https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:48:45 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-316222 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:43:32 +0000 these two to fall back on. I'm calling them AF75s, but I've also seen them listed as AFS75s. I think I prefer the trans. red sunburst to the trans. blue sunburst. I don't know why, but I like the blue better without the sunburst.

Of course, it's not all bad. At least now I don't feel rushed to make a decision. Now I feel like I can wait until I'm truly ready to make a purchase.

Thank you for all your help. I'll be keeping all of this in mind as I continue to shop. Take care, and happy holidays!]]> Opinions and Polls Pane in the Glass https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-316222 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314491 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:14:48 +0000
Ibanez AFS75

Looks like they only offer the black model.

Here it is in brown or red:

Ibanez AFS75

You can get an orange one from Guitar Center

Ibanez AFS75]]> Opinions and Polls Wes Inman https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314491 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314484 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:00:56 +0000
In my experience, much of the 'versatility' is in the fingers of an experienced player rather than the guitar as such. So if you're just starting out don't expect too much from the guitar itself. What I mean is that you shouldn't rely on judging the 'sound' of any guitar by what you've heard online - either in a clip or from what's been described - you must play them for yourself and hear what it sounds like when you're playing them.

For instance, it seems quite common for players who've started on acoustic instruments to imagine that hollow bodied electric guitars will sound pretty much like an acoustic when they're unplugged, but usually they don't. The unplugged sound can be very disappointing if you imagine that it will sound just like a dreadnought, simply because it's hollow. Most hollow bodied electrics are made to be played plugged in, and will give a certain type of sound because of their design - but they're often not 'versatile' in the sense that they'll do a great job as an acoustic, which you can play plugged in now and then if you want to. If you're after a guitar that will sound good played mostly as an acoustic, but which will also be good plugged in, then you should try out a few properly acoustic guitars that also have pickups.

All you can do is play as many as you can in the shop and hear it for yourself.

Good luck with it all.

Chris]]> Opinions and Polls Chris C https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314484 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314475 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:39:53 +0000 Opinions and Polls Pane in the Glass https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314475 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314400 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:48:29 +0000
Guitar
Case
Guitar Stand
Strap*
Amp (if I get an electric)
Guitar Cable (again, if I get an electric)*
Strings*
Picks*
Tuner*
Metronome (?)

Items marked with an asterisk are ones which I understand should be included with the purchase of a guitar. Very little is "required" to be included in the purchase of a guitar except the strings on it, and probably the adjustment wrenches (in a little zip bag). You are ASKING for these things to be added to the deal. It's usually easy to get an extra set of strings and some picks. After that comes further possibilities of a basic strap (either unusual one no one would want, as Dogbite suggests, or a less expensive woven nylon of which the store may have 10 or 20 in stock) and/or a low cost cable (they will give you a "starter" cable which will serve for a bit, then become a spare when you get around to buying a better one). All these "possible freebies" will be "our price" tagged for no more than about $10 each, and you will not get all. Name them and see what you can get. I mentioned a tuner, because the prices have dropped on tunres to a point where these can be had for $10. But if you do not ask, they will not likely give anything extra to you.

Yes, you should have case, strap, cord/lead, picks, spare strings and a tuner. A metronome also is a very good thing to have. So is a stand. Most don't consider an amp to be an accessory, but almost an instrument in it's own right. That is a whole 'nother discussion.
Strap and picks, I'd expect, are pretty standard, and I don't have any particular questions about them. As far as strings are concerned, I've read that I should try to get the store to restring the guitar before I take it home. So, should I be looking for two sets of strings, one for the guitar right away, and one extra for later, or should I just be looking for one set of strings to be included with the purchase, and then purchase an extra set separately (I think it'd best to have an extra set on hand)? I've also read that I should be sure to get a high quality tuner and cable right from the start. Do you think I should pick those out separately, or do you think whatever's included would be fine? In addition to everything else, I think I'm going to get a decent digital metronome, just 'cause I think that'd be good to have. Also, in general, is there anything you think I should add or remove from that list, or does it look pretty solid?

