Hey! I am looking into buying a new electric guitar because I’m wanting to get back into playing. I would say I was an intermediate player back when I was in high school, but haven’t really played much in a few years. My budget is around AU$700-1100, so mid-range considering I’m still a bit of a newbie. I’ve been looking at some Sterlings and Squiers, but I’m not sure! Any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated!
In that price range, you should also consider Yamahas and Schecters. But Squiers and Sterlings are awesome guitars.
The best thing to do is not to worry too much about the brand and just try out a few within your budget that catch your eye at a store. There’s a lot of variation between even guitars of the same model, especially at lower budgets.
This is the right answer. Don’t look at them. Pick them up and hold them. The neck shape will make the biggest difference as you’re learning so find the one in your budget that feels most comfortable to your hands.
I wouldn’t say to ignore the looks. Especially for just someone who is not currently playing. The aesthetics should inspire you to pick the guitar up. But absolutely try all the ones that look inspiring to find the one(s) that feel good to play once you’ve picked them up.
You’re right. I should have said “Don’t JUST look at them” :-) Loving how your guitar looks IS important.
I agree with you on this. What I find frustrating is that after years of wondering why I preferred some guitars over others, I realized it was the neck profile that made the biggest difference to me. But so few manufacturers supply info on their necks, it’s like they list every spec except that.
I’ve had a Schecter C1 Hellraiser for over 10 years. That guitar is amazing for the price.