Beginner needs a little help!

[digimon]

Hey! I'm new to this board, so let me introduce myself. I'm 14 and I want to start playing the guitar. With the help of several other websites, and my cousin, I've been able to figure out most of my questions, but I still have some. I know I want to get a steel-stringed acoustic, either Fender, Washburn , or Ibanez. I can't spend more than $300. I also can't afford profesional lessons yet. I am left handed, but I have enough dexterity in my right hand that I am going to play right handed. If you know ANYTHING that would help me w/ buying/learning/etc., PLEASE help. Thanks a lot!

[Coffee]

Good call on the right handed choice. Personally, after learning the play I began to wonder why those of us who are right handed stick a piece of plastic in it and use our least dextrous left hand for fingering. Anyone have any idea?

[disturbed_pyro]

i didnt even know fender and ibanez MADE acoustics...
what made you decide you wanted a steel stringed acoustic?

[jaytee]

i have an ibanez acoustic.....and its pretty nice.....
however....i bought mine used and i cant find it anywhere on the net to see what it would have cost new....i think they dont make my particular model anymore....
but i did manage to stay well within your price range buying it used....
my best suggestion...being that you are new...is to take someone with you when you look...(like your cousin maybe)
i dont know if he has a discerning eye..but at least he can help you by playing some for you and giving his opinion....keep in mind that if he plays only electric....he prolly wont be used to really pushing on the strings of an acoustic..they require more pressure....
you need to learn some about the way guitars are built also...so you know what to check as far as the nut and action and tuning machines etc....you want to make sure things are within tolerance...there are books and im sure websites that can help you find out what you need to inspect....i dunno if shawn has a page on this or not....but you want a well built instrument....crappy ones arent that much fun to play

but like i said...its definitely a plus to take someone with you who already plays....after all...salesmen are salesmen...

--jt

oh and also.....i suggest allowing yourself a little $$ to buy a hard case as well....