). The ability to choose the exact guitar was great. And I am delighted with the instrument - MIM Fender Roadhouse Deluxe. The guitar definitely has that "magic" and stands very well alongside my other instruments (which include Les Paul Standard and Customs). Maybe I got lucky - or maybe the quality of most instruments has just improved so much ...

[@hartcons]

i got a casino worn from sweetwater and was amazed at how well they double-packed it for shipping. plus it's great to be able to see your exact model (and the weight). i think empire music does that, too. compare that to the donner i bought where the top of the single box wasn't even attached to the bottom although to be fair the guitar was fine!

[@davidmcausland4088]

I ordered my wednesday guitar some months ago but as it's a custom 12 string being built for me right now and with a price tag to match i have to say i have always believed in trying out a guitar before hand if possible and i always say that to beginners when i'm asked good video Justin.

[@williamocallaghan5504]

Oh! I want an sg!! Good luck on your new guitar 🎸

[@tommyburnhamsmusic]

Great stuff as Always Justin. Bang on about trying guitars for sure. All the best

[@keestoft250]

Welcome to the world of left handed players. I had an understanding local shop that would get a left hand guitar in for me if I was still interested after trying a righthand one first. If I didn't like it when it arrived he would send it back or sometimes keep it. Alas that shop has changed its policies now so I use Richards Guitars (UK) who are great to deal with remotely - and left handedly.

[@khimaros]

Story time. My favourite computer game of all time is The Last of Us. My favourite guitar to play is a 2008 Taylor 114. When Sony announced a limited edition Taylor 314ce which is a perfect replica of a guitar featured in the sequel, I went to extraordinary lengths to get one, seeing as it was US shipping only and I live in the UK... Cost me a fortune, but I took a leap of faith based on the quality of every Taylor guitar I’ve played and their amazing customer service. Paid off big time, because now I have an utterly stunning guitar that is a joy to play, sounds like my 114 on steroids, is special to me because of what it represents and there’s probably only a hundred of them in the world. The whole process was nerve wrecking, but I have no regrets!

[@christopherhudson3551]

Great stories, Justin! I’ve always felt the no two guitars are exactly the same ... you need to hold them in your hands and see if they fit ... like trying on shoes. BTW, you make the world a better place with your lessons ... keep up the good work!

[@paulcharlton4788]

Everyone says go into a store and play as many as you can - but what about the complete beginner who maybe only knows a couple of chords and would curl up and die if forced to try and play them in a shop full of guitar heroes? Electrics are perhaps not so bad if you don't plug them in but an acoustic? Would a raw beginner know whats good and whats bad? The huge plus point these days is that even very cheap guitars are much better than they were twenty years ago (unless you buy from Aldi).

[@shegocrazy]

As a covid inspired guitar virgin I just got the cheapest reasonable guitar I could find online. It's more than adequate and won't be a big loss if guitar playing doesn't work out.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

"We use to try guitars out to buy them. Now we buy them to try them out." Phil McKnight -- Make sure you understand the sellers return policy before buying essentially anything online.

[@UmVtCg]

Nah, return policy is guaranteed on verything baught online in Europe by law. I always buy my guitars a Bax, or Thomann great return policies which extend the period prescripted by law.

[@Charlieboy2680]

If you buy online you can get approved for 24 month financing 0 percent interest at the music store. I got approved and got 3800 bucks on a card for the music store. I ordered 3 guitars to see which one I liked the best. I ended up getting a prs custom 22 semi hollow body. It only cost 19 bucks to ship the other guitars back. You can get a really nice guitar and you only pay about 40 bucks a month.

[@liveconcerts7550]

That's so true 👍 👏 💯: nothing like looking and playing guitar 🎸 yourself.

[@HowardOwensIII]

There's a high-end guitar I want. I'm pretty sure none of the stores in my area carry it. I'll need to buy it online. There's also a high-end guitar that I'm sure every store in the area carries. When I'm ready to buy that guitar, I'll do it in person.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Go down Soho in London for the best guitar selection in the world, they let you play any of them too in most shops, there are like 20 shops selling new and second hand and vintage guitars in one little street! Is a bit of guitar heaven, leave the misses at home though coz you'll be there all damn day!!

