HOW TO BUY A GUITAR

After playing and teaching for over 20 years, one of the most common questions I get asked is, ‘what is a good guitar to buy?’ Hopefully the follow information can answer a few of questions.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

It’s that simple. Guitars range from $100 to $10,000, kind of like cars. Which car would you rather drive? However, since most of us can’t all afford the high end stuff; work with your own budget. If you want to play, just buy one. You can always upgrade later. We all do this.

$300-$500 is a good price for a guitar to start and grow with. But don’t forget a case, picks, a strap, a tuner, and a guitar cable and amplifier (if you go electric), then of course there is always tax $$$. Your money is quickly eaten up.

Package deals are good ways to save a little money, but the guitar should come first.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Acoustic instruments are much easier to deal with than electric instruments because an amplifier is not involved. Fender guitars are easier to deal with than Gibson guitars because there are fewer knobs to twist and they weigh less, but you should explore every guitar brand and model possible. Even ones you can’t afford.

Usually the more expensive you go the more bells and whistles involved. I have had many students get the coolest looking rock-n-roll guitar in the store, just to quit a few months later. Don’t base your purchase just on the way a guitar looks.

Also, it’s okay to start with an electric guitar, especially if your going to buy it later anyway, but if you’re the type who starts lots of things and quits early, you might want to rethink this. Keep it simple, keep it simple, keep it simple!

BUY FROM A MUSIC STORE

Not EBay, pawn shops, television, or your local all in one ‘super store.’ It is better to physically see, or play, the guitar before you buy it. Pawn shops might try and rip you off and the stuff at Wal-Mart or Costco is CRAP!!!

A music store employee is most likely qualified to help you find what you are looking for; however, they are salesmen, so don’t let them push you into something you don’t need. I once had a teenage girl come to her first lesson with a 7 string guitar. That is too much guitar even for some of the pros.

Do some homework first and hopefully you’ll find salesmen who understands that the guitar should fit the player. The internet is a great way to do research and explore your options.
 
Most music stores also have a 30 return policy. That way, if you get it home and decide you don’t like it, or your teenager gets upset that it’s the wrong color, you can return it, but SAVE YOUR RECEIPT!

GET IT IN YOUR HANDS

Sit down, put your arms around it, and see if you’re comfortable. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t want to play and it will go into the closet or under the bed. What a waste of money!

Now days, guitars are coming in all different sizes. Full, ½, and ¾ size acoustic guitars are available as well as ‘mini’ electric’s for kids who want to rock out early on.

 

This should get you started!

I’m not trying to sell you anything. Take this for what it’s worth. 20 other people may tell you 20 other things, but to me, this is all the first time buyer needs to know.

Once you’ve progressed passed a beginner, well that’s a different story.