What is the best $200-250 Acoustic guitar available. Looking to purchase one for my stepson. Also, note that he has never really played before but has the interest to do so. So I am really unsure of the best route to go.

I've bought quite a bit of new gear over the past few months. Most of the guitars are budget brands like Glarry and Fesley. Got them from Temu or MAC.BID, an online auction site. MAC.BID has several locations throughout the US, so there might be one near you. I highly recommend checking MAC.BID out if there is. Most items on auction have a Buy It Now price, like eBay. WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS -- Glarry Semi-Hollow Telecaster SH configuration (Red -- Temu) -- Fesley HSS Strat-Style (Purple -- Temu) -- Pyle Nylon String Classical (MAC.BID $16 - 80% less than retail price - Blue - I need to learn how to tie nylon strings) -- No Name Strat Copy (White -- Temu) - I had my friend's band, Throckmore, sign it. I need to seal it and put their logo sticker on the headstock (seal it too, so it doesn't pull up) - so it's the Throckmore guitar -- No name Ibanez copy (White & Purple -- Temu) -- Redpepper 12-string acoustic-electric (Black -- Temu) -- 88-key electric piano (MAC.BID -- $21 - 81% less than retail price) -- Beat Buddy 2 Drum pedal (direct from Singular Sound) -- Roadie 4 powered string winder/tuner (Kickstarter) [UPDATE] I don't think I've mentioned or shown these off either, so I'll show them too... PURCHASES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR -- Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar (702 Auctions - Local Online Auction Website) -- 2 Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocasters (1 Red and 1 Sunburst -- 702 Auctions) -- M-VAVE Multifunctional Electric Guitar Effects Pedal with 9 Classic Amp Simulations (Temu) -- No-Name Acoustic Guitar (Blue - Temu) -- Fender Jazzmaster Replica (Fake) Electric Guitar (Metallic Purple - Temu) -- Glarry Strat Copy (Dirty Yellow - Temu) -- EVH Wolfgang Standard Replica (Fake - Frankenstrat Finish - Temu) -- YangShen Guitars HSH Strat-Style (Deep Green - Temu) -- Glarry HSH Strat-Style (Blue Lightning Bolt Finish - Temu) -- Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster (White - 702 Auctions)

Wanted to check here in the group about inputting a preamp pedal (to bypass the amps pre amp), and a noise gate into the effects loop. I have watched countless YouTube videos and can only find one or the other in the effects loop. My question is: Which would go first into the effects loop? The pre amp pedal or noise gate? Figure the amp is going to need the noise gate in the effects loop once the preamp pedal is installed…(lots of gain). Sorry, hope this makes sense. I have never used an effects loop but do know the just of where other pedals might work best in the chain. I would be using the 4 cable method for the noise gate. The preamp pedal and noise gate part just stumps me. Any help appreciated!

What do you all think of the new Ed Sheeran SE PRS cosmic slash model for 2026. The looks kinda grew in me. It’s a 27.7 Baritone!!! Also does anyone own a PRS hollow body? How do you like it?

Well I Zigged when I thought I was gonna Zag. I attempted to contact the seller on the Schecter Tele I posted about recently. Never replied back. So a nice looking Fender Partscaster Tele came up and for the price I just had to have it. So far it’s super solid. About to go put it thru its paces. See what’s great and see what needs to be upgraded. But here is the cherry beauty I ended up buying Update: put it thru a couple set lists and held up like a champ!!! Cha-Ching! It’s Money! I may change the pickups later but over all I’m gonna put strap locks on it and leave it as is for the time being