Buying Your First Guitar - Part 2
Shawn Bradshaw
2005-01-25
In part 1 of this article we explored some basic things to look for in an entry-level guitar. More specifically we were looking at acoustic guitars. In this part of the article we are going to focus on purchasing an electric guitar, as well discuss some other basic information that is relevant to both.
Buying an Electric Guitar
The types of electric guitars available are more varied than acoustic guitars. For a first guitar, stay away from all of the more unique shaped instruments. These would include the "Flying V", the "Explorer", or the flower shaped "Daisy Rock" guitars for girls. While these guitars look cool, they will be a hindrance to learning proper hand position. Get a standard shaped guitar for your first electric. Every manufacturer makes a Stratocaster style guitar. The original Stratocaster was made by Fender, but has now been copied by every guitar manufacturer. This is at least one standard shaped electric to start looking at.
Fender Statocaster
Fixed bridge
One big thing to look for in an entry-level electric guitar is a fixed bridge. This is where the strings are attached to the body of the guitar. Avoid a moveable (floating) bridge/tremolo system. The most common movable bridge style is a "Floyd Rose" tremolo system. With this type of tremolo the wood underneath the bridge has been hollowed out to allow the whammy bar to be both pushed down, and pulled up. The disadvantage of a "Floyd Rose" style tremolo system is that every time you tune one string up, all the rest go down. This makes tuning your guitar much more difficult, and means you will not be able to play in any alternate tunings. If this is your one and only electric guitar for the moment, you will need to tune this guitar down and up for different songs. You may be able to make neat dive bomb sounds with a Floyd Rose, but you won't be able to play along with your favorite songs.
Not all bridges with a whammy bar need to be avoided. The type of tremolo on a Strat style guitar is fine since the wood under the bridge has not been hollowed out. This bridge can be frozen with the addition of a couple of springs in the back of the guitar. Have the bridge frozen before you leave the store. If none if this makes sense to you, just tell your salesperson that you want a fixed vs. a floating bridge.
Other things to look for
You should check for the same things that I mentioned in part 1 of this article. Make sure the machine heads (tuning pegs) move smoothly and change the pitch of the strings smoothly. You should play each fret and make sure that there is no buzzing. Make sure that the guitar has an adjustable neck, and is adjusted properly.
What Brand?
Just like with acoustic guitars, there are many different brands to choose from for an electric guitar. Here are some more common brands for entry-level guitars, but you may find a quality guitar that is different from the ones that I am listing. Ibanez, Squier (by Fender), Yamaha, Peavey, Tradition, ESP.
Buying an Amplifier
Buying an electric guitar means purchasing an amplifier as well. Do not buy and electric guitar without an amplifier! While you can hear some sound from an un amplified electric, you will develop some bad habits by not being able to hear yourself fully.
There are a few different entry-level amp options. The most basic amplifier is around 10 or 15 watts. This is plenty of power for playing by yourself. If later on you want to play in a band, then you will have to look into getting a more powerful amp. One feature that you should consider getting on your amp is reverb. Reverb will give you a much better sound from a small amp. Reverb in essence makes you sound like you are in a bigger room. An amp with reverb does cost a little more, but is worth it. If you have any doubts, check out an amp with and without reverb. The next step up from there would be to get a larger amp with a bigger cabinet and speaker. A 25 watt amp with a bigger speaker will give you a more full sound. It all depends on your needs and budget.
Here are a few amplifier brands that you may consider, but again do not limit yourself to these. Marshall, Peavey, Crate, Fender, Line 6.
New or Used?
While it is true that you can find a better quality used guitar for the same price as a lessor new guitar, you really need to be careful. Often this concept does not work in reality, especially for an entry-level guitar. If you already play guitar and know what you are looking for, then you may be able to find a good deal. If not, my suggestion is to buy a new guitar. One with a warranty, and purchased from a company that will stand behind that warranty. Often the amount of repairs necessary to get that "great deal" used guitar into playing condition will sour that deal. If you do buy a used guitar, always check what it would cost to buy the same instrument new. If you are only saving $20, then it is not really worth the savings.
How much should I spend?
You should spend enough to get a decent playable guitar, and not so much that you will cry when you put it away in a closet after discovering that playing requires practice. Don't get the cheapest possible guitar you can buy. "You get what you pay for". You will find all kinds "deals" on guitars. Getting a guitar for $59(US) may seem like a great deal, but you will not be able to tune it, and you will more than likely have all kinds of other problems. Go up a couple of steps from the absolute cheapest guitar you find. You can find a decent entry level electric or acoustic guitar for around $200(US). This is a rough estimate based on prices in the United States as of 2004. If you are reading this in the year 2010, you had better add on to that figure. For an electric you will also need an amplifier, which will run another $100-200(US) depending on the brand, size, and features. Spending much more than this will be overkill for a first guitar. You or your child should earn a better guitar with practice. Once you have played awhile, you will have a better idea of exactly what type of guitar you would like. Spending a lot of money on your first may get you a great guitar that is completely wrong for you. Or worse yet, a very expensive paper weight.
Read Reviews
Even if you are buying just an entry-level guitar, do some research. Find some online reviews for the instruments that you are considering. A great resource for online reviews is right here at MusicGearReview.com.
You did buy a case.....didn't you?
Along with the guitar and the amp (if you have purchased an electric guitar) comes a whole host of other add on's that you are going to need. A lot of people budget for the guitar and forget about the case, strap, picks, patch cords etc.
First thing is, get a case. Do not justify spending $200 on a guitar and then not justify protecting your investment with a $30 case. The number of times I see this with my private students is amazing. If you can't afford the case, don't buy the guitar. Period. I am always amazed to see a student come running in the store where I teach in the pouring down rain with their new electric guitar dripping wet with no case. Thump, thump on the head....hello, is anyone in there.
For an entry-level guitar you do not need an expensive road case, just something to give some basic protection. There are 2 types of cases to look at. One is a chipboard case, and the other is a gig bag. A chipboard case is a semi hard shell, and a gig bag is just a padded bag. The gig bag is very convenient since you can just strap it over your shoulder.
Chipboard Case
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Gig Bag
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Enjoy your new guitar
If you do a little homework, it will pay off by giving you a good solid beginning guitar. Now it is up to you to make use of your new toy. If you can afford it, take at least a dozen private lessons from an experienced teacher. This will help you avoid developing some bad habits, and help give you a jump start into the world of guitar. There are also many books, videos, and websites that can help you continue your journey. Dedicate a little time every day to practicing your guitar, and you will be playing your favorite songs in no time. Have Fun!
© 2004 Shawn Bradshaw
Cyberfret.com
