Buying a Guitar

Buying a new Guitar

Buying a new guitar can be a complicated process if you don't know what you are looking for. There are so many variables that can ultimately make or break a guitar. So i have a few pointers here that will help you pick the best guitar you can.

Have Patience - If you buy a guitar in a hurry, its not going to work out well. Never decided you have to buy a guitar that day. Visit at least two different music shops and play every guitar you can get your hands on.

Bring a Friend - Bring a friend or someone you know who is more experienced in guitars than you are. They'll have a better idea if the guitar is worth buying or not.

Don't feel intimidated - Don't let the salesman tell you what to buy, you're in control, it's your money

For a lot of guitarists, especially beginners, trying out a guitar in a guitar shop can be an intimidating experience. There a usually plenty of people around who can here, there is always going to be some guy playing insane riffs, and of course the people who don't have a clue and are just there to make noise. But you have to forget everyone else and focus on your task. To find the right guitar for you.

When you first get to a music shop, look around for a guitar you like the look of, then ask if you can play it. Make sure you bring a pick with you, because you might be given a pick your not comfortable with or you may not be given one at all. If your trying out an electric guitar, plug it into an amp similar to the amp you use. There is no point playing through a 100w mesa boogie halfstack if you play through a 10w practice amp.

When trying the guitar out, don't be afraid to make noise. Any guitar, electric or acoustic will only sound as good as it can if played at a reasonable volume. Make sure to keep an ear open for problems such as fret buzz or loud humming, or clicks when using the toggle switch.

When trying out a guitar, you should play things you can play easily. You don't want to try and show off. You need to concentrate on the guitar. Play each fret of every string and listen for buzzing, check the guitars intonation and ensure it stays in tune.

It may be useful to bring along a note book and write down what you think of each guitar, along with the price and any questions you have about it.

Okay, so you've played every guitar in the shop and you've taken notes on them all. At this point, i would suggest going home and going onto the manufactures website and reading up on the guitars you like as well as checking reviews on harmony central. If you are now sure that you have found the guitar you want, get your self a phone book. Look up phone numbers of local music stores and give them all a ring. Ask if the stock the guitar you want, and get a quote for the price. Note the price down, as this will give you a big advantage when negotiating.

Armed with your new found knowledge, its time to head back to the music shop. Speak to a salesman and inform him you are ready to make a purchase. Many people hate this part. Ask for the best price he can give you on the guitar and a case. When he quotes you a price, ask what he can do to make it a bit cheaper. If you know that another local shop sell it for cheaper, this will help big time. If you really cant get the price any lower, see if he will throw in a few accessories like picks or strings etc.

A few final tips:

• Don't let the salesman know how much you want the guitar
  
• Try out cheaper guitars to give the impression you are not willing to spend much
  
• Check if a case is included in the price
  
• Don't rush, take your time and make sure you really want the guitar

Well that's all the advice i can offer.

Thanks for reading, Paul