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I am no expert, but I've owned many guitars over the years. Finding myself without a six-string (have primarily played bass lately, and sold off other guitars), I sought out the greatest bargain that I could find. Though I have no problem buying a more expensive guitar (have owned a Martin, as well as mid-line Epiphone and Alvarez), no particular model was speaking to me, so I thought I'd find something cheap to tide me over. This model fit the bill, but with some caveats.
Since I know most people considering a $50 guitar are either beginners, or people buying as a gift for a beginner, I will speak to you.
First, the good news. Cheap guitars have come a long way in the last few decades. Using a combination of automation and cheap labor (most are built in China, Korea, Indonesia, etc.), manufacturers are able to turn out remarkably solid instruments. While I can't speak to the consistency (I got a winner, and someone else may have a dud), they are able to produce an instrument that has the FOUNDATION of being a playable guitar. The one I received was tightly built, with straight neck and body. It was lighter than many guitars using substandard woods, and aside from a few rough patches in the finish (mostly on the neck and headstock), it looked pretty and polished out of the box.
To make guitars like this, manufacturers cut some corners. You're not going to see a solid spruce top or rosewood fingerboard. Spruce is important for a nice mellow sound, but going without is fine for a beginner or beater guitar. You've got to give up something for the price, right? The fingerboard is probably some light wood that's been painted black, as is the bridge. This might wear to some light spots after years of playing, but that's not a big deal.
Here's the catch: Virtually all cheap guitars absolutely require a little work to make them comfortably playable. Actually, most more expensive guitars are routinely taken to a tech (or "luthier") for a little tune-up before experienced players consider them "finished." The basic tune-up for a guitar is called a "set up." A basic set up typically includes setting the action (height of strings from fingerboard), intonation, adjusting the truss rod in the neck, and putting on some quality strings. The tech may also dress up the frets with a file.
My guitar definitely needed the action lowered. High action will drive just about anyone crazy, as it wears out your fingers trying to fret notes. It also had sharp edges on the frets (very common) which will create discomfort as you run your hand down the neck.
So, for this guitar (and for any guitar you buy, really), you need to include the cost of professional setup in your budget, unless you know how to do this stuff yourself. How much does that cost? Realistically, it's going to be more than the cost of this guitar. Pro setups usually run around $40-75, and I don't recommend going with a $40 job. Don't take it to Guitar Center. Take it to a guy in a little shop who will give you the time of day, and seems to know what he's doing. Sure, this will have you paying around $120 for a $50 guitar, but it will be one you're happy with. Buy a $150 guitar, and budget $220...it's just the way it works. More expensive guitars usually have a little more polish and detail work, but they usually still need a setup. A pro will also be able to tell you if there are manufacturing defects that would warrant a return.
For me, I have a brother who's good with this stuff, so I saved myself a few bucks. The end result is a very nice, playable guitar that stays in tune well, and has already given me many hours of enjoyment!
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Rouge guitar
Very nice guitar! The pattern was even prettier than shown in the picture. The strings are a little hard on your fingers, it isn't that bad but they could be replaced. The guitars quality is nice, no issues yet. Very good for the price! It was easy to tune and makes a great sound.
