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Some basic pointsDec 03 '01 (Updated Dec 05 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Decide on a guitar as if you were buying a car. Decide what you want, need and can afford...test drive as many as possible...then shop for a deal.
Choosing an electric guitar is a significant decision for most guitarists. Different features are important to different guitarists depending on their level of ability, budget, personal preferences, and musical styles. Additionally, there are so many choices and differences in price that it can be very confusing when you start shopping around. Budget: The first thing that you have to figure out is how much you can afford to spend. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase an amplifier if you do not own one. The goal is to find the best instrument for you in your price range, so do not let a salesperson talk you into spending more than you want. Used instruments are an excellent option to make the most of your money but they can be like used cars Used: If you decide to go with a used instrument, be sure to inspect the guitar from top to bottom. If you can, take along someone who knows guitars to help you evaluate the instruments. The overall condition of the instrument is a good indication of how well it has been cared for by the previous owner. Check the neck to make sure that it is straight, flat and has not been abused. Plug it in and make sure all the knobs and switches work and are free of dust and corrosion. They should be smooth and work with out noise or static. Check that the pickups work in all available configurations. Empty screw holes indicate missing hardware or some tinkering with the instrument and might want to be avoided. Hardware should be inspected for marred screw heads and burs on the saddles. Ebay is an excellent source but it is best to deal with sellers who have excellent feedback and have sold guitars before with satisfied buyers. Once you know how much you want to spend, play as many different guitars in your price range as you can find. If possible, play them through equipment identical to what you own or intend to purchase to get the best idea of how the guitar will sound. Even if you plan to purchase online or through a catalog, be sure to play the guitar in a shop so you know you going to be satisfied with it. Features: If you look the guitars of the artists of you choice that will give you a starting point to figure out what may be important or useful to you. Most guitars, in the hands of a capable player, can be used to play what ever you want so personal preference is important. Tremolos can add additional cost and complexity to the guitar. Some models can frequently go out of tune when the trem is used and can make the guitar more difficult to properly intonate and adjust. Humbuckers are generally less noisy than single coils and might be more desirable if you are planning to play with a lot of distortion. Personal Preference: This is probably the biggest factor in choosing an instrument. Feel, playability, tone, appearance and features are all very subjective. The only way to really know what guitar is best for you is to play as many as you can and see what you like. Neck width, thickness and shape will greatly affect the playability. Try out different neck styles and see what feels better to you. If you choose an instrument just because some famous guitarist plays one, you may overlook the guitar that truly inspires you. Quality instruments can be found at just about every price level. Shabby guitars can also be found in every range of price as well so shop wisely. If you are on a tight budget, imported Fenders, Epiphones and Ibanezes are a great place to start looking. They are easily upgraded and replacement parts are widely available should the need ever arise. It is impossible to recommend a specific guitar with out knowing exactly the player wants, needs and can afford. Get out there and play everything that you can get your hands on and ask questions! Once you decide on the guitar of your dreams, you can attempt to haggle with the salesperson. There is typically a nice mark-up on the instrument and many dealers have some room to make a deal. You won’t know if you don’t try. Some dealers will sell the case that came with the guitar separately to lower the floor price of the guitar and you can get that thrown in at the least.  |
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