How to buy a good guitar without getting ripped off

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By Colonna
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

so, you've completed level one of the beginner guitar course, and you're ready for an electric guitar. You've been salivating over the Les Paul's, Stratocasters, and all the other top of the line guitars you've always wanted. You've got the money saved up and you're ready to spend.
What do you do? Where do you go? Who do you buy from? How do I know that this guitar is gonna' last me a long time, and sound great? Well,from my experience, I can tell you a number of things that'll help you make smart choices about buying your first electric guitar.The first thing you need to do is to cool your jets.Wanting a great guitar is not a bad thing- rushing out to buy one without first doing a little homework could be a huge mistake. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you don't get "taken for a ride".MIKE

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

the internet
a list of local guitar stores/dealers
patience ( DO SOME PRICE RESEARCH, PRODUCT INVESTIGATING,ETC)
SELF CONTROL (guitars are gorgeous things to look at,I know, but SLOW YOUR ROLL...you'll find one you'll love playing.

Step 1

Get some munchies, put on some music and get on your computer. Go to your internet server, do a google search and check out the following links:
www.guitarcenter.com,www.maggiomusiccenter.com,www.jayturser.com, or www.samash.com.
Step 2

Pick a site to visit and start DROOLING. Seriously, look at the guitars, beginning with the high end jammies .Now look a t the prices. Don't make any judgement until AFTER you've spent equal time looking at the "budget" models and THEIR prices.
Step 3

Now, go back to the "High End" guitars again. If you aren't aware of this, it may interest you that many of the budget model guitar makers are owned by or are subsidiaries of the larger, better known companies.
These companies are able to make and market guitars that are "knock-off" versions of their top rod models. Fender guitars own Squier , Gibson owns Epiphone, Fender also owns Guild, etc.
Step 4

There are also guitar companies that have developed huge buying audiences , mainly because of their affordability, craftsmanship and reliability. These are the companies you want to check out. (Ibanez, Peavey, Jay Turser,Dean and many others).
Step 5

Once you've located a music center in your area that can assist you, find a friend who can assist and advise you about the music store itself. How reliable and reputable are they? Do they back up what they sell? Are their prices comparable to the places you've visited on line? Ask yourself these questions.
Step 6

Once you get the green light from your buddy about the music store's rep, play it cool. Check out what they have displayed and how they're displayed. If the salesguy pushes a certain guitar or company, just shake your head and keep looking. Are the less expensive guitars hidden? If you have to look around for budget or similar, but less-expensive versions of a Strat, there may be a problem.
Step 7

Let's say you finally DO spot a nice looking Strat knock-off. If the music store is a Fender guitar dealer, chances are the salesguy's got them up front or behind the register in a pristine display case (I'm not crapping on Fender, here, I own 3 myself). Ask him if you check one out.
Step 8

play the hot rod strat for a while. You're not auditioning for anyone, so keep your volume down, play CLEAN and don't show off. How does the guitar sound in every pickup position? How does it sound with the tone knobs rolled down, fiddled with and so on? Most importantly, how does the guitar FEEL? You'll know after five minutes.
Step 9

Play a signature riff of your own, a chord progression...something you can use as your "sound" yardstick. If this sounds good coming from this guitar, and you don't want to stop playing, then, yeah, this is a greata guitar. Don't give in just yet. Stay with me, here.
Step 10

Put the Holy grail down and go to the sparkling Apple Cider Strat that costs a lot less. Do the same test with this guitar...but take your time with it. Compare the sound, the workmanship, the Feel...the only difference is the obvious price. Or is that the case?
Step 11

many of the budget guitars are made using the same type of wiring, with less expensive components. They may also use a lower grade wood or binding technique than the hot rod models. They may not be American made...any of these reasons can make your decision for you, depending on what you're looking for. My point is, if thee issues are just superficial or cosmetic to you, then you should definitely buy the least expensive of the two, PROVIDED you've seriously done your homework and tested out the two or comparable guitars.
Step 12

Whatever you wind up bringing home with you, take care of it and it'll take care of you.Enjoy it.

Comments

mvalora said

Flag This Comment

on 8/19/2009 Good info. 5 stars.

jlo88pianokeys said

on 12/10/2008 you know your stuff. Thanks.

karatekid said

on 8/28/2008 I remember when I tried my first guitar but sadly it didn't work too well and even my friend said it was busted to bad i didn't see this article or asked for a warrenty.