tips for buying my first guitar

Ibanez Prestige/Thread. 
 
Actually it depends on your setup/genre.  What are you looking at playing? Rock? Funk? Metal? Jazz, Punk etc...  

If I give you advice, will you give me your parents?
 
Generally speaking, the better the guitar, the easier it will be for you to learn on.  Instead of buying a second one for practice, you should just put that money towards an amplifier.

If I was going to get into guitars (which I'm not), and if I was going to buy a guitar that I was going to keep forever (which I'm definitely not), I'd buy one of Eddie Van Halen's guitars. He's my favorite guitarist, and the person I'd most want to imitate. Of course, they're like three grand, and I'll be the first to admit it's probably not worth it, and the price definitely isn't justified, but I love the way they look, and after seeing Eddie play a few years ago, I know for sure that I like the way they sound.

Really depends what you're playing. 
 
I love a Strat myself, but you won't be doing any kind of metal on that (without a pickup change anyway... hi there Iron Maiden) 
 
You could get yourself a second hand Les Paul for that amount if you were lucky.. they're always nice. 
 
The Maton electrics are quite nice, though not as nice as their acoustics (I love mine). 
 
Ibanez is good for more hard rock/metal type stuff (I really dislike the clean/light dirt sound they have), though once again, with a pickup change you could make it do whatever you like. 
 
What are you doing for an amp? Is that included in the $1200 budget? I assume the $1200 is AUD? Are you adverse to looking on eBay? Some good deals can be had on there.

"Really depends what you're playing.  I love a Strat myself, but you won't be doing any kind of metal on that (without a pickup change anyway... hi there Iron Maiden)  You could get yourself a second hand Les Paul for that amount if you were lucky.. they're always nice.  The Maton electrics are quite nice, though not as nice as their acoustics (I love mine).  Ibanez is good for more hard rock/metal type stuff (I really dislike the clean/light dirt sound they have), though once again, with a pickup change you could make it do whatever you like.  What are you doing for an amp? Is that included in the $1200 budget? I assume the $1200 is AUD? Are you adverse to looking on eBay? Some good deals can be had on there. "

I'd like to qualify what I said about "not being able to play" certain genres on certain guitars. Obviously you can, but you won't get the exact same type of tone. As a beginner player, I doubt that will even matter to you to be honest. Plus the amp you have will make a big difference.  
 
Also I see you've just made another post and said you like to play 'rock'.  I'd say go for a Strat. Within your budget, you could: 

•  spend the whole amount on a second hand American Strat, 
• pick yourself up a second hand Japanese Strat (which are equals to the Americans) and an amp, 
• or get yourself a brand new Mexican Strat and have a little bit left over for a cheap amp. 

I would suggest a cheaper guitar to start with. Some are good enough to even gig with and you can always get a better guitar if it ever comes to that. But the most important thing is that you need to play them yourself and find one you think feels the best or even makes you feel good when you play (this is most important if you get a really expensive one).  And lastly, an amplifier is the second most important piece of equipment. You could have a million dollar guitar and it would sound like crap if you ran it through a starter amp. I'd suggest something like a Epiphone blues jr. or a Jet City amp.

" I would suggest a cheaper guitar to start with. Some are good enough to even gig with and you can always get a better guitar if it ever comes to that. But the most important thing is that you need to play them yourself and find one you think feels the best or even makes you feel good when you play (this is most important if you get a really expensive one).  And lastly, an amplifier is the second most important piece of equipment. You could have a million dollar guitar and it would sound like crap if you ran it through a starter amp. I'd suggest something like a Epiphone blues jr. or a Jet City amp. "

" @jams said:

" I would suggest a cheaper guitar to start with. Some are good enough to even gig with and you can always get a better guitar if it ever comes to that. But the most important thing is that you need to play them yourself and find one you think feels the best or even makes you feel good when you play (this is most important if you get a really expensive one).  And lastly, an amplifier is the second most important piece of equipment. You could have a million dollar guitar and it would sound like crap if you ran it through a starter amp. I'd suggest something like a Epiphone blues jr. or a Jet City amp. "

You're recommending a tube amp to a beginner. (It's an Epiphone Valve Jr by the way. The Blues Jr is a Fender)  I don't agree. "

" @Khann said:

" @jams said:

" I would suggest a cheaper guitar to start with. Some are good enough to even gig with and you can always get a better guitar if it ever comes to that. But the most important thing is that you need to play them yourself and find one you think feels the best or even makes you feel good when you play (this is most important if you get a really expensive one).  And lastly, an amplifier is the second most important piece of equipment. You could have a million dollar guitar and it would sound like crap if you ran it through a starter amp. I'd suggest something like a Epiphone blues jr. or a Jet City amp. "

You're recommending a tube amp to a beginner. (It's an Epiphone Valve Jr by the way. The Blues Jr is a Fender)  I don't agree. "

It's a tube, but it's not expensive and sounds great. Got confused on the blues/valve. I didn't proof read.  "

Solid States can sound just as good and usually way better for beginners. IMO, I'd get a nice Ibanez then put in some Bare Knukle Pickups since it's common knowledge all Ibanez pickups are ass, then I'd pick up a Vox solid state since they're pretty versatile. Schecters are a good value as well. And agiles (their site is rondomusic) is amazing for the price but may not be worth it since you don't live in america (No insurance for out of country buyers) 

You could always look for a used guitar, I got an Ibanez SZ520, plays awesome for only 300$.  That would leave some room for a nicer amp, but amp's are where I don't shine.  I just have a Peavey Vyper 75w, someone else should know... 
 
