I'm a fairly solid intermediate guitar player. I can play all open chords major and minor, bar chords are no problem, I suck at melody but I've been improving after a 10 year layoff. I've only played acoustic. At the same time I'm crazy about relearning piano. I'm pretty much a beginner; I took lessons for two years as a child but haven't played in 20 years. I have some spare cash I want to spend. I'd like to buy an electric guitar (which I've never played) and an amp, but I would be in heaven with a keyboard. I have about $300 dollars I can spend and I'm really hard on the Yamaha psr 363 but I'd also love to get a decent electric guitar. I've been able to practice for days due to the virus, but starting in January I have to go back to the office, which will severely limit my time. What would you suggest, guitar or keyboard?

  • OhWell [he/him]
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    edit-2
    4 years ago

    The starter packs that have a guitar and an amp combo are good for beginners, but they won't last. You'll wear it out within a year or two and be looking at a new guitar. The amps in those kits usually are centered around 3 controls (master volume, gain and a treble knob) so they won't get you an amazing tone.

    It comes down to what kind of music you want to play. Judging by your pick of the Ibanez SA 160, I assume you are into heavy metal and hard rock?

    Amps can be a huge rabbit hole to spend money on. The most reliable units today are digital solid state (modelling amps). Fender's Mustang series and the Boss Katana are two good examples of that. The best part about digital amps is that they are a lot cheaper than all the tube stuff that is over priced.