For a new player, choosing an acoustic guitar might be a bit overwhelming, given all the choices available in the guitar market today. Be certain to investigate your options fully prior to deciding on such an important purchase. It is critical to understand the things you need to consider in making this big decision, and to realize what features your first guitar needs to have. You will be far more likely to walk away with the best beginner acoustic guitar for your needs if you make your purchase with a bit of an education behind you.
For starters, why the best beginner acoustic guitar? Why not the best beginner electric guitar?
You actually can learn on an electric guitar, however it will mean that you need to also buy an amplifier. This will add to the cost and will mean you also need to learn not just the guitar, but how to run the amp as well. Learning on an electric guitar requires a bit more commitment up front: you will need to invest in an amplifier, and in addition to learning how to play the guitar, you’ll need to learn how to work the amp as well.
So planning to migrate from an acoustic guitar to an electric guitar after you’ve learned the basics is a very common recommendation. And because an acoustic guitar is much more portable, you will very likely continue to use it over the long run. You will very likely continue to use your acoustic guitar over the long run, simply because it is much more portable than an electric guitar.
So other than price, what distinguishes one guitar from another?
Whether you ultimately buy new or used, here is an important checklist of the features you need to be looking for in an entry level guitar.
PHYSICAL CONDITION * Be sure that the base of the neck connects tightly to the body of the guitar * Check the quality of the gluing and the finish — if it looks shoddy, there maybe shoddy workmanship that you can’t see. * The tuning pegs should be connected firmly to the guitar headstock. * Be sure that the bridge is glued firmly to the body of the guitar
GUITAR SIZE * A full size guitar is about 40 inches long. A 3/4 guitar is 2-3 inches shorter. If you are small, consider a small guitar.
PERFORMANCE * Be sure to check the performance of the guitar on the open strings, low frets, high frets, and all frets in between! * There should be no buzzing when played, from the lowest to the highest frets. If there is buzzing, the “action” may need to be adjusted (“action” is the term used for the distance between the fret and the string when it is played). If you are shopping at a music store, ask them to make this adjustment before you buy. * The tone should be pleasing, all the way up the fretboard. Tone is a matter of personal preference, but if you don’t like the sound of the guitar in the store, you’ll only like it less when you get it home.
CONSTRUCTION * Beginner acoustic guitars will be made from wood or wood laminate. Go for the wood if you can. There are many different kinds of wood, but the all-wood construction is the secret to a guitar that has a nice pleasing tone. * Tuning pegs should be made from metal or high quality wood. Stay away from plastic tuning pegs.
Okay, so now that you know what you are looking for, how should you go about buying the best beginner acoustic guitar?
With the internet just stuffed with good guitar deals, it’s tempting to just go online, do a bit of research and then buy something. This is not the right approach if you want to find the best beginner acoustic guitar. Why not? The list above gives you the answer.
The only way to ensure satisfaction it to play the guitar you are considering, before you buy it. But take advantage of the internet to do your homework. Use the internet to educate yourself about:
* What is a realistic price range for a beginner guitar * How to evaluate a guitar * Which guitar manufacturers are “big” names
Once you feel well armed with information, you can go to your local music store and get ready to try and buy. As far as selecting a store – one dedicated to music is your best option. A music store will have the support and expertise you need while making your purchase, and after you buy the guitar. Going to a store like Walmart or Target will not lead you to the best guitars on the market, and you probably won’t find anyone who knows guitars well enough to really help you.
At the store, here are a couple of ideas for making sure you walk out with the best guitar for your needs: * If the guitar buzzes, ask the associate to see if someone can adjust it. * Use the checklist above to evaluate each guitar * Any guitars in your price range are fair game. Try them all.* Have the sales associate tune the guitar before you play it.
Sometimes one guitar just feels better than another, so there really is no substitute for trying out a guitar for yourself. Alternatively, if you aren’t comfortable playing in the store, bring a guitar-playing friend along, or if that’s not an option, have someone at the store play for you. The person playing each guitar should showcase the full fret board. To adequately hear and evaluate all the notes of the fret board, be sure to have the demonstrator play and various tempos.
Buying in person isn’t always an option, and if you or want to buy online, you should check out Same Day Music. The musicians that man their customer service lines can help you make an informed selection. They have a 60 day money back guarantee, guarantee the lowest prices, and ship for free within 2 days. Just remember to unpack your new guitar carefully and save the box and packing materials in case you decide to return it.
No matter how you go about finding the best beginner acoustic guitar, once you have it, you will be well on your way to a life time of enjoyment.