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!
I love this print of Strummin', by Troy. It has such a loose feel to it, and yet it is a bit profound as well. You can get a beautifully framed 20x25" print of Strummin' for only $129.00. Just click on the link below and enter 11703619A in the search field at the top of the page. A 14 x 19" copy of this print, also framed, is $49.99. The item number is 11703618A. Unframed prints are available too. Click on:
If you are considering the purchase of a new acoustic guitar, be it
Get professional home studio recording software (worth $299.90) for FREE when you pay $24.99 for the instantly downloadable guitar instructional course, Guitar Trade Secrets Exposed! This is excellent software for doing professional home recording and layering and comes with mixer, VST effects and other great features. The guitar course is a revelation of "tight-lipped secrets on how to massively improve your guitar playing in the fastest way possible. Other bonuses include:
I've always loved the Irish fiddle tune, Whiskey Before Breakfast, and I've heard it rendered beautifully by many musicians, including Norman Blake and Orrin Star. Here is a version that is as good as any as I've heard, by a great trio: Brad Davis, Robert Bowlin and Wil Maring. Their instruments really compliment one another, and you can tell these folks love the music! Listen to this treat at:
