Beginner’s Guide To Buying An Acoustic Guitar
Strumming to Knowledge: Acoustic Guitar Overview
You may be told to get an acoustic guitar first, and only then you’ll be ready for an electric one. This solid advice is upheld by the fact that acoustic guitar forms the roots of most modern music, that is from blues, country, rock, folk and all the weirdness in between!
An acoustic instrument’s simplicity can be daunting because unlike electric which can blur technique, acoustic guitar reveals naked talent.
Without basic acoustic knowledge you’ll leave yourself in the buying process. Be prepared as well as set goals. Do you anticipate playing in front of crowds in the coming months, if so look for guitars with higher sustain. Are you just trying to learn some basic chords?
Two basic acoustic guitars are for the choosing, which in turn branch into specialized types. Classical forms the root of all acoustic guitars while steel strings grew out of modern demands.
Classical Acoustic
Classical acoustic guitars are distinctive for their lightweight, malleability and use of nylon strings. Often these acoustic guitars work great for folk, flamenco and any delicate style. They usually have string tension of 75-90 pounds, so regular steel strings have the potential to mess your classical up. This type also possesses a more mellow sound while the body, smaller then typical steel string, allows easier handling. The neck joins at the 12th fret. The shorter neck allows warmer timbres.
Steel String Acoustic Guitar
Most versatile and common, steel string guitars create a louder, brighter possibilities. They are built with a larger sound box then classical.
The beginner should look for balance between dark and bright tones when choosing a steel string acoustic guitar.
Lesser Known Acoustic Choices
Arch top acoustic guitars have a top arched with solid wood or heavily laminated wood. Those who plan to play swing and/or jazz will find these guitars tempting. The belly typically has 2 F holes similar to violins.
Twelve string guitars offer a richer, louder, yet lushly sound. These acoustic guitars almost exist in an independent world. Often not recommended for beginners because 12 strings are harder to master then six. Sixties rock band the birds often used twelve string as well as blues man Leadbelly.
Resonator acoustic guitars, fully made of metal, have metal cones with resonate the uniquely characteristic metallic sound. These guitars are heavily employed in country and blues while price range will usually dwarf the novice acoustic player.
In The Raw: What Material And How?
Cheaper acoustic guitars usually have a solid top with sides laminated (layered wood). Entry level guitars can even be made entirely of laminated wood. Even these traditional givens are giving way to experimentation because of the price increases of raw materials. Some manufacturers have begun to utilize non wood elements like plastic or graphite (these acoustic guitars are not recommended for the novice). Beware plywood when it makes up a cheap acoustic guitar. These will fall apart over time.
Most fret boards are made of tropical wood, while the neck is made from a type of mahogany wood.
Often, a well made acoustic will improve with sound as the acoustic guitar ages, sort of like old wine.
Other construction elements such as how the top is braced will affect timbre and tone. Ask your salesman for details.
Where To Lay Your Wallet Down? Thoughtful Caution.
Where ever you go shopping, remember two things. Always ask as many questions as you can. Secondly, play the guitar before purchasing. Never impulsively buy because an acoustic shines like eye candy.
This writer would send you to a mom and pop dealer in your surrounding area. Usually, these stores will have smaller staffs, who can offer more time helping you make that ultimate, decisive choice. These stores are in existence more for an individual’s passion instead of making the economy turn. Choice selection will also be more unique.
Your big box chain store like Guitar Center, will offer tremendous selection. These stores usually offer a clerk will versed in the acoustic guitar world, yet the stores bottom line is to sale. This can work for the buyer because such box stores offer sales with high incentives, even knocking hundred or so dollars off a particular guitar.
Pawnshops are the middle ground between the big box and mom and pop’s place. Most pawnshops offer highly discounted instruments, though beware because refunds usually are not a choice One can usually find name brand as well as rare no name guitars.
The internet can often be tricky as options are limitless, yet one cannot try out the instrument. Unless one is well read on guitars, you’re at the mercy of what the sales people have said about the guitar in question. You’ll also have to pay shipping costs! .
Now’s The Time To Acoustic Guitar
If you remember the basic essentials, you’ll be well prepared in seeking the acoustic guitar just right for you. Soon, you’ll be on the road strumming away!
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