Buying your acoustic guitar - a guide to choosing your guitar
Buying your acoustic guitar.
So many to choose from.
So many to choose from.
Acoustic guitars, walk in to any guitar shop that sells acoustic guitar and most likely as someone who has little knowledge of guitars will be confused and possibly overwhelmed at the different makers/strings/woods/styles that are available. If however you know what to look out for when shopping for your new (or used) guitar, you can be sure that once you know what you are looking for you will get the right one for you.
Budget, how much do you want to spend on a guitar?
First, figure out what your budget is. Guitars for sale can mean spending quite a lot. As a ball park figure most entry level acoustic guitars range between £60 and £200. Whilst it is not necessary to spend thousands on an acoustic guitar, it is worth considering it as an investment. It is better to spend more in the first place than have to buy another new one soon after. One of my students has had good success with his Fender CD 60 which cost him £110 from Horsham Music in East Street.
Strings, do you want to play with steel or nylon strings?
Make a decision as to whether you are looking for acoustic guitars with steel or nylon strings. Most people think of steel strings and these are typically found in pop music. Nylon strings are used more in classical music and are designed to be finger picked for instrumental pieces. Nylon strings are suited to those who want to play classical, style guitar, they are not really meant for heavy strumming. There is also the option to have a 12 sting guitar (yes twelve strings), don't worry it isn't as hard as it sounds to play, effectively a 12 string is just a 6 string guitar with each string doubled up and close together. Beginners often choose nylon string guitars because they're friendlier on the fingers and have a wider fingerboard making it easier to grab chord shapes.
Budget, how much do you want to spend on a guitar?
First, figure out what your budget is. Guitars for sale can mean spending quite a lot. As a ball park figure most entry level acoustic guitars range between £60 and £200. Whilst it is not necessary to spend thousands on an acoustic guitar, it is worth considering it as an investment. It is better to spend more in the first place than have to buy another new one soon after. One of my students has had good success with his Fender CD 60 which cost him £110 from Horsham Music in East Street.
Strings, do you want to play with steel or nylon strings?
Make a decision as to whether you are looking for acoustic guitars with steel or nylon strings. Most people think of steel strings and these are typically found in pop music. Nylon strings are used more in classical music and are designed to be finger picked for instrumental pieces. Nylon strings are suited to those who want to play classical, style guitar, they are not really meant for heavy strumming. There is also the option to have a 12 sting guitar (yes twelve strings), don't worry it isn't as hard as it sounds to play, effectively a 12 string is just a 6 string guitar with each string doubled up and close together. Beginners often choose nylon string guitars because they're friendlier on the fingers and have a wider fingerboard making it easier to grab chord shapes.
Where to buy your guitar in the local area of Cambridge ...
Used guitars, always an option
Consider looking for used guitars for sale in your local area, newspapers, or eBay. Make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer. If you buy privately, it is best to see the acoustic guitar in the flesh, rather than just a picture. Ideally, you want to play the guitar before you make the purchase in order to see if it is right for your needs. It is important to remember that acoustic guitars can actually produce a better sound as they get older. This is due to the tonality of the wood.
If you don't ask you don't get
I'd recommend when buying any guitar bargaining with the sales assistant, rather for them to reduce the price, which they are usually reluctant to do so, why not suggest incentives for them to make the sale? Perhaps say something like "I'll take it providing you can throw in a tuner, set of strings and a few picks", there is no harm in asking. Get a good bag with your guitar, if it does not come with the guitar perhaps use your bargaining power further and suggest a free bag. Good luck.
A well produced and explained video on YouTube that talks about buying an acoustic guitar for the beginner.
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