It’s time to purchase your first guitar. I can still remember the first guitar that I fell for. I used to just go and look at the guitar in the shop window. It was a Fender Telecaster. Continue reading?
In those days, my family couldn’t afford to purchase a guitar. It was only 10 years later that my first guitar was purchased.
So what are you supposed to do? What are your options? Is it a good idea to buy the same model as a friend’s? Are you going to buy a Gibson, Martin or Taylor? Fender Yamaha Takamine Guild, Ovation, Takamine Takamine or Fender? What should you consider when buying a Vintage, used, or cheap guitar?
The sheer number of guitars on today’s market can make it seem overwhelming to try to find the right one.
This can seem overwhelming. You can easily buy a guitar if you have a few key points.
Although the most reliable brands (like the ones I have mentioned above) are the best built using the best materials they also tend to be more expensive than less well-known brands.
However, these less well-known brands, such as beginner guitars, have proven to be surprisingly affordable in recent years.
Many opinions will surround what to look out for when buying a guitar. Recently, for instance, I was in a guitar shop when I saw a couple looking at guitars.
The husband said that a friend had suggested to him that he buy a guitar “with an spruce top”. While looking through every guitar, he kept repeating this phrase over and again.
His wife continued to look at the guitars, saying, “This one’s pretty, don’t you think?” Oder “This one looks nice.”
His husband kept repeating his mantra, “We need one that has a Spruce top.”
After it became obvious that he didn’t really know what “spruce top” meant, and that they weren’t quite lost or had no idea how to buy a new guitar, I decided that I’d better save them.
So I spoke with them briefly and they were soon smiling and happy and on their way to me with a brand new guitar.
Four aspects are of paramount importance when you purchase a guitar. These are the points for an acoustic guitarist. That should be everyone’s first instrument.
1. You must be satisfied with the sound of the guitar. Try out a few different guitars. If you aren’t familiar with the technique, ask the salesperson to teach you. Play the same tune or melody with him so that you can compare apples to oranges. Pay attention to how they sound. Some sound very loud while others have a more woody tone, while others ring with a clear, crystal-like tone. There is no right or wrong sound, it is all about which one you like the most. After some time, you might decide to buy a different guitar for each sound. You can choose the one you prefer the best for now. After you have found the perfect couple, you can move on to the next steps.
2. You must feel comfortable with the guitar. You should take a seat on a stool (or a chair) and hold the guitar.
If you are left-handed, place your guitar’s bottom curve on the left side of your thigh. It is best to lean the guitar back so you can clearly see what you are doing. Then ask yourself: Does it feel comfortable? Do you feel your strumming hand on the guitar’s neck? Is it too big? Is it too small? Are you bending over or sitting too straight? Now, strum the guitar. Can you do it comfortably? If the guitar is uncomfortable, put it away. You can skip the next steps. DO NOT BUY A GUITAR IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT. Begin by trying other guitars, until you find the one that suits your needs. Then move on to step 3.
3. Let’s take a look at the neck. You should be able to comfortably wrap your fingers around the neck. There are many different shapes and widths for guitar necks. When buying your first guitar, the most important thing is that you find it easy to hold and use. Two other things should be considered when choosing a guitar. The frets are the wire strips that run across your fingerboard. Make sure that the ends are properly finished. If they aren’t, the wires can be very sharp and could cause you to lose your fingers while playing the guitar. It is also important to check the string height. Strings that are too high will be difficult to use when you press down on the guitar. If they are too low, they will vibrate and clunk while you strum or pick notes. Sometimes, the shop will have a repair or set up department. Although this will “setup” your guitar, it may be quite costly. You are now ready to move on to the next step.
4. It is important to choose a guitar within your means. Contrary to popular belief, a guitar you like and that serves its purpose can be purchased for as little as $100. I was ready for her to come back. The clerk took $100.00 from her and then ripped her off. I thought, “How could they do it …” The long and short of it is that she bought me the guitar. It sounded better and was more comfortable than any guitars I have seen, which cost anywhere from $250.00 to $350.00. It’s possible to buy a guitar without breaking the bank. After you have become a better player, invest in a quality guitar. Enjoy learning the guitar and having fun with it. Then you will decide when to invest in a more expensive guitar.
Okay, those are the tips that I have shared with others who ask me how to purchase a guitar. Good Luck with buying your first instrument!
Name: Hilton Music Center Inc. – Music School Albany
Address: 440 Colonie Center, Albany, NY 12205
Phone: (518) 459-9400a