I was a bit confused when you said
If not included, be sure to purchase a good hard case or a well padded gig bag and later, ...and move on to the case discussion. If you cannot get close enough to the internet price on the case... The way I read this, it sounds like most places have a basic case they tend to include with their purchases, but not everyplace does that. If it's not included, I should find a case I like, check it's price online, and then see what they can do for the price of the guitar+case combo, comparing that to what i can get online. Is that what you meant, or did I read that wrong? The case versus no-case situation is usually based on what the manufacturer supplies with the guitar. For some models, the case is included in the guitar's price and you get it automatically. But in situations where the manufacturer is not providing a case, you will need to buy one. That price can be bargained too -- esp if they have it in stock. If the strore has to order it, there is less bargaining power. If the store has good gig bags, they may be worth investigating.
Also, what is included in a set-up? I presume that's changing the strings, tuning, adjusting the bridge, truss rod, and action; i.e., getting the guitar ready to go. Also, what are the pros/cons about purchasing the display model? The way I see it, it's good to buy the actual one you played and preferred, but at the same time, I can see not wanting something that's been constantly handled, and possibly, perhaps even subtly, damaged. A setup can be a very minor affair -- if the guitar is already well adjusted, or if not well adjusted, it can be pretty involved. For your preferred model of Artcore, it's mainly a bit of tweaking adjustments after removing the foam pad from beneath the bridge. Strings only get replaced if obviously worn or corroded or rusty.
One last question. You suggested knowing the internet price going in, but thus far, I've been unable to find this guitar on the internet (which is a bit concerning). My first thought would be to use the version with the tremolo in its place, and then knock off a couple bucks for the lack of that feature. That seems pretty obvious, but I still thought I should float it out there, in case there's something else I should do. Ibanez makes several models that come in both trem and non-trem. Check those price differences to guide you.]]> Opinions and Polls gnease https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314400 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314391 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:54:02 +0000 set ups ususally do not come with a new set of strings. you could ask. maybe they will.
same with cord and strap.
I always ask and they usually throw in a cord and a strap that no one wants.
tuners are never part of the deal.
reputable guitar stores offer a set up u[pon purchase (if it hasn't already been done)
and they should offer a second set up within one year of purchase. during this time things can change and another set up is needed.
purchasing the floor model. nothing wrong with that. it is kind of gross knowing that your new guitar has been pawed on by everybody shopping, but as you correctly assume, it is the guitar you looked over in detail. check for surface flaws...maybe there is a discount.
I bought a guitar and amp the same day at the same place once. they gave me a better deal. if you have the money, think about it. in addition, since you are there with your guitar, why not try out amps. later, when you don't have your guitar at the store amp shopping becomes a bit more scary.
enjoy shopping. don't listen to the hype. if the guitar feels 'right' it is the guitar.

I think my strat picked me.]]> Opinions and Polls dogbite https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314391 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314333 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:13:39 +0000
My plan was to call up all the local shops and ask if they had that guitar with that finish in stock, and if so, what the sticker price was. Then, go around to all the shops without telling them I was the one who called. Check out several of the guitars, both acoustic and electric, making sure the Ibanez is in the bunch, and pick out a few of my favorites. Later, come back with my designated expert, have him play some of my top picks and see what he thinks, and then possibly try to get the stores to compete with each other by giving them my best price and seeing if they can beat it. I'll be sure to keep an open mind, along with the realization that I don't have to buy anything if there's nothing I like. Of course for this plan to work, I need to know what guitar I'm looking for. If I understand correctly, I'm looking for the Transparent Blue Ibanez AFS75T, without the Bigsby tremolo, right?

Also, it would be helpful to review all the accessories I'm going to need as well. Starting from scratch, I'll need to pick up:

Guitar
Case
Guitar Stand
Strap*
Amp (if I get an electric)
Guitar Cable (again, if I get an electric)*
Strings*
Picks*
Tuner*
Metronome (?)

