Cheap Electric Guitars, a beginners best friend!
Are cheap electric guitars cheap? Maybe-maybe not. It's the same as everything else you buy. A Bose sound system is more expensive (and hence better quality) than a system you buy at Wal-Mart (maybe). But most of us can only afford one from the latter store. Therefore a Gibson Les Paul is more expensive than and Epiphone or one of the many knock-off brands. The quality shows. 
But if you want to start out learning to play guitar or if one of your kids has the thought to be the next Eddie, start out on the inexpensive side. Cheap electric guitars can be found everywhere from Craig's List to Ebay, your local guitar store , flea markets and garage sales. But... Be very selective about buying an inexpensive guitar. There is a lot of junk out there. Beginners will quit practicing on one with thick strings high off the fretboard and rarely stay in tune. If you know an experienced player, drag him along to try out your prospect. He'll be able to separate the decent from the terrible. 
Here are some things to watch out for (I'll add more as I think of them): 1) Overall finish and fit- do the pots work? How about any switches? Pickups turn on? 2) Neck Curvature- Sight down the guitar from the body to the head and look at the neck curve. It should slightly curve upwards towards the head of the guitar. If it looks rippled, pass on it! 3) Frets- Are they all in place and somewhat smooth? 4) Tuning keys- do they move smoothly with the string and not jerk it along? There has been a lot of cheap electric guitars made over the decades. English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and American knock-offs of every stripe. I cannot recommend any cheaper brand because there are too many of them. Just keep in mind that if you can't afford a Gibson Gibson or Fender or PRS, a cheaper electric guitar should do the trick. Pick one that feels good in your hands, sounds good through your amp and tickles that funny bone in your ear. 
If you find a guitar that meets the requirements listed above, by all means buy it! When you progress to a point that you want a better guitar, then save up for that elusive Stratocaster or Les Paul! Again, cheap electric guitars are just a starting point in your musical career. You don't go out and buy a Ferrari when you get your license (or maybe you do, who knows!) you go with a junker until you gain experience. So keep your eyes peeled for that bargain! Start practicing and become that next musical hero! Maybe you'll buy that Gibson SG Special after seeing Pete Townsend windmilling away! (Like I did!)
Check out my new blog for more information on electric guitars!
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