Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide

Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide – Whether you’re a beginner, an enthusiastic amateur or a seasoned pro, buying a fresh acoustic guitar is always exciting.

This acoustic guitar buyer’s guide can help you figure out which guitar you should purchase and just why it will be such a good fit for you personally.

Acoustic Guitar Buying Guides

Before we talk about acoustic guitar brands, though, we have to address an important question.

Why Play An Acoustic?

When it comes to playing guitar, there are a lot of different options out there. You can go electric, or you can stick with the classic acoustic sound. Acoustic guitars have a lot of advantages that make them a great choice for beginners.

And in this next acoustic guitar buying guide, we’ll give you everything you need to know to make the right choice for you!

For one thing, they’re relatively affordable, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. They’re also generally smaller and lighter than electric guitars, making them more comfortable to hold and play.

And since they don’t need to be plugged in, you can practice anywhere without havwithing to worry about finding an outlet. Most acoustic guitars are also generally very versatile, so you can play a wide range of styles on them.

Whether you’re looking to play folk, country, or pop music, an acoustic guitar is a great choice. So if you’re thinking about picking up a guitar, consider going acoustic. You won’t be sorry you did.

Is An Acoustic Guitar What You Really Want?

With all that said, how do you know if playing the acoustic guitar is actually the right thing for you personally?

Here are some handy bits of information to help you find the your very best acoustic guitar out there and decide which one you can purchase.

Should I Go Acoustic Or Acoustic-electric?

This can be a tricky issue to tackle, especially for beginners and new guitarists.

To the untrained eye, acoustic guitars and electro-acoustic guitars are the same things. However, dig beneath the surface, and you’ll find a whole world of differences.

So before we can know which you should buy, let’s first see how they are different.

Acoustic Vs Electro-acoustic

Acoustic guitars have a big, hollow body which is sometimes known as a “sound box”. This can be a vitally important section of the guitar since it allows the guitar to project its audio.

Electrico-acoustic guitars still have an audio box, but the crucial difference is they also possess a pickup and preamp hidden away in the body of your guitar.

So yes, they can still resonate and be played like an acoustic guitar, but which are the advantages of having the pickup and preamp?

The extra gear that’s hidden away in the electro-acoustic means that it could be plugged into an amplifier.

This will be really handy if you’re playing live, and it’s much easier (and less expensive) to record them.

You don’t need expensive microphones. You just need a cable to plug it right into a mixing desk or audio interface.

You’ll also find that many electro-acoustic guitars come with a group of EQ and tone controls.

These are very similar to those that you’d find on a normal electric guitar.

You’ll have volume control, tone control and sometimes bass, treble and midrange boost and cut.

The borrowing from the electric guitar doesn’t stop there either.

Many electro-acoustic guitars also have a small cutaway in your body to make the higher or upper frets more accessible to play guitar.

You may have read that and wondered if that makes the guitar less resonant.

You’re right it can. But this doesn’t matter because, similar to the electric guitar, the electro-acoustic guitar can use an amplifier to project its sound, so if the resonance and sound box are compromised, it’s not really a big issue.

Other Differences In Electro-acoustic Guitars

The added pickup and preamp in the electro-acoustic guitar will make the guitar what’s known as “active”.

The term active simply means that a small nine-volt battery must be placed into the guitar to power the pickup and preamp.

These batteries usually last months, so they won’t become a big expense.

When played onstage, electro-acoustic guitars can often feedback too.

Feedback occurs once the guitar sound coming out of an amplifier is found again by the guitar’s own pickups, and a feedback loop is established.

A feedback blocker is an excellent way to stop this.

Many electro-acoustics will have smaller bodies that are partly made from hardened plastic.

This can be great for beginner guitarists because it’s easier to play, and the plastic can be very durable.

So if your child is really a little careless about the brand new guitar you bought them, then you won’t need to worry as much.

What Is The Difference Between A Classical Guitar And An Acoustic Guitar?

Acoustic guitars and classical guitars are both string instruments that may trace their origins back to the 16th century. However, there are many key differences between both of these forms of such guitars.

Perhaps the most obvious difference is their size; acoustic guitars are usually larger than classical guitars, with an extended necks and wider bodies. This makes them more challenging to play in some positions, but also allows them to make a louder sound.

Acoustic guitars likewise have steel strings, which create a brighter, richer tone than the nylon strings applied to classical guitars.

