Guitar Accessories Advice

Shaw on 03/12/2016 - 15:43
Last edited 03/12/2016 - 19:15 by 1 other user

Hey musicians, had some queries.

Looking at getting a guitar for my wife, she's grown up in a musical family, and wants to learn again herself (I haven't told her I'm getting it for her yet, so shhh!).

So, I'm not so much worried about what guitar to get, I can take care of that, but what advice would you have for accessories?

What would be essential for a beginner? Any recommended brands as far as strings, picks, bags, etc. go?

Been looking at eBay with the recent 15% off for NZ, but don't really know what to look for.

Sweet, anyway, any advice is appreciated.

Chur.

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  poboy on 03/12/2016 - 16:05

  What kind of guitar? In assuming not electric. Accessories are kind of personal, so is steer clear. An extra pack of strings is always welcome.

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    Shaw on 03/12/2016 - 16:38

    Acoustic guitar. That's the thing I guess, how does one go about finding what their 'personal preference' is without breaking the bank? Start at the cheapest accessories and work up from there?

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      poboy on 03/12/2016 - 16:58

      No. Just don't get them. The guitar is enough on its own anyway.

      • 

        Shaw on 03/12/2016 - 19:56

        Ok sweet, cheers.

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  trustnoone on 03/12/2016 - 18:08

  +2

  Maybe an electric tuner? So she can tune it to how she wants when she wants to change or retune guitar? Possibly a capo for whatever thats used for? Extra strings? Some sort of guitar cleaner stuff? Guitar Stand? Possibly a guitar strap?

  Note: I don't play guitar so I'm not entirely sure what they use as accessories, good luck though OP

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    poboy on 03/12/2016 - 22:41

    Agree with the capo

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    tabz on 04/12/2016 - 13:17

    Possibly a capo for whatever thats used for?

    It's for playing Wonderwall.

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  airzone on 03/12/2016 - 18:57

  Can't offer any advice about guitars, but I can say not to cheap out.. To learn to play music, you have to enjoy the music. And that's very hard to do with stuff that is obviously not up to par.

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    Shaw on 03/12/2016 - 19:57

    Alright. I'll keep an eye out for some decent prices on stuff but will wait until she's a bit more competent before buying anything. Thanks.

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  scupper on 03/12/2016 - 19:13

  Get a stand?

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    Shaw on 03/12/2016 - 19:58

    As in a guitar stand? Or a music holder stand thing?

    • 

      poboy on 03/12/2016 - 22:41

      +1

      A guitar stand

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  themightyboost on 03/12/2016 - 19:14

  I was given an engraved capo when I got my guitar, nice little personal touch

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    Shaw on 03/12/2016 - 19:58

    Nice, might talk to her family about something like that.

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  King Tightarse on 03/12/2016 - 20:24

  Get her metronome.
  Actually playing in time, as opposed to reckoning you are: different things.
  I'd get:
  1/ a decent tuner
  2/ a quality hard case
  3/ a quality guitar stand
  4/ that metronome.

  Good to go.

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  eoj on 03/12/2016 - 20:33

  Guitar stand, Capo, Strap, Travel case/Hard case, Spare strings, Tuner (unless there's a built in one on the guitar).

  Keyser capos are very nice in quality, but any should suffice.
  Guitar stands are relatively cheap off eBay as well.
  Cases usually come with the guitar when you purchase it.
  Strings can be cheaper if you order multiple sets at once from online stores.

  If you're looking at purchasing strings, i personally prefer elixirs strings. (this will depend on you, different strings will have a different sound and tone).If you are looking to purchase guitar strings, i would also recommend getting some fretboard oil to apply on the fretboard whenever you change strings (usually every 6 months or so).

  Also if you're looking at getting a nice guitar (usually they are around ~$500+), i recommend getting a sold top acoustic guitar instead of laminated top guitars.

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  sklzthtklz on 03/12/2016 - 20:36

  A capo is just a thing that holds the strings down at a specific place on the guitar, effectively shortening the strings. 10 dollars or a hundred they do the same thing; an engraved or more meaningful one would be a good idea though, because depending on the music she'll be playing she'll take it everywhere she takes the guitar. Stands are like buying seat covers for a car; a good idea but not like, a gift as such. Should totally get one though, nothing worse than your $700 guitar falling down and cracking on a coffee table because you neglected to purchase a 15 dollar guitar stand.
  Look the main thing is the guitar, the other stuff just showcases how much thought you put into her actually playing it as well.
  Working out whether acoustic or electric would be a great start haha. You could work that out to an extent from what music she prefers.

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  scupper on 04/12/2016 - 01:22

  You could also include a term of lessons, if she needs them.

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    Filbert on 04/12/2016 - 17:06

    Totally agree with lessons.
    I play guitar so the thing is 'where do you start?' You start with lessons rather than muddling around.
    Don't skimp on $ for guitar. Generally the more it costs = the easier it is to play (on the hands/wrist) = the more you play.

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  Shaw on 04/12/2016 - 15:21

  Thanks for all the input team. Will be taking it all on board and weighing up the wallet damage.

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    Baysew on 04/12/2016 - 15:23

    Don't forget a couple of roadies as well.

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      Shaw on 04/12/2016 - 15:44

      Sure we can find some at the local deaf centre.