Buying guitars - a beginner's guide
One of the questions I'm asked regularly - mainly by people who are starting out on guitar - is: "What guitar shall I buy?" Followed by the next question: "What do I look for when choosing a guitar?" I'll try and give some answers to, and advice to consider, for those questions here.
Consideration 1: What sort of stuff do you want to play?
Decide broadly what kind of music you want to make. If it's mainly classical, then a standard, classical guitar with nylon strings will be your target. If you want to take up flamenco music, then a specialised, light-bodied guitar, also with nylon strings, should be your aim. An electric guitar - or an acoustic guitar capable of being played through an amplifier - is normally used for band work or playing live. Acoustic guitars are often used in folk clubs or venues where they can be mic'd up. So - think what sort of stuff you want to play - and buy an instrument that suits.
Consideration 2: What's your budget?
Whatever you decide to buy, there will be a price attached to it. Decide on your maximum budget and stick to it. Remember, if you buy an electric guitar, you won't get the most out of it without an amp, so make a decision on total spending if you want an amp as well. For any guitar, whether acoustic or electric, you may also want to consider the cost of accessories: spare strings, a plectrum or two, a strap, a tuner, a capo, a case. All these things cost money.
Consideration 3: Do you mind second-hand?
It's often worth while starting off with a decent, second-hand instrument. It will normally be cheaper than a brand new one. I say "normally", because old, vintage instruments by good makers can be very expensive. Unless you know about guitars, buying used stock from a music shop may be safer than buying privately - see the "Take an expert" paragraph below.
Consideration 4: Does the appearance matter?
Many beginners get hooked on a particular guitar in a shop because of the way it looks. This is particularly true, in my experience, when it comes to electric guitars. Jazzy paintwork, striking colours, etc., do attract attention. It's always good to get an instrument that appeals to your eye but - in my humble view - this is a secondary consideration after 6 and 7 below.
Consideration 5: Does the maker matter?
It's easy to get dazzled by makers' names - the lure of the Martins, Gibsons and Fenders of this world. Generally speaking, guitars made by these firms are of good quality, but you must remember that there are many other makers, large and small, who can offer playable and reliable instruments at reasonable prices. These might be made in places like Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, China, etc., and though they might not have the status of American-made instruments (for example), they're still worth a look. But do not buy Chinese fakes of American brand names like Gibson - never buy fakes.
Consideration 6: How does it feel?
Is the guitar right for you?
Consideration 7: How does it sound?
Some things to look for when trying an instrument:
Consideration 8: Take an expert!
If you feel unsure about any of the matters above, take someone with you who is sure about them. Don't be bamboozled by a whiz of a shop salesman who could make any guitar sound good. Most of the shop staff I've met are helpful and friendly - but they are there to make a living... Don't buy online from places like eBay unless you really know what you're doing. Don't buy privately offline without taking someone with some knowledge with you.
Consideration 1: What sort of stuff do you want to play?
Decide broadly what kind of music you want to make. If it's mainly classical, then a standard, classical guitar with nylon strings will be your target. If you want to take up flamenco music, then a specialised, light-bodied guitar, also with nylon strings, should be your aim. An electric guitar - or an acoustic guitar capable of being played through an amplifier - is normally used for band work or playing live. Acoustic guitars are often used in folk clubs or venues where they can be mic'd up. So - think what sort of stuff you want to play - and buy an instrument that suits.
Consideration 2: What's your budget?
Whatever you decide to buy, there will be a price attached to it. Decide on your maximum budget and stick to it. Remember, if you buy an electric guitar, you won't get the most out of it without an amp, so make a decision on total spending if you want an amp as well. For any guitar, whether acoustic or electric, you may also want to consider the cost of accessories: spare strings, a plectrum or two, a strap, a tuner, a capo, a case. All these things cost money.
Consideration 3: Do you mind second-hand?
It's often worth while starting off with a decent, second-hand instrument. It will normally be cheaper than a brand new one. I say "normally", because old, vintage instruments by good makers can be very expensive. Unless you know about guitars, buying used stock from a music shop may be safer than buying privately - see the "Take an expert" paragraph below.
Consideration 4: Does the appearance matter?
Many beginners get hooked on a particular guitar in a shop because of the way it looks. This is particularly true, in my experience, when it comes to electric guitars. Jazzy paintwork, striking colours, etc., do attract attention. It's always good to get an instrument that appeals to your eye but - in my humble view - this is a secondary consideration after 6 and 7 below.
Consideration 5: Does the maker matter?
It's easy to get dazzled by makers' names - the lure of the Martins, Gibsons and Fenders of this world. Generally speaking, guitars made by these firms are of good quality, but you must remember that there are many other makers, large and small, who can offer playable and reliable instruments at reasonable prices. These might be made in places like Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, China, etc., and though they might not have the status of American-made instruments (for example), they're still worth a look. But do not buy Chinese fakes of American brand names like Gibson - never buy fakes.
Consideration 6: How does it feel?
Is the guitar right for you?
- Can you hold the strings down reasonably well?
- Does the body shape feel OK for you, either sitting down or standing up, or both?
- Is the guitar action hard - the space between frets and strings - may be too high.
- Is it too heavy?
- Is the width and depth of the fingerboard right for your hands and fingers - not too wide and not too deep?
- Are the body shape and size comfortable?
Consideration 7: How does it sound?
Some things to look for when trying an instrument:
- Are the frets true from the nut to the top fret - do any frets buzz when the strings are played?
- Is the intonation correct - does the instrument stay in tune when played up and down the fretboard?
- Are the tuners easy to turn - do they stick or turn with difficulty?
- Is the fretboard straight and true when looked down on from the nut, or is there a bow or warp?
- Does the sound of the instrument appeal to you?
Consideration 8: Take an expert!
If you feel unsure about any of the matters above, take someone with you who is sure about them. Don't be bamboozled by a whiz of a shop salesman who could make any guitar sound good. Most of the shop staff I've met are helpful and friendly - but they are there to make a living... Don't buy online from places like eBay unless you really know what you're doing. Don't buy privately offline without taking someone with some knowledge with you.