开云体育

How To Buy A Guitar

Over the years (42) many parents of students ask me the same type of question:
“what should I look for in buying a guitar?”


Below I address more the issue of what to look for in buying a guitar, but not
so much for a beginner, but for a professional aspect in sound production and
reliability.

Here’s my rating first, followed by brief description of each category:

1. 1. Sound Balance
2. 2. Responsiveness
3. 3. Playability & Comfort
4. 4. Attractiveness
5. 5. Affordability

Before I proceed, #5 “Affordability” may be your #1 trait in shopping of a
guitar if you have a limited budget, but I’ll proceed if it is not.

I'll not also get into to many of the technical aspects of Electric Guitars -- I
leave that for the more adept technical experts who frequent this forum -- they
have more answers than myself.

#1 is Balance – this is the first thing I look for as a musician in a guitar is
"Balance" -- what I mean is does every note on every string and on every fret up
and down the neck have a balanced volume, tone, and timbre. Is there a thorough
and overall ‘evenness’ of sound up and down the neck? This is a true sign of a
well-made and well-playable instrument. Is the instrument bright when you want
brightness and dark when you want darkness on every fret? -- and does it deliver
those ranges fully balanced up and down the neck (some guitars are balanced in
only certain spots of the fretboard - and in other spots you find "dead" spots)


#2 is Responsiveness -- Does the guitar “play you” or do you “play the guitar”?
What I mean is does the guitar automatically, at first picking it up, fit right
under your fingers to play each fretted not without ‘a fight’? If you have to
adjust yourself to play the guitar I call this a guitar that is ‘playing’ you.
If you have to adjust how you sit or position your body to conform to its neck,
body, design, etc., etc, then this guitar as a purchase will forever ‘fight’ you
and demand to ‘play’ you. This is definitely not a good trait. But if the guitar
immediately feels good in your hands, arm, and upper body, and it demands
nothing to be played; and if it in fact, welcomes more playing up and down the
neck – this is a ‘responsive” guitar – and possesses that quite welcomed trait
of “responsive” playability.


Also, how the instrument responds to attacks and dynamics either by finger style
or plectrum response in addition to the complimentary balance – if present--
makes for a superlative guitar.

#3 is Playability & Comfort. Does the feel good and comfortable with or without
a strap? Use it while standing up with a strap. Does it also feel as good or not
as sitting down? Does the guitar welcome more playing not only in one position
but everywhere on the neck? Does the guitar seem to sing out in every position
or only in some? A superior guitar will sound well in every position.
Does the contour of the neck fir well in your hand as your traverse up and down
the neck? How’s the width of the neck? Can you easily play chords with or w/out
a buzz on certain notes because the neck is not as wide as your hand can
accommodate? I have large hands, so I look for a wider neck to compensate for
uzzed or damped notes in chords due to hand and neck width size compatibility.
With Electrics I would also look out for the way the 'cut-out' companies like
Epiphone, et. al. use inexpensive (or less quality control) in their
installments of pots, inputs, knobs, and toggle switches, pups, etc, -- which
are generally inferior to the major brands.

#4 is Attractiveness. Guitar Player magazine did a survey asking guitar players
how sensitive they wer to the ‘look’ of a guitar, and among mostly Rock and Pop
players, they would not wanted to be seen on stage with a certain guitar
‘look’.I believe this ‘syndrome’ is not present among more serious-minded
musicians (but it may still exist in some players).

The guitar should have an ‘eye appeal.’ Many times an in experienced players
(I’ve been there) will pass a shop on go on-line and be taken in by ‘eye candy’
– how a well a guitar looks, etc. This can be the worst trait in buying a guitar
– and we can all attest to the fact of being burned in the past be the
attractiveness of the multitude of overseas ‘cut-outs’ that look super but play
like garbage. So, don’t be fooled by looks, but at the same time, definitely
have in mind the look you desire – and most important in this trait, does the
guitar, when you look at it, get your respect for craftsmanship and beauty in
design (much like looking at a beautiful woman or piece of art)? The guitar
should never fall out of grace in terms of your admiration for its charismatic
‘looks’ appeal. I mean when I look at my Jim Hall model, after 5 years, I still
admire its lines and contours, color, finish, ebony appointments, etc. The same
goes for my Gibson L5 and Taylor 814CE, Gretcsh Tennesee Rose, et. al.

