How to Buy the First Guitar

How to buy the first guitar has been written about, probably, thousands of times. So, I do not intend to simply do a factual bullet list of information you can find by simply Googling the terms. The intent of the article is to give you my opinion as it relates to the choice and purchase of your first instrument. Having just gone through this process with my niece, has reminded me that making this choice has become somewhat complicated, with so many brands, styles, etc. Also, with the advent of blogging, there is no lack of "wringing of hands" out there regarding this topic. We are going to look at how to buy the first guitar by breaking the issue down to 9 categories. So, let's do it!

1. New or Used: There is not lack of used guitars available via shopping networks such as eBay, Craigslist, etc. In fact, I have taken advantage of these channels myself to buy guitars. Generally speaking, this is a much more risky method because it is impossible to know the exact condition of the instrument. Given the nature of the buying process, you are not able to actually feel and play the guitar, which on the face of it, is not a good idea. Even if you have the opportunity to buy one from a friend or friend's friend, I am still not in favor of doing so for the first guitar. Buying new is the way to go. Now for those who immediately are thinking that you can not afford it, that is probably not true. Either by saving a little longer or taking advantage of holiday sales, buying a new brand name guitar for $100 or less is very doable. On July 4th, I bought a beautiful, beginner Fender acoustic guitar for $99.00. A new guitar provides you with a warranty and the expectation of owning a flawless instrument. Buy New!


2. Brand: Not only should you buy a brand named guitar but it should be a highly recognizable one at that. I know that many of the box stores have guitars with impressive looking marquees and great accessory packages but I would warn against this approach. Go with a real guitar company. They have something to loose in terms of reputation even with their low end beginner bracket. I would recommend brands such as Fender, Squire, Epiphone, Yamaha, Peavey, Ibanez, Jackson to name a few.


3. Size: The budding musician, I sure, is going to be looking for a guitar just like the one his/her guitar hero uses. If you are lucky, you can find the right first guitar with the same brand. That's great but the actual size of the instrument is a very personal issue. So, beginner doesn't necessarily mean small or acoustic or cheap. Personally, for younger students and smaller framed people, the ¾ sized units are great. They are available via brand name manufacturers, priced competitively and fit like a glove. If a large instrument is called for because of your size, you should look for the thinnest models, particularly if purchasing an acoustic. During the initial learning period, you want maximum comfort and accessibility to the strings and sound hole. Bulking bodies are not conducive to those criteria.


4. Style: Really... any style will do but I would recommend an acoustic guitar initially. The unassisted sound of the acoustic makes for a better learning experience in my opinion. Also, the thinner the better for all beginners. This makes for a more comfortable playing posture. Electric guitars have whammy bars, need amps and provide those tantalizing affects knobs which tempt the newbie with too many options. This is a time to focus on basics. All this other stuff will come soon enough.


5. Quality: This is not automatically assumed just because you took my advice to purchase a brand named guitar. It is very important that you or someone who you trust and plays the instrument already, play, listen and quality check the guitar. Even the big time manufacturers can produce a "lemon". It could be that it just doesn't feel right or sound right to you. This is just cause to move on to another option. Look for flaws in the construction such as wavy surfaces or excessively distorted necks (some is OK since they can be adjusted). The paint work should be perfect. If it is not without flaws, don't buy it.


6. Sound: This is such a subjective issue but very important none the less. Let's face it, what is the primary reason for choosing a guitar? The Sound! If it doesn't sound good to you, do you care if it does to your buddy? The sound should be the pre-requisite to all else, if you are asking me how to buy the first guitar.


7. Price: You should buy the best affordable guitar. Now for you easy strip people out there, spending $2,000 on a beginners guitar may make sense but not for the rest of us. Although generally, you really do get what you pay for with guitars, you should not overspend on the first guitar. Quality, brand name for sure but keep the price range reasonable. You may find that guitar playing just isn't for you. If you follow my advice, you will have a desirable instrument that will retain much of its value and should be relatively easy to sell. As mentioned earlier, guitars valued up to $200 on sale, should give you all that is needed to determine if you are up for the challenge.


8. Accessories: Usually at this price range and if on sale, accessories are not common, but do not just assume this. Ask. This business is very competitive and you supplier may wish to sweeten the sale for you rather than have you leave. In no way should the availability of accessories influence your buying decision, unless you had another buying option and all things were equal. Then, game on!


9. Supplier: There is no lack of online musical instrument suppliers. Many of them are very reliable, competitive, and helpful. They carry full warranties as well. I know many will go to their local music store, play a few options and purchase online. Acceptable but not

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