subject: Buying an Electric guitar [print this page] Electric guitars are fun to play and can give you a wide range of sounds and effects that an acoustic guitar can't. You can find good quality electric models without spending a fortune. Yes, there are models out there that can cost thousands of dollars, but unless you are a professional musician, there is no need to invest that much in your first guitar. Even professionals usually have a lower priced model that they take on the road and save their expensive ones for home or special appearances.
Your budget for a new electric guitar will depend on your finances, your level of expertise and your commitment to music. If you are just starting out, a kit may be your best bet. In a kit you will get a guitar, an amp, headphones, a stand and usually a DVD or instruction book. Understanding the construction of a guitar will help you to make an informed choice and understand the differences in models.
Basics of Electric guitar Construction
Guitar Body
There are three types of bodies on electric models; solid, semi-hollow and hollow. Each type produces a different tonal quality, also each type of wood used affects the sound produced. A guitar may be made of solid wood or veneer. There are differing opinions of the quality of sound that is produced by solid wood and veneer as well as the different sound quality of the types of wood used. The best way to find one you like is to actually try out different types of guitars to see which ones you prefer.
A luthier, a craftsman who makes stringed instruments, has many choices of wood to use in the construction of a guitar. The most common woods used include:
Mahogany
Koa
Brazilian Rosewood
Indian Rosewood
Sitka Spruce
Red Spruce
Maple
Adler
Poplar
Basswood
Ebony
Each one of these woods produces a different type of tone and timbre to the guitar. These woods are used for the body, neck and fretboards. There are several styles of guitar body shapes. You can have a classic look or a modern look depending on your tastes and preferences.
Pick Up
Electric guitars produce sound when the vibrations of the strings are passed through the pick up and electronically sent to the amplifier. The pick up consists of coiled wires and can be a single coil or double coil. A magnet is also used with each wire coil. Single coils have the problem of picking up interference, feedback, from sources like electronic equipment, computer monitors, and any electronic device that produces a magnetic field. Double coils help to cancel out interference and cut down on hum.
Neck Construction and Shape
Solid body electric guitars generally have a neck that is crafted as a piece of the guitar body. Necks can also be bolted or glued into place. Each method contributes to a different tone and timbre produced by the instrument. Neck shape is a personal preference for guitarists. The most common shapes are C, U, and V. C shaped necks tend to be wider and thicker and fit larger hands better. The U shape is slimmer and some artists find it easier to play. The V shape is favored by many rock musicians as it is the thinnest and easiest to use a sliding motion when you are playing the guitar. When you are planning to purchase a guitar, try out different neck shapes to see which one fits your hands better and which one you feel most comfortable with.
Making Your Decision
If you can, take someone with you that plays the electric guitar to act as a guide when shopping for your new instrument. Have them or the store clerk play several different guitars so that you can hear what each type sounds like. If you are starting out, you can take lessons or purchase DVDs that will instruct you on proper technique and how to use your guitar. You should always buy a case if one does not come with your guitar. A good quality case will protect your instrument when not in use and during transport. Most cases for electric models are either soft sided or have some reinforcement. They will also have places to store your extra strings, picks, music and tuner.
You will need an electric tuner when you buy your guitar. These can be relatively inexpensive or on the high end of the price scale. Unless you are a professional musician, one of the moderately priced models will be sufficient. Always have an extra set of strings in case one breaks. You may find that when you are just starting out you may break a few strings when learning to tune your guitar so having extras on hand would be a good idea. Also have plenty of picks. Picks like to wander off in other guitar players hands or just get lost.
Armed with a basic knowledge of guitar construction and how it effects the sound produced by the instrument, you can make an informed decision and be on your way to enjoying your new guitar for many years to come.
