What Things to Consider Before Buying a Guitar

Arts & EntertainmentBooks & Music

  • Author Amber Ray
  • Published November 5, 2009
  • Word count 540

So, you are planning to buy a guitar? You will find many choices out there. Read this article till the end to find what you need to know.

You need to take certain things into consideration while buying a guitar. Below are some tips and advice. These things will help you for buying your first guitar. Look out for cheap guitar as they are easily available these days.

Sound - When you check out a guitar at a shop, the first thing to do is testing the sound. Do you hear weird noises when you strum the strings? Always keep in mind that if the action is too low, it may cause the vibration of the strings against the metal frets.

Tuning Pegs - Then, cheap tuning pegs also create problems. When you check out the guitar, do the pegs turn smoothly or not? You should check out the pegs very carefully. No one would like to have pegs that turn very easily or too hard. The ideal tuning pegs have some resistance initially, but they turn smoothly and steadily gradually.

Neck - Take a look at the neck of the guitar. You need to check that the neck is straight as if it is not, then you will be messed up with some funny things while you play your guitar.

Frets – You need to find if the fret has two enameled dots. When you press down at that fret, the string will play the same note as when it's played open or unfretted. You can test your ear here and also listen for the quality of the guitar. Play the string open, then play it at the octave mark. Do they sound like the same note or do you hear discordance between the two? If they sound like the same note that means the intonation on your guitar is in good shape. You can take a guitar to a repair shop, but if it doesn't start out with good intonation then there's not a lot that can be done.

Tune - Always remember that no guitar will sound right if it is out of tune. And the actual sound can only be tested with a tuner. Most of the guitars at the stores would not have tuners installed. If you do not know how to do it, then you can ask the concerned person there to do it for you.

Picks – When you have a pick in hand, play some chords. And if you do not know, try picking the strings. You cannot check it out without strumming, but you should look for a well-balanced and rich tone. Both, the high and low notes should have an even balance creating a nice sensation to the ears. If you find the notes as ‘plinky’ or ‘dull’, it is a bad sign.

Bridge – Check out area behind the bridge to see if the top is buckled or bowed. Never touch an instrument with such defects.

Strings– Hold down the strings of the guitar from the second fret to the twelfth one. And, check if the length touches all the frets or not? Even a little variation may create problems sooner later.

Hope this guide will help you for buying your guitar.

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Article comments

pat testing
pat testing · 15 years ago
Great, been looking to buy a guitar for sometime now, useful info, thanks.

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