subject: Buying an Acoustic guitar [print this page] The first step to learning to play the guitar is to buy a quality instrument. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money to find a guitar that will give you years of service and a good sound. There are several makes and models of guitars that can be found on a budget that produce a round even tone. Before you go out and buy a new acoustic guitar, an understanding of the basics of guitar construction will arm you with the knowledge to make the right choice for you.
Guitar Construction
Acoustic guitars use the vibrations from the strings to produce the beautiful sounds that are characteristic of acoustic instruments. These vibrations are channeled into the guitar and reverberated through the soundboard. The soundboard is the top of the guitar and usually made of a soft wood to facilitate a rich sound. The back of the guitar and sides are usually made with hard woods for strength and resonance. The fingerboard and neck are made of a variety of hard woods for strength.
There are two types of acoustic guitars, classic and steel string models. Classic models use nylon strings and produce a mellow sound while steel strings produce a more crisp clear sound. You should try out both types of guitars before you decide on the style you want to buy. Your choice will be determined by personal preference and budget. Nylon string classic guitars are generally cheaper in price, not quality, than their steel string alternatives.
Acoustic models are held together by glue. They are constructed with supporting struts on the inside placed on the back wall of the guitar. It is important to remember to use only nylon strings on a classic guitar because the tinsel strength of a steel guitar is greater than a classic one. What this means is that the steel strings will exert too much tension on a classic guitar and may end up damaging it. Some guitar players find steel strings easier to produce a clear note, but again this is a matter of personal preference.
Wood Choices in Guitar Construction
There are two types of construction methods used for the soundboard in an acoustic guitar. One is solid wood and the other is a veneer construction which uses a thin sheet of spruce or cedar over another type of soft wood. The soundboard needs to be made out of a soft wood so that the sound resonates easily and produces a good tone. Cedar gives the top of your guitar a rich brown finish while spruce ranges from light yellow to amber.
The back and sides of a guitar are made of hardwoods and there are several selections that manufacturers can choose from. The traditional choice is rosewood, but nato, walnut, koa, mahogany and walnut may be used. Some backs and sides are made out of a veneer. While solid wood is the preferred choice for quality guitars, veneer does give you strength and good sound for less money.
High end guitars have ebony fingerboards that are beautiful, but very expensive. Since the fingerboard is exposed to a lot of wear, a hardwood is used for durability. Rosewood is generally used. Avoid guitars that have fingerboards that are made of softwood as these models are usually low quality instruments. The choice of woods used in an acoustic guitar can greatly influence the timbre and tone of the notes produced.
Making Your Decision
While your budget may be your main deciding factor when buying an acoustic guitar, keep in mind that a quality guitar will last you a lifetime if you care for it properly. You may be able to skimp on quality in the beginning, but as your skills develop you will want an acoustic guitar that produces a clear tone and is sturdy. Solid wood construction is the most desirable, but there are veneer wood guitars that are comparable in quality to some solid wood models. Try to find a guitar that is the proportioned to your body frame and hands. Classic acoustic guitars are smaller than steel string models and are easier to hold when you are sitting down. Always include a case in your purchase to protect your investment. A hard case is the best choice for an acoustic model as it will protect it and keep your guitar from being damaged while in storage or transport. Research the different options you have and then you can make an informed choice and get the best guitar for your skill and needs.
