2 silly ? questions

[Longboots]

1) is it wrong to buy a guitar based on the look (especially if its a brand new guitar) ? because right now that seems to be the only way to like or dislike an electric guitar for me. I am learning that there are so many variations with Gibson Les Paul, its way too confusing.

2) why some people do not recommend to plug a guitar while the amp power is on ? What possible "damage" does it do to a guitar or an amp ?

 

[sonar1]

!) It's evil to join a Little League team just for the hat. Your image isn't gonna change if you can't play, just because your Strat is Candy Apple Red.

And yes, of course I've bought guitars because of how they looked. It's not wrong, but it's a bit like buying a tank of gas from a station just because it has a huge yellow seashell that you can't miss when you're tripping on mescaline (not that I have any experience...).

BTW, never shop for guitars high.

2) If it makes a big "ka-chunk" noise when you plug in your landlord might evict you. Probably just as well...

 

[Howard2k]

It is probably normal to be initially attracted to a guitar based on looks, but you do need to verify it is not a lemon too. Take an experienced friend to ensure you are not getting blinded by the pretended. An ugly guitar that plays like a dream can always be cosmetically cleaned up.

 

[Nightrain]

It's not wrong but it is kinda silly. You could have the nicest looking LP in the world but the neck might feel like playing a housing brick, that ain't good. That said if there's a look that you absolutely can't stand but you find one like it that plays like a dream, use that as a comparison for guitars that you can stand to play. The look is important because at the end of the day if you think it looks like a bag of sh*te you ain't going to want to pick it up but it's more important to have a decent player. You have to balance it out, something that looks alright and feels great to play. Sometimes you will get lucky and find something that looks great and plays great.

The First LP I ever played is the one I bought, it plays fantastic and looks great to me. The only other LP that feels as good to play as it is my Dads Swamp Ash Studio which I picked out for him as he is learning to play. Sometimes they just click! I was just starting to get serious about guitar when I picked mine up.

 

[Joeydego]

depends. First guitar, silly reason. 20th, not so much.

 

[Rich]

1) I'd be kidding myself if I told myself that at least part of the reason why I buy certain guitars had nothing to do with looks. The trick is to find one that not only looks cool, but is also a good player - then you REALLY have something.

2) Can't think of a good reason unless you have your amp set up clean but loud where the "KA-CHUNK" could/possibly/maybe (or not) cause some stress to the speaker. If your amp is cranked up but overdriven, the signal is compressed so there's probably less of a chance for speaker damage. In the end, it's at least a good practice - especially in a live situation - to mute your amp either with an inline tuner or just turning down the volume on the amp when switching guitars simply because it sounds annoying.

 

[fastdave]

Get Mom to buy it for you just now - and get her to plug it in for you as well - don't you go near the plugs!
When you leave school.........

 

[GitFiddle]

1) is it wrong to buy a guitar based on the look (especially if its a brand new guitar) ? because right now that seems to be the only way to like or dislike an electric guitar for me. I am learning that there are so many variations with Gibson Les Paul, its way too confusing.

2) why some people do not recommend to plug a guitar while the amp power is on ? What possible "damage" does it do to a guitar or an amp ?

No, its not wrong to buy a guitar based on looks. That's probably the most basic foundation that the manufacturer is banking on and why there are so many options and varieties. Just don't base your choice on looks alone. When you find one you like, then start looking hard at the playability and sound. How many times is the reason you ended up in bed with a woman based on her political views?

There is nothing wrong with plugging a guitar into an amp with the power on. Just make sure you plug the cord into the guitar first and then into the amp. When you plug/unplug the guitar with the cord in a powered amp, you will usually hear a loud pop. This can be a bit abusive to the speaker cone.

If you are switching guitars, just pull the cord from the amp, switch guitars then plug the cord back into the amp, no popping. I keep a Korg Pitchblack on my pedal board and use it as a signal by-pass when unplugging the guitar to switch guitars or during a break at gigs. Its always a good idea to leave your guitar unplugged during a break at gigs, to reduce the chance of someone tripping on the cord and knocking the guitar over.

 

[Tim Fezziwig]

I buy on FEEL. I NEVER even play them before I buy them? I get to THE SOUL of the guitar! if it calls I buy! That is why I have Teles+strast+Yammys+Danos+ESP+Gibbys. THEY ALL CALLED! All are GREAT!

I have a stanby switch on my amp! I never hear that KKKWWWWAAACCKKK! I like it! It sounds cool. Most people hate it. I LOVE THAT SOUND! KKKKKKWWWWAAAACCCKKK!

 

[Strato]

If it looks good,play it and see if it says anything to you.If it can't talk,try another one that appeals to the eye.Its like the one fellow said about a woman,if she looks good,see if she feels good.Then see if you can stand the voice that comes out of her.Same with axes.LOOKS,FEEL and SOUND.

Try and protect your speakers from the pop.They ain't cheap.

 

[bertzie]

If you don't know what kinda guitar you want for sound, sure, get one that looks good. Just make sure it feels good in your hands too. You wont know what guitar to pick for your tone till after you know what your tone is. So play what ever guitar will keep you playing.