Introduction: How to Buy a Guitar
- Whether you're buying your very first guitar or looking to add a new one to your collection, a lot should be taken into consideration when purchasing an instrument. Because it can be a considerable investment that can end up as a rewarding hobby or even an eventual career, it's good to be sure you are buying the perfect guitar for you. This article will walk you through the steps you should take when you've decided to buy a guitar.
Step 1: How to Speak Guitar
Guitar playing is a popular hobby (Creative Commons photo by Mahalie)
- If you are new to the world of guitar, there are a lot of terms that you may be unfamiliar with. For those who have some experience with "guitar talk," you can skip to Step 2. For the rest of you, here are some things that you may hear in this article and during the process of buying:
- Amp/Amplifier - A separate electronic device used with electric guitars and acoustic/electric guitars to amplify the sound
- Axe - Slang term for a guitar
- Back - Describes the wood piece in the back of an acoustic guitar body, closest to your body while playing
- Binding - A plastic strip that outlines the guitar body, purely for aesthetics
- Body - The large part of the guitar in which most of the resonance is made
- Bridge - Where the strings are anchored to the body of the guitar
- Electronics - The wires and electrical components inside electrics and acoustic/electrics
- Fretboard - the front surface of the neck which you place your fingers on when playing
- Frets - The metal strips that go across the fretboard
- Head/Headstock - The part of the guitar at the end of the neck containing the tuning pegs
- Inlay - The shapes or designs carved into the fretboard, often made of abalone and in the shape of dots or rectangles
- Machine Heads - Same as "Tuning Pegs"
- Neck - The long, thin part of the guitar
- Nut - The plastic or graphite strip between the head and the neck with grooves in which the strings lie
- Pickguard - The plastic plate often found on guitar bodies to protect the finish from scratches made by the guitar pick
- Pickup - The part of the guitar that "picks up" the vibration of the string and transforms it into an electric signal to send to an amplifier (some acoustics have pickups, too)
- Pickup Selector - The switch that allows the player to choose which pickups to use while playing
- Sides - Describes the curved and contoured wood piece of an acoustic guitar body which connects the top and back
- Sound Hole - The hole in the top of hollow guitar bodies
- Strap Button - The small protrusions from the body on which a guitar strap is attached
- Top - Describes the top wood piece of an acoustic guitar body containing the bridge and soundhole
- Tuner - An electronic device used to aid in the process of tuning the guitar
- Tuning Pegs - The knobs on the head of the guitar used to tune the strings
- Whammy Bar - A metal bar attached to the bridge which manipulates the pitch of the string when pushed or pulled
Step 2: Choose a Guitar Type
- Before you start looking for a guitar, you first need to decide what type of guitar you want. Musical styles, budget, and convenience can all factor into this decision.
Electric
(Creative Commons photo by Fictures)Electric guitars are used for just about every style of music, including rock, punk, pop, blues, alternative, country, R&B, jazz, etc. They use steel strings like acoustic guitars, but usually of a much lighter gauge (thickness) so they are generally easier on your fingers. Electrics tend to have more options for those on a tight budget. However, keep in mind that if you buy an electric you will also have to buy an amplifier which can add to the cost considerably. High-end amplifiers can cost thousands of dollars, but a small beginner's amp can usually be found for around $150-250.- Electric guitars are extremely versatile and can easily fulfill your need to crank the volume to 11 and act like a rock star! They also come in many different shapes, styles and looks to fit any personality.
