Acoustic Guitar - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
As many folk singers, minstrels, and campfire song leaders have discovered, the simplistic beauty of an acoustic guitar can't be beat. If you don't have an acoustic guitar, there are many reasons to buy one.
Two of the strongest reasons to buy an acoustic guitar are ease of use and price. Some musical instruments are prohibitively expensive for beginners, and they are also difficult to learn. Not the acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are easy to learn, easy to carry, easy on the ears. And you can buy an acoustic guitar at an affordable price. The hardest challenge in buying an acoustic guitar is finding the right fit for you. In this buying guide, we will discuss some important items to consider when perusing the acoustic guitar market.
At Real Indian, we offer honest reviews on a wide variety of consumer goods and services. If you're looking to buy a quality acoustic guitar, here's our guide to finding the best one for you.
Selecting your silly wood
When shopping for a new acoustic guitar, it helps to have an idea of what type of wood you prefer. If you're not sure what you prefer, though, that's fine.
- Here's a look at the different types of tonewood you can find in a guitar.
- Ash is a popular wood known for its pleasing resonance.
- Basswood is an inexpensive tonewood often found in low-priced acoustic guitars.
- Cedar is a good wood for a guitar top.
- Rosewood is one of the most popular rosewood options. It is most often seen on the fretboard.
- Spruce, like cedar, is a fairly inexpensive tonewood for the top of an acoustic guitar. Typically gets good results.
- Other tonewoods and tonewood combinations can also sound good. When shopping for a new acoustic guitar, it helps if you can listen to a recording of the guitar first and then try them out for yourself.
Some notes on the strings
Many acoustic guitar manufacturers will pre-string their products before selling them, largely because a newly created instrument needs to be under tension as it settles into shape. The original set of strings on an acoustic guitar is usually medium gauge, which can be difficult on a beginner's fingers.
Immediately changing strings is always a temptation, but students should seek guidance from an experienced teacher before making such a drastic adjustment. Some styles of playing, like rhythmic chord strumming, are actually easier with heavier gauge strings.
Here are other things to note about acoustic guitar strings.
Expensive strings do not improve the performance of a bad guitar
Yes, the strings play a big role in the overall tonality and resonance of an acoustic guitar, but they are not miraculous.
Excessive buzz is a symptom of low action, which means the strings are too close to the fretboard. The most expensive strings on the market will not solve this problem.
Likewise, if the action is too high, smaller gauge strings will not improve the tone.
Steel and nylon strings are not always interchangeable
Some players may decide to switch from nylon strings to heavier steel strings in order to play slides or other blues/rock techniques.
This can be a tragically bad idea, as steel strings put much more stress on the head and neck of the guitar than nylon strings.
Many guitars accommodate softer nylon strings, but classical and flamenco guitars cannot take the added tension of metal strings.
Nylon strings are softer on the fingers
As a beginner, you may experience less finger pain when using nylon strings. However, it will definitely continue to form calluses if you play the nylon strings long enough. Nylon strings provide a softer tone for finger playing styles.
If you want your fingers to feel more comfortable but don't want to switch to nylon strings, consider switching to a lighter gauge metal string and lowering the action. Some experts say this could be just as beneficial as switching to nylon strings for the sake of comfort.
Modern string sets go beyond steel or nylon
Guitar string technology is constantly evolving, so it's worth doing your research or talking to a professional luthier about all the options available.
Some string sets now use a polymer coating to reduce friction and corrosion. Others wrap silk, nylon, or copper around the lower steel wires to produce a more delicate tone.
Bronze alloys that contain phosphorus or aluminum also help extend the life of the strings.
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Acoustic Guitar
Whether you're shopping for an entry-level acoustic guitar or a high-end custom model, there are a few questions to ask before deciding on a purchase. After all, the overall quality of an acoustic guitar can vary greatly from part to part, not just model to model or brand to brand.
- Are you Satisfied with the Sound Quality of the Acoustic Guitar?
Tonality is an important consideration for many musical instruments, and that...is especially true when it comes to acoustic guitars. The strings, fretboard, sound holes, and body of a guitar all play a major role in how the guitar will sound to an audience. The distance between the strings and the fretboard (called "action") can also affect sound quality.
- What is the Nature of the Neck/body Connection on the Acoustic Guitar?
Some manufacturers reinforce this connection mechanically using special metal truss rods or screws. Others rely on industrial adhesives and/or joinery joints (dovetails) to hold the neck and body together under tension.
The overall fit should be strong with no signs of cracking or warping.
The choice of tone woods for the various components and the type of finish used can also make a difference in quality.
- Is the Acoustic Guitar you're Considering part of a Starter Kit?
Some sellers offer complete acoustic guitar "starter kits."
A kit may include an additional set of strings, a tuner, and/or cleaning supplies.
If you don't want to have to worry about buying these things separately, you can buy a starter kit.
- Does the guitar you are considering come with a case or a gig bag?
All guitars need a protective case, cover or bag for safe storage.
You can buy a guitar that comes with a case, or you can select your own case separately.
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