Buying your first acoustic guitar can be an exciting and intimidating experience. It's a big purchase that requires a lot of research and thought, so it's essential to make sure you're making the right purchase. Many things make an excellent acoustic guitar, but four key aspects will help you make the right decision. Here are four things you should look for when buying from an acoustic guitar store.
1. Body Size and Type
Guitars come in many shapes and sizes. For acoustic guitars, the most common types are dreadnought and classical. Dreadnoughts are larger, have a deeper sound, and are great for strumming and fingerpicking. Classical guitars are smaller, have a brighter sound, and are usually used for fingerpicking.
Depending on the type of music you plan to play, you will have to decide which size and type are best for you. Make sure to test out as many guitars as you can before deciding. Just be sure to ask for assistance from the acoustic guitar store’s staff.
2. Tone
Finding the right tone for your guitar is essential when choosing the right one for you. Test out different guitars to find the one with the tone you like. Don't worry about tonewoods yet, but as you learn more, you may hear people insisting certain types provide better tone than others.
Guitarists may disagree on whether a guitar's sound is determined more by the instrument itself or the player, but for newer players, it's best to try out different guitars to get a sense of their sound before making a purchase.
When shopping for acoustic guitars, look for ones that display the most resonance.
Resonance is an essential factor in the sound of an acoustic guitar, as the vibration of the strings, wood, and air affects the tone. The guitar's top, back, and sides all resonate differently, and the combination of these resonances creates the guitar's sound. A guitar with good resonance will produce a fuller sound and be more responsive to the player's touch.
3. Strings
The two most common strings used in acoustic guitars are steel and nylon strings. Steel strings are the most common strings used in most acoustic guitars. These strings produce a bright, loud sound that is great for various genres and are found in most acoustic guitars today. Meanwhile, Nylon strings are softer than steel strings and produce a mellower sound. They are most commonly used in classical guitars and are great for playing classical and folk music.
Next to the guitar body, strings contribute the most to the actual sound that a guitar produces, so you should be intentional when deciding on which one to use.
4. Playability
Action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard and is usually adjusted by adjusting the truss rod or bridge. Low action makes pressing down on the strings more manageable, while higher action requires more effort but can help produce a better tone. Playability is the overall feel of the guitar and how comfortable it is to play. Playability is affected by the neck's shape, the fretboard's width, the type of strings used, and the action.
If you're buying your first acoustic guitar, bring an experienced player and ask for recommendations from the staff.
Conclusion
When buying an acoustic guitar, it's essential to consider the instrument's action, playability, and overall feel. It's wise to bring a more experienced guitar player to the acoustic guitar shop and ask for recommendations from the staff. With the right instrument, you can enjoy the acoustic guitar's beautiful sounds and the fun of playing it.
Canggu Guitar is an acoustic guitar store offering only the finest instruments for guitar players of every age and level. We also sell guitar amplifiers, handpans, and other musical gear. Browse our online shop today to see what we have to offer.