Buying a new guitar is REALLY exciting. But it can be difficult to know what to look for, how much to spend etc.
This guide should help you make the right decisions when buying your first guitar.
Should I buy a new guitar or second-hand?
It’s a little bit like buying a car. If you don’t have much experience buying guitars, haven’t played for long, or don’t know anyone who could help you with your guitar shopping, it’s probably best to buy a new guitar. That said, if you feel confident about buying second-hand, you can often get better value for your money.
Where should I buy my guitar?
If you’re buying new, there are a number of big music shops in Auckland. We’d recommend the Rockshop in either Botany or Takapuna. These shops generally have a lot of stock, knowledgeable staff and competitive prices.
For second-hand, Trade Me is probably your best bet, but always try the instrument out before committing. Preferably take a guitar-playing friend along with you for a second opinion.
What type of guitar am I looking for?
There may be a particular type of guitar that one of your heroes plays, or a type of guitar that is commonly used in the style that you want to play. (Or you might just think a certain style/colour looks really cool).
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to start on an acoustic guitar. Conventional “wisdom” suggests that you should start on a nylon string (classical) guitar, because the strings won’t hurt your finger so much.
In fact, electric guitars are the easiest to start on (thinner strings, thinner neck, strings closer to the fretboard), and if this is what you or your child ultimately want to play, there’s no reason to start on anything else. Having that electric guitar from the start can be a huge motivator too, if that’s what you want to play.
What’s really important
You’re going to spend a lot of time with your guitar, so you want to make sure:
1. The guitar feels comfortable to play (e.g. the body isn’t too big – especially acoustic guitar – and the neck fits your hand comfortably).
2. It sounds good (if you’re new to playing guitar, take a friend who plays).
If you’re a beginner, and never played before, just get the staff to play a few guitars for you in the music shop so you can compare their sound. Sit with the guitars, make sure the one you like feels comfortable (even if you can’t play anything yet).
Acoustic guitars
If you’re buying an acoustic guitar, it’s worth getting one with a “solid top” (meaning the front of the guitar is a solid piece of wood, not plywood). These sound much better and project sound more effectively. If you can afford a Taylor (eg GS Mini), get one of those!
Other acoustic guitar options – do you want a cutaway so you can reach the top frets easily? Do you want to be able to plug it in (in which case you’re looking for an “electro-acoustic”)?
Electric guitars
Electric guitars – so many options… Do you want a tremolo arm? What kind of pickups do you want? etc.
Much of this is down to personal taste and the type of music you want to play. Look at what the guitarists you like play, have a chat with us, talk to the music shop. If you do a little research first, you’re more likely to end up with that perfect guitar.
Also, bear in mind that you’ll need an amplifier if you go down the electric route – choosing a good amp is just as important as the choice of guitar. Again, what you go for will depend on the music you want to play, and what you’re going to sue it for (eg do you need an amp big enough to play with your friends, onstage, or is it just for bedroom use?)
How much should I spend?
Generally speaking, invest a little more than you’re comfortable with.
You’ll end up with a better instrument, and in the long run won’t regret it for an instant.
If you’re a beginner, bear in mind there is no such thing as a “beginner guitar”. There are cheap guitars, but that’s all they are and if you buy the cheapest guitar you can find, it’ll be hard to play, sound terrible and won’t motivate you to pick it up and practice. You want something that inspires you to play.
Below are some suggested brands in different price ranges (approx):
Acoustic guitars
Under $500 = Takamine, Yamaha, Breedlove
$500–1,000 = Seagull, Taylor GS Mini
Electric guitars
Under $500 = Squier, Vintage, Yamaha, Epiphone
$500-1,000 = Fender, Gibson, Tokai, PRS, Godin
Amplifiers
Under $500 = Blackstar, Boss Katana
Over $500 = Fender, Marshall valve amps
Summary
Take your time, do your research, ask our advice. You want to pick an instrument that excites you and inspires you!
Happy shopping 🙂