#5 is Affordability. Like I said in the beginning, if your budget is limited, I
would try to find all of the above to suit the best of each category as far as
well as my budget would allow. Many of the “Cut-Outs” (major company copies)
from abroad (Besides China Korea, and Mexico, Indonesia is now also making some
great cut-outs) do make some great guitars – but again, play the instrument and
use the traits in #1 - #4 to assess the qualities, benefits, and characteristics
of the guitar you like, can fell good with, and can afford.


Good Luck -- and contact me if you need more info on "Guitar" Shopping .....
John Amato
Isaiah 55:11










[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I guess first is whether you want acoustic, electric or hybrid.

Then scale length.

Then the feel of the neck and the rest of the basic geometry (so you can be physically comfortable).

This gets you in the ballpark.

Now you have to check that the instrument sounds good, has decent hardware, balances on your lap or on a strap, has frets that aren't too high and will intonate properly.

I pay particular attention to whether the thing sings out clearly in the upper register (high E string, 7th fret and up). I have had some expensive instruments that didn't.

Sound is hard to judge. Other than the thing about singing out in the upper register, most things about sound (within a particular type of instrument) can be altered without a huge amount of trouble. Setup too. The guitar may not be setup well in the store, so it may not feel or sound good. But, maybe, if properly set-up, it would be great. Hard to know.

Oddly enough, my main instrument (a D'Angelico EXDC) is the only one I've ever bought without trying it out extensively first. I bought it by mail, having never played one, as a backup. Go figure.

Interesting, I thought the original post was how to buy a guitar for a
beginner, maybe I misread...

In the context of buying a guitar for an experienced player, I'm not too
picky, either. I've bought instruments online sight unseen (my Epi Howard
Roberts, and Sheraton II, eg) that have turned out to be really great. When
I bought my blue Tele, it was primarily because I wanted a Tele, and I dug
the color; it had a couple of dings on it, so I was able to negotiate a
lower price, too. I've also bought one of those "Affinity" Squier Teles, and
it's cool as well, I turned it into an electric tres for Cuban gigs.

I regard a guitar as more of a tool, I guess, rather than some huge
personal commitment or statement, particularly when it comes to electrics. When
I'm looking for a classical guitar, yes, I do pay more att'n to things like
balance, tone, etc.

Also interesting, and I should've mentioned it previously, I tell my
students their new instrument will likely need a setup in order to get it just
right. I haven't bought a guitar in a few years, but when I do, first stop
is my tech's shop, and that's really where things take shape. A good tech
will get the guitar in good working order, and alert you to any possible
issues, etc. That, along with new strings, and you should be good to go.
I've never seen a guitar "out of the box" that didn't require some
adjustment(s) in order to get it playing nicely.

Cheers,
JV

Juan Vega

I have bought guitars and immediately spent another 30% or more on setup. I see it as essential.

Thanks Folks,

I incorporated some of your ideas in what to look for in purchasing a guitar and
posted my article on a page I'm helping out my friend who just opened a guitar
shop with a number of vintage instruments ... in this economy many have told him
"what, you're opening a guitar shop NOW!" ... but last Friday he had his Grand
Opening with wine & cheese, etc, etc., and I ran a "Jam Night" for him ---
people came from all over the area ... a good time and playing was had by all
.... all I hope my friend makes it -- he is planning of having a studio for
lessons in his presently being renovated back rooms (guess who will be teaching
there?)

Here is where I posted my article with some of your ideas:




John Amato
Isaiah 55:11








________________________________
From: rguitarjj <rpjazzguitar@...>
To: jazz_guitar@...
Sent: Mon, December 20, 2010 9:35:32 PM
Subject: [jazz_guitar] Re: How To Buy A Guitar


I have bought guitars and immediately spent another 30% or more on setup. I see
it as essential.

Juan,

My main purpose was more with the experienced player looking to purchase an
instrument -- not so much parents -- I deal with them on a different level ....



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
John Amato
Isaiah 55:11








________________________________
From: "JVegaTrio@..." <JVegaTrio@...>
To: jazz_guitar@...
Sent: Mon, December 20, 2010 7:08:47 PM
Subject: [jazz_guitar] Re: How To Buy A Guitar


Interesting, I thought the original post was how to buy a guitar for a
beginner, maybe I misread...

