8COVER
TIPS FOR
STORY
BUYING ACCOUSTIC GUITAR
8
TIPS FOR
BUYING THE
PERFECT
ACOUSTIC
GUITAR
by Pete Prown
T
here are literally hundreds of acoustic guitar models
on the market. Which one is right for you? These
eight killer tips will help you decide on the boom
box that will make you sound better. We’ll start with basic
concepts, like cost and body types, and work our way
towards specialized areas, like neck joints and electronics.
1
The Difference
Between a
$200
and $1,000
Acoustic
52
The first tip is obvious but must be asked – how much do you want
to spend? You can get a perfectly playable acoustic guitar for just
a few hundred bucks; but expect a substantially less lively tone.
Every dollar you spend gets you “something” – a faster neck,
an increasingly resonant tone, more desirable looks, or fancier
electronics.
A $200 acoustic should be a serviceable guitar for a beginner or
a backup for a more seasoned player. There might be some sloppy
construction (such as crude binding work or messy internal-brace
gluing), but it should still be sturdy and handle a fair amount of
wear ’n’ tear. There are some perfectly fine low-end acoustics out
there.
A $700 should have better playability, looks, and construction.
The $1,000+ axe should have premium materials such as highergrade tonewoods, and hardware like tuners, a faster neck with
lower action, more attention to build quality, and a bigger or more
nuanced tone. You might also overpay for the privilege of that
famous logo on the headstock depending on the brand.
The critical thing is to avoid big name guitars that don’t sound
good or play well. Always rely on your ears and fingers to find the
right guitar rather than your eyes for any superficial “cool factor.”
Trust me. It ain’t worth having that fancy logo if the instrument
doesn’t live up to your expectations.
DIGITAL EDITION
JUNE/JULY