- PROS
- Usually easier to play
- Extremely versatile, used for any style
- Many budget options
- Easy to maintain
- Countless different looks
- Play with a pick or fingerstyle
- CONS
- Requires amplification
- Amps add to cost
- This also makes them less portable
- POPULAR ELECTRIC GUITARS
- FAMOUS ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYERS
- Jimi Hendrix
- Eric Clapton
- Joe Satriani
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Eddie Van Halen
- Jimmy Page
- Kirk Hammett
- Keith Richards
- Wes Montgomery
Acoustic
- Acoustic steel-string guitars are also a very popular choice for beginners and seasoned vets alike. Although you don't need to buy an amp if you get an acoustic, they generally run higher in price because of the craftsmanship that goes into building one. Many high-end acoustics sell for $1,000 - $5,000, but there are some much cheaper options around the $200-300 range as well. Acoustic guitars are usually a bit tougher on your fingers because of the heavier strings, but if you get used to them the transition to electric will be smooth and easy should you choose to switch. They are optimal for both finger-style play and strumming with a pick, plus many have the option of plugging in to an amp if you're looking for a bit more power (these are called "acoustic/electrics").
- Acoustics are great for singer-songwriters and people who like to start up party sing-alongs. They are very commonly used in rock, pop, country, and folk music. They tend to be more delicate than electrics and require more care and maintenence.
- PROS
- Play anywhere
- No amplification required
- Great for social gatherings
- Good for many styles of music
- CONS
- Requires more care and maintenance than electrics
- Higher end models are expensive
- Harder on fingers than electric
- POPULAR ACOUSTIC GUITARS
- FAMOUS ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYERS
Classical
- Classical guitars are similar to the acoustics we already discussed, only they are equipped with nylon strings instead of steel. Nylon strings are thicker, rounder, and softer on the fingers. Classical guitar fretboards are wide and flat and they are used almost exclusively for classical and flamenco guitar styles. They are made for finger style play as opposed to using a pick, and their price range falls in roughly the same area as their steel-string counterparts. Classical guitars have a full and beautiful sound, but because of their limited stylistic range, most people tend to start out with a traditional steel-string acoustic or an electric guitar unless they are specifically interested in classical or flamenco music.
NOTE: Because classical guitars share many characteristics with steel-string acoustics, most things in this article referring to acoustic guitars will also apply to classical.
- PROS
- Nylon strings are easiest on fingers
- Beautiful and unique tone
- Excellent for classical or flamenco styles
- CONS
- Limited stylistic range
- Wide fretboard can be tough on smaller hands
- Requires more care and maintenance than electrics
- POPULAR CLASSICAL GUITARS
- FAMOUS CLASSICAL GUITAR PLAYERS
Step 3: Choosing Your Price Range
- There are guitars available for all different kinds of budgets. Guitar prices can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Although many things can factor into the price of a guitar, it is mainly affected by the quality of wood and parts it is made out of, as well as the level of craftsmanship that went into building it.
How much you can expect to pay
- Affordable Guitars: On the budget end of the spectrum, you should expect to pay around $150-$500. There are plenty of great beginner guitars to choose from in this price range, such as the Fender Standard Stratocaster. You may find some guitars for under $150, but if you can afford it, a few extra dollars can go a long way to ensure the level of quality of your instrument.
- Mid-Level Guitars: This price range for guitars is usually in the ballpark of $500-$1000. You can get some very nice instruments in this price range that will reward you with years of quality. The Fender American Stratocaster (a higher-quality version of the Mexican-made "Standard Strat") is an excellent mid-priced guitar. Mid-level acoustics, such as the Martin D-15, often run up to about $1,200.
- High-end Guitars: There are also many higher-end guitars for over $1,000. Gibson Les Pauls usually run around $1,000 - $2,000. Paul Reed Smith guitars are expertly crafted and usually fall into the $1,500 - $2,000 range. High-end acoustic guitars are commonly over $2,000.
- Examples: Paul Reed Smith Custom 22, Gibson Les Paul, Taylor 714
NOTE: Buying used instruments can knock a couple hundred dollars off your purchase, but there's often no warranty or guarantee of the guitar's quality or longevity.
Craftsmanship
- Craftsmanship involves the care and effort put into the construction of a guitar. The more attention that is paid to this process, the longer the guitar will last and the better it will sound. Here are a few things to know about how it will affect the price.
