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Bought my first guitar
(lemmy.ca)
I will be using Rocksmith and Justin guitar to learn and am looking for any and all advice. I don't have an amp yet but I'm sure that's fine.
She's a beauty, better looking than my first one. Just one point no one has raised before (maybe it's headstock confusing me) - if you're left handed, you might want to tape some of those knobs (and especially the wire, with extra padding) in place, or you're gonna keep hitting them and the jack - you can definitely use the switch-handedness to do such cool volume/tone sweeps, but if you notice you're constantly hitting the knobs unintentionally, lots of people tape them.
Also like some commented to an extent, you don't need an amp, especially if you have a smartphone or a basic computer - you can test out a lot more options and figure out what kind of a sound you like if you get whatever type of stuff you need to get to connect your guitar to a computer. Tons of professionals don't even use amps and instead use virtual amp models. You can do so much if you can just connect your guitar to a computer or smart phone.
I'm not a lefty (or at least I don't think I am) but this guitar does have the tuners on the bottom side of the... handle head (I have zero idea what the top of the guitar is called).
I am now looking into amp software as that could save me from myself. Although someone else mentioned FB marketplace for used amps and that also seems promising while affordable.
Ah I think the head stock (that's where the tuners are) is just flipped for aesthetic reasons and it just made it look like it's a lefty :D I think it's a cool look either way.
Amps are great and especially if you're located someplace you can get used stuff cheap go for it! Even if you get an amp I highly recommend looking into amp models as well. "Starter" amps get you well on your way, but with amp models you can try out different sounds, tones and you don't need to shell out money to buy pedals from the get-go just to see if this or that effect is something you actually want or need, tons of free options even. Like I said - tons of professionals, even people you might not suspect, play and record a lot of stuff on virtual amps and effects, especially in the studio.
It really is amazing how good amp models and effects have become over the past 20 years. So many pedals are fully digital these days it's mind blowing how great the sound is. You don't need to go too many decades back in time when people went to amazing lengths to get a good reverb (physical string and plate reverbs) etc, and sure analog stuff has its' own sound but even great amps these days are made fully digital. ~~Look into something like an iRig or similar for a cheap (also on-the-go) option to connect your guitar to your phone or computer~~ (sorry actually I think the Rocksmith adapter might do the trick already). Nothing wrong with going both ways. Just be prepared to have any living space full of gear from now on. GAS/Gear Acquisition Syndrome is real and you're going to fight yourself over whichever gear you're gonna want - in which digital stuff will help.
e: Also to add, Rocksmith is an amazing place to start and I wish I'd had it when I started.
Have fun with your new guitar!
Just to point out, while I think the reverse headstock (tuners on the bottom) is generally seen as an aesthetic thing, it does serve a purpose... it allows for a bit higher tension on those thicker strings so they're not super floppy, especially if you want to use lighter gage strings or tune down substantially from standard (EADGBE). No issue if you do stay in standard, but it is a benefit if you tune lower.
Huh, never knew that, thanks.
It's also the "functional" purpose of multiscale (fanned fret) guitars, although I'm willing to believe most people who buy then do it for the looks or think it's for ergonomics.