This is designed to assist first time guitar buyers by answering the questions we are most commonly asked in the store and provide some useful information and recommendations. We feel that learning the guitar is a difficult process in itself and playing an inferior instrument can compound the problem by making it difficult to produce a good tone or even to fret the notes. Generally we do not recommend the cheapest thing on the market as these instruments can prove to be a disincentive to the student. A good student will most likely grow out of (musically) a bottom-of-the-market guitar much quicker than a better instrument. Recently we have noticed an increase in people coming in with guitars purchased on ebay that are unplayable. Often these guitars are unrepairable and for the uninitiated it is far better to deal with an established music store that can provide proper advice and follow up service. We suggest buying the best instrument your budget will allow being mindful of the fact that taking up the guitar is a long term commitment.
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FAQ's
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What is the best guitar to learn on? There are four main types of guitars and getting the one that best suits your needs is the first decision to make. Each type has different characteristics and is best used for particular styles of music or playing situations. They are: |
| Steel String Guitar | Nylon String Guitar | Electric (Solid body) | Electric Bass Guitar |
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Steel String Acoustic
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Nylon String Acoustic
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Electric Guitar
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Electric Bass
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FAQ's Single coil pickups Humbucker pickups A tremolo arm There are 3 common types of controls on electric guitars
The controls have no bearing on learning to play the guitar but give choices in how it sounds. Why do they all look the same ? |
Should I learn on a nylon string guitar first? A nylon string guitar is a good place to start but there are differing opinions on this issue. Check with your intended teacher first if you have one. If there is a particular music style you want to learn, get the right instrument for the job (e.g. an electric guitar is a must for the grunge or heavy metal lover and a nylon string guitar is a must for a classical student). What is a solid top? Are they better ? The top or "soundboard" is the most important part of an acoustic guitar for producing a good tone - it is what transfers the energy of the string into sound vibrations, much like a speaker cone. A solid top (usually spruce or cedar) does this job far better than any laminate (plywood) tops found on entry level guitars as they use a single piece of timber and also will improve with age. You will pay more for a solid top in general however there are other factors and a well made guitar with a laminate top can be a better instrument than a poor quality solid topped one. If you are comparing in a similar price range go for the one that sounds and feels best regardless of the top. A student can learn just as well on a laminate guitar but will probably want to upgrade to a solid top as he or she becomes more aware of the need for good tone. What is meant by a good action? The action of a guitar is usually the main concern of a new guitar student because to put it simply, it affects how much it will hurt your fingers! The term "action", refers to the general comfort and feel of the neck combined with the distance of the strings from the fretboard. A guitars action is therefore variable and can be adjusted to suit the individual player's needs. The gauge (thickness) of the strings, the shape of the neck and the height of the bridge, saddle and nut (the parts that the strings rest on at either end) all affect the playability of the guitar. A guitar with a poor action can make learning almost impossible. Whereas a guitar may be set up well according to factory guidelines, opinions differ on what the action should be like and as part of our sales service we are happy to set up your new guitar to your liking. What difference does a more expensive guitar make? The use of quality timber and parts as well as increased attention to craftsmanship produces an instrument of superior tone and playability. A good guitar responds sonically to the player's touch and therefore requires less effort and delivers more enjoyment. This in turn gives incentive and encouragement to the musician and makes playing more enjoyable. A better guitar model will usually have a "warmer" tone and a deeper resonance as well as a neck that feels more comfortable however sometimes a model is only a higher price because of aesthetic features such as binding or mother-of pearl inlays. If that's what you want go ahead but it may or may not be a better instrument. What accessories do I need to start with ? The need for accessories differs according to the type of guitar you buy but here are some ideas:
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Prices are negotiable
Prices listed are the supplier's recommended retail in Australian
dollars.
We use this as a guide to calculate discount and trade-in margins.
For more info please contact us
