Buying your first guitar can be a fun experience. However, it can be very intimidating as well. There are plenty of great guitars in the market and you may have trouble finding the perfect one. A guitar is a major purchase and there are a few things to keep in mind before getting one. Keep reading to learn about them:
1. DOES IT STAY IN TUNE?
Before buying a guitar, test it at the store. Ask someone to get it to standard tuning and test a few chords. Pay attention to how it sounds. If the sound isn’t great, the guitar may be difficult to play. This test will also help you check the action.
2. CAN YOU REACH THE WHOLE FRETBOARD?
Before buying a guitar, ensure that you can reach the whole fretboard comfortably. Try running your fingers along both sides of the neck and find out if you can feel the frets sticking out. If they are not on the same level as the wood, consider getting a different guitar. Even though it is a fixable problem, you should not have to deal with it.
3. ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC?
Guitars are classified into two main categories: acoustic and electric. Have a clear understanding of what you want before you start shopping for guitars. According to Acoustic Bridge, both guitars have unique advantages and disadvantages. Electric guitars are popular among modern musicians. They are versatile and easy to pay for. You can use an electric guitar for almost any music genre. However, you may need extra equipment like amplifiers for your electric guitar.
Acoustic guitars are great when you do not want to use an amplifier. They have a rich sound and do not require outside help. You can play your acoustic guitar anywhere. However, it is limited in tones and sounds. The thick strings could make it difficult to play
4. IS THE NECK STRAIGHT?
The neck of your guitar should be straight. Before buying it, check for bends and curves. Guitars with bows or back bows can be difficult to play. They aren’t a good option for beginners. If you have trouble checking the neck of your guitar, get the opinion of a professional. They will help you detect issues that need to be corrected.
5. NEW OR USED?
Should you buy a new or used guitar? The answer depends on your needs and budget. Used guitars are great for beginners trying to move to pro-level. With the right maintenance, most high-end guitars remain in good condition for many years. They can offer a great way to start playing. However, buying used can be dangerous if you aren’t an expert. You may miss out on new technologies and the manufacturer’s warranty
On the other hand, entry-level guitars are affordable and easy to play. They feel great and come with a warranty. However, they are weaker and unlikely to last long. The wood is weaker and the metal parts are thin. They may not be a good investment.
6. BUDGET
How much can you afford to spend? The answer will help you narrow down your options. If you are a beginner, it does not make sense to spend money on a costly, custom-made guitar. It would be best to start with a cheap or second-hand guitar before upgrading.
7. THE ELECTRONICS
Before buying an electric guitar, ensure that the electronics are in good condition. Plug it into an amp, turn the knobs, and flip the switches several times. There should be no strange or crackling sounds. They are indications that there may be a buildup of dirt in the internal parts. Even though that issue is also fixable, you don’t want to deal with it. Getting a different guitar would be a good idea.
8. DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE NAME
Buy a guitar that suits your needs rather than a brand. As a beginner, you may be inspired by the biggest brands in the industry. However, you do not need to get them immediately. Guitar brands are not what they used to be and if you are not careful, you may waste a lot of your money on them.
Buying the right guitar is difficult but there are many ways to make it easier. When shopping for one, make a list of the things that are important to you and the type of songs you wish to play. The list will help you determine what is right for you and you can avoid wasting money. The most important considerations include your budget, whether the neck is straight, and the kind of music you play.