- A guitar that has been mostly or entirely hand-crafted will always be more expensive than one that has been made exclusively with factory machines. You're paying extra for the time and labor that goes into ensuring the highest quality instrument possible. All kinds of instruments can benefit from a human touch, although there are many quality machine-made guitars as well.
- An easy way to check the quality of craftsmanship in a guitar is to take a close look at its construction yourself - gaps in the wood, visible glue, sloppy finishes and generally "cheap" looking components can be easy to spot.
- The sound of a guitar has everything to do with its construction. A well-made instrument will just sound better.
- American and Japanese made guitars generally tend to have higher quality craftsmanship than those made in places like Mexico and Korea, although there are always exceptions so use your best judgement.
- A well-made guitar will last longer and feel better to play. Poor craftsmanship can lead to problems in the long term, particularly with wood warping or shoddy electronics and hardware.
- Electric guitars have variations on how the neck is attached to the body.
- Bolt-on necks are the cheapest. This is when the neck is attached to the body using 3 or 4 metal bolts.
- Set necks are when the neck is glued to the guitar body. It is more expensive and comfortable to play, and although many would say this option provides the best tone, some argue that the direct wood-to-wood contact of a bolt-on construction makes for the best sustain and tone.
- Neck-through is when the neck piece actually extends through the entire guitar body. It is the least common and usually the most expensive.
- There are many shapes, sizes, and styles of guitar bodies.
- Electrics can have one of 3 body constructions:
- Solid bodies are made of one or more pieces of solid wood. They are the most common and are useful in any musical situation.
- Hollow Bodies are made of wood pieces that form a hollow inside. They are generally much larger than solid bodies and cost more. Because of their warm tonal qualities and natural sustain, they are often used for jazz.
- Semi-Hollow Bodies have interiors containing a combination of solid wood and hollow cavities. They often share tonal characteristics with hollow bodies but are usually smaller in size.
- Electric guitars can feature bodies with or without "cutaways," or areas where the body meets the neck that are carved out to make it easier to access higher frets with your fingers.
- Acoustic guitar bodies are always completely hollow and have names such as "dreadnought" (the most common guitar shape) and "grand concert." Some acoustics also have cutaways.
- An "archtop" is a guitar top that is contoured rather than flat. This adds to the price.
- For smaller hands, 3/4 size guitars are available.
Wood and Finish
- Guitars are made from many different kinds of wood that each have their own tonal characteristics. Some common types include:
- Alder: The most commonly used wood.
- Ash: Has a bright tone and attractive grain patterns.
- Basswood: One of the lightest woods guitars are made from.
- Ebony: Dark wood typically used for fretboards, not nearly as common as rosewood.
- Mahogany: A dense and heavy wood with rich, deep tones. Very often used for acoustic guitars.
- Maple: Often used for necks and decorative tops because of its attractive wood grain.
- Rosewood: The most common fretboard wood.
- Spruce: Often used for the tops of acoustic guitars.
- The finish of the wood can also contribute to the price. Commonly, more affordable guitars have simple solid one-color paint jobs, but you can get much more fancy with your options.
- Three-color sunburst can add to the aesthetics of your guitar as well as the price. This finish is dark or black on the outer edge of the body and fades into a natural wood color through a reddish-brown blend.
- Translucent finishes highlight the grain of the wood. These finishes are usually used on maple when the grain forms a "bird's eye" or "flamed" pattern. Although more expensive, translucent finishes are extremely attractive.
- Sparkles and racing stripes are examples of less common finish options that can make your guitar look more unique.
Some possible guitar finishes include sunburst (left) and translucent over flamed maple (right) (Creative Commons photo by MrBill (left) and CC photo by Wetwebwork)
Electronics, Hardware and Extra Features
- The electronics of a guitar include all the wiring inside that is used for the output jack, volume and tone knobs, and pickups.
- Pickups are what literally "pick up" the sound of the vibrating string, and their sound and tonal ranges can vary greatly. Some common pickup manufacturers include Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and EMG.
