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BUYING A BEGINNER'S ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Acoustic guitars are
very diverse in their shape, size, style, beauty, and sound. A great
acoustic guitar is
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The D10 by Washburn ($275) |
usually the one that
works best for the player. Although the perfect guitar is usually a matter
of opinion, one should still follow several guidelines before making a
purchase.
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Yamaha FG-402 ($239) |
What type of entry-level
guitar is best?
Many instructors believe the nylon-string Classic guitar is the best
guitar for the beginner. Nylon strings are much easier on the
left-hand fingers and as a result, you'll get longer periods of
practice time in the beginning. It's important to mention here that
callouses will develop as a result of practice making it easier to
play the steel string guitar usually within the first 2 months of
regular practice.
pictured above an Alvarez Yairi classic guitar
Classic guitars are called "classic"
because they are the only guitar style that doesn't change. Much like the
violin, the classic guitar's relative dimensions are the same from one
manufacturer to another. This being said, however, most people start with
the standard six-string dreadnought guitar (with steel strings.) Dreadnought
acoustic guitars don't vary too much in size and the steel strings provide
the distinct sound heard so much in pop, rock, bluegrass, country and folk
music. Beginners should shy away from the twelve-string guitar as it
requires the player to press down 2 strings at a time in groups. This can be
a little challenging for the beginner.
There are so many materials; which
ones sound the best?
This is where the beginner has to make a somewhat uneducated decision. There
is no right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to decide is
through experimentation. Some guitarists prefer a lighter tone while others
would rather a guitar that will make your stomach churn. When buying a new
acoustic guitar, your materials selection will normally be limited to
spruce, rosewood, and mahogany. Many of the finest, most
expensive guitars in the world are made from these types of wood although
exotic woods such as koa, paduak, and walnut are usually more
prevalent in a higher-priced instrument. If you seek a light tone, you might
want to test guitars with a mahogany back and sides. If you're seeking a
heavier sound, you'll want to try those with a rosewood back and sides. Most
guitars in the entry-level realm have a spruce top. Whether laminated or
not, you'll want to find one that has a solid spruce top rather than a
two-piece. The solid tops tend to remain durable through time.
How should the guitar feel?
The answer to this question is easy. The guitar should feel good to the
player. Try to find a guitar that has a relatively low action (the amount of
height between the strings and neck). A high action can be a very
discouraging thing for a new player. Also, try to find something that will
stay in tune. A guitar that loses pitch can be very aggravating to a
beginner because his/her ear hasn't become familiar to a properly tuned
instrument. A good electronic tuner is never a bad thing to throw in with a
new acoustic guitar. This will help reduce the amount of time wasted while
tuning and increase practice time.
How much should I spend?
Many decent, entry-level guitars will fall into the $200-$500 category. I
once played a $300 guitar that had a better sound than a $3500 guitar.
Believe me.....it can happen.
What else should I look for?
Try to stick with name brands. If you aren't familiar with some of today's
names, ask a more experienced guitarist. Also, try to find something with at
least a 5-year warranty. If you can find an entry-level guitar with a
lifetime warranty.....GREAT!!!
Good luck and good pickin'!!!
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Fender DG-21S ($350) |
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