If you were just starting what sub $1,000 guitar?

[The Scarecrow]

I bought a 74 swamp ash Strat USA hardtail $700 back in 1986, second hand hanging on the shop wall. Just think I could have fairly easily bought what most thought a POS 60's Strat then.

I had a '79 Strat that I got in '96 for about the same price from my guitar teacher. His dad bought it new and gave it to him to in the early 90's but he had a Tokai Love Rock LP which he preferred. Was a bit of a step up from the old Ibanez lawsuit strat copy I had in school.

[calling card]

I bought a 74 swamp ash Strat USA hardtail $700 back in 1986, second hand hanging on the shop wall. Just think I could have fairly easily bought what most thought a POS 60's Strat then.

That's one of my dream guitars - I was born in 1974. And I've really liked the swamp ash guitars I've played - a PRS and I think a les paul.

They're not thought of that well, but the birth year thing would be cool.[/quote

I traded the Strat in on a Charvel year or so later and that Strat went to Kokomo blues band - Deric? Brown coloured,black plastics. He might still have it.

[The Scarecrow]

They're not thought of that well, but the birth year thing would be cool.

That's why I ended up with my '79 strat - it was manufactured not only the year I was born, but 1 month exactly after I arrived. Crazy!

[Hollowpoint]

I thought the Revstar 420 was pretty nice for $800ish in NZ, amazing for the Australian price of $550.

[codedog]

I bought a 74 swamp ash Strat USA hardtail $700 back in 1986, second hand hanging on the shop wall. Just think I could have fairly easily bought what most thought a POS 60's Strat then.

That's one of my dream guitars - I was born in 1974. And I've really liked the swamp ash guitars I've played - a PRS and I think a les paul.

They're not thought of that well, but the birth year thing would be cool.

I'm on the lookout for a birth year guitar too, that exact same year in fact! It will be a player though, not just to collect. I had an Ibanez Musician... didn't enjoy that at all. Weighed a frikkin ton and had a thin neck.

[Delayman]

I bought a 74 swamp ash Strat USA hardtail $700 back in 1986, second hand hanging on the shop wall. Just think I could have fairly easily bought what most thought a POS 60's Strat then.

That's one of my dream guitars - I was born in 1974. And I've really liked the swamp ash guitars I've played - a PRS and I think a les paul.

They're not thought of that well, but the birth year thing would be cool.

I'm on the lookout for a birth year guitar too, that exact same year in fact! It will be a player though, not just to collect. I had an Ibanez Musician... didn't enjoy that at all. Weighed a frikkin ton and had a thin neck.

You'll probably beat me to it then - I'm out of the acquisition market at the moment. There is a 74 tele on trademe now - but the price is up there

[codedog]

That's one of my dream guitars - I was born in 1974. And I've really liked the swamp ash guitars I've played - a PRS and I think a les paul.

They're not thought of that well, but the birth year thing would be cool.

I'm on the lookout for a birth year guitar too, that exact same year in fact! It will be a player though, not just to collect. I had an Ibanez Musician... didn't enjoy that at all. Weighed a frikkin ton and had a thin neck.

You'll probably beat me to it then - I'm out of the acquisition market at the moment. There is a 74 tele on trademe now - but the price is up there

Not so sure about beating you to it. I may be looking but, as we all know, it all depends on timing and budget.

[candiman]

One of my most used at the moment would be an ESP M-II standard series. Was $850ish in 2012. Not sure you could get one for that price now though.

Buying new a PRS-SE or hit an SX and keep the change.

[jeremyb]

Actually most people starting I think would be spending $250 max?

[candiman]

Actually most people starting I think would be spending $250 max?

Yep, when my kids started I got an SX strat 2nd hand for $200 off TM. Unexpected bonus that it came in a Hiscox flight case!

[codedog]

I started my third attempt at learning guitar 5 years ago, with a $600 Cort acoustic. Did anyone else start with an acoustic?

[Bg]

Actually most people starting I think would be spending $250 max?

Yep, when my kids started I got an SX strat 2nd hand for $200 off TM. Unexpected bonus that it came in a Hiscox flight case!

I'm still happy to hit up an SX anytime I've owned high end guitars and I'm really happy to go SX, just the usual changes you'd make to a high end like- tuners, pickups, bridge etc.

[hamo]

I started my third attempt at learning guitar 5 years ago, with a $600 Cort acoustic. Did anyone else start with an acoustic?

Yeah, back in 3rd form when I started playing it was on an acoustic. Didn't get an electric until the following year.

[HappyEnding]

There's an interview recently with the Fender CEO who says something like 90% of first time guitarists are done within the first year. So a used Squier starter pack for about $220-$250 on TM is the right choice 90% of the time.

But if you can predict the future and know you're in the 10%, as others have said, a used PRS SE or Classic Vibe or MIM Strat are outstanding 'first' guitars that for most practical purposes, would never need replacing. (Future GAS of course not being 'practical'.)

Alternate answer: TM $250ish used Warlock!

[candiman]

There's an interview recently with the Fender CEO who says something like 90% of first time guitarists are done within the first year.

This was my kids... my son quit and my daughter switched to flute and ukelele. Their SX strat was a decent player so I kept it and sold my Fender american standard (also a decent player).