In the context of buying a guitar for an experienced player, I'm not too
picky, either. I've bought instruments online sight unseen (my Epi Howard
Roberts, and Sheraton II, eg) that have turned out to be really great. When
I bought my blue Tele, it was primarily because I wanted a Tele, and I dug
the color; it had a couple of dings on it, so I was able to negotiate a
lower price, too. I've also bought one of those "Affinity" Squier Teles, and
it's cool as well, I turned it into an electric tres for Cuban gigs.

I regard a guitar as more of a tool, I guess, rather than some huge
personal commitment or statement, particularly when it comes to electrics.
When

I'm looking for a classical guitar, yes, I do pay more att'n to things like
balance, tone, etc.

Also interesting, and I should've mentioned it previously, I tell my
students their new instrument will likely need a setup in order to get it just
right. I haven't bought a guitar in a few years, but when I do, first stop
is my tech's shop, and that's really where things take shape. A good tech
will get the guitar in good working order, and alert you to any possible
issues, etc. That, along with new strings, and you should be good to go.
I've never seen a guitar "out of the box" that didn't require some
adjustment(s) in order to get it playing nicely.

Cheers,
JV

Juan Vega

In a message dated 12/20/2010 3:55:46 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
rpjazzguitar@... writes:


I pay particular attention to whether the thing sings out clearly in the
upper register (high E string, 7th fret and up). I have had some expensive
instruments that didn't.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Juan,

My main purpose was more with the experienced player looking to purchase an
instrument -- not so much parents -- I deal with them on a different level ....

Thanks Folks,

I incorporated some of your ideas in what to look for in purchasing a guitar
and
posted my article on a page I'm helping out my friend who just opened a guitar
shop with a number of vintage instruments ... in this economy many have told
him "what, you're opening a guitar shop NOW!" ... but last Friday he had his
Grand
Opening with wine & cheese, etc, etc., and I ran a "Jam Night" for him ---
people came from all over the area ... a good time and playing was had by all
.... all I hope my friend makes it -- he is planning of having a studio for
lessons in his presently being renovated back rooms (guess who will be teaching
there?)

Here is where I posted my article with some of your ideas:


John Amato
Isaiah 55:11

Thanks Folks,

I incorporated some of your ideas in what to look for in purchasing a guitar
and posted my article on a page I'm helping out my friend who just opened a
guitar shop with a number of vintage instruments ... in this economy many have
told
him "what, you're opening a guitar shop NOW!" ... but last Friday he had his
Grand Opening with wine & cheese, etc, etc., and I ran a "Jam Night" for him
---
people came from all over the area ... a good time and playing was had by all
.... all I hope my friend makes it -- he is planning of having a studio for
lessons in his presently being renovated back rooms (guess who will be teaching
there?)

Here is where I posted my article with some of your ideas:


John Amato
Isaiah 55:11

On 12/20/2010 10:09 PM, John Amato wrote:

I incorporated some of your ideas in what to look for in purchasing a guitar and
posted my article on a page I'm helping out my friend who just opened a guitar
shop with a number of vintage instruments...

Ok, I get it now. Tell your friend to remember the value of accessories - strings, picks, straps, music stands, music. &c., &c. The profit margin on them is much higher than that of instruments, and there is nothing more annoying to a customer who just drove out of his way to patronize a store that the store doesn't carry the small stuff because, "after all, everybody gets that on the Internet nowadays."

This is the number one cause of the failure of so many music stores, in my opinion.

I wish him success with the venture.

Bobby

Thanks Folks,

I incorporated some of your ideas in what to look for in purchasing a guitar
and posted my article on a page I'm helping out my friend who just opened a
guitar shop with a number of vintage instruments ... in this economy many have
told him "what, you're opening a guitar shop NOW!" ... but last Friday he had
his
Grand Opening with wine & cheese, etc, etc., and I ran a "Jam Night" for him
--- people came from all over the area ... a good time and playing was had by
all
.... all I hope my friend makes it -- he is planning of having a studio for
lessons in his presently being renovated back rooms (guess who will be teaching
there?)

