Buying Your First Guitar, Electric VS Acoustic
Jun 02 '02
The Bottom Line You really need to decide yourself, but I hope I made this guide useful for all of you who are in the market for a new guitar.
Yeah, I know this is the section for a buying guide for an acoustic/electric guitar, but it seemed like the correct place to put this guide, so here it is.
Well, you are ready to buy a guitar. You are already looking at the guitars on-line and at your favorite music store. But, the question still remains, acoustic or electric to start out on??? This is mind boggling to think about on your own, so here are some high (and low) points to both kinds of axes.
*ELECTRIC*
Once you decide what kind of music you want to play, and what your budget is (decide this before the music store jerks talk you into thousands in credit debt) and what your level of commitment, head over to your local music store. Many say that you will want to start out on an electric guitar for many reasons, here are a few I recognize when playing - Ease of play, electric guitars generally are easier to push the strings on the frets because the action is lower on most electric bridges. Range of styles, electric guitars can make many sounds and tones, from a warm rich acoustic like sound, to a harsh grunge sound. Many sounds can be created using only the guitar and a small practice amp (usually 50-100 dollars for a new practice amp). Range of accessories- You can upgrade a guitar much like a car. From nicer tuners to a nicer bridge to better pickups, you can do it all. And you can upgrade externally also. Pedals are made to make you sound like Hendrix or Clapton or Zappa, you can model and manufacture sounds and beats with pedals, but the can range in price from 60 dollars to 300 dollars for just the pedals.
Play- Electric, unlike acoustic, has a lower play as mentioned above. You won't need super strong hands to fret the strings, but keep in mind this will vary from model to model. You won't want to buy the cheapest guitar around, the music class I am in did that, and their off-brand axe won't suit anyone in the whole school, so make sure the guitars action suits you above all.
Sound- Every guitar player sounds a little different. And so does every guitar. You will need to take an expert or experienced player to help you get a guitar that matches your sound and play(don't let the music store guy be your expert, they would rather make a sale than help you 9 out of 10 times.). Again, look for what is comfortable for you to play.
Looks- This is number 3. It is not the most important factor by far. Don't judge and axe by it's blade, to alter a famous proverb. Make sure it has no flaws, such as cracks or chips, which could be a damper to your playing. But don't jump at the first sharp guitar you see.
Price- Electric guitars are generally about the same price as acoustic, maybe a little more. You will find a comparision guide that lists a good starter set-up for both acoustic and electric, with all the essential accessories to get you playing, and all the prices listed.
*ACOUSTIC*
Like I mentioned above, acoustic guitars usually have a higher action, which means beginners or small handed people will find it harder to play and be successful with an acoustic. But, don't let that stop you from making your first guitar an acoustic. Many great guitar players I know only use acoustic guitars for their pure, natural sound. Many think that electric are too easy to play, and with enough pedals you only need to know a few licks to play some impressing stuff. This is 100 percent true with BOTH kinds of guitars. Many of the greats repeat chords or scales to make good music, and that is fine. Just you need to know what kind of music you want to play.
Play- With a high action and a big body, small or young players will want to stick with a 3/4 scale acoustic, which is just a smaller version of the bigger guys. The action can be lowered, but this means hauling your axe to a professional and most likely having to shell out some small cash, but it is still a hassle.
Sound- Most acoustic guitars produce what is known as a "warm" tone. This can be described as a whisper by your girlfriend(warm tone) as opposed to a shriek from your gym teacher (cold, or sharp tone). I like to play a variety of tones, and an acoustic only has a few, which is a downside. You will find some exceptions, remember, I am talking in general here.
Looks- Acoustic guitars are some of the most attractive instruments in the world. Wood is much easier to look at than metal or painted materials, I love the natural looks of a good acoustic guitar. But, like with an electric, looks aren't the most important factors in guitar shopping.
Price- Some advanced acoustics run in the 6 - 10 thousand range, but you can find a good acoustic for about 150 bucks. This is less than the overall cost of an electric set up, but not as versitle. Please look at my additional information below...
ALL ACCESSORY BUYING GUIDE
(*ALL PRICES ARE FROM THE CURRENT MUSICIAN'S FRIEND CATALOG, WHICH FEATURES SOME OF THE LOWEST PRICES ON EQUIPMENT*)
Beginner Acoustic Set-up-
Squier SC-7 Acoustic Guitar- 129.99$
Gig Bag- 29.99$
Tuner- 19.99$
Strap- 9.99$
Strings- 6.99$
TOTAL- 196.95$
Beginner Electric Set-up-
Squier Bullet Electric Guitar- 99.99$
Fender Front Man 15 Combo Practice Amp- 79.99$
Tuner- 29.99$
Strap- 9.99$
Cable- 6.99$
Strings- 6.99$
Picks- 3.99$
TOTAL- 237.93$
(Note- Fender is the most highly revered electric and acoustic guitar manufacturer. They also make the Squier models, which look and play like real Fenders, but Squier guitars are made in Japan. It's like Epiphone is a cheaper Gibson.)
Well, I hope I have made your buying a new guitar a little easier on you, happy jamming!!!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
gillycrap
|
|
Location: West Virginia
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Please read and review the Peavey review and rate it for me, FAIRLY...
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.