I have noticed, in the past couple of years particularly, that people tend to make very poor choices when it comes to purchasing a new guitar. In my 14 years of playing experience I have learned a thing or two about guitars, so I would like to pass on some advice to anyone who is interested.
There are a few rules that I stick to when it comes to buying guitars. I am focusing on acoustic guitars, because I know them best. Firstly if you are serious about playing you’ve got to be willing to break the bank in your purchase. Like the rest of the world usually you get what you pay for, so you want to pay all you have. Spend as much as you possibly can and then add another two hundred dollars on top of that just to be safe. Remember this has got to be your baby, or it won’t do you justice. That being said beware of the popular name as it is not often the best choice for your instrument. Avoid names like Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, Guild, or Matrin. Just because they cost a lot doesn’t mean they are the best. Although the companies have withstood the test of time, they quite frankly don’t make the best of guitars. Martin makes a nice sounding guitar and their dreadnaughts are great for bluegrass, but for the price you pay there are many out there that are better. Fender acoustics, other than their reeeeeeeeaalllllllllllllly top of the line just don’t cut it. Both tonally and where workmanship is concerned. Guild has always been so-so. And no one who knows anything about acoustic guitars buys a Gibson for its tone. They really are limited in that department. They are, however, great for just strumming along. Unless you are into collecting, or just playing along, don’t waste your time with an inferior-sounding instrument. And an Epiphone is a lesser Gibson with a different name.
There a many other guitar makers out there. Explore and look toward spending as much and more than you can. There are also a lot of great luthiers building fine guitars these days. (One builder completely handmade.) If you are really serious and can at all afford it I highly recommend going that route. But again; like with anything shopping around is a good idea. If you are interested in a particular builder look them up online. See what body styles they make, what things they can do for you. You may want a particular custom feature that some builders can’t, or simply won’t do. Try and find a dealer who carries their guitars. A builder can make an instrument look like the most beautiful painting, but if it sounds like crap and doesn’t perform it’s not worth the wood that was used to build it. The proof is in the pudding. The only way to know is to try one. Perhaps arrange a meeting with the builder. The personality behind the making of a guitar can make a great difference on how well you work together to achieve your goal of making a guitar just for you. And as a final note on that even if you don’t go with that maker it doesn’t hurt to go there and try out one, or two guitars, to test the waters if you will. It could very well give you a better idea of what you are looking for.
Now I think that I have gone on long enough, so I will finish my little rant here with only one more point. To any serious guitar player the only way to get what you need is to know what you need. And in my books, when it comes to guitars, the best you can get is always best. I hope my advice will help you with your next purchase. Thanks for reading.
Phil.