2004 Note*
- Please, be careful about EBay purchases. We've seen too many people
get burned. While we don't mind the extra work it's generated, it
typically turns a 'so so' deal into a 'not so great' deal. Choose
wisely, get educated, ask lots of questions!
So, you want to play guitar? Or maybe you already play and
are ready to buy a new one, but would like a little guidance. Well, I'm here to
help. Here's a checklist of things to consider:
1) Playability
2) Sound
3) Cost
4) Features
5) Appearance
1) Playability - without this all other things really don't matter. A guitar that
isn't playable won't be played, right? You can budge on the other points but this
one can't be skimped on. By playability, we're talking about ease of playing (or
action), feel of the neck as well as body, the ability to play any note up and down the
neck with clarity. A good dealer will set these things up before the instrument is
offered for sale. Keep in mind, every person is different so there may have to be
some adjustments to suit your particular style but the overall playability should always
be there.
2) Sound - this is what it's all about. This is a close second to playability for
the guitarist who's been playing for awhile. Even beginners should be concerned with
sound. Does this instrument have good sustain? Evenness in the full tonal
range? Even unplugged, an electric should have these qualities. Bear in mind
that certain aspects of the sound can be changed with strings, pickups, etc. but you
shouldn't buy a guitar with a less than desirable sound expecting to drastically improve
it with modifications.
3) Cost - this is the great equalizer. Of course, everybody has a budget but try to
remain open to all possibilities. The cost will determine many factors and in some
cases you're better off saving your money to get the qualities you want. The money
you spend will limit what you can expect but there is no reason to give up
playability. A lower budget amount ($175-$350) will still get you a fine instrument,
typically made overseas suitable for the beginner. Any less than that and you won't
get something that will allow you to learn on. Medium price ranges ($350-$700) will
get you some nice pieces with better construction and hardware. These instruments
would be suitable for performing. The upper region ($700 and up) will net you fine,
professional instruments with superior hardware, finishes and overall construction.
The differences can sometimes seem small to the untrained eyes but the quality is in the
details. These are general guidelines, there are far too many variables to be more
specific.
4) Features - what is it that you want? Locking tremolo equipped guitars will cost
more typically than non-locking ones. Solid wood acoustics will sound better and
cost more than laminated. Active electronics will add to the price but aren't
suitable for everybody. This is the point where you make your shopping list.
Not all companies offer all features. Some features are more practical than others,
for instance, a curly maple top will look great and cost substantially more but add no
real sound benefits. What must you have and what is negotiable? Does your next
acoustic have to have a pickup/preamp for performing or is that something you won't use
much. Write a list if necessary.
5) Appearance - a good looking guitar will make you want to play it. If all other
aspects are there and you have the choice between two models, one in that cool day-glo
orange you love with matching case or that plain white, lumpy shaped one, which should you
choose? Once the other criteria is met, why not have something you enjoy looking at
and showing off? Go on, you deserve it!
There are some other aspects to buying which have more to do with where
and how you buy rather than what you buy. Keep in mind, to paraphrase Hartley
Peavey, CEO of Peavey Electronics, in our over 35
years experience, we have yet to encounter any magic.
No one manufacturer uses
special wood that is grown by leprechauns on the east side of Mt. Whatchawhosit and
harvested during the 3rd week of the wood stretching festival. There are so many
good manufacturers out there, using good quality components that no single company holds
the exclusive over good sound. In fact, most companies offer similarly built
instruments to one another that the same type sounds or features can be had across several
different makers. Keep an open mind to alternatives.
Second, deal with someone you can build a relationship with. If
someone gives you a hard time or won't answer your questions, don't buy from that
person. If they don't know what they're talking about or won't stand behind what
they sell, don't buy it. Even over the internet you still deserve special treatment,
it may just be another guitar to the sales person but it's YOUR guitar! Don't put
price above service, you will pay in the long run.
Thirdly, keep in mind with price often goes service. What I mean
is, the guy who offers you a rock bottom, gut buster price may not be giving you something
else - service. Anybody can slap a shipping sticker on a box, but not everybody can
setup a guitar, tell you about the smaller details, personally stand behind the
instrument, that is service. Even buying over the internet or through mail order you
still should expect certain treatment. It's not uncommon for people to pay a local
shop to set up their guitar once received from the mail order company. This is money
you're not saving! Service is not just fixing something when it goes wrong.
Does that mean you have to pay a lot more to get service? Not at all! More
businesses that have been around for the long haul stay competitive but still strive to
take care of their customers. Aren't you worth being taken care of?