How to Choose an Acoustic Guitar
An acoustic guitar is a musical instrument that produces sound through the vibrations produced by plucking the strings. There are many types of acoustic guitars on the market. You will be amazed at the variety in store today. But how will you ensure that you get the right one? What are some of the essential things that should guide you on how to choose an acoustic guitar? Below are some tips on how to choose your acoustic guitar today.
Price
You need to consider what your pocket can comfortably afford. They say that failing to plan is planning to fail. A good buyer should consider at least three stores in order to get a good discount and ascertain what the market prices are. Acoustic guitars range from $200 to $2500.
For a beginner, consider a budget of around $ 250. For better quality and sound once you have gained some experience, you may buy one at $400-800. For very high quality and long lasting guitars, the range is $1000 and above. Better still, you can buy a secondhand guitar if you are hard pressed on the pocket. If you want to buy hunting binoculars under $100, click here to know more information and guide.
Purpose
Whether you are planning to purchase this guitar for private or commercial use, it’s advisable to make the right choice. You need to consider the sound that the acoustic guitar will be producing. You will need a nylon stringed guitar for classical music. A clear sound for church worship songs will be preferable.
For rock and country music bands, a bigger fuller sounding guitar will do. In case you will be playing in a live band, you may choose an acoustic electric guitar. These ones have electronics that can be plugged into amplifiers. They are also more costly than acoustic guitars.
The Player
If this is your maiden advent into guitar playing, you may not yet be an expert on picking the best sound tones. I would advise you to get a good secondhand while you practice. Am sure you will want to upgrade once you have mastered the skill. It’s advisable to consider comfort too.
Look for a guitar that suits your physique by getting the right size that will suit your fingers. Check also if the guitar will fit nicely on your lap or shoulder depending on how you choose to play it. Mini acoustic guitars will be most suitable for children or people with small hands and fingers. Get a travel guitar if you will be traveling often.
Overwhelmed by the hundreds of acoustic guitars at the store beckoning you to take one home? I would advise you to seek assistance from the store assistants. If possible ask an experienced guitarist to accompany you. However, this may not always be possible. To guide you further, here are some qualities to help you narrow them down to your desired guitar.
Qualities of a Good Acoustic Guitar
Wood Type
The sound produced by different acoustic guitars depends mainly on the type of wood the frame is made of. Based on your budget, you may settle on a laminated top acoustic guitar. Laminate tops will feel and look glossier and smoother than pure wood. They are cheaper. Their shortcoming is that that they do not vibrate or produce good quality sound like the wood top guitars. Their volume may not be as loud too. Wood top guitars include the following:
- Mahogany: It has a strong sound which is mostly favored by blues players.
- Cedar: it delivers warm rich tones and is suitable for finger pickers.
- Rosewood: has a darker tone and is very expensive.
- Spruce: has a bright tone and is it is popularly used in acoustic guitars.
- Maple: It produces a bright dry tone with a clear high end.
I know that you cannot wait to get your hands on that guitar. It’s time to play us a tune or two. While doing so, you will pick out subtle differences that will determine what you settle for. Apart from entertaining us, it’s advisable to try the following;
- Inspect the body and neck for any cracks or damages. Chipped body frame will lead to distorted sound.
- Play every note on the fretboard and listen for dead spots.
- Listen for creaking, which could be a sign that the glue on the braces inside the guitar is loose.
- Finally, knock on the guitar’s body and listen to the sound. An echoing sound means that the guitar will have great bass, less echo means that the sound will be high.
Types of Acoustic Guitars
Visual appeal influences the types of purchases we make. This is no exception when it comes to acoustic guitars. Choose a guitar that you will not want to put down once you pick it up. Some of them include:
Dreadnought Guitars: It is the most common. It has broader square shoulders and big internal cavity. It produces a strong, cutting, and bold balanced sound.
Parlor guitars: They are smaller and mostly preferred by people with smaller body frames. They are easier to travel with. Also suitable for solo performances.
Jumbo guitars: They are rounded in the shoulders and bottom. They are very loud and produce the largest sound.
Auditorium guitars: They resemble the dreadnought but slightly vary in the waist which is tighter. This produces tone variations while maintaining the booming sound that the dreadnought has.
Classical guitars: You can easily identify classical guitars because they have tuners with open slots. They can be used in traditional Classical music. They produce softer tones.
Final Words
Buying a Good acoustic guitar need not be so hard with the above advice in mind. In fact, it could be fun if you tag along with a friend. They will help to pick out the notes that you may miss. Whereas music is a passion, buying a guitar that you will not be comfortable with will be a waste of time and money. I would advise you to take time playing each of the guitars and settle for what captivates you. Just as good wine gets better with age, try to purchase the best guitar that will get better with age and not vice versa.