Cortfag's entry level industry theory:
>The name at the top of the headstock means nothing. A guitar that you enjoy is a good guitar worth your investment.
>Always try before you buy. Buy online to save money, or support a local store which is better for the economy.
>Woods make no discernible difference in electrically amplified instruments. You're paying for a design. Acoustic is the only exception to the tonewoods myth since the sound reverberates through the top of the guitar, affecting its natural tone, and different woods do sustain differently.
>Samick and Cort make the majority of the world's guitars in their factories in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. All import Fender, Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, PRS SE, Washburn, LTD, Schecter, Jackson, etc. models are made in the same factories with the same parts.
>Because of this, it is always a better value to buy a Samick or a Cort instrument instead of something they built for someone else.
>Whenever you purchase an instrument, pay extra to have it professionally set up with the strings you prefer and in the tuning you will most frequently use. These setups are typically needed seasonally.
>You should generally change your strings every month for guitar and every other for bass. This changes depending on the frequency of play, your climate, and the natural acidity of your hands.
>Do not start learning on an ERG. Start with the basics.
>You do not need to spend more than $200 on a new guitar to get something sufficient for starting out. Wait to purchase something nicer when it's certain that you will stick with guitar/desire a different sound and/or feel.
>It's more frugal to buy a good-playing cheap guitar and upgrade it than to buy a good-playing expensive guitar.
>Rocksmith/YouTube videos will never be better and more preferable to a teacher sitting down with you and showing you how to play.
>Don't ever trust a chain store employee. They are paid to sell you the most they can get you to buy.
