I have an acoustic guitar and want to buy an electric or dobro. Where can I get beginners info about coils and huumbuckers? I also need as narrow a neck as I can find, any suggestions? This is the one K K suggested, I think. Les Paul

Any other shopping suggestions?
What's the reason to not go low price and get a guitar with a bolt-on neck? What other low end items should I avoid? Why is rosewood touted as better than others for the fretboard?

[This message was edited by nerdqueendeluxe on 09-23-02 at 11:21 PM.]

As I am not a guitarist, I am not qualified to answer your queries with any authority. But just one point to make.
There is one good reason to get the best instrument which you can possibly afford, and it is this. As you improve, you will be continuously extending and deveoping your musical techniques. It is essential to have an instrument which is better than you are. That way, you will grow to your instrument, and will bring better and better sounds from it. Nothing is more discouraging than finding after a few weeks that it won't 'do' what you are attempting; that the higher notes which you are beginning to use are slightly out of tune, or certain frets 'buzz'; or positions are difficult to access satisfactorily.
The best advice I ever read was from a drummer in a British Musical periodical. He said, very simply; beg, steal or borrow as much money as you can lay your hands on and get the best you can. You will never regret it. When I lay my hands on a tip-top piano and play a few chords or runs, there is a thrill and joy unlike any other; and I want to stay there and make music. Where the piano is a 'dog', I am off it as soon as I play the first note. Get an instrument which makes you never want to put it down from the moment you pick it up!
Good hunting; and I hope you get some good advice. (Why not try The King again? He's a passionate guitarist & musician...)

Thanks Ritzmar. Your really got the point across. I am so afraid to spend money but now have been "set free" by your comments.

Buy the best guitar and amplifier that you can afford.If you have to save some bucks ,buy a cheaper amp[you can always upgrade it later]...but if you start out with a bad guitar no amp in the world will make it sound better.
About 7 years ago I bought my first ,and only,guitar...a Takamine.Just a month or so ago I finally upgraded my amplifier [bought a Crate].I'm very happy with the sound of both.
But my point is this...I started with a good guitar.If you start on a "learner" or "cheapie" guitar you'll be frustrated with both the sound and the action of the guitar and you'll be easily discouraged with your results.
Guitar is a very difficult instrument to learn to play[if your want to play it right] so start with the best you can afford.Hope this helps!

Hippolips, thanks for the advise, I will obey.

I really need to find some links that define coils and humbuckers and any other electric guitar parts, something I can understand.

Very glad to help, 'Queen; and I also agree with Hippo 110%. Come on, someone; help us out with the technical details...!

PS Nothing sets my teeth on edge quicker than the ad which says:- "For sale; piano £50. Suit learner"..... AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

A guitar is a very personal thing to choose. The only way to find out, is to get yourself off to the music stores and try the ones you like the look of, the ones you've been recommended and the ones you think you've heard of! Just have a feel at them, pluck a few notes, feel the weight. Some fingerboards may look quite small, but when you get a hold, they're pretty deep. Try a Fender Telecastor, they're fantastic! You can get one with Humbuckers, really ballsy!!

What the hay are humbuckers and how many do I really need?

I have been trying for months to get some basic gear answers but couldn't find a site until today. This is the one I found and has most of the answers I wanted.basic electric guitar info for the beginner

-Just to endorse Blam's comments. Most decent music shops employ at least one or two young people with a passion for their particular instrument. Ask around from friends and acquaintances for a good guitar shop. Checkout the name of the guitarist at that shop; ring to make sure he/she will be there, and go at a time when they are not busy (Saturday afternoon is a no-no!) Once the guitarist/salesperson knows you are enthusiastic but needing basic advice you will get the very best unbiased opinion (unless you are very unlucky; at any rate, make mental notes and try to compare with similar shops before taking the plunge).
Hope this works for you!

PS A Humbucker is a type of pickup (the part of the guitar which amplifies the electrical signal from the string )with a particularly strong and punchy quality.

Thanks for the info on the humbuckers, as well as all the good advise.

You're very welcome!