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Acoustic Beginner Guitar


Most people think that acoustic beginner guitar models define the "cheap guitars" universe. Let's get one thing straight right now: NOTHING could be further from the truth. Unfortunately, too many beginner students unknowingly purchase cheap junk acoustic beginner guitars and become frustrated with sore fingers, hurt wrists and a general disgust in their tone and sound. All too often, it's actually the guitar that's to blame and not the poor (literally) students. The top five reasons JUNK guitars are purchased:
  • Lack of funds
  • Unwillingness to make large investment
  • Lack of guitar education
  • Bad information
  • Guitar sales people
  • The last one could also be named: Your local music store sucks!
    • If you found this site, you're already on your way to bypassing these potholes on the road to guitar greatness. Our very existence addresses each and every one of the above bullet points and, well, puts a bullet in them.

    Some education

    Let's look at two models that Guitar Center sells in the $100 price range. Pictured on this page are the Epiphone AJ-1 and the Jasmine by Takamine S35. We list them here in alphabetical order and have no preference toward either one. As you'll soon see, they're pretty much identical. Epiphone AJ-1 Acoustic Guitar Natural*

    We have played Epi's and Jasmine's either exactly as mentioned or comparable over the years. They all have common traits (and this goes for electric guitars as well). #1 most common trait: they are mass produced in Asia. Because of the very nature of the factory production methodology used to give birth to these instruments, varying levels of playability and tone exist when comparing identical models. Here's a hyphothetical situation that will serve to make your next buying experience more educational. Jasmine by Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar Natural

    Take identical brand-new Epiphone AJ-1's and place them in a row. Do the same for the Jasmine S35's. (To do this in the real world, you'll probably have to visit more than one guitar retailer, which can be impractical, but you'll get the point in a second.) When playing these identical acoustic beginner guitar models you will notice that some of them have higher string height (called action) than the other identical models. This is a function of being mass produced. "This is so obvious," you may be thinking to yourself. Well, if you buy a guitar through a local guitar store based on reviews on forums or that retailer's site, you're setting yourself up for a possibly painful experience. Rather than enjoying playing your acoustic beginner guitar, you'll struggle with it and wonder why you're so extremely fatigued when you're done playing. Guitar Center actually sucks! Both locally and on the Net because the company is run by kids who have very little knowledge of their products and have no desire to help their customers.

    Your Plan of Action

    If you really only have $100 to buy a guitar and want something new, try out these two guitars. The main point of this article is that when you're in the $100 price range, the guitars you'll find are pretty much the same. Chances are, though, you'll love either of these guitars if you're on a tight budget. Just make sure you're getting from someone who will take it back with no questions asked if you're not satisfied for any reason. So to answer the question: What's the best $100 beginner guitar? We'd have to say either the Epiphone AJ-1 or the Jasmine because they're basically the same guitar and could have very well been made in the same Chinese factory.
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