Buying a New Acoustic Guitar - Things to Look For
If you are considering the purchase of a new acoustic guitar, be it your first, or perhaps an additional guitar, there are some important features to know about and to look for. This article will provide you with some essential information for making a wise guitar purchase.
If you are planning on purchasing a new instrument, there is good news for you: There are many, many well-manufactured guitars on the market today at very reasonable prices.
I have recently seen some well-made and decent sounding new acoustics for as little as $150.00. You will probably get the lowest prices from the big online sellers like Musician’s Friend and Music123. I have purchased a number of instruments from Musician’s Friend. They have very low prices, especially on their special sale items, and they offer free shipping on many items. They also have a great return policy. On the other hand, there is much to be said in favor of purchasing your guitar from a good, local musical instrument dealer. Your dealer can personally assist you in finding the guitar that is just right for you, and you can play, and hear the sound of, a number of guitars from which to choose. Also, your dealer may provide a free set-up to adjust the guitar you buy, so you’ll have the perfect action for your playing style.
If you buy a new guitar, the chances are that the saddle and nut will be more than high enough, so that they can be reduced to the appropriate height for the best action. Most manufacturers send out their guitars with the action a bit too high for the most comfortable playing. As previously noted, many dealers offer a free set-up on any guitar they sell. If not, a set-up on a new guitar will probably cost about $20.00. If you’ve bought online and decide to keep it, spend a few bucks locally to have your guitar set up for optimum playing–it will be well worth it!
Try to stay away from laminated tops. Today solid tops are available on even very modestly priced guitars. Laminated tops produce a sound which I’ve always considered inferior to solid tops. Most flat-top acoustics have spruce tops. Mahogany is also popular. Yet another reason to buy locally is that you can try guitars made of different woods to compare the sound. If you can afford to go with solid wood back and sides, do so by all means. However, having the back and sides of solid wood is not as important as having a solid wood top.
Some manufacturers put plastic bridges on lower priced guitars. Do not buy a guitar with a plastic bridge! The bridge is one of the most important components for delivering resonant sound. An ebony bridge is great, but ebony is very rare, and you’ll only find it on the most expensive guitars. Rosewood and ash make good bridges and these woods are much more common.
Size is an important factor to consider when buying a guitar. You want a size that projects well, but is comfortable to play. Many people assume you have to have a guitar the size of Dreadnought or a Super-Jumbo to get good volume and bass. This is not the case! I played a Gibson J-45 (Gibson’s version of the Dreadnought) for over 20 years, but have since fallen in love with smaller-bodied guitars. I have personally found smaller guitars to be more sensitive to my picking techniques, resulting in a wider range of dynamics.
These, then, are some of the things to consider when investing in an acoustic guitar. Never be afraid to ask questions, and never be pressured by a pushy salesperson into purchasing a guitar before you are completely comfortable with the transaction. When you finally decide to purchase, may your new acoustic guitar provide you with many years of enjoyment!
Copyright © 2007 Lee Griffith. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lee Griffith is an avid acoustic guitar player and a vintage instrument enthusiast. He invites you to receive a FREE REPORT on a revolutionary acoustic guitar lesson kit, along with his weekly newsletter via email. just click on http://optin.flatpickpost.com
Check out Lee’s blog, “The Flatpick Post” at http://flatpickpost.com