Guitar Buying 101
I have put this web page together to hopefully answer common questions I receive in regards to purchasing a guitar. I have been buying guitars for over 30 years now and it is usually a fun experience buying a guitar, however, there are always pitfalls as with buying anything.
Buying Online
For some people, this can be a great way to purchase a new or used guitar, however, I personally have never purchased a guitar online, simply because I really want to test drive what I am about to spend my money on. I have had several friends and students through the years who have had mainly good experiences buying online.
Electric or Acoustic?
This is a very common question. You will probably want an electric guitar if you answer YES to the following questions, although, this is not written in stone, it should be a fairly good outline in determining your answer:
1. What style of music do I prefer and do these artists play electric or acoustic?
2. I realize I will have to additionally purchase an amplifier & cable, possible effects pedals to achieve the sound I am trying to achieve?
3. I like mainly rock-based music, modern rock or metal.
If you answered yes to the above questions you may want to consider getting an electric guitar. Electric guitars also tend to be a little easier on the fingers when first learning guitar.
If you answer yes to the following questions, you may want to consider purchasing an acoustic guitar:
1. I would like portability, so I can easily travel with my guitar.
2. I like to just learn guitar for simple songwriting and possibly to accompany friends for get-together's.
3. I really like the sound of finger picking, folk music, easy rock & want to just test the waters with learning guitar.
Now that you probably have a better idea as to whether you want an acoustic or electric, here are some price ranges/levels of guitars:
Acoustic guitars
Beginner Guitars (new) – Expect to pay from $79 to $200 for beginner guitars. These would include Carlo Robelli, Dean, Washburn, Fender, Ibanez and other brand names in that price range. The only downside to purchasing these guitars is that if you really start getting into playing/learning the guitar, you need to realize that these beginner guitars are very low quality guitars. When I say low quality, I am referring to the fact that they can be a little difficult on the fingering of chords & notes; they don’t stay in tune well and have poor sound qualities. The point of these guitars is to be able to let you get started on an instrument without investing allot of money. They are fine for starting to learn guitar but are not good for performing in front of people. If you are taking lessons and really start getting into playing the guitar, you may want to consider a mid-range acoustic for continuing your studies. This is usually determined in between 6 months to 1 year of playing.
Intermediate Guitars (new) – Expect to pay from $275 to $799 for these. Models would generally include Epiphone, Fender, Yamaha, Ovation, Washburn, Ibanez, Alvarez as well as others. These guitars will have a much better tone and playability than entry-level guitars. If you have been playing a beginner guitar and move up to one of these models you will notice a HUGE difference in how the guitar sounds. It is almost a “MUST” if you are progressing in guitar that you move on to a mid-level guitar in order for you to achieve certain sounds and techniques that you will be trying to play. These guitars can be used for playing public performances and should last a lifetime if treated well. Some higher-end models ($700 to $800 range) are really ‘borderline” guitars that you may be very pleased with in all sorts of applications forever.
Professional Guitars (New) $800 - $4000 (even higher too!)
Models would generally include Martin, Gibson, Larivee, Taylor These guitars are mainly used for live performances and recording purposes, but can be used for composing and practice as well. High-end guitars like this are mainly for the dedicated professional (Or well-to-do people!) and have exquisite tones, looks and playability.
Electric guitars
Beginner Guitars (new) – Expect to pay from $79 to $200 for beginner guitars. These would include Carlo Robelli, Dean, Washburn, Fender, Ibanez and other brand names in that price range. These entry level electric guitars are actually better quality than entry-level acoustic guitars for the most part. Again, the only downside to purchasing these guitars is that if you really start getting into playing/learning the guitar, you need to realize that these beginner guitars are sometimes low quality guitars. On low quality electric guitars, you may start experiencing problems in the craftsmanship of the electronics and wind up in the repair shop quite frequently. The point of these guitars is to be able to let you get started on an instrument without investing allot of money. They are fine for starting to learn guitar but are not good for performing in front of people. If you are taking lessons and really start getting into playing the guitar, you may want to consider a mid-range electric for continuing your studies. This is usually determined in between 6 months to 1 year of playing.
Intermediate Guitars (new) – Expect to pay from $275 to $799 for these. Models would generally include Epiphone, Fender, Yamaha, Ibanez, as well as others. These guitars will have a much better tone and playability than entry-level guitars. If you have been playing a beginner guitar and move up to one of these models you will notice a big difference in how the guitar sounds. It is almost a “MUST” if you are progressing in guitar that you move on to a mid-level guitar in order for you to achieve certain sounds and techniques that you will be trying to play. These guitars can be used for playing public performances and should last a lifetime if treated well. Some higher-end models ($700 to $800 range) are really ‘borderline” guitars that you may be very pleased with in all sorts of applications forever.
Professional Guitars (New) $800 - $4000 (even higher too!)
Models would generally include Gibson, Fender, Paul Reed Smith (PRS) as well as others. These guitars are mainly used for live performances and recording purposes, but can be used for composing and practice as well. High-end guitars like this are mainly for the dedicated professional (Or well-to-do people!) and have exquisite tones, looks and playability.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS WITH PURCHASING AN ELECTRIC GUITAR
Remember, if you are getting an electric guitar, you will need to purchase an amplifier as well. Amplifiers (aka “Amps”) start at the $50 range for beginner amps and will range up into several thousands of dollars (For all of you rock stars out there!)
Most guitar stores will even have “Starter Packages” for the beginner electric guitarist, which run from $150 to $350 that will include an electric guitar, amp, chord, strings, picks, strap, cleaning kit & sometimes even a tuner.
Other Items you may need to purchase whether you are buying an Acoustic OR Electric guitar.
I usually recommend that students purchase the following items within a month of starting lessons with me:
1. Guitar Case. - Protect your investment! Take care of your guitar, DON’T leave it in the car – it will damage it forever! Bring it into work with you if you can if you are taking a lesson right after work. Not only that, it takes longer to tune when you come to your lesson!
2. Metronome – I prefer using the Korg MA-30 metronome – this is for sale at Sam Ash Music. There is also a desktop version for PC's that is called the Fine Metronome... you can download it from my Downloads section of www.tampaguitar.com
3. Tuner – Yes, you will have to learn how to tune your guitar! I prefer any Korg models – portable & reliable.
Strumming it all up and other deep thoughts…
It is a bit difficult, even with all of the info I gave here for selecting the right guitar. This was more of a general outline as to what will best suit your needs. In the end, it will be up to you in selecting the right guitar.
Good luck on your guitar buying adventure! I have purchased over 25 guitars in my life and always enjoy bringing a “New Baby” home!
I highly recommend Chris Knight over at Sam Ash Music (Fletcher & Bearss Ave.) I have known him for over 10 years and he will be more than helpful with getting you a guitar you need. He can be reached at Sam Ash Music: (813) 908-5556 Chris works usually Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 - 6, Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00 to 9:00, Saturdays 10:00 to 8:00pm. Chris is not a high-pressure salesman and will be able to find the guitar and accessories you need!