10 BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS

My 10 BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS are here to help you to make a wise descision, avoid frustration, plus save you time, and money as you search for the just the right instrument to meet your needs.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #1:

Know what you're looking for.

There are four basic types of guitar:

ACOUSTIC - The word means “to hear” and refers to an instrument that can be heard without amplification. Acoustic guitars can have either nylon strings or wound steel strings.
CLASSIC - One of the oldest types of acoustic guitar. It is designed with a wider neck to facilitate finger-picking techniques.
ELECTRIC - An instrument that needs to have amplification in order to be heard.
ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC - As the name implies, these guitars can be played with or without amplification.

So, just how much should you be prepared to spend? The good news is that it doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg! You should find that spending somewhere between $100-$300 will be enough to get you started. Of course, be sure to keep in mind as a general rule: the better the instrument, the higher the price.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #2:

Buy a guitar that is best suited for the style of music you want to play. Below are some suggestions, but please keep in mind that these are only recommendations. Buying a guitar is a very personal decision, so feel free to think outside the box!

Musical Styles:

• Alternative: any of the 4 basic types are suitable

• Blues: any of the 4 basic types are suitable

• Bluegrass: acoustic steel string, acoustic/electric

• Classical: acoustic nylon string classic guitar

• Country: acoustic steel string, acoustic/electric, or electric

• Fingerstyle: acoustic, acoustic/electric, classic

• Folk: acoustic, or acoustic/electric

• Folk/Rock: any of the 4 basic types are suitable

• Jazz: any of the 4 basic types are suitable

• Ragtime: acoustic, acoustic/electric

• Rock: usually played on an electric

• Metal: electric

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #3:

If you're a beginner, be sure and take advantage of package deals. This will give you an opportunity to get started without spending a lot of money first. Package deals usually offer a guitar and some extra goodies (such as a strap, pics, case, tuner, etc.) at an affordable price.

• The Yamaha GMDLX for example, is a fantastic package which provides all the accessories needed to start playing immediately. The package includes a solid spruce top guitar, gig bag, digital tuner, DVD guitar lessons, strap, strings, and picks all for one great low price!

• Ibanez IJX40 Jumpstart Electric Guitar Package includes axe, amp, cord, instruction book, gig bag and more. Jumpstart has name brand, good stuff that you can still use when you get good yourself.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #4:

Children and adults with small hands should consider a 1/2 or 3/4 size guitar. Also keep in mind that electric guitars, and nylon-stringed acoustic guitars, are easiest on the fingers.

• The Yamaha CGS102 1/2 size Classical Guitar is a perfect instrument for small hands. Constructed with the beautiful tonal woods and meticulous details of a full-sized Yamaha guitar.

• Martin Little Guy LXM is a nice affordable steel string acoustic guitar for small hands. A good choice for those who are interested in learning how to use a pick to strum the guitar.

• The Ibanez GRGM21 GIO Mikro Electric Guitar has a 22.2 in. body scale, 24 frets and 2 humbucker pickups. It's great for little rockers or can make a nice travel guitar for adults looking to save space.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #5:

You will find some safety in sticking with companies that have already established a good reputation for quality merchandise and excellent service. Some well known name-brands are Ibanez, Yamaha, Fender, Ovation, Gibson, Martin, and Taylor. I often recommend Yamaha guitars for beginners because these instruments are usually well made and there is a wide selection of models to choose from. With Yamaha, you are bound to find just the right guitar for your skill level and price range that will be easy to play, stay in tune and sound good too. Later, when you're ready to go professional and start you're concert tour, you can upgrade if you need to.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #6:

Often people will put their unwanted guitars for sale on consignment at local music stores, so be sure to ask questions about this when you're shopping around. If you live in or near Montana's beautiful Bitterroot Valley, THE MUSIC BOX has a nice selection of brand-name guitars and amps to choose from plus CDs, sheet music, accessories, and more. This is a friendly family-run business located at 612 N. 1st, Suite 2 in Hamilton. Their toll free number is: 1-800-559-5491. Please mention that you were referred through my website here at ABC Learn Guitar!

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #7:

Ask music store owners if they are planning to have any upcoming promotional sales. They may offer to put your name on their mailing list so you can stay informed and take advantage of any special offers or discounts they have in the future.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #8:

Look through classified ads and check college campus newspapers and bulletin boards. I found a great deal on a "like new" Yamaha classical guitar this way. Students are often in need of extra money to pay for tuition and books. Because of this they will often sacrifice musical instruments they are no longer using.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #9:

Buying a guitar online can be another great way to save money, but always be sure to find out what the company's return policy is. Zzounds has a 30 day return policy which should give you enough time to evaluate the guitar and see if it's everything you hoped for. They promise to beat competitor prices, so you can be sure to get a good deal. They also offer a money back guarantee and free shipping on most items, so If you're not fully satisfied with your purchase you can return it or simply exchange the guitar for another one.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS #10:

Enter contests that are being promoted online when you have the opportunity to do so. This is a great way to get some free gear if you win. Merchants generally require a valid email address in order to contact the winner and send updates of their products. You can always remove yourself from their email list after the contest is over if you want to.

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