I DON'T suggest a starter guitar, starter guitars are meant to see if you want to play a guitar IMO.  You can try to upgrade it with new pickups etc, but it's not going to be able to get up to a decent gig-worthy level.  The more options you have with a guitar the better.

" @jams said:

" @Khann said:

" @jams said:

" I would suggest a cheaper guitar to start with. Some are good enough to even gig with and you can always get a better guitar if it ever comes to that. But the most important thing is that you need to play them yourself and find one you think feels the best or even makes you feel good when you play (this is most important if you get a really expensive one).  And lastly, an amplifier is the second most important piece of equipment. You could have a million dollar guitar and it would sound like crap if you ran it through a starter amp. I'd suggest something like a Epiphone blues jr. or a Jet City amp. "

You're recommending a tube amp to a beginner. (It's an Epiphone Valve Jr by the way. The Blues Jr is a Fender)  I don't agree. "

It's a tube, but it's not expensive and sounds great. Got confused on the blues/valve. I didn't proof read.  "

But you have to crank the shit out of to get a really solid 'rock' tone.. unless you're using pedals, which isn't really on the cards at the moment.   I've had two Epi VJs myself. The combo version, and the head version which was modded for higher gain that I ran through a Marshall 4x10. I loved them both, but once again, they had to be played LOUD for a decent gritty tone without pedals. "

" Solid States can sound just as good and usually way better for beginners. IMO, I'd get a nice Ibanez then put in some Bare Knukle Pickups since it's common knowledge all Ibanez pickups are ass, then I'd pick up a Vox solid state since they're pretty versatile. Schecters are a good value as well. And agiles (their site is rondomusic) is amazing for the price but may not be worth it since you don't live in america (No insurance for out of country buyers)  "

" We've played some small bars and it was clean and loud at 12 o'clock."

" @jams said:

" We've played some small bars and it was clean and loud at 12 o'clock."

That's sorta my point though. 12 o'clock on those Epis is VERY loud for bedroom practise, and like you said, still more or less clean. The volume doesn't get a huge amount louder after 12, but it does still get a little louder. Which means no crunchy rock tones until you get to a volume far too high for bedroom use.  "

I find Japanese Fenders to be of higher build quality than regular grade American Fenders, especially as it pertains to the finish and electronics. Of all the guitars people are recommending, I would say that a Fender Telecaster is a good bet - provided you select a model that has a humbucker in the bridge position (the "Thinline" model being my personal favorite).  
Fenders make great first guitars, as they lend themselves to "tinkering" more than most set-neck guitars. They typically have simple bridge assemblies and electronics, and Fender stock tuning pegs are pretty good - this is important, as a lot more physical upkeep goes into an electric guitar vs. an acoustic. 
 
My ultimate guitar suggestion would be a Rickenbacker 330, my favorite guitar, but they're expensive as shit and a bitch to learn on. So.....Fender. 
 
(Rickenbackers aren't really that expensive compared to the offerings of Gibson and USA Fenders - a 330 runs you $1400 (US) Dollars)

" I find Japanese Fenders to be of higher build quality than regular grade American Fenders, especially as it pertains to the finish and electronics. Of all the guitars people are recommending, I would say that a Fender Telecaster is a good bet - provided you select a model that has a humbucker in the bridge position (the "Thinline" model being my personal favorite).  Fenders make great first guitars, as they lend themselves to "tinkering" more than most set-neck guitars. They typically have simple bridge assemblies and electronics, and Fender stock tuning pegs are pretty good - this is important, as a lot more physical upkeep goes into an electric guitar vs. an acoustic.  My ultimate guitar suggestion would be a Rickenbacker 330, my favorite guitar, but they're expensive as shit and a bitch to learn on. So.....Fender.  (Rickenbackers aren't really that expensive compared to the offerings of Gibson and USA Fenders - a 330 runs you $1400 (US) Dollars) "

If you are just starting off I would split it, put about 700 to 800 into the guitar and the rest into an amp. I personally would suggest that you get some kind of strat, they have great sound, and are one of the most versatile guitars, but there are tons of strats. 
 
