"Which Guitar Should I Buy?" (Avoid Cr@p)

Which guitar should I buy? That's probably the question I get asked the most (I assume it's mostly beginners asking). So today I will try to answer that question, at least to some degree. Sadly, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but there are some general guidelines that should minimize any risks, and maximize your chances of getting a good guitar, regardless if you're after a Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, or some other electric guitar.
So, I hope you enjoy and find this buying guide useful.
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[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out my lesson channel: www.youtube.com/@ElmoKarjalainensGuitarLe-rd5tb Or 8 great cheap guitar alternatives: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6SooWCvhbmFjdEsi=9Fr0ORBw46JaWfFt

[@positivelynegative9149]

Most people don't know how to ask the questions that will give them the information they want; in general, not just about guitars.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Great advice sir 😎👌 The accepted common wisdom for beginners used to be - Yamaha Pacifica/Squier/Epiphone. These days, I have trouble recommending any of those. Now we have Jet/Harley Benton/ Eart etc... So many great young brands these days putting out some great (along with some not so great) stuff 😃

[@ratatatuff]

Yamaha is still the way to go. Not only for beginners. Harley Benton and the other ultra-cheap brands are fine for people who want a bargain and can set up the guitar on their own, including setting up the neck or swapping out pickups. I have yet to meet the beginner who is able to do that.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@ratatatuff Can't disagree with Your points on Yamaha Re quality and consistency. 👍 Personally I don't find them very inspiring, but that's on me

[@ratatatuff]

@@stevecassidyguitar Yeah, taste is a different matter. I happen to like Yamaha since I got my first one, an ultra cheap Pacifica Tele. I still use it from time to time because it turned out to be a great guitar and even if it was cheap it still holds up. Since then I've played and tried a lot of guitars but I have never once encountered a bad Yamaha. Not once. I never tried the new entry series but the Pacificas starting from the 112 are playable, have an acceptable string height and intonation, stay in tune and sound fine. I think that's all beginners need to learn. We're all gonna buy more guitars over the years anyway.

[@stephenhedger5178]

As usual, Good concise advice , presented in a sensible and straightforward way.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you liked it

[@cylonhibrid]

Solid Advice, There are 3 types, Experienced Knows what they want, Mid's who look for advice and Beginners, the last are in the lap of the not so Gods, they walk into a Gym they do not know if it is good or boxing club. It is the same in all aspects. Elmo you do a service.

[@johnnorth9355]

My first electric was a S/H Thinline Japanese no name Telecaster which was brilliant and served me well for several years until poverty forced me to sell it back in the 70's. (bIggest mistake of my life). Since then I have mainly been a Strat man - I have a couple of Teles but they just make me mourn my loss ! - and would love a real 70's Fender Strat. Can't get on with Les Pauls but love my Samick 335 copy. What I have learnt from years of buying is that I would have saved a lot of money if I had just held onto my first one !

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, that can happen.

[@kipponi]

But you didn't know it then...

[@cycomiles4225]

I watched a bunch of reviews. Decided that Yamaha Pacifica 112V is the one i need. HSS, alnico 5 pups, great build quality looks like a strat but isnt and its got the color I want. Can get those twangy cleans and roar on the bridge pup. Greatest purchase I ever did with my hard earned cash tbh.

[@tweakrr99]

Definitely agree with the comfort and tuning stability as the most important things for beginners. It's frustrating enough to learn how to play and having a guitar that works with you makes it a lot more enjoyable.

[@Barbarapape]

Great advice as always. If only i had known what i know now i wouldn't have bought a very bad sample of a Squire Strat that was not fit for purpse from a bad music shop. The feel of the neck is very important, and this is why it is so important to try any guitar yourself even if you are a complete beginner and have a friend with you that can play, you will be the one that will be learning on that guitar so it has to feel easy to play or you will not practice enough.

