Best Value starter guitar???

Hi, I am looking to buy my 18 yr old a guitar. He wants an electric guitar, he already has an acoustic and he plays the drums. He gave me a photo of a Squire Affinity Series from Guitar center (because it looks like Springsteens) any advice from savvy guitar players would be appreciated. thanks

Romano, welcome to the forum.

There have been several threads on this forum about "starter" guitars, and as you would expect there are varying opinions...but I'll go ahead and start out with mine:

• I think it's a mistake to pay less than $200 for an electric guitar. You're getting a cheap instrument made with chep components. It will not stay in tune and it will not last. There, I said it!
• The Fender standard Strats and Telecasters are made in Mexico, and retail for around $400. You can probably find them for less than that. This is a much better investment. Fender has been making guitars in Mexico for a good while now, and they are turning out good quality instruments at affordable prices. I have a Mexican-made Telecaster in my collection. Paid $375 for it, and it looks, sounds and plays great.
• Gibson is offering its US-made Melody Maker guitar for $349. Looks like a great deal to me. Go to this page for more info, and be sure to check out the video: GIBSON USA - Melody Maker

There are others out there, but for my money a good, basic Fender or Gibson in the $300-$400 range is a smart choice!

Good luck.

Tom

I second Badger's recommendations for the Mexican Fenders and low end US-made Gibsons. If he's looking for a guitar like Springsteen's, you may very well find an awesome blonde Telecaster in that sub-$400 price range used (look on Craigslist or you local listings)....also check your local Guitar Center and see if they have any "Manager's Specials". A buddy of mine just picked up a 50's Classic Player's Strat for just under $500....new it sells for $800. You may want to spend ~$60 to get it professionally setup from a reputable guitar repair guy regardless of whatever guitar you choose.

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can anybody tell about an acoustic guitar by gibson in that very range... 300-400 $
thanks in advance

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electricguitarpedals

Did you leave off a zero?

At that price, you've got to go with Epiphone. And you will probably get a pretty nice guitar. Not a Gibson, but a very playable guitar. Their version of the Dove and Hummingbird run around $300 street, I believe.

last year I purchased a Douglas WT-460 from rondo music.....$150.00 brand new, $20.00 shipping....maple neck set into a basswood body......made in china. This example is a very good guitar for how cheaply it was made, and for where it was made. I use it as much as my other more expensive axe's. Neck is straight, intonation is good, finish could be better, pickups could be better, and the licensed floyd rose is better used as just a bridge....but it works and sound's good.
Check Agile, and SX brands at the same store. I hear that the Agile guitar's are quite alright for just another les paul copy....