[Akabbbb]

Hi Salty,

My first guitar was a Yamaha APX600, which I thought was a tremendous value at $299. One of the features other than playability that I liked was having a built in tuner. The first time I changed the strings the guitar really came to life, so I am not really sure of the quality of the strings from the factory. I have played a few different Yamahas at various music stores and find them to always play really well. Again if you have a chance try out as many as you can at local music stores.

Cheers!

Bill

[Akabbbb]

I find that I can only play in the classical position comfortably at this point after 9 months of playing. I think this is due to the fact that when I tried playing 30 years ago I had a Gibson Explorer I bought used from a friend. You basically had to play in the classical style when seated. So I am pretty sure that is why it felt natural when I decided to start playing again. I do try playing with the guitar on my right leg as well after I have something memorized just to change it up.

[Akabbbb]

Hi Fehorse, I wish I could offer some guidance, but I find myself in the same situation. I am considering the Shure MV88 digital stereo microphone for iOS<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;”> which would allow me to record directly to my iPad or iPhone. There is also a Shure app which allows for editing.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MV88–shure-mv88-digital-stereo-condenser-microphone-for-ios

Would appreciate any ideas that others may have regarding an easy recording option on a budget.

Cheers!

Bill

• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by  Akabbbb.

[Akabbbb]

Welcome ironpat!

The best advice would be to go play as many guitars as possible at local stores. I like a 1-3/4” nut as I find it a little bit easier while I try to learn finger picking techniques. Scale length is really a personal preference. I have a Taylor AD-27 with a 25.4” and a Martin DJR with a 24” scale length which makes for a perfect couch guitar. I now find myself in love with a Martin 000-17 after playing at a local store, I found the 24.9” scale length to feel extremely comfortable and I think I am a sucker for the whiskey sunset finish.

[Akabbbb]

Congratulations on the new DJR!

[Akabbbb]

Hi Lisa,

Struggling with the transition to the c chord is perfectly normal. Yesterday, during the daily challenge, I noticed for the first time my fingers all moved together during the transitions and I could play the exercises at 1.25x speed. This is after 6 months of continuous working on my transitions. It felt very rewarding!!!!!

I find it helpful to strum a pattern and never stop, even if I initially mess the chord up, fix it while staying in time and prepare for the next cord. Most importantly remember this is fun!!!! Do not get stressed over how certain skills will take longer to learn! There are always new challenges along this journey, for me after the c chord came the challenge of nailing the f chord. Now I am stuck wondering if I will ever be able to transition smoothly from open chords to barre chords…….

Welcome and remember to celebrate all off your small wins daily.

[Akabbbb]

I ended up buying a Martin DJr after playing this and the Taylor Mini. I preferred the tone, slightly longer scale length, and wider nut. There is a good comparison on YouTube from Tony a few years ago. https://youtu.be/iFutVQ5tghI

Cheers,

Bill

[Akabbbb]

Completely agree! I originally purchased my Jr to be my travel guitar, but I liked it so much I did not want to see it getting completely abused flying 2-4 times a week. It now has a permanent place as my couch guitar. Thankfully I was able to purchase a used Yamaha silent guitar for travel and I must admit it has worked out splendidly for playing in hotel rooms.

[Akabbbb]

Completely agree, purchased a humidifier for our music room for the winter months when the heater dries out the air. It keeps the area at a constant 50% humidity, although I am amazed at the amount of water it consumes weekly. This makes me feel much better about leaving my guitars out all year. More importantly I do not stress out about my wife’s grand piano!

[Akabbbb]

The 24” scale length is really tight on the A chord, but it just forces me to be very accurate when transitioning to this chord. Never noticed much of a difference with barre chords between a 1-3/4 and 1-11/16 nut width. However, I find a shorter scale length makes barre chords much easier due to the reduced string tension. I briefly owned a Taylor Big Baby and the narrower spacing and I never really got along in flat picking or finger picking. This is probably due to me learning on a wider nut and never really taking the time to get used to the new spacing. I ended up selling that guitar after 2 months for the DJr.

[Akabbbb]

That also factored in to my decision to buy the Jr as it has solid wood top, back and sides. Really impressed with the bass and sustain on a smaller guitar. I honestly had no intention of buying the Martin as I absolutely love my Taylor, but it just felt “right”.