Don't
Make These Mistakes with Guitar
Stores
Buying
Your New Guitar - The
Beginning
When
shopping at guitar stores, there
are some things to look for and
some things to avoid. Have a
little patience and don't jump on
the first "great deal" you find.
Shop around a little for your new
guitar.
Do some
research online to learn what
brands are available and to
compare guitar quality and
pricing. If you have a friend
that plays guitar, ask them about
which guitars are best.
Don't allow
the salesperson to sway you into
buying something that doesn't
suit you. Use this quick guide to
find that perfect guitar for
you.
Make a
List of Questions
Most guitar
stores employ a knowledgeable
staff that can help you find a
great guitar and many of the
clerks are stringed instrument
players themselves, but you
should ask lots of questions to
be on the safe side. If they
don't know the answer, ask them
to find out for you.
Among
others, here are six questions to
ask the
salesperson:
- What
are the manufacturer's name
and model number for this
guitar?
- What
type of wood was used to make
this guitar?
- Where
was the guitar made - in the
United States or another
country?
- Is the
guitar already pitched to
standard tuning or concert
pitch? (So you can try it out
in the store.)
- Does
the guitar come with a
warranty?
- Does it
come with a new set of
strings, a case, and/or a
tuner?
Determine
Your Budget
Before
shopping around, determine how
much you can spend including the
guitar accessories and a case or
stand. When looking around, you
can ask the salesperson to show
you guitars within your price
range.
This will
save lots of time because brands
can range anywhere from $100 to
$3000 or more depending on the
type of instrument. Once you
determine a budget, stick with
it. Never spend more under
pressure just because a
salesperson wants to make extra
commissions!
Try Out
Several Instruments from Multiple
Guitar Stores
Make it a
point to visit several guitar
stores if there are a few nearby.
It may be worth it to drive out
of town to compare as well. Play
a variety of different types of
cheaper and name brand guitars at
each store to see which one feels
and sounds right.
Have a
friend guitar player go with you
if possible so he can play it as
you listen. Ask the salesperson
for a strap and pick so you can
test each guitar
properly.
While
trying out the guitars, listen
for any buzzing, popping, or
other odd noises. If you notice
the slightest noise, ask the
salesperson to retune and try it
again. If it still doesn't sound
right, toss it and try another
one.
Play each
candidate guitar sitting and
standing to see which feels
comfortable in both positions. Be
sure to strum the guitar as hard
as you would if playing at home.
No Need
to Feel Insecure
Don't allow
other guitar players in the store
or the salesperson to intimidate
you - even if you aren't very
good at guitar playing yet. It's
an important (and expensive)
decision, so you should be able
to try each instrument with
passion.
More
Tips for Guitar
Stores
Consider
the wood material that makes up a
guitar. Cheaper acoustic guitars
might save money now, but usually
do not last as long as a high
quality guitar. Ask to see the
high end guitars for your maximum
spending amount. This will allow
you to get the best possible
instrument for your
money.
How is a
Guitar Made?
Popular
types of wood used in quality
guitars include Asian rosewood,
basswood, swamp ash, alder,
walnut, mahogany, koa, korina,
soft maple, hard maple, spruce,
and lacewood. The tops of guitars
are often made of a different
type of wood than the body to
give a contrasting, decorative
look.
Research
- Then Buy
You've
researched before shopping; now
it's time to research a little
more. Avoid buying a guitar on
your first day. Leave the guitar
stores and think about your
decision before buying.
Write down
information about each potential
guitar while shopping, and
research those particular guitars
online. This will help you narrow
your choices even more so you can
pick the right one for
you.
Buying
Guitars Online
If buying
online, try out that particular
guitar in a store first to be
sure you like it. You might save
money by shopping online, but
it's not worth the savings if you
get a guitar that you don't enjoy
playing.
Also, be
sure to shop with a trustworthy
retailer. Look for a secure
website ordering system, friendly
customer service, and a good
standing with the Better Business
Bureau Online.
Negotiating
with Musical Instrument
Stores
Once you've
decided on your musical dream
machine, make a reasonable price
offer at guitar stores that carry
this particular style or brand.
Some stores won't bargain, but
some will. It doesn't hurt to
try, and you'll soon be holding
your very own guitar and
playing
all your favorite songs with just
a few lessons!
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