10 tips on how to choose the right guitar ?
Feb. 20, 2023, 8:55 p.m.
Choosing a guitar is an important and serious step in the life of any beginner musician or collector. Although there are many different guitar models on the market, not all of them are suitable for all types of playing or skill levels. In this article, we will discuss some important tips for those who are going to choose a guitar.
1. Determine your budget. Before starting your search, determine how much you are willing to spend on a guitar. There is no need to look at models that are beyond your budget. Find a guitar that you can afford and that meets your needs. I would advise buying guitars that start at around $1000 (new) even for beginners, as these are most likely branded guitars, with good hardware and wood, and they will not lose value. Guitars that are cheaper - for $200-300 - probably have poor hardware and pickups that will fall apart after a year or two. On professional guitars, for example, those made in the USA or Japan, the hardware is worth it, and just one bridge or tuners can cost $300!
2. Determine your needs. Think about what you need the guitar for. If you are a beginner, you will probably want to start with a simple and affordable model. If you are a collector, you may be interested in acquiring a rare or vintage guitar. Often needs may be related to the style of music you will play on this guitar. So, for example, I would not recommend buying a Stratocaster for those who want to play Metallica, as the Stratocaster is more suitable for Pink Floyd, funk, blues, and those who want to play jazz - I would not recommend ESP, because it is more often guitars for metal, but I would recommend PRS Hollowbody, Gretsch, or something else, in the end, Gibson ES is ideal.
3. Choose the type and shape of the guitar. There are many types of guitars on the market: acoustic, electric, semi-acoustic, and others. Decide which type of guitar is best for you. If you want to play on stage, an electric guitar may be suitable for you. If you want to play at home, then an acoustic guitar may be the best choice. An important factor is also the shape of the guitar - with one cutout (Telecaster, Les Paul, Singlecut) or with two cutouts (Doublecut, Superstrat, Stratocaster) or other shapes or extreme types like Explorer, V, Jazzmaster, etc. You also need to decide on the bridge on the guitar, as I would not recommend that beginners buy guitars with Floyd Rose due to the difficult tuning, some need a tremolo, and some prefer a more fixed bridge. Also, pay attention to what pickups you want? Humbuckers (2 coils) or single coils? If the former will give more meat, then the crystal clear sound on the singles you will not get anywhere else...
4. Check the sound quality before purchasing a guitar by testing its sound. You can do this by playing it in the store or listening to recordings on YouTube. You can start by playing the guitar without plugging it into an amplifier to understand its resonance, feedback, attack, tuning, etc. Do not buy a guitar if you do not like its sound. Play on several guitars before purchasing. Before buying a guitar, be sure to try playing on several models. This will help you determine which sound and feeling suit you best. Don't hesitate to play guitars of different types and brands to choose the most suitable option.
5. Check the build quality. Make sure to inspect the guitar for cracks, chips, and other defects, especially if it's used. If you're not confident in your ability to determine build quality, consult a professional.
6. Pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and seller to avoid being scammed with a counterfeit or low-quality instrument. LadkorGuitars sells only genuine guitars, with over 12 years of experience and thousands of guitars that have passed through our hands.
7. Look up reviews of the guitars you're interested in and talk to other musicians to get recommendations. This can help you avoid buying a low-quality guitar that will quickly fail.
8. When choosing a guitar, don't forget about accessories. This may include cables, string lubricant, stands, and cases. Good accessories can save you money and headaches in the future. Also, consider investing in a good amplifier as a good guitar in a poor amplifier will sound the same as a cheaper guitar in the same amplifier. Ideally, buy tube heads, cabinets, or combo amplifiers, such as Marshall, Fender, Mesa Boogie, Supro, ... if your budget allows.
9. Don't forget about education. Even if you think you know everything about guitars, there's always something new you can learn. Join online or real-life guitar communities to get advice from other musicians. And don't forget about a teacher - a person with experience can help you achieve great success on the guitar.
10. Finally, don't forget that the most important thing is your love for music. Keep playing, even if you encounter difficulties. The guitar is an instrument that will always bring you joy and inspiration if you treat it with love and respect.
These are some tips for beginners and collectors when choosing a guitar. Hopefully, these tips will help you choose an instrument that meets your needs and brings you lots of musical joy and satisfaction.