Finally, acoustic guitars are played with a pick, while classical guitars are usually used the fingers. These different playing styles produce various sounds, and present each type of guitar its unique character.

What To Look For In An Acoustic Guitar

There are three primary factors that you should look for when purchasing an acoustic guitar: comfort, sound, and personal preference. First, it is important to find an acoustic guitar that will be comfortable that you should play.

This means that the weight and size of the guitar should be appropriate for the body type, and that the strings should not be too far from the fretboard. Second, you should ensure that the acoustic guitar includes a good sound.

This can be difficult to judge if you are a beginner, nonetheless it is still important to listen for a balanced tone and clear notes. Finally, you need to choose an acoustic guitar that you personally like. This may mean choosing a guitar with a particular finish or style, or it might simply come down to choosing one that feels right for you.

Ultimately, the best way to get the perfect acoustic guitar would be to try out as many as possible and soon you find the one and greatest guitar that’s perfectly for you.

Top tips when buying an acoustic guitar

Look for something that is easy to play. Yes, there are always some slight pains when getting used to a fresh instrument but those disappear rapidly.

If the instrument doesn’t feel comfortable and easy for you to play straight away then it’s not right for you personally.

Get something that you feel includes a good sound because you will have to enjoy playing it and that won’t happen in the event that you hate the audio.

And, finally, stick to your budget!
It’s very easy to go overboard but there’s really no point. There’s no shame in having a budget, no matter what size it really is.

How Much Does An Acoustic Guitar Cost?

Next up for this acoustic guitar buying guide may be the inevitable conversation of price.

This is no bad thing, and you should never feel (or be produced to feel) bad about fretting about your bank balance.

Sometimes shop assistants will get a little pushy. Particularly if they get a commission on the gear, they sell (another great reason to look online) so just know that there’s never anything wrong with having a budobtain and sticking with it.

So, why do some guitars cost more?

Guitar Brand Names

As with any other industry in the world, the best brands can charge more.

The list price of a Taylor (a very established brand) will be more than the listing price of a beginner model you find online.

This isn’t Taylor being greedy. They are a fantastic brand, and they are worth every penny, but part of their worth comes from the fact that they are a brand many acoustic guitar players want to play.

Think of it as being similar to owning a Mercedes, Bentley or Tesla.

Whilst they are great cars in their own right, part of the thrill of owning one comes from the fact that you own something that’s exclusive and high in quality, so you’ll want to show it off.

That showing-off feeling is an inherent part of its value to you as a consumer.

Guitar Build Quality

As with any other industry in the world, the best brands can charge more.

The list price of a Taylor (a very established brand) will be more than the listing price of a beginner model you find online.

This isn’t Taylor being greedy. They are a fantastic brand, and they are worth every penny, but part of their worth comes from the fact that they are a brand many acoustic guitar players want to play.

Think of it as being similar to owning a Mercedes, Bentley or Tesla.

Whilst they are great cars in their own right, part of the thrill of owning one comes from the fact that you own something that’s exclusive and high in quality, so you’ll want to show it off.

That showing-off feeling is an inherent part of its value to you as a consumer.

Guitar Playing Style

Now, this will seem like a strange issue to include as a cost factor.

Why does wanting to be considered a fingerstyle player mean you’ll need to pay a different price from a nylon string guitars player who would like a classical acoustic guitar?

Part of that is just supply and demand available on the market.

Acoustic and electro-acoustic guitars are far more popular with beginners and new guitarists than classical guitars are, so companies have the ability to charge more for their guitars.

But playing style also goes deeper into this discussion.

Some acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars are purposefully designed for people who desire to play fast, who want to play chord-melody style or who would like something that’s physically smaller but nonetheless really resonant.

And since these are all a lot more bespoke options, they should come with a more bespoke price.

Acoustic Guitar Anatomy

The body of the acoustic guitar is where the sound is produced. The soundhole helps to project the sound and is usually surrounded by intricate rosette designs. The top of the body will be called the soundboard and is typically made from spruce.

The back and sides are usually made from mahogany, which gives the guitar its characteristic warm tone. The guitar neck is attached to the body and is where the strings are stretched.

The fretboard runs along the guitar neck and contains metal frets that help the player produce different notes. The headstock is located at the end of the neck and contains tuning pegs that can be adjusted to tighten or loosen the strings.

