The purchase of a new musical instrument can induce a farrago of emotions, especially if a person has never bought one before. Depending on the instrument, the cost could run anywhere from a few dollars to more than most people earn in a year, and the degree of anxiety felt by the purchaser is often directly proportional to the number of digits on the price tag.
Advantages of an Acoustic Guitar Versus an Electric Guitar
The acoustic guitar is possibly the world's most versatile instrument. It's ease of transport allows it to be played in almost any environment. The wealth of songs with tablature readily available on the Internet and in numerous retail outlets is astonishing. Maintenance costs are comparatively low and usually limited to the purchase of new strings and the occasional replenishment of a pick cache.
In addition to their versatility, some acoustic guitars have recently garnered fame on account of their extraordinarily lofty valuations. Price tags in the $5,000 range are not uncommon, and limited edition models with elaborate ornamentation can rival the cost of a high end Mercedes.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Guitar
Regardless of price, there are a number of factors that must be weighed in order to ensure years of enjoyment with a minimum of regret. These issues include:
Classical vs. Steel String
While classical is the preferred style of finger picking specialists, steel string guitars will allow for more forceful strumming and a higher decibel level. The vast majority of modern acoustic guitar music is played using a steel string guitar.
Body Type
The shape of the guitar body will determine the projective qualities of the instrument. This should be balanced against the instruments intended use (i.e. a travel size body for those constantly on the move) and level of comfort enjoyed when playing. The inclusion of a cutaway section that allows easy access to the upper frets can also affect the sound quality.
Neck Size
The dimensions of a guitar's neck vary. It is important to choose one that is commensurate with the size of your hand. A player with big mitts and spindly digits will want a meaty neck and a broad fretboard while a player with more feminine extremities will require a slender neck for easy playing.
Intonation
Play the open strings, and then play the same strings on the twelth fret and see if the tones match. Repeat this process with frets 1 and 13, 2 and 14, etc. to make sure the frets are spaced correctly at the high end of the fretboard. Any errors will be made obvious by discordant notes.
Wood
The wood used in construction of the body, specifically the top, will determine how it sounds. It will also have a large bearing on the cost of the instrument. The most commonly used wood is spruce but rarer woods can add hundreds of dollars to the sale price. The best way to choose a wood is to play a series of guitars composed of different types and opt for the one to which your ears gravitate.
Built-In Electronics
Some acoustics come with pickups and a preamplifier already installed inside the body. This allows for a convenient connection to an amplifier when playing in a venue that requires a more robust sound, but it will also add considerably to the purchase price. A buyer planning on performing regularly in public venues should seriously consider this option.
Tuning Pegs
These are often overlooked by prospective buyers because guitars sold in a retail store are routinely tuned to allow for instant playing of any model in the shop. To test them, tune a few of the strings and note the rate at which the tone produced by each string changes. A half turn of the peg should not result in a three tone swing; the slower the pace the better. Then bend the strings gently while plucking to make sure the pegs can hold a note without slipping. Any discrepancy between the tones produced before and after bending will indicate a a slipped string and a weak peg
These are the major points to consider when deciding on a purchase. Of course there are ancillary concerns, such as the finish and the wood used for the bridge and the fingerboard, but these will not significantly affect the sound produced by the guitar. The wood type and body shape will determine that.
Getting Advice from Professionals and Other Guitar Players Is Always Helpful
While this list can be helpful, it cannot substitute for the experience of actually playing the instrument. Outlets that deal in musical instruments are often staffed by passionate employees who play many of the instruments they sell and are eager to assist anyone who shares their interests. Soliciting their advice and experimenting with several varied guitars will help assuage the angst inherent to this and all major purchases.
Once a purchase has been made, check out Learn How to Play Fourteen Easy Guitar Songs for a number of easy to learn songs for new guitarists.
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