You've just signed up with a guitar teacher to begin lessons either for the first time or to renew an old passion. All you need to do is find the right guitar. However, don't make the mistake of rushing out to buy a guitar so you will have it for that first lesson. Follow these tips to find a guitar that is right for you.
Your best solution, for a number of reasons, may be to rent or borrow for the first three to six months of your lessons. It may take you that long to get a handle on what type of music and guitar you really want to play. Also, you will want to be able to play at least a few tunes before you go to try out guitars in a store. After all, walking into a guitar store and playing in front of a room full of "experts" can be an intimidating experience.
Be Patient
Search the Yellow Pages and ask around for reputable guitar stores in your area. You may want to ask your teacher or another guitarist to go along. However, plan not to buy a guitar on this first shopping trip. Your goal should be to try out many guitars in your price range and find a few models that you like in terms of sound and looks. You may think that looks should not play a part in your decision, however, as bluesman Steve James once stated, your ideal guitar should make you feel like playing it every time you look at it. So don't settle for a guitar that doesn't look good to you.
Don't be intimidated. When you see a guitar in your price range that you like, ask the salesperson to take it down so you can try it. If the store is too noisy ask to try it in a quieter room. Listen carefully to how it sounds. Comfort is also essential, so pay attention to what it feels like in your arms. If you still like it, ask the salesperson, or someone else, to play the guitar and listen to how it sounds from a couple feet away.
For any guitar you do like, take notes. Write down the manufacturer and model name and number. What is it about the sound, looks, and feel that you like? Closely examine it and ask questions about how it was made. Is it solid wood or wood laminate? What type of wood was used in its various parts? Are there special trims, inlays, and other details that are particularly sharp? Pay attention and make note of details such as the neck shape (or profile), scale length, and fingerboard width. Carefully examine it for possible flaws -- the action (or height of the strings of the fingerboard) should be no more than 1/8-inch above the 12th fret; it should be easy to tune and fretted notes should be, and stay, in tune all the way up and down the neck; and the sound should be clear -- no buzzing.
Do Your Homework
Now it's time to do your homework. Go online and look at the manufacturers' websites. Here you can find additional specifications and details of the warranties that come with the instruments. Use guitar blogs to find out what other players think of those particular models. If anyone has recently purchased them, take note of any problems they ran into and of how much they paid. Call around to other music stores that carry those same instruments and make note of their prices.
Even if you find an unbelievably good deal on the Internet, resist any temptation to buy your guitar without trying it. Even factory-made guitars of the same model will vary in terms of tone, quality, and playability because each piece of wood is different. Sometimes Internet sellers are willing to send you a guitar for a free trial before you agree to purchase. It's definitely not worth the trouble to send common models back and forth by mail, but may be worthwhile if you are looking for a particularly rare guitar.
Make your purchase
If you think you have made a decision, return to the store and thoroughly try the guitar once again. It may be a different guitar of the same model or may have been used (or abused) since you last visited the store. Also, be sure to try other models, especially ones that are less expensive, and as excited as you may be, don't appear to be in any particular hurry to buy a guitar. This will give you some bargaining power with the salesperson, as he or she won't know you have your heart set on a particular model.
Ask preliminary purchasing questions, like what type of repair support can the store provide, what kind of warranty is included, and what is the store's return policy should you be unsatisfied with the instrument once you get it home. A 30-day or 45-day return policy is not uncommon.
When it comes to price, remember that cheapest isn't always best. Buying a quality guitar from a knowledgeable dealer who stands by his guitars is always a good value. So, instead of focusing on price, ask about extras. Does the guitar come with a case? Hard shells are worth around $100 or more, while soft cases are valued at around $40. Also, let them know that you would like new strings included in the price and ask if they can throw in some other goodies like extra strings, picks, a capo, a strap, a guitar stand, or a maintenance kit.
With a little patience you should be able to find a guitar that will give you years of music and pleasure.
