Buying a guitar or strings (again)

gmal2003 · 04-15-04, 02:55 PM

I have an old acoustic guitar at home but the strings are mostly missing or in bad shape. The body of the guitar however seems good (from my standpoint having little knowledge about guitars). I wanna start learning to play so Im thinking about simply buying some new strings instead of a whole guitar because my interest could potentially wane. Is this the best choice and how can I decipher if my guitar is in good enough shape.

Thanx in advance

DVD Josh · 04-15-04, 03:43 PM

I would be willing to guess that the neck needs to be adjusted, probably could use a fret dressing and a neck clean up. I would reccommend taking it in for a "setup". You should be able to find a store willing to do it for $30-$50. A guitar that plays poorly will make you want to quit.

If you just want to swap the strings, then you can do the following. Clean the neck with some lemon oil (wipe off the excess) and restring it. I'd go with Martin Marquis, but really any brand will do. Get 12s.

palebluedot · 04-15-04, 03:49 PM

The neck would be the biggest problem on an old guitar if there was just a slight problem with it. Usually on "old" guitars there is no truss rod in the neck to allow you to adjust neck flex. If it doesn't have this it is useless to try and tune it...and even if you could tune it the upper register would be out of tune.

I think your best option would be to take it into a music shop that does repairs and just ask the guy there...they would be able to tell you if it's worth trying to use it.

dpganz · 04-15-04, 07:42 PM

I'd suggest elixer strings w/ the coating. When you first start playing expect to have some sore fingers until you build up some calluses. I'd expect the coating on the elixers to at least lessen the initial pain.

demonio · 04-15-04, 11:33 PM

I agree with dpganz about Elixers, they cost more however the tone lasts a lot longer and as he said they lessen the finger pain!

Happy Playin'

beefjerky · 04-16-04, 02:07 AM

Yeah, taking it into a guitar shop and having a repair guy checking it out would be a good idea. If you're good to go, slap some Elixers or D’Addario EXPs on it and start playing.

04-15-04, 02:55 PM	#1
gmal2003 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 2,478	Buying a guitar or strings (again) I have an old acoustic guitar at home but the strings are mostly missing or in bad shape. The body of the guitar however seems good (from my standpoint having little knowledge about guitars). I wanna start learning to play so Im thinking about simply buying some new strings instead of a whole guitar because my interest could potentially wane. Is this the best choice and how can I decipher if my guitar is in good enough shape. Thanx in advance __________________ I am Omega Picnic

04-15-04, 03:43 PM	#2
DVD Josh DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: In My Own Little World Posts: 19,355	I would be willing to guess that the neck needs to be adjusted, probably could use a fret dressing and a neck clean up. I would reccommend taking it in for a "setup". You should be able to find a store willing to do it for $30-$50. A guitar that plays poorly will make you want to quit. If you just want to swap the strings, then you can do the following. Clean the neck with some lemon oil (wipe off the excess) and restring it. I'd go with Martin Marquis, but really any brand will do. Get 12s. __________________ *DVDTALK GOLD TRADER* http://www.invelos.com/dvdcollection.aspx/cwrujosh

04-15-04, 03:49 PM	#3
palebluedot DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,447	The neck would be the biggest problem on an old guitar if there was just a slight problem with it. Usually on "old" guitars there is no truss rod in the neck to allow you to adjust neck flex. If it doesn't have this it is useless to try and tune it...and even if you could tune it the upper register would be out of tune. I think your best option would be to take it into a music shop that does repairs and just ask the guy there...they would be able to tell you if it's worth trying to use it. Last edited by palebluedot; 04-15-04 at 03:52 PM.

04-15-04, 11:33 PM	#5
demonio DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Germany Posts: 1,032	I agree with dpganz about Elixers, they cost more however the tone lasts a lot longer and as he said they lessen the finger pain! Happy Playin' __________________ DEADPIT.com Horror Talk Radio!

04-15-04, 07:42 PM	#4
dpganz Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 116	I'd suggest elixer strings w/ the coating. When you first start playing expect to have some sore fingers until you build up some calluses. I'd expect the coating on the elixers to at least lessen the initial pain.

04-16-04, 02:07 AM	#6
beefjerky Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 639	Yeah, taking it into a guitar shop and having a repair guy checking it out would be a good idea. If you're good to go, slap some Elixers or D’Addario EXPs on it and start playing.