- There are two basic kinds of pickups: Single coil and humbucking. The main difference is that humbuckers tend to be higher output (louder) and cancel out hum and noise that can sometimes be produced by single coils. They often look like two pickups in one.
- Acoustic guitar pickups are usually built into the bridge of the guitar. Not all acoustics include them, and you can expect to pay an extra $100 or so for this feature.
NOTE: Acoustic/electrics are useful if you are planning on performing live often, as they eliminate the need to mic your guitar on stage which anchors you to one spot and can cause feedback. If your acoustic does not have a pickup system built in, you can buy acoustic pickups that range between $50-300.
- Hardware includes tuning knobs (or "machine heads"), bridges, and strap buttons. Typical hardware colors include chrome, gold, and black. It usually does not contribute greatly to price differences in guitars.
- Binding is one of many possible extra features. It is a plastic piece that goes around the edge of your guitar body and/or neck. This will add to the price of the guitar. Since there is no functionality to binding other than pure aesthetics, you'll want to avoid it if you're on a tight budget.
- Fretboard inlays traditionally are in the plain shape of a dot, but also appear as rectangles, trapezoids, and countless other shapes. The only time inlays significantly add to the cost of a guitar is when they are particularly ornate or fancy, as Paul Reed Smith guitars often have.
Inlays are often in shapes such as dots and parallelograms, but can be fancier, too (Creative Commons photo by Matt McGee (left), CC photo by K. Gibson (center), and CC photo by Fred Jala)Don't get overwhelmed
- When it comes to any musical equipment, a good rule of thumb is "what you see is what you get." Some things to remember:
- Usually the more expensive an instrument is, the better made it is and the better it will sound and feel.
- If you are a beginner, your ear may not yet be developed enough to distinguish between the tone of a cheap guitar and an expensive guitar, so it often makes sense to start with a more affordable model and upgrade as you improve as a player.
- Determine your level of commitment. If you're experimenting with a new hobby and unsure of whether or not you will stick with it, play it safe and stick to a less-expensive purchase. If you're fairly certain you are serious about playing music, it may be worth your while to invest a little more in your instrument.
Add-Ons and Accessories
- Don't forget that the instrument itself won't be the only thing you'll need to buy. Most guitars won't come with things like picks, straps, tuners, or guitar cases included. Here are some extras that you may need and how much you can expect to spend.
- Picks ($2-4, pack of 12): If you plan on playing with a pick (most guitarists do), you'll want to stock up beforehand. They are easy to lose!
- Guitar Strap ($10-30): When playing standing up, you'll need a strap to hang your guitar on your shoulder.
- Tuner ($15-100): Staying in tune is essential. A tuner helps you tune up any time, anywhere.
- Cables ($10-80): If you're going to plug into an amp (or a tuner for that matter), a cable is essential. Price will vary with different lengths.
- Guitar Case (Soft) ($20-80): To protect your guitar while it's not in use or in transport, a soft case, or "gig bag," is the lower-priced and more portable option.
- Guitar Case (Hardshell) ($80-200): Although they are heavier and more expensive, hard cases offer the best protection for your intstrument.
Step 4: Choosing the Guitar for You
- Once you've determined the price range you're comfortable with, it's time to find the guitar that's right for you. The best way to decide if you like a guitar is to actually sit down and play it, so visiting area music stores is usually a good start. If one of your friends has a guitar, asking them to let you play it can be a great way to try out a guitar in an environment more relaxed than a music store.
Guitar Center has many locations and a large selection and may be a good choice for when you want to test a guitar out (Creative Commons photo by Kevin)
- When you decide to go to a store, try doing some research on manufacturers' websites or online stores like Musician's Friend to narrow down your choices ahead of time if you know something about what you're looking for - price range, guitar style, options and features, etc. Don't forget to call the store to see what models they have in stock that you can try out.
