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Acoustic Guitars Buying Guide

Love the way acoustic  or unplugged  music sounds? Why not pick up your own acoustic guitar? An acoustic guitar  is hollow inside and features strings and a sound hole  on the front to produce a rich, clear sound. The strings consist of different weights and thicknesses so that when each one is plucked, it produces a varying tone. Acoustic guitars are great for solo artists and mellow bands that allow the depth of these instruments to come through.There are a few things to consider when you are purchasing your guitar.  Read on for more information.

Wood Top

As you may have noticed, all acoustic guitar tops and necks are made out of certain types of wood.The wood you decide on will affect the texture and sound that your instrument produces, and it is especially important when considering the top of the guitar. Consider your options below and note that the wood is typically painted over with a finish which may minimally affect the sound.

  • Mahogany : This type of wood has a low sound velocity that is well equipped for playing on the higher end of your guitar range.
  • Koa : This wood also works better in the higher range as well as the mid-range on your instrument. Its qualities make it a good material when playing rhythm guitar.
  • Brazilian Rosewood : Rosewood can be used on your guitar to play a wide range of tones and produce a full, rich sound. 
  • Red Spruce : In some cases, red spruce is said to be the best type of wood for your acoustic guitar top. It produces a heavy sound with a high velocity and has little reverberation after each note.
  • Alder : This is a lighter guitar that lends its sound to the lower and middle range of notes when playing.

Guitar Body

The way your guitar body is shaped will also affect the way it sounds when you are playing. There are lots of body shapes out there depending on your guitar manufacturer. These are the three basic models that you can find (with or without variations) just about anywhere.

Classic 

Also known as a grand concert guitar,  this is a smaller-bodied model with 12 frets that is small and easy to play. Note that due to its size it also produces the smallest volume of sound. 

Grand Auditorium 

This guitar is similar in style to the classic but it is wider with a rounded back panel. The rounded back provides more volume from the soundbox without increasing the size of the instrument.

Dreadnought 

The dreadnought model provides an acoustic and bass sound and is the most commonly used model for acoustic guitars as it produces a deep sound.

 

Jumbo 

This guitar similarly produces a deep tone but is larger and is built with room for sound and volume. It also may be harder to play due to its size.

Amplify

There are a couple of devices built into your acoustic guitar that help to amplify its sound. 

  • Microphone : Tiny enough to be attached to the body of the guitar.
  • Pick Up : Similar to its electric counterpart, this can also be used on an acoustic guitar. It is detachable and can go over the sound hole.
  • Transducer : This is built into the guitar and is used to convert the energy from the guitar into sound that can be heard.
  • Amplifier : Though these guitars are not equipped to play loud and hard, they can be hooked up to amplifiers to enhance a performance.

Ready to Rock

You just need a few more things to make your new career as musical artist complete--see below and remember that a lot of vendors will sell guitar musician starter kits  that include a guitar, tuner, and case with strap.

Picks 

Some people choose to play with their fingers, but that can be difficult when you are performing continuously. Guitar picks are cheap and can also help the player achieve unique sounds.

Cases 

Guitar cases can be hard or soft depending on your preference and where you plan to travel with your instrument. They are great for keeping it safe from harm no matter what setting you are in.

Wall Hangers /Stands 

When not playing your guitar, it can be useful to have a stand or case to store it on. If you play it once a week or more, this will save you from taking it in and out of the case.

Strings 

Constant use of your guitar can wear out the strings and they will tend to break or snap. Make sure to buy some replacement strings so you always have them on hand.

Tuners 

If something sounds off when playing your guitar, then it's great to have a tuner on hand. They can help to measure your sound so you can tell if the strings are tightened enough.

Related Guides

Electric Guitars

Musical Instruments

Guitar Amplifiers

Music

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