> The REALLY bad guitars can cause a new player to not want to practice enough,
> and to not get enough out of the time they spend practicing.

True of players who will never be outstanding, but, once again, I cite myself as an example of learning despite the instrument.

I had been playing for over a year (1964) before owning a guitar - I learned on a home-made guitar borrowed once a week from a friend. Against all the odds, I learned - self taught, too.

I eventually bought a very cheap guitar, very secondhand, in 1965. It wasn't until 1970 that I finally bought a half-decent instrument - the legendary Eko Ranger! - which was a delight to play, but dreadfully quiet.

The following year I bought my Yamahas...

I had already qualified as a teacher in 1969 - my salary enabled me to progress...

Since then, I've been fortunate to teach many people to play, and have influenced the playing of many others. Not my own opinion, incidentally!!