Here is where I posted my article with some of your ideas:




John Amato
Isaiah 55:11








________________________________
From: rguitarjj <rpjazzguitar@...>
To: jazz_guitar@...
Sent: Mon, December 20, 2010 9:35:32 PM
Subject: [jazz_guitar] Re: How To Buy A Guitar


I have bought guitars and immediately spent another 30% or more on setup. I see
it as essential.

John,
Are you aware that you've sent out the same post around a dozen times in the last few minutes? Please tell us you don't have an infected computer!

best,
Bobby

Bobby,

My posts don't appear in my browser ... they go into my Spam folder ... they
seem to have images that Yahoo sends to my Spam folder ...
John Amato
Isaiah 55:11








________________________________
From: Bob Hansmann <bobbybmusic@...>
To: jazz_guitar@...
Sent: Mon, December 20, 2010 11:04:27 PM
Subject: Re: [jazz_guitar] Re: How To Buy A Guitar


John,
Are you aware that you've sent out the same post around a dozen times in
the last few minutes? Please tell us you don't have an infected computer!

best,
Bobby






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

So you're buying guitars in the $275-300 range? No "setup" should be more
than $60-75. Are you saying you're buying $1K guitars and spending $300 (or
more) on "setup"? That ain't setup, that's a rebuild/refret/etc.

Blake

On Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 7:35 PM, rguitarjj <rpjazzguitar@...> wrote:

I have bought guitars and immediately spent another 30% or more on setup. I
see it as essential.

--
Regards,

Blake Wilson



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Folks,

Buy my eBook, lol!

Cheers,
JV

Juan Vega

Hi Blake,

No "setup" should be more than $60-75. Are you saying you're buying $1K guitars and spending $300 (or
more) on "setup"? That ain't setup, that's a rebuild/refret/etc.

You are right. The price of a set-up is not dependent upon the value of the guitar. Set-up prices really have to do more at this point with demographics. If all other things are equal (skill of the repairman, &c.), then rent is really the determining factor. Rents have gone up so high in the NY area, for example, that a quality set-up which went for around $25 + parts (usually just strings) not too long ago now averages around $75. In Jim Mings area, that same set-up probably still goes for around $30.

best,
Bobby

On Dec 21, 2010, at 7:13 AM, jazz_guitar@... wrote:

1.2. Re: How To Buy A Guitar
Posted by: "John Amato" jamato316@... jamato316
Date: Mon Dec 20, 2010 7:31 pm ((PST))

Thanks Folks,

<snip>

Here is where I posted my article with some of your ideas:

Hi John,
Pretty good advice, but you do have one glaring clinker... "anywhere from 24.5 to 25.5 inches from the nut to the 12th fret is a comfortable" You mean from the nut to the bridge, not 12th fret, unless it's a long scale bass... ;) Also, an exact 24" is the scale for the Fender Jaguar-based models & they are great for small hands, and a Squire Jagmaster can be had for under $300, not a bad ax, I have one, 1 5/8" nut width, I just checked, vs 1 11/16" nut for most Gibsons. It IS a bit heavy, about like a Les Paul Standard. The first new ax I bought for myself was a Jaguar in 1962, and they've gotten better, overall. Much better in most instances (like not having to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod, except for the Player Special HH's "Vintage Design" BS). Most of the ES models and Les Paul Gibsons are 24 3/4" vs most of the other Fenders @ 25 1/2" - a lot of why Les Pauls & ES-335s became "popular" rock/blues axes, along with the sustain of the HB PUs. Classical scale is 25 1/2". The shortest scale I have that works okay is the new 23" Les Paul Express from Epiphone, but the shorter the scale, the harder (most touchy) to tune to standard tuning. It comes with 14:1 ratio tuners and needs 18:1 (replacing mine), otherwise it's a sweetie with a "standard" 1 11/16" (Gibson) nut width (a tad wide for very small hands, but not for us Gibson Paul & ES players) and good sounding electronics, under $150 new. All just some good stuff to remember when shopping/recommending. Best of luck to your friend's new venture, if he can stay afloat in this economy, he's got it made. :)

Best regards,
...z

"Funny thing about decisions, you don't have to talk yourself into the good ones."
-Tom Selleck as NYPD Commissioner Reagan - Blue Bloods 12/3/10

Fingerstyle guitar jazz from Zeek Duff in BEAUTIFUL COLORADO
for streaming whole songs!
OR
for more info - follow me