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Buying a guitar is an
important decision that my students have
often asked me about. They want to know what
they should look be looking for. This is a
good question because no two are ever
exactly alike. There is a wide variety of
types, styles, colors, makes, and models to
choose from. The question is, which one is
right for you? If you don't know what to
look for when you're buying a guitar, you
could end up spending a lot more money than
you really need to. On the other hand,
getting a "deal" may also get you a lemon.
Following are some questions for you to
consider.
1. What style of music are you interested in
playing?
The basic skills required when learning to
play are the same regardless of the style of
music you may be interested in. However, you
should understand when you are thinking of
buying a guitar, that some are more suited
for a particular style than others. Getting
started in the right direction can help you
to avoid costly mistakes. Do you like Rock'n
Roll, Jazz, Bluegrass, or Classical music?
Considering your own personal tastes can
help you to determine whether to buy an
electric or an acoustic guitar for example.
2. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or
advanced guitarist?
When buying a guitar for beginners I usually
recommend either a nylon stringed acoustic
or an electric as they will be the easiest
on the fingers. However, students with small
hands may find the wider neck of a classical
guitar hard to play because of the reach
involved. Something to consider in this case
is a 1/2 or 3/4 size. Musical style,
personal preference, quality and price are
the key determining factors to consider when
buying a guitar for intermediate and
advanced players.
3. What is the tonal quality of the
instrument?
Tonal quality refers to the unique sound of
each individual guitar. When you strum the
strings or listen to it being played what do
you hear? Does it sound deep, bright, soft,
dull, tinny? The instrument should resonate
(transmit the full vibrating quality of it's
sound) clearly.
4. How is the action?
The action is simply how high or low the
strings are set on the fretboard. This will
greatly affect the playability. If the
strings are set too high they will be
difficult to push down and you will be
working harder than necessary to play the
instrument. On the other hand, if the
strings are set too low they will likely
interfere with the frets, which may cause a
buzzing sound as you play.You should check
each fret thoroughly before buying a guitar.
This can be done by using the first finger
of your left hand to play each string at
every fret up and down the neck. Do you here
any buzzes? Does the guitar sound in tune at
every point? Is it easy to push the string
down? If you are unsure about doing this,
then try to take someone who plays guitar
along with you as you shop.
5. Is the neck straight?
If the neck is straight, the intonation will
be consistent. This means that when a
specific note or chord is played at
different points along the neck it will
remain in tune. If the note or chord sounds
out of tune at different points, then the
neck may be crooked or warped. You can check
the neck by looking along it's edge. Begin
from the base of the body and continue on up
to the base of the head. You should see a
straight line. If you don't, the neck may be
bowed, twisted, or warped.
6. How does the neck feel in your hand?
Necks come in a variety of shapes and sizes,
so you will need to determine what feels
comfortable to you. Some necks are round and
some have a v-shape angle to them. When you
cradle the neck in your hand be aware of the
fit. Thin necks tend to be easier for small
hands, but are generally not as strong as
heavier ones. For example, a 12-string
guitar will have a heavier neck than a
6-string. Buying a guitar that is the wrong
size for your hand can be a factor in
developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
7. What are you willing to spend?
If you're just starting out, you really
shouldn't need to spend a lot of money when
buying a guitar. Knowing what your budget
will allow can help to speed up the process
though. If you only have $200 to spend,
don't waste time looking at more expensive
models. You can always upgrade later after
you've had sufficient time to explore your
musical interests. I personally own 9 or 10
guitars and there is always room for one
more! Be realistic about your own needs and
keep these questions in mind as you shop.
Better yet, print them out and take them
with you! Happy Hunting!
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