The bridge holds the strings in place and transmits their vibrations to the soundboard. These parts work together to produce the beautiful sound of an acoustic guitar.

Acoustic Guitar Body Woods

Acoustic guitars can be made from a variety of woods, each with its own unique appearance and sound. The most common type of wood used for acoustic guitars is spruce. Spruce will be a light-colored wood that produces a bright, clear tone. It is also very stiff, which helps the guitar to make a lot of volumes.

Cedar is another popular choice for acoustic guitars. It is a bit softer than spruce, which gives it a warmer, richer sound. Cedar is also very lightweight, making it a good selection for smaller players. Mahogany is another popular option for acoustic guitars. It will be a dark-colored wood that has a very warm, full sound.

Mahogany is also quite heavy, which gives your guitar plenty of body and depth. Finally, rosewood is often used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars. This is a very hard, dense wood that produces a clear, articulate tone.

Rosewood is also very beautiful, with a rich, dark color that deepens over time. Acoustic guitars made from these different woods will all have their own unique appearance and sound.

Acoustic Guitar Construction And Design

Acoustic guitars have been around for centuries, and their popularity is only increasing. Though their design has undergone some changes over the years, the basic principles remain the same.

The acoustic guitar body styles are typically made from solid wood top, though some models may use laminated wood instead. The soundboard, or top, is responsible for amplifying the sound of the strings and is usually made from a softer wood like cedar or spruce body style.

The soundhole helps to project the sound outward and is usually round or oval in shape. The bridge holds the strings in place and transmits vibrations from the strings to the soundboard.

Finally, the fretboard is where the player presses down on the strings to create different notes. By understanding the basics of how an acoustic guitar is designed and constructed, you can appreciate this instrument even more.

Acoustic Guitar Electronics

Some acoustic guitars will have electronics inside for pickups or sometimes in-built tuners. The piezoelectric or piezo pickup converts the string vibrations into electrical signals. These are then passed through an amplifier to make the sound louder.

The in-built tuner is used to tune the guitar by picking up the vibrations of the strings and converting them right into a signal which can be displayed on a screen.

Types Of Acoustic Guitar

Now let’s turn our attention to the different types of acoustic guitar.

Three Types Of Acoustic Guitar

Let’s start with flat top guitars. These are the most common type of acoustic guitars, and they’re typically what people think of when they think of an “acoustic guitar.”

They have a flat top and a round sound hole, and they’re usually played with a pick. Archtop guitars are less common, but they’re still pretty popular.

They have a curved top and a cutaway body, which gives them a different (and some would say, better) tone than flat-top guitars.

Finally, we have 12-string guitars. These are similar to flat-top guitars, but they have 12 strings instead of six. They’re usually played with a pick as well, but some people prefer to use their fingers.

Flat-top Guitars, Archtop Guitars, And 12-string Guitars

Now let’s talk about the differences between these three types of acoustic guitar.

The most obvious difference is the shape of the body. Flat-top guitars have a flat top and a round sound hole, while archtop guitars have got a curved top and a cutaway body. 12-string guitars are similar to flat-bests, but they have twice as many strings.

This gives them a richer, fuller sound than either of the other two types of guitar.

How To Choose A Guitar That’s Right For You

So you want to buy an acoustic guitar. Here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing which is right for you.

First, it’s important to try a lot of different guitars personally. Get a feel for those are comfortable to play and which ones sound good to you. Second, don’t hesitate to purchase your guitar online.

You can often find better deals than you would in a brick-and-mortar store. And finally, trust your gut.

Go with the guitar that feels right and sounds good to you. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect acoustic guitar for you personally.

Acoustic Guitars For Beginners

When beginners are looking to get their first guitar, they should often look for a newbies guitar bundle. It is because they will get a good quality guitar and all of the essential accessories at an extremely affordable price.

The guitar bundle will usually include a tuner, strings, a strap, and a case. This way, the beginner will have everything they need to get started playing the guitar. The guitar in the bundle may also be an acoustic guitar or an guitar.

The beginner should be sure to choose the right style of guitar for their needs. If the beginner is unsure of which kind of guitar to select, they should ask a salesperson for help.

By choosing a beginners guitar bundle, the beginner will be able to get everything they have to start playing your guitar without spending excess amount.

Children’s Guitars

If you’re a parent thinking about buying an acoustic guitar for your child, you should look into getting a purpose-made children’s guitar bundle.

