beginner

[flippy]

looking for an acoustic guitar for my daughter who is 18 and about 5' tall....someone recommended an olympia od3 ($149)..is this a good guitar or does anyone have any other suggestions...thanx

[55'gibby]

I don't know anything about that guitar... but, something to keep in mind is not her size, but how badly she wants to play!! there are lots of guitars out there in a WIIIIIIIIIDE range of prices. for a beginner I have seen some very nice Washburns in the same price range, also I have seen some nice Yamahas out there for the same money. If this guitar isn't a suprise gift, take her to the guitar store and let her plunk on a couple of guitars. one thing that you have to remember a guitar is a rather personal thing, if you don't like it... you won't play it. make sure it's a full size (dreadnought) guitar, and take a good look at the construction (is it well made... ie good woods, nice joinery) don't get caught up in nice looks or built in electronics, in that price range the manufacturer is taking away from more important things to provide these. Good luck

[gck]

yes, I totally agree that your guitar is a very personal thing! Of course, the most important thing is wether she likes the sound or not. It makes no sense to buy her a rather cheap guitar of which she doesn't like the sound. I also recommend to take her to the store. You shouldn't decide on your own! If it should be a surprise present, don't buy a guitar on her own, just tell her (at the birthday party or whatever), "your present this year will be a guitar. We'll go to the shop tomorrow and you will decide which one you like!".

Also, it's a good idea to take someone who has experience with guitars with you. Salesmen seem to "smell" if you depend on them and probably will persuade you to buy some bad model. And don't judge the guitar by its look but by its sound and "playability" (action, no fret buzz, etc...)

Another thing: when you buy a guitart from a store, it's often not properly set up. Ask the salesman to set up the action, intonation etc.. for your needs, they *should* do it for free if you buy the guitar. If they don't want to do that, insist on it! Once again, it's better to have someone who knows a lot about guitars with you.

Two more things you may want to consider: built-in electrics in an acoustic usually aren't worth the extra money if you are a beginner: you will rarely ever use them. Second, a cutaway style body may also be a good choice. Personally, I play like that style of music where I have to reach the higher frets...

Hope that helps you!