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We Know: How to Buy an Acoustic Guitar
About Acoustic Guitars
Some experienced musicians prefer to purchase quality used guitars because they feel that if cared for, an aged guitar
sounds better than a new one. Most used guitars are cheaper than new guitars, with the exception of collectible guitars or
ones made with wood no longer available for purchase.
Though most acoustic guitars come without a pickup, you can purchase one separately and install it to use the guitar
with an amplifier. Many acoustic guitar players prefer not to use an amplifier at all.
Buying Tips for Acoustic Guitars
Before investing in an acoustic guitar, determine if it meets the following:
- Try out the guitar first. If you're not comfortable doing that, have the sales person demo each guitar. They should
play the same notes or song each time for comparison's sake. Do you like the sound?
- Check out reviews of the guitars you're most interested in. At sites like 'musiciansfriend.com' you can read
reviews by those who already own or play the guitar. It's a great way to get unbiased information about the short and
long term results users have had.
- Make sure the instrument doesn't have any loose parts. Shake the guitar and listen for anything making noise.
- The wood grain should even and straight.
- A solid wood top is more expensive than a laminated top, but it's of better quality.
- Run your thumb and forefinger down the neck on both sides of the frets. If the frets stick out substantially, either
the neck's wood has dried out or the guitar isn't well made. In some cases, you can use a humidifier to restore the wood,
but you should start out with a guitar that doesn't have any problems.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are available with a wide range of styles, looks, sounds, and prices. Here are several popular
models:
- Yamaha FG730S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar (product #519049): Spruce top above a rosewood body. Sells for around
$330
- Washburn D100 Acoustic Guitar (product #515366): All-mahogany. Sells for around $130.
- Hohner HW03 1/2 Scale Acoustic Guitar (product #512511): Spruce top, mahogany sides, neck, and back. Sells for
around $75.
- Martin D-15 Custom Spruce and Mahogany Acoustic Guitar (product #514700): Spruce top, mahogany sides, neck, and
back. Sells for around $700.
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