[@johnmac.6760]

Hi Justin, that was really interesting, I've saved it and I'll remember it, cheers.. I'm currently working on your beginners guitar book at the moment and loving it, hour, sometimes hour an a half, every day after work, it's brill sometimes frustrating but I'll get there, thanks again, John.... 👍👍🎸🎸😁Cheers

[@PGodin54]

Yes, trying it first and feeling the spirit of the guitar is the magic and to this day, I still don't know what makes me connected to one from another but from the feedback I get, I was pretty much on the money. I used the same method, no price tags, I played 10 acoustics to find one that vibrated with me and did the same for the classical and price for each was not the main objective. Thank you for your teaching and guidance, wish you well and bid you peace.

[@justinguitar]

Thank you. Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@spiderman4657]

I usually buy my electric guitars new and never really try them. The one exception is my fender paramount pm 3-c parlor guitar, I bought that used on offerup for a great price. I didn't play it, but it seems I got lucky, whenever I reach for a guitar I use that one, its incredibly easy to play and sounds amazing it is by far my favorite.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

Great video, Justin! I agree with everything you said.

[@niptodstan]

I've bought quite a few over the past few years. But every one I buy. Whether it be new or used, I set up to my liking. I always roll the lower edge of the fretboard (high E string) so they play like a used guitar and polish the frets. Even new guitars benefit from this, I guarantee I can make a rough guitar play great. I bought a 50's Eko Mascot that was dreadful. An afternoon a neck shim and a set up and the action is mm high and plays great. I tell all players to buy a few old cheap guitars and practice setting them up. It makes such a difference.

[@waynead754]

I recently bought a new ES-335. I tried a couple at a store, but didn't buy. Then I went to look a one from a private seller. He bought it, but for health reasons had to sell just a couple of months later. He never really played so it was as pristine as the ones at the store. Right away it felt far more comfortable to me than the others I had played. There was no hesitation and I bought it. I just checked the serial number- it's a Wednesday guitar.

[@chrisforever1255]

Very nice video Justin! And when it comes to the ES 335 you bought it was funny enough to hear from WHOM you bought this! Because now 6 years ago I bought my 2010 58er Reissue Gibson (R8) Custom Shop Les Paul from Gregor Hilden too! Ok- he lives in Münster/Germany just half an hour car drive away from me - so it was easier for me! He kindly gave me the chance to take 3 Les Pauls home over the weekend and so I made a real shootout - And the winner was the one which had the right feel and a lot of "soul". Was very much played by the pre-owner for 5 years and he sold it to Gregor for a nearly unused R9 - I´m sure he gave the better guitar away! BTW - thanks again for your amazing work - and now I konwo we have something in common : a guitar from Gregor ;-) Greetings from Germany!

[@projectrandom2440]

Luckily, we are no longer in lockdown mode. I was able to head in to our local guitar shop in the states. I've been eyeing a particular guitar online for awhile, I loved the color, the look, the reviews on KZbin. Everything was a greenlight. But when I finally held it in my hands it did not feel right at all. It felt almost alien. I did manage to play something else that I never really checked out before and it felt amazing. I went with that one instead. Nothing beats hands on.

[@mueslimuncher1950]

Interesting. 20 odd years ago, a dealer in Glasgow got a job lot of Japanese Fender Stratocasters (in shell pink) which were priced at £199.00. Of course I had to have one, so I went to the store early mid week, and asked to try 5 of them. They really were absolutely identical. You couldn't tell them apart. Intonation perfect. Action perfect. Necks identical. The only thing I could fault them on was the pickups. Easily sorted. I eventually swapped it for a Takamine, which I still play!

[@dereklong801]

There is something about some guitars that just feels magic. I'm not much of a fan of strats, but I sat down with one used strat at a Guitar Center once while waiting for a sales guy and it was just perfect. Loved it, felt "right." I was a bit sad to hang it back on the wall.

