Buying a Guitar? Here’s What You Need to Know.
For anyone planning to pick up a guitar, the process can be a daunting one. With so many different types, styles, and models on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? To help simplify the process and ensure you walk away with a guitar you’re proud of, we’ve put together this helpful guide. Here, we’ll discuss all the essential information you’ll need to consider when purchasing your first guitar – from the basics of different body styles, to pickups and hardware, to finding the best deals. Whatever your skill level or budget, this article will help you make your first guitar purchase a successful one.
To begin, let’s take a look at the different body styles of guitars that are available. There are three main types – solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body.
Solid body guitars are one of the most popular, as they provide a clean, crisp sound. They are relatively lightweight and have little to no feedback, making them ideal for aggressive playing and genres like rock, punk, and metal. Some of the most popular solid body guitars on the market include the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster as well as the Gibson Les Paul.
Semi-hollow body guitars offer a nice blend of both solid body and hollow body styles – they offer a slightly jazzier sound than a solid body, while still having a bit of the snap of the solid body. Some popular examples of semi-hollow body guitars include the Gibson ES-335 and the Fender Telecaster Thinline.
Finally, the hollow body guitar is the classic design that’s been around for decades, and is still a favorite among jazz, blues, and folk players. The airy sound, along with the distinct resonance of the instrument’s body, creates a unique sound that has a warm, old-school vibe to it. The most popular hollow body guitars include the Gibson ES-175, the Guild Starfire, and the Gretsch G6122.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the different body styles, let’s take a look at the pickups and hardware that you might come across. A pickup is essentially a magnet surrounded by a coil, which captures the vibrations from the strings and transmits them to your amp. There are many different varieties of pickups, and each one offers its own unique sound. Single-coil pickups are the most common and are popular for their bright, punchy sound. They are often used in genres like pop, rock, and country. Humbucker pickups provide a darker, more saturated tone and are well-suited to genres like jazz, blues, and metal. P-90 pickups are similar to single-coils, but with a thicker sound and more mids.
In addition to pickups, the other essential hardware to consider is the bridge. The bridge is the point at which your strings are held in place so they can be tuned and played. There are several different types of bridges, including the traditional fixed bridge, the more modern tremolo bridge, and the locking tremolo bridge. Each type offers its own unique benefits and can be adjusted to suit your playing style.
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the different body styles and hardware on offer, the next step is to consider deals. Shopping online is a great way to find great deals that you wouldn’t usually find in-store, and it also allows you to compare prices from multiple retailers quickly and easily. Plus, some websites offer free shipping and return policies, so you can feel more secure when making your purchase.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in getting you started on your quest to find the perfect guitar. With so many different styles and models on the market, it can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Just keep these guidelines in mind and take your time in researching and shopping. With a little bit of effort, you can be sure to walk away with an instrument you’ll be proud of for years to come.