Items marked with an asterisk are ones which I understand should be included with the purchase of a guitar. Strap and picks, I'd expect, are pretty standard, and I don't have any particular questions about them. As far as strings are concerned, I've read that I should try to get the store to restring the guitar before I take it home. So, should I be looking for two sets of strings, one for the guitar right away, and one extra for later, or should I just be looking for one set of strings to be included with the purchase, and then purchase an extra set separately (I think it'd best to have an extra set on hand)? I've also read that I should be sure to get a high quality tuner and cable right from the start. Do you think I should pick those out separately, or do you think whatever's included would be fine? In addition to everything else, I think I'm going to get a decent digital metronome, just 'cause I think that'd be good to have. Also, in general, is there anything you think I should add or remove from that list, or does it look pretty solid?

I was a bit confused when you said
If not included, be sure to purchase a good hard case or a well padded gig bag and later, ...and move on to the case discussion. If you cannot get close enough to the internet price on the case... The way I read this, it sounds like most places have a basic case they tend to include with their purchases, but not everyplace does that. If it's not included, I should find a case I like, check it's price online, and then see what they can do for the price of the guitar+case combo, comparing that to what i can get online. Is that what you meant, or did I read that wrong?

Also, what is included in a set-up? I presume that's changing the strings, tuning, adjusting the bridge, truss rod, and action; i.e., getting the guitar ready to go. Also, what are the pros/cons about purchasing the display model? The way I see it, it's good to buy the actual one you played and preferred, but at the same time, I can see not wanting something that's been constantly handled, and possibly, perhaps even subtly, damaged.

I'll try to avoid getting too focused on the amplifier, as that's pretty much a topic in and of itself, but I do have one question: should I buy the amp at the same time, and in the same store as the guitar, or should I shop for that independently of the guitar?

One last question. You suggested knowing the internet price going in, but thus far, I've been unable to find this guitar on the internet (which is a bit concerning). My first thought would be to use the version with the tremolo in its place, and then knock off a couple bucks for the lack of that feature. That seems pretty obvious, but I still thought I should float it out there, in case there's something else I should do.

Finally, when it comes to things like this, I have a tendency to over-analyze. So if I'm asking about something that doesn't really matter, just point out that it's not a big a deal, and I'll stop worrying about it and move on.

I think that's it for now. Once again, thank you for all the advice. I'm already feeling more confident about this, and I'm getting a bit more excited, too!

P.S. - And welcome to GN! :) Thanks!]]> Opinions and Polls Pane in the Glass https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314333 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314271 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:46:27 +0000
Try to play before buy the guitar. I fell in love of one of those jazz hollow guitars and when I played it, the feelings are not good for me. It was not comfortable or I didn't like it, I don't know. The Ibanez is a very cool guitar but play also all the other guitars in the store: semihollow and solid, Les Paul and Strat, Tele and SG, etc. Don't be in a hurry. And have fun while you are purchasing. It is always great to buy a new instrument.

Secondly, I started to play many years ago and I got back recently. I put a goal when I returned: I should play at least three months (almost) every day with my old guitar. If I can do it, it meant I like the guitar and I could invest some money in a better (or newer) instrument. At least in my case, I have to do these things because I have a lot of hobbies and I like a lot of activities but my free time is very limited.

Have fun!

And welcome to GN! :)]]> Opinions and Polls Nuno https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314271 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314219 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:26:10 +0000 Opinions and Polls Ricochet https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314219 https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314215 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:06:29 +0000
the Artcore IS a good guitar. I can testify.
the last band I was in the other guitar player had a blue one. no Bidgsy trem model.
it played and sounded great. really versitle. not hard on the fingers. I liked the shape of the neck.
standing and playing it was different than my strat, for sure. but it was a comfort. the fret ends on the neck were not sharp.
the nut was cut right , as the string spacing felt right. that is a good detail to look for in your guitar BTW.
one problem with this hollow body was feedback. if turned the wrong way it would howl. granted we did play loud in our small rehearsal space. still, semi hollow bodies have a propensity to feed back if you aren't careful.
the Artcore is a good guitar indeed.
his was trans blue. any of those colors would be coool.
keep us posted.]]> Opinions and Polls dogbite https://guitarnoise.forum/opinions-and-polls/help-with-my-first-purchase/#post-314215