How to Buy an Acoustic Guitar
As we will see, buying an acoustic guitar is not as easy as it might seem. There are many varieties of acoustic guitars available and a wide range of prices.
In terms of prices, be prepared to pay at least $100 for a beginners guitar and don't be shocked if you see instruments costing over $10,000. You will pay a lot less for a factory-made model built in China or Korea than for a hand-made American or Canadian guitar.
The reason for the discrepancy in prices is due to the materials used and the level of craftsmanship. However, it is important to understand that there are many excellent guitars built that do not cost a great deal. The level of guitar manufacturing has improved significantly over the last few decades and many excellent guitars can be had for under $500. Although it is tempting to purchase a more expensive guitar, the average beginner does not need a guitar of that calibre and will probably not even be able to appreciate it.
Here are five tips for buying an acoustic guitar:
1. Decide on a budget. Before you walk into your favorite guitar store determine how much you are prepared to pay beforehand. Here are some tips for deciding:
Up to $300 - good beginners guitar
$500 - $1,000 - intermediate range
$1,000 - $2,000 - serious student
$2,000 - $5,000 - semi-professional or professional
$5,000+ - professional guitarist or you just love fine guitars and can afford it.
2. Decide if you want a soundboard made from real wood. Many inexpensive guitars have plywood soundboards. The better guitars have soundboards made from spruce or cedar. Spruce or cedar soundboards produce a much better sound than plywood. There are a few guitar companies that produce inexpensive guitars with real wood soundboards.
3.Try out different styles. Each guitar maker will have many styles of guitar, many in the same model category. Different styles may include dreadnaught, jumbo, grand concert, etc. These styles are somewhat generic but vary a bit between manufacturers. These names refer generally to the shape and size of the guitar which will of course determine the sound of the guitar to a certain extent. You may also have to decide if you want a cutaway design or a more traditional style.
4.Do you want to get a nylon string classical guitar or a steel string? Nylon string guitars are easier on the fingers if you are a beginner but their necks are wider which means you have to stretch your fingers a bit more. Steel string acoustics have a more narrow neck but the steel strings are a bit painful if you have not yet developed calluses on your left hand.
Classical guitars are best used for fingerstyle playing and are suited to the classical, jazz and latin styles whereas a steel string acoustic is better suited to strumming chords and using a pick.
5. Do you want onboard electronics? If you think that you might want to amplify your acoustic guitar then consider getting a guitar with a build in pickup and preamp. This will allow you to plug your guitar into an amplifier without the need for a microphone.
The only task left is for you to go visit your local guitar store and try out some guitars. In the end, the final decision on what to purchase should be based on finding a guitar that you enjoy playing and a guitar that has a sound that is pleasing to you. Now go buy that guitar and get practicing.