Buying a guitar is a major investment for most players. If the right purchase is made, the guitar may last for decades. Most buyers have made the decision between an electric and acoustic before starting the search for an instrument. There are many factors to consider when buying a guitar, but the major decision should be based on playing the instrument.
Favorable Print Reviews
"Guitar Player," "Guitar World," "Vintage Guitar," "Flatpicking" and "Acoustic Guitar" magazines have a wealth of information about models and makers. These publications feature reviews of popular guitars and also include models not typically available for examination in local stores. They also provide information charts and design specifications. The articles are an easy way to quickly determine if the guitar meets your overall needs and should be sought out to be examined as a possible candidate for purchase. Professional reviewers are aware of the major pitfalls in guitar construction.
Favorable Online Reviews
Players provide the best information about the aspects of a particular model. Guitar reviews are posted on instrument sales websites. The most reliable reviews qualify the comments according to the type of player (novice, intermediate, advanced and professional) and the years of experience. Match your guitar playing skills with the reviewer's qualifications. A comment claiming the guitar was "easy to play" from a reviewer with a dozen years of gigging may not be applicable for a new player.
Body Match
The guitar should comfortably fit the body of the player. The three main acoustic guitar body types are classical, dreadnought and jumbo. Electric shapes are more eclectic and difficult to categorize, but the general shapes include a cutaway (part of the design includes cutting into the body), exotics (such as the "Flying V"), solid body and the SG (designed with a point). Both electric and acoustic guitars are available in smaller models, such as the 1/2 and 3/4 Taylor, Yamaha and Martin acoustics, and 3/4 electric models, including the junior model Fender Les Paul. Do not assume that these guitars are for children. Some models offer smaller bodies and shortened necks, but otherwise have the features of a quality guitar. Tiny players do own large, oversized jumbo guitars, but as a rule, playing is more comfortable when the guitar is matched to the size of the guitarist.
Price
You may dream of owning a luthier-built rosewood guitar, but more practical shopping questions include "What do I want to pay?" Price should not be the main factor, since entry-level guitars are difficult to play; hard to keep in tune; and possibly discouraging to new players after a session on a set of substandard frets that injure the fingers. Used guitar stores, pawnshops and newspaper sales are all places to find quality guitars at reduced prices. Be sure to physically inspect and play the guitar before the purchase. Consider having the guitar examined by a local expert, even if a fee is involved, for defects and potential problems.
Durability
The guitar should match the use. If you'll be transporting the guitar between different climates, the best choice may be a solid body electric or solid wood top with composite or high-pressure laminate (known as HPL) sides and back acoustic model, such as the C.F. Martin HPL line. This wood choice minimizes the expansion and contraction that leads to warping and cracks in the body. Most companies offer "backpacking" acoustic model guitars for outdoor and travel use.