Popular Guitar Brands and Websites
- Alvarez - Acoustic guitar manufacturer
- BC Rich - Electric guitars, popular among hard rock and metal players
- Brian Moore Guitars - Custom and progressive electrics
- Carvin - Direct-to-customer electric and acoustic guitar sales
- Cordoba - Classical guitars
- Danelectro - A retro electric guitar manufacturer
- Epiphone - Gibson's budget line
- ESP
- Electric guitars popular among metal players
- Fender - One of the most famous brands with Stratocasters and Telecasters
- G&L
- Gibson - Their Les Paul guitar is one of the most popular of all time
- Godin - Quality Canadian guitar manufacturer
- Gretsch - Best known for their hollow body electrics
- Guild - USA-made electrics and acoustics
- Hamer - Specializes in high-end electrics for pros
- Ibanez - Probably the most popular Japanese brand for electrics and acoustics
- Jackson - Best known for their Randy Rhoads model
- MusicMan - A division of Ernie Ball Strings specializing in high-end electrics
- Martin - Hand-crafted acoustics, one of the most popular brands
- Ovation - Specializing in electric/acoustics
- Parker - Unique and revolutionary electric guitar designs
- Peavey - Known more for their amps, they make Eddie Van Halen's signature guitar
- Paul Reed Smith - Expertly crafted high-end electrics
- Rickenbacker - A classic company known for their 12-string model
- Seagull - Godin's acoustic line
- Squire - Fender's budget line
- Takamine - Acoustic guitars in all price ranges
- Taylor - A very popular acoustic guitar maker with many quality models
- Washburn - Electrics and acoustics in all price ranges
- Yamaha - A multi-faceted company, one of the world's largest instrument makers
Popular Online Stores
- Musician's Friend
(Sponsored)
- American Musical Supply
- Zzounds
- Music 123
- eBay (Sponsored)
- Craigslist
- Same Day Music
Popular Retail Chain Stores
- Guitar Center
(Sponsored)
- Sam Ash
Testing the guitar out
- Have a store employee tune it for you and explain all of the features of the instrument.
Simply playing a guitar is the best way to see if you like it (Creative Commons photo by Brandon Perkins) - Ask them questions to determine why this guitar would be a good fit for you such as:
- Does it fit the musical style you would like to play?
- Why does this model cost as much or as little as it does?
- Does it have all the features you would need (e.g., do you need your acoustic to have an output jack to plug it into an amp)?
- Make sure it feels comfortable to you. There are many body styles and sizes for guitars, and an uncomfortable instrument is an easy way to guarantee that you won't play it much.
- Play chords and scales in all areas of the neck. Because certain things can indicate an instrument is poorly made or in need of immediate adjustments, pay attention to some key questions:
- Does it feel good when playing both low and high on the fretboard?
- Does it sound out of tune in certain areas of the neck?
- Do you notice any buzzing sounds or dead notes in particular places?
- Take a close look at the construction and finish of the guitar for any scratches, blemishes, wood gaps, warping, etc.
- When trying an electric guitar, plug into an amp and listen to the clean tones first to really get a feel for how it sounds. Adjust the tone knobs and pickup selection to hear the range of tones it has to offer. Then try adding distortion or other effects.
- If you're trying an electric/acoustic, play both unplugged and through an amp to hear how each option sounds.
NOTE: If you do not know how to play guitar at all, ask the store employee helping you to play the guitar and help determine if it's what you're looking for. However, even if you don't know how to play at all, you should still try it out to make sure it feels good in your own hands.
Looks matter, too
- Although sound and feel are most important, consider the image of the guitar as well. While some guitars, such as Fender Stratocasters, tend to have a universal look and crossover well into many genres, you may not want to buy a Washburn hollow body if you want to play metal or a Gibson Explorer if you're primarily into jazz.
Step 5: Purchasing Your Guitar
- So now you've finally chosen the perfect guitar. You have two basic choices for buying it: from a store, or online.