[@RickMichaelis63]

Word of Wisdom! Thanks for the video Elmo!🎉🙏✌️❤️

[@Babysmack-ns2vx]

You are correct. They want to sell the most expensive sadly.

[@Becky3464]

Dear Elmo. You are an absolute inspiration. I finally took the plunge and now I’m giving guitar lessons full time. Thank you for all that you do.

[@JoeFic9997]

Great advice for beginners to what is probably the hardest and most often asked question! You’re doing the world of new guitarists a great favor and I hope that all that good karma comes back to you!

[@grene1955]

Excellent advice! I highly recommend if you're a beginner, bring along a friend who has been playing a while. And yes, look for guitars that are appropriate to the style of playing you want to get into!

[@BeamMonsterZeus]

Thank you for your commitment Elmo, and for not being another Fender/Gibson shill, from the bottom of my heart. Dedicating yourself to important qualities of the instrument such as value comparisons and tonal characteristics, while never letting a defect or abject flaw slip past you, is doing these people a massive service.

[@keovongvilaykeo4799]

Great advice thank you 🙏 😊

[@ThePedroDB]

Also, no two guitars feel, resonate or sound absolutely alike. This even applies to sequential models off a particular production line. So, if you are buying in a guitar shop that stocks multiples of the particular guitar that you're interested in, ask to try more than one. You might as well pick the one you like the best! 👍

[@ThoM45]

+1 on this.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome Advice. All the Best. Cheers

[@norseman61]

You provide a valuable service to your viewers, which is much less common than you might expect from other channels. Also, love the Life of Brian reference!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@user-ux3fi7bd4i]

I was looking for a video such as this, I have to say it can be a bit overwhelming trying to find what's the best bang for your buck, budget electric guitar, amp, you name it. I've watched countless videos with varying answers. I'm still on the hunt for my first electric. Thanks !

[@zubalea]

Try before you buy is great advice. I was researching for weeks and had decided on the guitar I wanted. I knew it was a quality guitar with great sound. I put it in my hands and I couldn't play it. It just didn't work with my hands and fingers. The sales person says, I think I have an alternative for you. He gave me a guitar that I would never ever have picked. It was perfect. You never know!!! Great video as always.

[@davidjones6218]

Nice one Elmo.👏👏👏👏

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! :)

[@felipaofeloz]

Hi Enzo. I love your videos... Do have you ever recorded or thought about recording with a Squier Vintage Modified with Lipstick pickups?

[@positivelynegative9149]

I just bought my first guitar, and some of your videos helped me decide which one to get. 👍 I did research for about a month; some reading, but mostly watching KZbin videos. I settled on a Gretsch Streamliner center-block with P90s. 😃 Perhaps even more important than the "Which guitar should I buy?" type of videos, is simply watching a variety of guitar-related content so I pick up on things that aren't being mentioned in review videos.

[@jack76thegamer30]

My opinion, first electric guitar should be tele. Its versatile easy to use can pretty much do anything but also comfortable, its would last longer than any other first electric guitar

[@christopherfidler3019]

Good advice and Thanks for the video Elmo. I can't stand content creators that say 'out of full transparency did send me the product to review however no money was exchanged and this does not affect my opinion' not everybody that says this is being truthful... the company didn't pay my usual fee but I get to keep the product they sent me is what that means. I understand there are not many self funded guitar tubers out there but it's getting silly with the home theater chairs

[@editz90910]

thanks

[@MrPolevaulter]

No problem

[@bubuguaiguai]

I used to work at the store with a fixed salary and a bonus based on returning customers. Employer was satisfied, workers were, customers were very pleased with service and guitars. 😊

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool bananas :)

[@bartokus7771]

how am i supposed to try before i buy when i don't even know how to properly hold a guitar yet?

