Three Tips on Buying an Acoustic Guitar
So you want to buy an acoustic guitar. Maybe you are a beginner looking to learn how to play, or maybe you are just looking to add an acoustic guitar your collection. Either way, there is a lot that needs to be considered when buying an acoustic guitar. Here are some helpful tips on what you should be looking for when buying an acoustic guitar.
1. Make sure it sounds good
Sound is very subjective, so it is important that you like the way the guitar sounds when you play it. The first thing that you should look for in a new acoustic guitar is whether or not the sound resonates well with you. If it does not sound good, then there is no point in buying it no matter how much money you can save or how much other people like it.
2. The action of the guitar
The action of the guitar refers to how far away from the fretboard the strings are. If they are too close together, they will be hard to press down and if they are too far apart, they will buzz when played open and can cause pain after playing for long periods of time. It is important that the strings are just right so that playing is fun and comfortable for long periods of time
The acoustic guitar is one of the most versatile instruments in the world. It can play a variety of musical genres and for a beginner, it is relatively easy to learn. However, buying an acoustic guitar does not have to be a difficult experience. With these three tips, you will be able to buy an acoustic guitar that fits your needs and lasts through many years of playing.
Tip 1: Learning how to play the guitar
When you are first learning how to play the guitar, you do not want to spend a lot of money on your first one. There are many inexpensive guitars out there that are perfect for beginners. The main thing you want to look for when purchasing your first guitar is the playability. You want something that is comfortable and easy to play. If you buy a guitar that is too expensive or advanced for your skill level, you may become frustrated with learning how to play it. A good rule of thumb when buying your first acoustic guitar is to stay under $500 dollars for an entry level instrument. This will allow you enough money left over for lessons or other accessories.
Tip 2: I am ready to upgrade my instrument
If you have been playing for a while and now feel like it is time to upgrade your instrument, then it may be time
So you’ve finally decided to buy an acoustic guitar. Congratulations! Whether you are a young novice or a veteran musician, there is always something compelling about the sound of an acoustic guitar. But before you head out to buy one, here are three things that you need to know:
* Know your type of music. Are you into rock? Classical? Blues? Or do you just want to strum the chords while singing along?
* Decide whether you want a full-sized guitar or a smaller one. This depends on your height and what kind of music you want to play, especially if it is classical music.
* Consider the cost, but don’t go overboard. A decent acoustic guitar can cost as low as $100 and as much as $200. New ones are more expensive, but some old ones may be bought for less than $100.
1. Buy the best acoustic guitar you can afford
Your first guitar shouldn’t be cheap. You can find a decent acoustic guitar for under $200, but you’ll have to be willing to do some research and legwork. If you’re willing to spend a little more right off the bat, you can end up with a much better instrument at a much lower cost in the long run.
2. Buy from a store with a good return policy
I’ve worked at online guitar stores on two different occasions. At both jobs, I’ve learned how important it is for customers to be able to play their guitars before buying them – especially when buying an acoustic guitar. If you buy an acoustic guitar online, make sure you buy from a store that has a generous return policy so that if your first guitar isn’t the one for you, it’s no problem to send it back and try again until you get what you want.
3. Contact the seller with any questions beforehand
If you’re considering buying an acoustic guitar online, contact the seller before buying it and ask any questions that may not be answered in the listing or photos (if there are photos). It’s also nice to get an idea of who you’re dealing with (if only through email).
When buying an acoustic guitar, the most important things to consider are the body style, tonewoods used, and onboard electronics.
Guitar Body Style
Acoustic guitars come in a few different body styles. The most common of which are dreadnought and concert/grand auditorium. The dreadnought is a larger bodied guitar that produces a bolder sound. If you want a rich, warm tone that still has plenty of projection, go with a dreadnought.
If you like the sound of fingerstyle playing or need a guitar for recording in the studio, go with a concert/grand auditorium guitar. They produce a more balanced sound and are not as loud as dreadnoughts.
Tonewoods
The tonewoods used will greatly influence the sound of the instrument. Many guitars feature spruce tops which give off more high-end frequency response than cedar tops. The wood used for the back/sides will also affect the tone of your instrument.
Onboard Electronics
If you plan on recording your acoustic guitar or playing it through an amp at shows, make sure that your guitar comes equipped with onboard electronics (a preamp). There is nothing worse than purchasing an expensive acoustic guitar only to find
1. Get a $100 guitar to start with. This is important. Learning on a guitar that is hard to play will only frustrate you and make things harder in the long run. Acoustic guitars are fairly simple, and with a little knowledge, you shouldn’t have any problem picking out a decent starter guitar. They come in all sizes, so if you’re having trouble finding one that suits you, try a music store that specializes in guitars. They will know more about them and be able to help you choose the right one for your size and musical needs.
2. The first thing to look for in a guitar is how well it stays in tune. An out-of-tune guitar will make even the best playing sound bad, so this is very important! A good way to check this is by fretting the low E string at the first fret and then at the last fret while holding down the string behind the desired fret (this method works best on acoustic guitars). If you hear buzzing or find it hard to press down on the string, then pass that guitar up! The bridge (the part where the strings go through) should be secure and not move around when fretting or plucking strings; if it does move around, then pass that guitar
Evaluating a guitar is a little like trying to pick the prettiest flower in the garden. Everyone has their own opinion and favorites, but here are some tips that will help in your decision making process.
1) Playability: When you pick up the guitar, does it feel good? Are the strings too high off of the neck? Is it too heavy? Can you play all of the notes without difficulty? If you have small hands, look for a smaller body style such as a Parlor, Grand Concert or Grand Auditorium.
2) Sound: When you strum a chord, does it resonate? Does it sound full and balanced when played at different volumes? Does it sound better when strummed harder or softer?
3) Construction: Look at how the top and back are braced. The braces should be evenly spaced with no gaps. The neck should be firmly attached with no spaces around the edges. There should be no cracks in the wood; especially around where the neck joins the body. These are all signs of a well built guitar that will last for years to come.