Acoustic Guitar

I am looking to buy an acoustic guitar, I am have completed the guitar fundamentals 1 & 2 on a classical guitar so far. Hw much should I spend and what make should I go for? I will most likely not get another guitar after buying an acoustic one so I do want it to be a good one. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Clare

Hi Clare,

Congrats on getting through the Fundamentals 1+2!

What kind of guitar you buy depends on a few factors. Here are some questions for you. Let me know your answer to these, and then I'll see if I can help you narrow it down.

1. What general price range would you be most comfortable with? (under $250, 250-400, 400-650, 650-800, 800-1000)? Or more? Or less?

2. How tall are you? (many women do better with slightly smaller guitars than many guys go for)

3. Do you live near a guitar store where you could go try a few different options out?

4. I'm guessing that you mean you'll be buying a steel string (as opposed to another nylon string) guitar. Are you aware that there will be some changes for you to get used to? (slimmer neck, tougher strings, different tonality, etc.)

5. Do you want a used, or a new guitar?

Best wishes, Lisa

HI Lisa,

Thanks for your reply.


I am looking to spend about £200 and am 5' 6'', I do live near a few shops I could go to.
Someone at work is bringing in thier second hand Tanglewood for me to try which is an electric ascoustic guitar for £100 although I will probably only play it as an acoustic.

I will definately be buying a steel string and am very much looking forward to it having a slimer neck!!

I did see a Fender DG5 I thought looked good, what do you think of this make?

Thanks for your help.

Clare

Hi Clare,

The best thing to do, in my opinion, is go to the guitar shops near you and try a few. Not only will you be listening to them, but pay attention also to how they feel to you ergonomically. At 5'6" you could probably handle a variety of sizes (I'm only 5'2", so a smaller guitar is better for me). Find a guitar that feels really comfortable to you when you hold it. That's important in how much you'll be drawn to play it.

I haven't had a bad experience with Fender, but I do feel their specialty is electric, not acoustic, guitars. If it's all the same to you, you might go with a manufacturer who's stronger suit is their acoustic guitars.

Also, for the money, buying a used guitar can be a good idea as long as it is in good shape and has been treated well. Acoustic guitars develop tone as they age, so a used guitar may actually sound better (and maybe also be cheaper) than a shiny new one.

Keep us posted - and have fun!
Best- Lisa