how to buy a guitar

Buying a guitar, whether for the first time or adding a new one to the collection, is not a simple task. It is also a skill and experience here comes handy. This page will give you some tips on how to do that.
Step 1: Decide the type of guitar you want.

Before you start looking for a guitar, you first need to decide what type of guitar you want. Musical styles, budget, and convenience can all factor into this decision.

You can either buy an electric guitar or an accoustic guitar. Both have their pros and cons for example, electrics are not portable but have more variety and are more expensive.

Step 2: Know your budget.

There are guitars available for all different kinds of budgets. Guitar prices can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Although many things can factor into the price of a guitar, it is mainly affected by the quality of wood and parts it is made out of, as well as the level of craftsmanship that went into building it.

How much you can expect to pay

• Affordable Guitars: On the budget end of the spectrum, you should expect to pay around $150-$500. There are plenty of great beginner guitars to choose from in this price range, such as the Fender Standard Stratocaster. You may find some guitars for under $150, but if you can afford it, a few extra dollars can go a long way to ensure the level of quality of your instrument.
  • Examples: Fender Standard Stratocaster, Ibanez RG-120, Epiphone Les Paul Studio, Seagull S6
• Mid-Level Guitars: This price range for guitars is usually in the ballpark of $500-$1000. You can get some very nice instruments in this price range that will reward you with years of quality. The Fender American Stratocaster (a higher-quality version of the Mexican-made "Standard Strat") is an excellent mid-priced guitar. Mid-level acoustics, such as the Martin D-15, often run up to about $1,200.
  • Examples: Fender American Stratocaster, Martin D-15, Gibson SG Standard
• High-end Guitars: There are also many higher-end guitars for over $1,000. Gibson Les Pauls usually run around $1,000 - $2,000. Paul Reed Smith guitars are expertly crafted and usually fall into the $1,500 - $2,000 range. High-end acoustic guitars are commonly over $2,000.
  • Examples: Paul Reed Smith Custom 22, Gibson Les Paul, Taylor 714

Don't get overwhelmed

• When it comes to any musical equipment, a good rule of thumb is "what you see is what you get." Some things to remember:

1. Usually the more expensive an instrument is, the better made it is and the better it will sound and feel.
2. If you are a beginner, your ear may not yet be developed enough to distinguish between the tone of a cheap guitar and an expensive guitar, so it often makes sense to start with a more affordable model and upgrade as you improve as a player.
3. Determine your level of commitment. If you're experimenting with a new hobby and unsure of whether or not you will stick with it, play it safe and stick to a less-expensive purchase. If you're fairly certain you are serious about playing music, it may be worth your while to invest a little more in your instrument.

Add-Ons and Accessories

• Don't forget that the instrument itself won't be the only thing you'll need to buy. Most guitars won't come with things like picks, straps, tuners, or guitar cases included. Here are some extras that you may need and how much you can expect to spend.
• Picks ($2-4, pack of 12): If you plan on playing with a pick (most guitarists do), you'll want to stock up beforehand. They are easy to lose!
• Guitar Strap ($10-30): When playing standing up, you'll need a strap to hang your guitar on your shoulder.
• Tuner ($15-100): Staying in tune is essential. A tuner helps you tune up any time, anywhere.
• Cables ($10-80): If you're going to plug into an amp (or a tuner for that matter), a cable is essential. Price will vary with different lengths.
• Guitar Case (Soft) ($20-80): To protect your guitar while it's not in use or in transport, a soft case, or "gig bag," is the lower-priced and more portable option.
• Guitar Case (Hardshell) ($80-200): Although they are heavier and more expensive, hard cases offer the best protection for your intstrument.

Step 4: Choosing the Guitar for You

• When you decide to go to a store, try doing some research on manufacturers' websites or online stores like Musician's Friend to narrow down your choices ahead of time if you know something about what you're looking for - price range, guitar style, options