[@kmichaelp4508]

The one thing you pointed out that makes all the difference in the world is taking along a knowledgeable guitarist. Not just a neighbor who plays guitar. The second thing, buy in a local music store!!! When you find one you like, ask the salesperson to bring out two or three more to choose from. You won’t regret it. And don’t play through a Koad!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Koad :D

[@thelastnic]

In the States we have a company called Guitar Center which sells used gear but has a return policy on used gear.

[@ThoM45]

Try before you buy made me fell in love with guitar I didn't expect I would like, and made me fell out of love with one popular model which is quite known for good quality. Anyway , sry about 2nd part of this comment isn't about guitar, but I kinda need "help with amp". Would you recommend H&K Spirit of Vintage as first amp with Joyo Bantcab (Celestion 8 15 speaker) ?? Price of those together is 280$. Tnx for your thoughts.

[@Cracktopus.]

The other question is, how many guitars should I have? (The answer is always n+1, where n is the current amount you have).

[@MrPolevaulter]

Absolutely :D

[@user-yq9jv4qn7f]

Dig the Monty Python reference, but yea definitely try before you buy is the best for sure. 2 guitars I bought when I was 16 with my dishwasher money lol that I have 39 years later and they still play & sound great are proof alone. I’ve been what I consider lucky with buying online, there’s always a return policy. Last year I bought a Squire for my daughter that I returned the day it arrived lol. It came from Fender and had fret sprouts that were horrible. So I returned it and actually on your recommendation I got her an Indio Cali Classic. Great deal! Good playability. Really fantastic for a beginner guitar, and if guitars aren’t for her, I’m not out $500 lol. I’ll just have my own Frankenstein ha. But yeah absolutely great advice cheers 🍻

[@JD-te2pv]

Most guitarists I have met were originally inspired by an existing performing guitarist. Often, as in my experience, my father bought my first guitar: an acoustic. Thing is, dont be discouraged by the 1st guitar. Not everyone is wealthy, but eventually you run across a suitable instrument that inspires you to learn.

[@streetlegal008]

Good advice. Also I would say - have a budget in mind and don't go above it. Don't be tempted by big brand names. There are good guitars around at the budget end which will serve the beginner just as well. And there are certain basic problems - like fret ends needing some work - which are common to high end and low end production guitars. So don't fret 🙃 too much about the small stuff.

[@padawan9127]

I think hum and certain pickups need to be considered

[@quit293]

I go to guitar center they always want to sell me most expensive I'm like I don't have the budget. I'm just get used guitar and have friend fix whatever wrong with it.

[@yahaguitars]

Were is your Ibanez uv?:)

[@rabindradahal7418]

In my opinion Pacifica 112 V is more than enough for most beginners. This model could be upgraded later when knowledge, skills and taste develops. Next best alternative is to buy a second hand ( if available between US Dollar 300 - 500) but good conditioned Mexican made Fender Stratocaster. And then buy a Positive Grid Spark 40 modelling Amp ( Around US Dollar 230). This Amp is pretty good for learning guitar playing skills for beginners, intermediate and advance players alike.

[@rmkk89]

the most important thing is BEFORE LEARNING HOW TO PLAY, YOU GOTTA LEARN HOW TO SETUP A GUITAR. this is the best thing you can do. its not difficult and any guitar under 400 or even 500 dollars needs a minimum setup right out of the box.

[@rmkk89]

or even 1500 dollars

[@Michael-jv2cn]

To me neck feel is most important. the rest is eye candy. Just like you said you can mod what you don't like. I should say Im not stuck on one type of neck profile either. I have a ESP LTD thin U I love and I have a modern C I love and I have a vintage C I love. I have found I hate Jackson necks and they are pretty much a thin U.

[@matzer8846]

My answer would be: * first guitar: - go for an Ibanez GIO or such like Strat/SuperStrat - good enough to not shy you off - easy playability and general fit * second + guitar - consider a Tele - not as comfy - less options - more character * what is a LessPaula Sitting on the fence watching ...