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Classic-Series-50s-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=510136   (Here is an example of a pretty good strat in the 700 dollar range) 
 
Amp wise I would suggest a Marshall. They have a great sound, and also very versatile.  
 
 http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marshall-MG4-Series-MG101FX-100W-1x12-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=581725 
  
This amp is pretty cheap, has a good sound, and comes with some built in FX's to mess around with. It is nothing you would play a gig with, but you are just starting out! It is MORE then good enough for practice, and with the extra FX you can get a good idea about possible future pedal investments.  
 
I wish you the best of luck! 

ProTip: Don't go Marshall MG, no offense to sully, but they really are really ass. 

Here is a video on the American Standard Strat and Tele for reference:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqRfODd9v8s 
Also one for the American Special Strat and Tele:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqTJDf9oxc&feature=fvwrel 
 
If you're interested in other types of guitars like Gibson or Ibanez there are similar videos on youtube.

Picking out a guitar is more of an emotional choice than a logical decision. Buy whatever guitar you feel drawn to: Do you like the sound, the look, and the way it feels to play. 
 
My only piece of advice is not to spend too much money on any hobby until you've spent enough time doing it to know you won't lose interest. Anything above the 200-500 dollar range might be overkill.

Getting such a great guitar while knowing nothing about guitars is a bad idea. You have to have a good understanding of what you do and don't want in a guitar before purchasing. I've only recently grasped the concept of what I like about guitars, and I've been playing for... Four or five years now? To be kind of hippy, chances are you won't be able to perceive the subtleties a good guitar provides. You can't really go on what other people tell you to do either. Maybe I'm just weird, and I admittedly don't play any effects laden genres, but I hate my Fender Strat, which is the go-to guitar for many guitarists. 
 
But hey, if you're parents are paying for it it doesn't really matter, go all out.

" Depends on the money and what kind you want. I would say a cheap acoustic dreadnought... if you want to lear picking and the overall beauty of guitar. Go with a basic electric if you just want to thrash power chords when you are starting off. Acoustics are rougher on the fingers and barre chords are a lot tougher. Go somewhere where you can try out guitars before you buy them. That way you will know what you really want. Also, buy a good book on guitar. I have about 50. "

"
I decided after some consideration to learn guitar. 
So I was going to go get an electric guitar that I can mess around with and teach myself some stuff. 

The thing is my 21st birthday is coming up (March 9th, mark your calendars) and my parents wanted to buy me one. 
But they don't want to buy me an entry level guitar, they want to buy me a guitar I can keep forever. 
Also they got my older brother a sweet Cole Clark acoustic guitar for about $1200 and they wanted to get me an electric guitar for a similar price. 

I have been looking at Maton guitars (coz it's an Aussie company) and they seem pretty cool but I really have no idea. 
Any tips for me? Should I get the expensive guitar but then buy an entry level guitar as well to learn on that? 
 
Edit: 
Okay, I went down to the music shop (Better Music, in Philip) and after hours of looking I was constantly drawn back this one guitar... 
The Maton MS503.
 

It sounds brilliant, feels great and looks awesome. 
I also got a Roland Cube amp. 
Thanks so much for all your tips and suggestions, you really helped a lot. 
 
Now I just have to wait 3 weeks to play it...     "

Grats on the guitar, Mars!
 
 
Looks pretty awesome :).
 
Just out of curiosity, does anyone have any suggestions on good guitars for bluesy jazz music?

For a beginner, you can't go wrong with a Squier Strat or Tele (with or without a humbucker) or and Ibanez RG321.  Those are fairly inexpensive, and they are reliable with decent craftsmanship.  For a little more you could go for a Fender Strat or tele, (made in mexico versions) or maybe an Epiphone Les Paul standard or SG standard.   These will run about $300-400.  
for amps, can't go wrong with a Roland Cube Amp or a Line 6 Spider amp.   You might want to stay away from tube amps at this time because while they might sound better, you are going to have to spend some serious cash to get the tubes replaced once a year or so, My carvin cost me $250 to get the tubes replaced. Its insane. 
 
Get a good guitar, and get a good amp.  You don't need the high end professional stuff yet, but you don't want to get cheap stuff either. 
 
the best advice I can give is set a budget, go to a music store and try out all the guitars and amps you can and then get one what you like that is still within your budget.  for $1200 you can get some nice gear.  I wish I had that much cash when I started. 

"Just out of curiosity, does anyone have any suggestions on good guitars for bluesy jazz music? "

" @JCTango said:

"Just out of curiosity, does anyone have any suggestions on good guitars for bluesy jazz music? "

You can't go wrong with this one: 
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES.aspx It doesn't even have to be a Gibson; the ones produced by Epiphone are of decent quality.     "

should've gone tele/jazzmaster.

" @RVonE said:

" @JCTango said:

"Just out of curiosity, does anyone have any suggestions on good guitars for bluesy jazz music? "

You can't go wrong with this one: 
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES.aspx It doesn't even have to be a Gibson; the ones produced by Epiphone are of decent quality.     "

Damn those guitars are pretty expensive!  Heh. "

Everyone here is talking all sorts of crazy.

Amps. Same rules apply.

In conclusion...