6 Tips For Buying Electric Guitars
1. Understand how amplifiers and effects can influence how you sound.
The truth is that unlike acoustic guitars, the guitar isn’t all there is to it.
Among the things that contribute to how you sound playing the electric guitar besides the guitar itself and you playing it include the amplifier,
the effects you’re using as well as in the case tube amps how long the amp has been on.
A great sounding amplifier can help a cheap or substandard guitar sound a lot better than it really is.
To avoid being so pleased with that 100 dollar guitar you tested with that Marshall full stack only to buy a Micro Cube and take it home and be utterly devastated when you realize that it doesn’t sound like a Marshall full stack here are some things you can try :
- If you are buying you’re guitar and amplifier together test them together so you know what you’ll be getting together.
- If you already have an amplifier that is somewhat portable try to bring it along or find a friend with the guitar you want or something similar so you can test it with your amplifier.
- Understand the limitations of the equipment you buy. You’re not going to sound like you’re playing in a stadium if you’re playing a small amplifier in your bedroom,but that doesn’t mean you’ll sound bad.
2. Figure Out What You Want To Sound Like
Figuring out what or who you want to sound like and finding out what equipment they use will also help you on your way to getting a guitar you will love for a long time.
For example if you love the sounds of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn or Jimi Hendrix and want to sound like them chances are you want a Fender Stratocaster.
The trick at that point is just buying the right one for your budget with the right amplifier.
That being said if it is you shouldn’t be rushing off to get the favourite guitar of someone you’re a fan of, but it should get you somewhere in the neighborhood of where you want to be,
at which point you can see how agreeable whatever it is with you want is with your budget and find a middle ground
3. Buy a guitar you’ll play for a long time
This is a tip regarding budget.
Sometimes people find a guitar they really like and are convinced they could really play it then get discouraged when they see the price tag and opt for a cheaper option they do not enjoy as much.
Although as mentioned early you need not go for the most expensive instrument, but if you happen to fall head over heels with it and you know that it’s the one for you, why not? You can check out Musical Instru’s blog about the best electric guitar under $300.
Have a look at that price tag, if you really love that guitar and it really doesn’t cost that much more than the cheaper option you were going for, there’s nothing wrong with waiting an extra few months.
Another tip is regarding foresight. Some players who start playing an instrument like guitar do so because of a certain genre or style,
which is fine if you intend to buy an other guitar in the event that you suddenly develop an interest in another genre.
But if you’re short on cash and intend on playing that guitar for a long time but still see yourself using it for many styles of playing you may want to consider compromising and getting a more adaptable instrument.
4. If It Only Does One Thing Make Sure It Does It Well
Say this isn’t your first guitar and you’ve decided to place your focus on a specific genre or style of playing, in which case you should try to get the best possible guitar.
Seeing as this isn’t you’re first guitar you can most definitely afford to wait a bit or save up.
You shouldn’t be getting anything other than what you want unless you need it urgently for special occasion or some sort unique circumstance.
If possible, the most favourable outcome is always that if you’re buying a guitar to play metal for example after you get this particular guitar all your metal needs are seen to and taken care of.
5. Do Not Buy On Impulse.
Never buy equipment on impulse especially if it costs a large amount. Large sums of money should be dealt with with care.
Make sure to think over your purchases before making them so you know what you’re going into and that you won’t regret your decision.
This includes looking at other options and other brands to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
It is also very important to ask yourself why you are buying this instrument and whether or not it is the right one.
For example buyers looking to buy guitars to play and buyers looking to buy guitars to collect or resell look for very different things when shopping so this needs to be taken into account.
6. Do You Need To Modify It?
Many people buy a guitar only to change their mind about it soon after and start modifying it within an inch of its life.
If possible, it is usually more worth it to just get a guitar with the specifications you like,
not risk it getting hideously disfigured by a guitar technician that isn’t properly trained and just play it the way it is and just enjoy it as it is for the entirety of its life.
That being said, that is not usually possible.
Modifications such as certain types of tuners, bridges or pickups that do not come with that particular guitar model will become necessary if you want a certain kind of guitar.
Scalloping frets or sanding necks are also one such practice that is sometimes necessary after purchase.
However if after you have decided on a guitar and realised you have no choice but to modify it in some way it is also always wise to take into account how much that will cost and to enquire regarding how well that particular guitar may take to that kind of treatment.