10 Best Guitar Buying Tips

My 10 best guitar buying tips will help you make a wise decision, save time, avoid frustration and save money while you search for the right instrument to meet your playing needs.

How much should you be prepared to spend? The good news is- it doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg! With careful planning you should find that somewhere between $100-$300 will be enough to get you started. However, keep in mind as a general rule: the better the instrument, the higher the price.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #1:

Know what you're looking for. Here are the 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 stings 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.


BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #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 and Guitars :


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 TIP #3:

If you're a beginner be sure to 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.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #4:

Children, or 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 usually easier to play.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #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, Washburn, 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 model to choose from. Take time to find the right guitar for your skill level and price range that will be easy to play, stay in tune and sound good too. You can always upgrade later if you need to.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #6:

People will often put their unwanted guitars for sale on consignment at local music store, so be sure to ask local merchants about this when you're shopping around.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #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 TIP #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 instrument they are no longer using.

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #9:

Buying a guitar online can be another great way to save money. Be sure to find out if the company has a money back guarantee and what their return policy is. Look for competitive prices, and read reviews to learn about customer satisfaction.

Online auctions (on sites like eBay) offer another money saving solution. However, I recommend you stick with brand names guitars and be sure to purchase only from sellers who have a good reputation. Keep in mind the old adage..."you get what you pay for..."

BEST GUITAR BUYING TIP #10:

Enter contests that are being promoted online or in guitar magazines when you find them. This is a great way to get some free gear. Merchants will sometimes request that you provide a valid email address. They do this in order to contact the winner and send update of there products. you can always remove yourself from their email list after the contest is over if you want to.