Buying Online
- PROS:
- Find almost any guitar model that exists, including rare models that would require a special order from a store
- Shop from the comfort and convenience of your living room
- Buy new from mainstream sites or secondhand from eBay or Craigslist
- Often no charge for sales tax
- CONS:
- No way to play an instrument before you buy
- Shipping costs for buying or returning items can be pricey
- Often don't have the chance to negotiate price.
NOTE: eBay also has a large selection of brand new gear, but be sure to carefully research prices to avoid overpaying in an auction.
Buying In-Store
- PROS:
- Play before you buy
- Avoid shipping costs
- You have the option of haggling the price down
- CONS:
- In-store selection will inevitably be slimmer than the endless options of the internet
- Less comfortable environment, must deal with sales associates
- There are many big chain music stores such as Guitar Center and Sam Ash that have multiple locations, big selections, and low prices, but sometimes lack a personal touch due to employees dealing with multiple customers. Mom-and-Pop stores often have more rare pieces and a little more personality than their corporate counterparts, but usually the prices are higher and the overall selection is smaller.
Negotiating price
- A major advantage of buying from a store is the ability to haggle the price down. Most stores will give the customer reasonable leeway to negotiate their price.
- Try making a deal with multiple items. Buy every accessory you'll need along with the guitar. Ask for a discount if you buy an electric guitar, an amp, and a cable together. Ask to pay less when buying an acoustic guitar, a tuner, and a case. The more items you buy at once, the more likely you'll be able to bring the overall price down.
- Ask for the total "out the door" price to exclude sales tax. You wouldn't be paying sales tax if you bought the exact same item online, after all.
- Ask for a manager. If your offer is reasonable but the sales associate resists, asking for a manager is often enough to convince them to take the deal. If you do end up talking to a manager, just remember that "the customer is always right," and their job is to make sure you are satisfied.
- Threaten to leave the store. Nothing quite changes a sales person's mind like the possibility that you will exit the store and buy nothing from them. Most sales people in music stores work off commission, so even if your price means less profit to them, it's still in their best interest to make the sale.
- Be nice! Always remain polite and courteous to the employees. Acting rude will never help your case for a lower price.
Warranties and return policies
- Read the return policy of any online retailer thoroughly. When you've never played the guitar you're about to buy online, you never know exactly what to expect when it is delivered. Be sure you know the details of their return policy. Take note of how long you have to send an item back and if you will have to pay shipping costs for it.
- Learn the details of a retail store's return policy. Ask the employee helping you to fully explain their return policy so you can be sure to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the event of a store return, such as restocking fees (often an arbitrary 15% charge on a returned item).
- Explore your options for warranties. You may decide you would like to spend a little extra to protect your investment, and almost all stores (both retail and online) offer some sort of extended coverage option.
Step 6: Enjoying Your Guitar
- Now that you've bought a guitar, there are many things you can do to enjoy it for years to come.
There are plenty of toys and accessories like guitar pedals that can make your playing experience more fun (Creative Commons photo by Johann)
- Learn to play. Try starting with Mahalo's guide to How to Play Guitar for Newbies and dabbling with the many free music lessons that exist online. You may want to take lessons from a teacher or friend in your area for a more hands-on approach.
- Start a band. Get together with some friends to also play instruments - drummers, bassists, fellow guitarists - and start up a band. You will improve your playing and have fun at the same time. Try playing your favorite songs or writing songs of your own.
- Accessorize. There are countless toys and accessories you can get for your guitar. Beyond the tuners and straps we discussed before, there are countless effects pedals that can make your guitar sound cool, such as distortion, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, etc. Even experimenting with different kinds of string brands and gauges can change your sound.
- Take care of your investment. Change your strings regularly to keep dirt from building up on the fretboard and to keep the guitar sounding great. Don't leave your guitar in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Clean dirt and grime off of the guitar and its strings to protect the wood finish. You can buy polish, polishing cloths, and other cleaning accessories at any music store.
NOTE: It is important that acoustic guitars maintain a certain level of humidity to avoid warping and cracking, especially in dry areas. You can find small humidifiers that attach to your guitar when it's not in use for as low as $20.
