How to Buy a Guitar

Elvis Presley and John Lennon strummed Gibson acoustic guitars. Jimi Hendrix powered through his classics on a Fender Stratocaster, while Bruce Springsteen remains steadfastly loyal to his own boss, a wellworn Fender Telecaster. If you've just picked up a guitar, or if you're a seasoned gunslinger looking to upgrade, how do you choose a new ax?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar magazines

Before you buy

1. Choose between a steel-stringed acoustic guitar for folk and blues, a nylon-stringed acoustic for classical music, or an electric or electric bass guitar for good old rock and roll, to name a few.

2. Talk to follow musicians about their instrument of choice and what they love about it.

3. Research guitar brands using price guides, guitar magazines and the Internet. Some models appreciate in value as they get older.

4. Consider buying secondhand instead of new. If you know your stuff, you may be able to get more value for your dollar. See How to Buy Products and Services Online.

At the store

5. Examine the construction. Look for a straight neck, a well-balanced body and frets that are smooth and flush.

6. Strap on the guitar and hold in playing position. Does it feel natural? Balanced? Too heavy? Does your hand fit comfortably around the neck?

7. Tune the guitar to see how smoothly the tuning keys operate and to test the sound quality of each string.

8. Play a song. Do you like the sound? Is it easy to press down the strings? Is there any buzzing or clicking that suggests problems?

9. If you are buying an electric guitar, plug it into an amp and play. Listen for crackling or humming. Test the controls for ease-of-use. (Humming might be caused by a bad cord; replace it with a new one.)

10. Try out several models before you decide on one. Before you buy, ask, "What can you offer me if I buy my guitar here?" Some stores will throw in freebies (picks, guitar straps, a set of strings) or discounted accessories (amp, effects, capo or a mike stand). Make sure the price includes a guitar case.

11. Remember that the retail price of a guitar is often negotiable. See How to Negotiate. Also, make sure you know the return policy before you buy. See How to Make Returns.

Tips & Warnings

• Before renting a guitar, ask the salesperson about rent-to-own deals.
• Bring along a guitarist friend when you shop, especially if you can't tune a guitar.
• Avoid guitar stores without marked prices and aggressive salespeople unless you really know prices and are willing to haggle.
• You can buy a beginner's guitar for $200 to $500, but if you want to buy a renowned model of a popular brand, such as Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacker or Guild, expect to pay $1,000 or more.

[pannunziello]

on 1/9/2008 FOR SALE!! ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR!!

Like new, dark red Stellar Acoustic Electric guitar. Perfect condition.
Everything included.
Asking $150 O.B.O

[JohanM]

on 4/30/2007 Go big or go home, I'm going for steel strings all day, baby! ;)

[chrisbs]

on 2/9/2007 http://guitargearnews.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-buy-acoustic-guitar.html


above blog has an article on acoustic guitar buying

on 6/30/2006 Many people find it useful to start on a steel-stringed acoustic to build up calluses (pads of dead skin on the fingertips) so that playing an electric guitar is a breeze, and they can then also play acoustic.

on 11/22/2005 With an acoustic guitar stick your hand down in the sound hole and feel the underbody of the top of the guitar. If two pieces of wood form an "X" then the guitar is well constructed. If it doesnt contain this "X" bracing then be careful because the top will cave in over time. I got this tip from my grandfather who builds guitars, and he says this is the MOST IMPORTANT thing to look for when buying a guitar