How to Choose a Good Electric Guitar
Choosing a good electric guitar takes research and a bit of knowledge about what to look for. Guitars are subjective, and what may be good for one person may not suit another. A good rule is to purchase the best brand-name guitar you can afford. Brand-name guitars often have warranties, offer budget-priced lines based on their expensive counterparts, and usually have better resale value. Whatever guitar you choose, buy it because it feels comfortable, sounds and looks good, and suits your playing style. Always try to buy your first guitar from a reputable local dealer.
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Instructions
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Read as many reviews in guitar magazines and on websites as possible. You'll be able to identify brands, models, colors, shapes and available options, and will have a better idea of what to consider when it's time to shop. Make a list of the brands, models, colors and options you like within your price range and call stores in your area to check for availability.
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Play each guitar, both with and without an amplifier. Sit down while playing, then ask the salesperson for a strap to see how the guitar plays standing up. If the guitar isn't comfortable for you in all playing positions, it isn't the right one for you.
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Check all controls and hardware on the guitar to ensure that they are working properly. Even an expensive new guitar can have an occasional bad switch or volume control. If you are not sure of how to operate the controls, ask the salesperson to explain them to you.
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Inspect the guitar thoroughly from front to back and side to side. Look for scratches, blemishes, cracks or other imperfections. Minor paint scratches and blemishes won't affect the guitar (and may get you a discount), but reject any guitar that has cracks in the body or finish, as they may indicate a current or future problem. Point out any loose hardware, switches, controls or other parts, as they can be easily fixed at the store.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchasing a used guitar (rather than new) from a music store is a perfectly fine option if you're on a budget, and you'll get store support if you need it. When buying new or used, always ask for a "set-up" as part of the deal. A set-up includes new strings, neck, action, bridge intonation adjustment and cleaning. Most shops will be happy to include a set-up in the selling price when asked.
Shop around for the best price and for the best guitar for you. Music stores will try to sell available inventory and usually only carry a few different manufacturers or models. Try out as many different guitars as you can, and ask the salesperson to demo it for you also. It never hurts to bring an experienced guitar player friend with you, or to ask your guitar teacher for advice.
The difference between expensive and inexpensive guitars is in the workmanship, set-up, and the quality and type of wood, finish, electronics and hardware.
Beware of purchasing guitars over the Internet. It is always better to purchase your first few guitars locally, as you'll have local store support if you have a problem. As your knowledge of guitar buying increases, you'll know the right questions to ask and what to look for when buying online.
Don't take every review site seriously, especially smaller sites which offer a few models for sale that they just happen to be reviewing. If you do buy from a site, the large established sites like Sam Ash, Musician's Friend, Music123, Sweetwater and several others are the way to go. Research every site you are considering buying from for consumer complaints and favorable reports.
Avoid buying a used guitar from a private party. If the guitar has problems, or ends up being a counterfeit of an expensive model (a growing problem), you may be stuck with a bad purchase.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit new electric guitar image by .shock from Fotolia.com
