Need Help Buying a (Real) Inexpensive Beginner's Electric Guitar

[Ryuzaki]

Alright, so as of recent, I've decided to delay my dream to become a drummer and pursue the electric guitar instead.

However, I really have no clue what I'm doing. So far I've found three products between two different stores and I'm not sure which I should go for or whether or not there are any other options available. What I do know is that I need both the guitar and an amp, along with any necessary wirings and cords-- as of right now, I have nothing. I'm also going to say that my price max is $200, seeing as how this will be a delayed Christmas gift from my not-incredibly-well-off family. I've also never played a guitar before, so I don't need some crazy modifications that are going to make my introduction to the instrument incredibly complicated.

At first we were thinking of snagging one from a pawn shop, but advice from several people told us it wasn't a great idea. So, instead, we've been looking at some of the Electric Guitar Packs from Guitar Center and Costco. As of so far, I've stumbled across three different packs that seem plausible:

Silvertone Citation Electric Guitar & Amp Package (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11280088) for $129.99

Fender Starcaster Electric Guitar Pack (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11307735&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|50128|50166&N=4014598&Mo=7&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=50166&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=) for $199.99

Fender SE Special Strat with Squier SP-10 Amp Value Pack (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-SE-Special-Strat-with-Squier-SP-10-Amp-Value-Pack-104486238-i1177837.gc) for $199.99

One main thing I'm wondering is why one of these packs is $70 cheaper than the others, and if that decreased price tag may mean a poor quality. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a great deal, but seeing as how it's also coming with a 20-watt amp compared to the 10-watts of the other packs and is still cheaper, it seems fairly suspicious to me.

And so there you go. If you need any other information from me, feel free to ask. I'm pretty much into punk, grunge, alternative, indie, early British metal, and some oldies (The Beatles and Rolling Stones and the like) if you want to know my taste. I'm into some of the effects that grunge and alternative use (high gain, distortion, whatever else) but it's not a large deciding factor in what I get.

I'll also just go ahead and say this now, that I do realize there's a Real Guitar Section, but I feel that I'll be reaching into a much larger and better pool of answers if I make a thread out of this, since I really do want some good advice. If it's an issue with the mods, I'll just take my questions there, but I would appreciate it if I could keep it as is. I've also tried to do a few forum searches here, but it didn't come up with anything. Feel free to link me to any threads where similar questions have been answered, though!

Thanks for any help and advice! Hope to be playing soon!

[TheObscure]

This is the cheapest guitar I could find. (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Can-Play-Guitar-System/dp/B000NVVYZQ)

[Ryuzaki]

This is the cheapest guitar I could find. (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Can-Play-Guitar-System/dp/B000NVVYZQ)

I'd pay to see somebody play Master of Puppets on that thing.

[back_blows]

This is the cheapest guitar I could find. (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Can-Play-Guitar-System/dp/B000NVVYZQ)

Some advanced software to go with that sweet axe. (http://www.amazon.com/Can-Play-Guitar-Barbie-Party/dp/B000NVVZ0A/ref=pd_sim_t_7)

[TheObscure]

Some advanced software to go with that sweet axe. (http://www.amazon.com/Can-Play-Guitar-Barbie-Party/dp/B000NVVZ0A/ref=pd_sim_t_7)

Here's some highly advanced dance moves to go with that rad software. (http://www.amazon.com/ITOYS-10343-Doodlebops-Dance-Mat/dp/B000TZV4BK/ref=pd_sim_t_4)

[instantdeath999]

Some advanced software to go with that sweet axe. (http://www.amazon.com/Can-Play-Guitar-Barbie-Party/dp/B000NVVZ0A/ref=pd_sim_t_7)

That might be a bit too advanced for a beginner.

Anyway, if you're just looking for a cheap guitar to try out, buy a starter kit. They're not terrible, though they do come with pretty terrible amps (if it's anything like my bass starter kit, that is). If you think you're ready to go further, you can always upgrade.

[Ryuzaki]

That might be a bit too advanced for a beginner.

Anyway, if you're just looking for a cheap guitar to try out, buy a starter kit. They're not terrible, though they do come with pretty terrible amps (if it's anything like my bass starter kit, that is). If you think you're ready to go further, you can always upgrade.

Yeah, I've singled out three starter kits-- which I've linked in the OP-- but I'm having trouble deciding which of the three would be the best to buy. Any advice?

[back_blows]

Go with the Squier. They're usually good value for your money.