Yes, you can find cheap guitars at garage sales or online, but they might not be good quality and they definitely won’t come with all the accessories your child needs to get started playing.

But with a children’s guitar bundle, you get a good quthelity guitar plus all the essential accessories – just like a tuner, lesson book, and extra strings – for a very affordable price.

Plus, most bundles come with a padded gig bag to protect the guitar when your child is transporting it or taking it to guitar lessons.

So if you’re looking for a less expensive guitars way to get your child started on the road to becoming a musical prodigy, look into getting them a children’s guitar bundle.

What Are The Advantages Of A Smaller Guitar?

Many people believe that it is better for small children to learn on smaller-scale acoustic guitars. Smaller-scale guitars are often lighter and simpler to hold, which can make them more comfortable for young students.

Additionally, the strings on smaller-scale guitars are usually closer together, making it easier for small hands to form chords. While larger guitars may have a richer sound, they may be difficult for young students to hold and manage.

As a result, many guitar teachers recommend starting students on smaller-scale guitars. With proper care and practice, your child can develop the skills needed to play any type of guitar.

What Guitar To Choose According To Age Group

Acoustic guitars come in different sizes to suit different age groups. Smaller-scale acoustic guitars are designed for young children, 3/4 sized models are aimed at teenagers and then full-sized acoustic guitars are for age 16 and over.

The body size of the guitar is important for two reasons. Firstly, it needs to be comfortable for the player to hold and play.

Secondly, the sound produced by the guitar will be different depending on its size. A small guitar will have a quieter sound, while a larger guitar will be louder.

So, when choosing an acoustic guitar, it is important to consider the size of the instrument as well as the age of the player.

Acoustic Guitars For Experienced Players

Many professional and experienced acoustic guitar players often get custom-made instruments from luthiers, rather than buying mass-produced models. The reason behind that is that these highly specialized instruments will be the perfect tool for their specific needs and design of playing.

Luthiers are able to create an instrument that is tailored to the player’s individual requirements, resulting in a musical instrument that is perfectly suited to their playing style.

In addition, custom-made instruments often have a higher quality than mass-produced models, making them a better investment over time.

As a result, it really is clear that luthiers play a significant role in the music industry, providing musicians with an ideal tools for their craft.

Steel Strings V Nylon Strings

Steel acoustic guitar strings are typically comprised of carbon steel wrapped in either bronze or nickel. They are most commonly used for folk, country music, and blues music. Nylon classical guitar strings are usually made of nylon (polyamide), that is a synthetic polymer.

They are most commonly used for classical and flamenco music. Both types of strings have their own unique tonal quality. Steel string acoustic guitars have a tendency to produce a brighter, more aggressive sound while nylon string guitars create a warmer, mellow tone.

Each type of string also has its unique feel. Steel strings are usually much stiffer and harder on the fingers than nylon strings. Whenever choosing between the two, it is very important think about what style of music you may be playing and what type of sound you’re trying to achieve.

How To Choose Guitar Strings

The guitar’s strings are manufactured from a variety of materials including metals like bronze, brass, and steel, and also synthetic components like nylon and fluorocarbon for most acoustic types.

Each type of string has its own unique tone and feel, so it’s important to choose the right ones for the instrument and your playing style. If you’re not sure where to start, your best bet is to try out a bunch of different kinds and brands until you discover the ones you like the sound of greatest.

When it comes to feeling, personal preference is really the only real guiding factor, so go with the strings that feel the nicest to play. With therefore many great possibilities, there’s no need to accept anything less than perfect.

Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide Summary

Hi there! Congratulations on considering purchasing an acoustic guitar! Here’s some advice to help you make the best choice for your needs:

• First and foremost, consider your budget. How much are you willing and able to spend on an acoustic guitar?
• Think about the size and shape of guitar you’d like. Do you prefer a full-size dreadnought, or a smaller parlor-style instrument?
• Consider the materials used in the construction of the guitar. Is it made of solid wood, or is it a laminate?
• Examine the neck. Is the neck wide or narrow? Does the neck have a flat or a curved fretboard?
• Check out the action, or height of the strings. Is it too low, which could cause buzzing, or too high, making it difficult to play?
• Play the guitar. Plug it into an amp, or plug in headphones and play it unplugged. Listen for any unwanted buzzing or rattling sounds.

I hope this helps you make an informed decision when selecting an acoustic guitar. Good luck!