[@kcussrebutuemos4815]

Oh man. I always say if you find the one try to not walk away if financially possible.

[@alansimpson8962]

I just bought a Yamaha a acoustic I got to get it set up but it's a beatifull sound for 200us dollers nice resonant sound good enough for me

[@isaacjohnson.]

great advice. Thanks Justin.

[@neeckoss2726]

I’m a lefty but when I went in to the store to get my first guitar, the staff encouraged me to try holding both a left handed guitar and a right handed one to see what feels right. Went home with a righty and It was, bizarrely, the right choice for me. If you’re just starting out and are left handed, just put a righty guitar in your hands and see how it feels!

[@justinguitar]

Your main hand to do stuff is often but not always your dominant hand. Your dominant hand is what you can easily do rhythm with; hitting something with a stick to keep a rhythm, playing air guitar or if you have the change, trying *actual* guitars :) | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Assistant

[@charlie-obrien]

I've never heard of a Wednesday Gretsch, but my father used to refer to a mid week Oldsmobile as the best car you could buy, although he always got himself a Pontiac. Lol

[@mmccartney6579]

Ha!! Sounds like me dad!! Cheers!! :)

[@kenhills6721]

Wednesday Guitar Theory 😂 Love It !! We Appreciate What You Do Justin, Keep on With the Strong Work 👊

[@bluwng]

Setup impacts feeling. I tried a guitar that was OK and a little stiff, after I set it up it was smooth like butter and fast as a photon. Feel has more to do with mechanics vs emotion

[@hartcons]

before it closed my favorite local shop (which was great about letting me try lots of guitars) had a vintage Gibson J-45. they let me try it but i couldn't get my hand around the neck (like holding a tree) and could barely play it. i've found it helps to know how to do a basic setup, especially when getting inexpensive guitars. yesterday i worked on fret sprout on a T-style guitar i got for $99 as a deal of the day.

[@gertvanrooy428]

I find it harder to buy shoes online than guitars - I invariable end up sending the pair back. Joke aside, if you live like 500 miles from the nearest guitar store, you don't really have much option. Last year I bought my first electric, a stratocaster worth around $1000, so pretty standard, of the shelf I think. I did speak to the shop assistant beforehand though and they said they have a guitar technician give every guitar a once over, check action, intonation, electronics, other flaws etc before sending it out. That turned out to be a good buying experience. But I can see that in an ideal world you want to hold and try out a guitar before you buy, but this isn't always possible,

[@molekyyli]

Try to buy a guitar as a lefty in your local store. 🤣 Bought online the first time, a used one, and now I'm waiting for the second one, also ordered online, new one this time and different brand. I have no idea how different it will feel when it arrives... It's a similar style guitar - for what it's intended but still...

[@robertnewell5057]

Exactly. Usually your local store will have one or two left handed electrics and no left handed acoustics at all!

[@molekyyli]

@@robertnewell5057 One electric and since I wasn't shopping for an acoustic, I didn't ask but probably none... I guess you have bought online some, then?

[@robertnewell5057]

@@molekyyli Yup. It's a way of life if you are lefthanded and don't live near a big city. I have a round trip of 400 miles if I want a reasonable choice.

[@molekyyli]

@@robertnewell5057 I live in a country with low population and I don't think even the biggest stores here have more than the 1-2 guitars in stock. 🤣 Since I started after the virus started, I haven't had a chance to travel to see the biggest local shops, so I can't be sure but there's no big guitar centers here anyway.

[@robertnewell5057]

@@molekyyli Sorry to hear that. I have had success with ebay purchases and on 2 occasions when things went wrong, ebay were helpful. I certainly wish you luck. I've been playing for 50 years and, in my price range at the beginning I just used to buy right hand and change the strings - of course that is less of an option for electric! As soon as I could afford it I found a maker and had a guitar made. Cost about a month's wages and took forever to save for

[@redcomn]

As someone that always buy blind and online. I will only buy guitar in person now. Too many factor to consider when I can't actually felt the neck. And spec is deceiving.