[Ryuzaki]

Go with the Squier. They're usually good value for your money.

Come to think of it, the Squier pack is what my dad's friend recommended. That's how we found out about Starter Packs in the first place...

I guess that would eliminate the choice of the Starcaster, but do you know why the Silverstone kit is only $129.99? Seems like it comes with the same stuff, and an even more powerful amp. Is the guitar not up to standard or something?

[back_blows]

I've actually never heard of Silverstone before. I guess the weaker brand is one possible reason that it's cheaper. You could also check out where it's manufactured (avoid Mexico, South Korea, etc.).

[Ryuzaki]

I've actually never heard of Silverstone before. I guess the weaker brand is one possible reason that it's cheaper. You could also check out where it's manufactured (avoid Mexico, South Korea, etc.).

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4909800_who-manufactures-silvertone-guitars.html
China, which I think is the same as Fender.
According to the description on the website, the Silvertone guitars are a fairly good brand. Seem popular, good for beginners, and purposefully cheaper. Anybody got any support?

[instantdeath999]

I imagine the cheaper price is because of the lesser known brand then Squire or Fender. I've personally never heard of them, so I can't really be much help. If you're really on a budget, then go for the cheaper one.

To be honest, I've always thought the best beginner guitar is the acoustic guitar, for quite a few reasons. One of the main contributing factors to me not playing the guitar for 6 months was that I couldn't get my guitar to sound good through the amp. When I got an acoustic, I couldn't put it down, then came back to my electric with new found understanding.

[bleached]

go with the squire. it's best of the three you've listed. but i wouldn't really pick it up myself. now don't get me wrong, it's a good choice. I'm just not into single coil strats.

[bermuddy]

i'd go with a squier too. it's what i used, although the amps arent going to be very good and without a distortion pedal youre not going to get that crunch you may be looking for.

acoustics are a solid way to begin too.

[jammmer]

I'd go with the Squier.I've played for twenty years and I still pick up my Squier telecaster once in a while.Decent sound,good playability,and affordable.

[Ryuzaki]

Alright, so according to everyone, if I can choose between the three, it seems that I should definitely go with the Squier.
But if money turns out to be too stringy for the $200, then the Silvertone isn't necessarily a bad choice.
Starcaster isn't even option anymore.
So that answers that, many thanks to all.

However, now you've all got me thinking about getting an acoustic instead. A few others have recommended that to me as my first guitar, and I don't think I'd mind waiting to own an electric until I can work this summer. Prices without an amp are signifigantly cheaper too.
So the question is, continuing with all of the previous qualifications, what brands, models, and/or starter packs of acoustic guitars would you all recommend?

[RidethePiggy]

I picked up an Ibanez starter with amp for around $200 a few years back. I think it was a Gio series or something. It still sits around. Wasn't too shabby, definitely needed some new strings though.

GRX170 (http://www.ibanez.com/parts/2003_PARTS/el_guitar/spec/GRX170BK_1P_02.html)
There it is!

[AKALink]

Go to best buy and buy a starcaster for $100. or go get a first act guitar at target. Both are crap but they are a guitar.

[Ryuzaki]

Are you talking acoustic or electric?

[Joey-Z]

If you're going with the Squire, don't buy the starter pack.

Get the guitar for $99 and a Peavy Vypyr or Line 6 amp for $99
(Great amps for the money)
A chord and strap shouldn't coust you more than $10-20

So for about 30 bucks more you can have the luxury of not being hindered by a starter amp!

[Ryuzaki]

If you're going with the Squire, don't buy the starter pack.

Get the guitar for $99 and a Peavy Vypyr or Line 6 amp for $99
(Great amps for the money)
A chord and strap shouldn't coust you more than $10-20

So for about 30 bucks more you can have the luxury of not being hindered by a starter amp!

Very nice! I'll definitely keep that in mind, since I'm fairly sure I'll be buying an electric guitar during the summer. Decided to go with an acoustic for now, to start with 'n all, y'know?

[Joey-Z]

Very nice! I'll definitely keep that in mind, since I'm fairly sure I'll be buying an electric guitar during the summer. Decided to go with an acoustic for now, to start with 'n all, y'know?

Good choice. I just got my acoustic a few weeks ago. I definatly enjoy it alot more than electric.

[Sgt Pepper]

I see that I'm a bit late to the party, but yes, definitely try an acoustic. Much better for starting. Cheaper, too.