A Beginner’s Guide to Buying an Acoustic Guitar
Let’s talk about what kind of guitar to buy. A lot of people think that you need to have an expensive guitar to play well. But that is not necessarily true. Buy a guitar that is priced reasonably for your budget. But, even if you are buying a guitar for a child, don’t buy a cheap, hundred dollar guitar. Three to five hundred is a decent amount to spend on a good acoustic guitar.
Types of Acoustic Guitars
A steel stringed guitar can be a bit hard on the fingers. You will build up calluses, regardless of the type of guitar. But you can adapt your playing style and make the strings a bit looser so that it is easier on the fingers.
A nylon string guitar has a very warm, pleasant tone. The nylon strings are a little bit softer and easier on the fingers. Typically on a nylon stringed, or classical guitar, the strings are spaced a bit farther apart.
Key Features To Look For In A Guitar
Look for a top that is solid wood, not plywood. Solid wood will give a better tone. The best top is believed to be made with spruce. Another good wood for a guitar top is cedar for a classical guitar.
Check that the tuning pegs work well and turn smoothly.
The choice of a guitar is a very personal thing, it’s almost like choosing a new friend. You’re going to hold the guitar in your hands and hopefully play it for many hours.
The most important thing is that it be comfortable in your hands. It must feel good and natural to you to play. If it feels good then you will want to play it more. The same ideal applies to an expensive guitar vs a cheap guitar. You don’t need a three thousand dollar guitar to feel good when you play. A three to five hundred dollar guitar should be fine for anyone learning guitar to begin with.
Where To Buy
In terms of places to buy a guitar, check for music stores, or craigslist ads for in your local area. It’s important to try out the guitar you want to buy for sound and comfort. Online stores like eBay are great places to sell a guitar. But eBay is not a good place to buy a because you can’t try it out first.