[@vl292]

Kids, take a note, old man makes sense. My best guitars are the ones I had no intention of buying. Just happened to try them and could not let go. But there’s harm in buying one that sort of fits the bill if you need one or want one. The day will come when u encounter a guitar that is really one for you. But does is make sense to keep searching and searching until you find one? No. That could take years.

[@osgood9cfc509]

Hello Justin,I am about to order myself a Gibson Les Paul P90 Goldtop,have you any advice for me to which online store to purchase from or preferably would i be able to buy direct from Gibson? I am in the UK.......Love your Channel btw.

[@EclecticHillbilly]

I bought a semi-hollow body electric off Ebay; good guitar at a good price. It all worked out great but it came from a music store in Ohio and was a floor model. I was nervous about it until I had it in hand and admittedly, it's not for the faint hearted. I'd do it again under the right circumstances but you have to be very careful. If anything about the deal gives you pause, you might want to walk away.

[@TheAndybow1964]

Here in the UK there are fewer and fewer Music shops. Getting harder and harder to find a shop you can try guitars. They often can't compete with online prices. Also vintage doesn't mean good. The trend at the moment for 70s Japanese copies amazes me. Everyone I've tried has been abysmal

[@notsosure7757]

I've been very lucky so far with ebay guitars, I've bought 5 off of ebay (three of them Gibson) and they've all been awesome. But you can get really stung by not trying first, so completely ignore what I've done and try before you buy.

[@nesta8518]

Guitars are living things that have their own personalities. I hear you. The name on the head stock doesn’t always decide the quality

[@gudbudie]

During my college years I worked at the local Ford assembly plant (where my dad was an engineer), and the same held true for cars. Never buy one that was made Monday morning or Friday afternoon (pay checks were handed out before noon break)... :^)

[@NightOwlGames]

ive got more chance finding a Unicorn than finding a music store which sells instruments. i bought a 2021 mexican black and white fender player stratocaster from Amazon seller tells me its setup and ready to go they set them before shipping, Slightly upset that i didnt get an amp or a pick or a cable with my stupidly expencive purchase but i got my dream guitar a stratocaster yay! im happy with it.

[@jimmarinella9455]

I can't imagine what it would be like walking into a store where every customer wants so many guitars pulled and re tagged.

[@SaxJockey]

I can...and can envisage the mayhem! Good method though, maybe on a quiet mid week day.

[@donald-parker]

Good vid! No one should be surprised that 6 identical guitars made of wood sound and feel different. Because wood. With the exception of the Parker Fly, I can't think of any builder who tried to go mainstream with a guitar made totally from engineered materials. Maybe it's time. And I couldn't agree more that quality has skyrocketed. When I was a kid, a cheap guitar was unplayable. Now, everyone's CNC machine is pretty much as good as everyone else's. But you can still notice lots of differences in fret finishing, set up, quality of materials (pots, tuners, switches, nuts, bridges ....). Sooner or later, no matter how wonderful your new guitar is, it will need some maintenance. I think it is a great idea to buy a lower priced good guitar to practice on (like a Squier or Epiphone). No one wants to learn fret dressing on a $3000 guitar. And they are great platforms for practicing upgrading components. It kills me to see some of things folks feel they have to go back to their store or to a luthier to fix. DIY!

[@jpguthrie6669]

My first guitar was a no-name Strat which I got used, with only 4 strings, for $10 at a thrift store. It took me a couple weeks to get enough money to get a set of strings. It was a long time before I could actually get a "real" Fender Strat, though it was made in Japan. Finally, I was able to order a new, custom-made Strat from Todd Krause at Fender's Custom Shop. Of course it had to order it from across the country, and have it shipped to me. My expectations were very high, but they were exceeded.

[@Patrick-gv8yc]

My guitars are Wednesday's but shame I was born on a Monday🙄 Seriously great advice but as many have said the store's are disappearing. About 15 years ago I purchased a new Maton acoustic & the store just had delivery of 10 of the model I was after so we unpacked all of them & the store manager & I played every one until we got down to the best three & then worked from there to selecting the Wednesday special. We were amazed how different each guitar played although they were the exact same model & from the same manufacturing run.