Buying an Instrument

The Basics Of Buying An Instrument

The process of buying an instrument can be daunting when you have no idea what you're looking for, so here are a few things to consider when buying your first guitar:

Guitars come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to determine how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping.  You can find a reasonable starting guitar between $100-250 at local guitar stores depending on availability.  Starting brands like First Act really aren't worth it—these guitars are closer to toys than serious instruments, and trying to play real music on them is dissatisfying.  Their hardware is unreliable and functions poorly in general, and the instrument itself does not sound pleasant due to the poor quality of the materials.  Save up the extra bit of money and shoot for a beginner guitar from a name brand.  Brands like Squier, Ibanez, LTD, and others all have decently priced entry-level guitars.  It's also worth asking about used instruments at the store you're shopping at—many large and small music shops often have a decent amount of used gear in stock, listed at a reduced price from brand new condition.  

Decide what type of guitar you want. Acoustic guitars are traditionally used for playing folk, country, and pop music, while electric guitars are traditionally used for playing blues, rock, jazz, and heavy metal.  There are all sorts of variations within these two categories, but narrowing it down between these two will help you get a start.  It's not a requirement, but finding a guitar that you like the look of is an extra plus and makes playing guitar more enjoyable.  No one wants to play an instrument that makes them look dorky; you want a guitar that makes you look cool when you're playing it.

It's also important to note that acoustic guitars feature a much higher string tension than electric guitars, and beginners often struggle with this.  The hand strength needed to play an acoustic guitar comes from a very specific set of muscles which simply do not get developed in other areas of life, so I do not recommend learning guitar with an acoustic.  See my post, "When Beginners Buy Their First Guitar."  You will be making it much harder on yourself than you need to; your fretting hand will hurt, and you will be at greater risk of a repetitive motion injury like tendinitis due to the unnecessary strain. 

Try playing the guitar before you buy it. This will give you a chance to see how it feels in your hands and how it sounds.  You want to make sure to buy an instrument that sits comfortably against your body and in your hands and isn't too heavy for you to stand with for extended periods if you ever plan on playing concerts.  For smaller children, a downscale guitar (often 3/4 size) should be a better fit, though you will definitely want to move up to a full size instrument at the appropriate time.

Inspect the guitar for any defects or damage. Check the tuning pegs, bridge, and neck for any signs of wear or damage.  You want to make sure everything functions properly so you aren't returning for a repair in the first week because of a manufacturing error or a misleading used-guitar seller.  Sometimes brand new guitars have experienced minor damage during transit, and used instruments can come with their own problems, though many are still in good shape.

Look up reviews online to see what other people are saying about the guitar. This will give you a better idea of its quality and performance.  There are plenty of professional gear review videos online so you should be able to find a good quality demonstration video featuring the instrument.

Keep in mind that you may need to purchase accessories such as a guitar case, picks, and a guitar tuner, as well as any necessary repairs or maintenance in the future.  A general list of items you will want to consider buying along with your first guitar are a tuner, guitar picks, a guitar case, a guitar strap, extra guitar strings, and an amplifier and a guitar cable if you're buying an electric guitar.

Take your time and don't rush into buying a guitar. Make sure you find the right one that fits your budget, playing style, and preferences.

Remember that buying a guitar is a personal decision, and what works for one person may not work for another.  By considering these tips, you can start to make an informed decision and find a guitar that you'll love playing!