[YngwieJMalmsteen]

Seagull, washburn, takamine, and used guilds are all great suggestions - my friend has a Norman guitar which is very nice. Make sure you don't get any of that laminate crap.

If you know someone who is an experienced player take them to the store with you.

 

[bobeau]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabbi1 Do not ever buy a guitar until you have played IT, the specific one you buy

I totally agree here, it's just that (good) guitars can be just as inaccessible as good headphones. The thing I like about the Canadian builders I've tried (Seagull and Larrivee) is their guitars tend to have a consistency that I don't even find in most entry level Martins, let alone the other major cheapies I've strummed.

Once you move the up ranks though it's absolutely essential. My love of the past few years is my Huss and Dalton CM, I played about 100 guitars in the $1500-$5000 range at Buffalo Bros. in San Diego before settling on it. Went in thinking I would be walking out with a Collings OM.

 

[GuineaMcPig]

I'll vote for the Seagull, too...it's not a beginner guitar by any means but just a really awesome value.