There is a confusing variety of acoustic guitars as well as an array of electric guitars to choose from.A novice is hard pressed to know where to begin.The only advice they get may come from a shop assistant who’s desperate to shift the guitar that’s been sitting in the corner for months or push the brand that is this month’s special.So, as a beginner, where do you start when choosing a guitar?
You may ultimately dream of becoming a guitar hero and rock god, but electric guitars are probably not the best choice to start out with. There are some neat electric guitar packages available, like the Fender Starcaster Strat and Amp set, which contains everything you need to start playing in one box. The Fender Starcaster electric guitar and the Fender SP-10 practice amplifier are excellent value and well made, but for the out and out novice it’s probably best at first to look at an acoustic, steel strung guitar.
Why suggest acoustic? Steel-strung acoustic guitars are excellent to learn on, are Ideal for solo or group work, and appropriate for a wide range of styles.They are very portable and of course don’t require amplification, so should be less expensive than an electric guitar package.But less expensive should not imply cheap.
Cheap acoustics don’t sound very good and that won’t encourage practising. With budget acoustic guitars, the ‘action’ (how high the strings are above the fretboard) may well be too high, making it difficult to hold down strings, or it may be too low, causing notes to consistently buzz.They often have cheap ‘machine heads’ (the bit you attach the strings to and tune the guitar with) that wear out. You do get what you pay for, but there are some really good value starter packages available.
The Fender CD60 for example has features you’d expect in much more expensive acoustic instruments, including a spruce top, mahogany back and sides and die-cast tuners.The pack includes a tuition DVD, Electronic Tuner, Acoustic Guitar Strings and a selection of Guitar Picks. The Ibanez V50NJP Jampack acoustic guitar package is another well priced starter set that includes a gig bag, electronic tuner, guitar strap and picks. How well you know the brand will give some reassurance of quality – Fender guitars, Ibanez, Epiphone and Ashton are all respected makes.Try to avoid really cheap packages with brand names you don’t know.Ideally, if you are buying new, make sure the guitar is checked out by someone knowledgeable and if you’re buying second hand always take a seasoned player with you.
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