Purchasing an Acoustic Guitar
If you are purchasing an acoustic guitar for your first instrument, then here are some things to consider when picking one out.
If you love doing research, then it is fun to dig deep into the woods and finish of the guitar. But if you just want to find a guitar to fall in love with, here are the essentials to look for in no particular order.
- Are you attracted to the guitar
- Does the guitar size fit your body
- Does it sound good to you
- Will you be traveling on a plane with it
- Do you want a cut away so you can reach notes further down the neck
- Will you be playing on stage eventually and may need to plug it in to an amp
Do you really need all the technical knowledge to buy an acoustic? The short answer is definitely not. While there are certain things that are important, what one person might really think sounds great, another person might not.
After numerous purchasing mistakes, here are the main areas I would focus on.
Are You Attracted to the Guitar?
It is such a great feeling to have people admire your choice of guitars. Your taste may change over time, but if you buy a hideous looking guitar, it may take a little inspiration away. This is not to say people should not buy an ugly guitar, but often times the ugly factor can bother you, especially when making a payment on it. Some things can be changed on the guitar, but if the overall shape or color does not suit you when you first look at it, then you may want to move on. There are so many to choose from that it is almost certain your perfect guitar is out there.
Does it Sound Good?
It is very important to play the guitar if possible before you buy it. Even the exact same model built with all the exact same specs and parts can sound very different. Woods are variable and depending on the piece, they can sound vibrant or dead.
Only you are able to decide what sound you like. But one thing to look for is to make sure the notes all the way up the fret board are in tune. If you tune the guitar and then strike a note at fret 5, 7, or 12, and they are out of tune, then I would take that into strong consideration. It could be an easy fix such as a neck adjustment, but it could mean it needs some custom repair work. Who wants to deal with all of that when buying a guitar?
Do You Want a Cutaway?
Having a cutaway is very important to me, but usually will not affect most beginner guitar players until later. I like to have the ability to solo passed the 12th fret. To do that, it is nice to have a cutaway in order to reach those high notes. The compromise can be a little difference in sound and the look depending on your view. Since a part of the body is missing, there can be a difference in tone compared to other acoustics. These days, with the advancements in designs, it is hard to tell if the difference in tone is due to the cutaway or simply the woods. The tone may even be affected by the humidity that day.
Does the Acoustic Guitar Fit Your Size?
The beauty of the guitar is that there are so many sizes to choose from. For 6, 7, or 8 year olds, I will generally recommend starting out with a half size or three-quarter size guitar. As a person grows, it is nice to transition into a larger guitar.
The difference, other than a smaller body, are the fret sizes, neck length, overall volume, and tone. On a half and three quarter size guitar, the frets are generally much narrower making it easier to play for people with small hands. The neck is also shorter and the body is easier for children or small adults to get their arm around. The sound is usually much thinner and quieter with smaller guitars.
For teens and adults, I would recommend the full-size guitar if possible. The rich tone, clarity, and greater volume is much better as the guitar size increases. The upper frets are also easier to finger with a full-size guitar. The smallest full-size guitar is the parlor guitar and the largest cavity of the acoustic guitars is the jumbo guitar. Generally, a dreadnought, invented by Martin in 1916, is the typical size found in most acoustic rooms.
Do You Need an Acoustic/Electric Guitar?
Another important consideration is whether you will need to run it through an amp or a P.A. These days, an acoustic/electric guitar costs almost the same as a regular acoustic guitar. Not only that, but the bonus is they generally come with a tuner. I would recommend going this route if you are not sure since it adds a degree of versatility. However, that is not to discredit a straight acoustic, it just may end up sweetening the deal a little. The typical acoustic/electric guitars made by Fender or Ibanez pretty much sound the same as the regular acoustic guitars without a pickup system. However, the Ovation and Applause brands can be a different story.
The downside to an acoustic/electric guitar is that if it is designed primarily to run through an amp, it may have poor sound quality when it is not plugged in. This can be the case with some Applause or Ovation guitars. They can also be difficult to place on your lap if you buy the type with a rounded back. The look of the Ovation guitars are amazing and sound incredible in an amp. But depending on your application, you may want to pass.
Are You Purchasing an Acoustic Guitar to Use while Traveling?
For travelers that stay overnight quite often or people who are on the plane a lot, you may consider a small travel guitar. They have a very unusual look but are a lifesaver when it comes to reducing baggage. There are even guitars that fold up which can then fit nicely into a backpack. With all the extra time spent in hotels, this may be a great way to go if you like to practice your art on the road. I would not expect much by way of sound quality from one of these, but they are a great way to keep up your chops while staying in foreign places.
A Final Word on Purchasing an Acoustic Guitar
The bottom line is, picking out a guitar maybe be simpler than you think. Set aside some time to play as many as possible and take time to decide if it is right for you. Is it attractive, comfortable and does it have all the features you need? Remember, if possible, play the guitar you want to buy. That way you know the sound and feel are right for you.
If you have any questions, please contact me, I am happy to help.