[@UseAndGo]

I ended up building a short of "frankenstein" guitar back in the days. I love the tele sound, but I hate the damn neck profile and its body shape digs into my arm... so after "few" mods I ended up with a strat body with a name brand kinda thin neck, dual single single pickups and no whammy bar bridge with tuners.... yeah it ended up to be nothing like a telecaster, but it made me happy =) and I still play moreless melodic death metal ... so things can get funny from time to time... oh yeah 012 jazz strings too =P

[@kipponi]

Jazz strings for heavy metal?😂.

[@UseAndGo]

@@kipponi yeah it sounds really weird, but I fell for them due ... something cant explain

[@MrBazReviews]

Anyone with the name "Elmo" is worth watching, I also enjoy the Nordic humour too 🤣

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers :)

[@kipponi]

Ikuisuuskysymys?🎸😎. I have six different guitars. They should be❤👍. Three basic electric guitars are Gibson Les Paul, Fender Strato and Telecaster which we all know. Good topic!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Kiitos :)

[@SlavJerry]

for me the look takes 85% factor to or not to buy a guitar, another 10% is playability and functions, another 5% is sound

[@MrPolevaulter]

Fair enough.

[@kipponi]

You are talking about your wife😂.

[@christian-van-e]

Hi Elmo, whats your view on the shambles of a list of the Rolling Stone 250 "best" (haha) guitarists in the world... I see some fav KZbin channels responding on this. You can't stay behind, as we are both Gary Moore-fans and he is not even on the list. And, the position of Steve Vai versus Joni Mitchell! hahaha FFS...

[@Richard94758]

Jackson js king v

[@thomasorazi2372]

could you try the eart nkc3?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Maybe at some point.

[@thomasorazi2372]

OK thank you 😀😀

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

😀

[@MrPolevaulter]

😊

[@dr.pfrutti646]

My curse is the internet. Before online shopping you simply went into a local store, tried a few guitars, hung em back because you didn't have the cash and settled for the only decent one they had in your budget. Today I am in the market for a new guitar and I feel like Homer Simpson in a donut store. I went from Fender Player Strat to Sire S7 to Harley Benton Fusion III to Sire S3 to PRS SE to Gretsch Duojet to Yamaha Revstar and I watched tons of reviews on each of them and I still can't decide.

[@callme2times]

It’s always going to be like that. Even if you buy one, sooner or later you’ll want another one. You just have to make a decision and if you really want just 1 guitar go with a hss setup or PRS with coil tap. Honestly I would recommend PRS SE CE they are 20% off right now and the CE is everything you’d ever need in a guitar and is probably the most beautiful in that price range. Of course the beautiful part is subjective but seriously look at all these compared to the CE at $559. Cheers Mate

[@dr.pfrutti646]

@@callme2times thanks mate. I recently sold my Epiphone Les Paul because I didn't really connect with it and I didn't like the Humbuckers, so I currently only have a Tele. Initially, I wanted to replace the LP with a Sire S7 because of its build quality and its versatility, but as you may know, the more you look the more interesting guitars you find. The HB Fusion III HSS could be a very good alternative to the Sire, the PRS and the Yamaha are also very good guitars and the Gretsch sound interesting because of the Filtertrons...I guess I won't get around the trip to the Thomann store some day and try everything out.

[@lazvt8469]

Lefties can't try before they buy....so, we rely on YT videos like Elmo's... Going used helps minimize risk. Get lots of Teles.

[@christineayres7199]

Buy them all 😂 seriously I've got a Les Paul , An Ibanez a Tele and a Strat 😂

[@tymanngruter1808]

Its almost a sex lesson! Go on.....

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@tymanngruter1808]

@@MrPolevaulter no, ddd

[@blustulagu]

He's not the Messiah!

[@MrPolevaulter]

😂

[@johngibson911]

He’s a very naughty boy!

[@Babysmack-ns2vx]

Is Miss Kitty a good guitar?

[@Babysmack-ns2vx]

I am made of money! I cant even get wellfare!