Electirc Guitar

Hi crevs.1972
I believe for general family/friends playing you can't go wrong with just a plain old acoustic. If you want a bit more bite a electro acoustic is a nice way to go giving you the option of amping/effects etc if needed.
I have a strat which rarely use now as all the stuff I record I use a electro acoustic with some FX..
But it's horses for courses and what is needed guitar wise in the way of  sounds..
ark

Just a plain old acoustic is my preference.  You just pick it up and play.  Plenty loud and you don't have to plug it in.  Or go oputside without having to carry everything else out with you.

"Plain old acoustic" is a little harsh.  I don't own any "plain old acoustics".  I do have some "old acoustics",  I wouldn't trade these for anything.  If you're going to go it alone in a social setting or professional stage setting, your best bet is with an acoustic.  Electric guitars are not for the venue that you describe.  Ok, Maybe you could pull it off if your name is Satriani.  Personally, tho, I'd rather see Adrian Legg on stage alone than any electric player alone.

I don't own an electric, but it is on my list. I would say if you have cash to throw around buy one...even better play around with a friends, or test one at a guitar store, then decide if you want one.

Some people seem to assume electric means loud but I don't see why that has to be the case.
Just because you have an electric guitar does not mean you are playing like the annoying kid in the music store testing out all of the effects-pedals. I can not see why playing an electric means you need to be on a stage or impersonal. Other than the inconvenience of an amp why could you not play an electric in your kitchen same as you do your acoustic?

Cheers for everyone's comments and advice. 

I suppose my heart will always be in acoustic music, I just love the natural, soulful sound you get, it's such a diverse instrument.  I'd pretty much rather an acoustic version of a song over any version and in my experience of listening to music (not playing), I find the songs that you'd never expect to work acoustically usually sound the best.  I just love the MTV unplugged sessions and also BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge sessions by Joe Wiley are fantastic (for everyone outside the UK or not familiar with the Live Lounge sessions, Joe Wiley invites artists into the studio and they play one of their own songs and a cover af someone elses).  If you haven't heard any of these try and get hold of one of few albums out there, they're great.

Anyway.. As well as having a love of acoustic music I grew up on my dad's music, Deep Purple, Led Zeplin, Cream and I then moved onto Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead etc so I've always had an urge to crank things up a little.  So on the weekend I bought a cheap Fender and 50watt Amp and away we go!

On balance I'd still rather play the acoustic but it's great to then get up and blast off the Smoke on the Water or Whole Lotta Lovin' riffs!

Seriously tho, put on the earphones and I can bash away to my hearts content with the wife and kids watching me in shock from Sofa without hearing a thing apart from my athritic joints crumbling beneath me ;?)

I have an electric and enjoy it, but not near as much as my acoustic. 

I do have a friend who's got a strong opinion.  He says that a guitar is like a Hoover.  Once you plug them in, they both suck. 

- Zurf