Choosing the right acoustic guitar for your child or yourself can be a complicated process because there are many options available in the market. You should start by deciding how you wish to use your guitar.
The way you intend to use your guitar can narrow down your search and options. Apart from that, here are a few things you should look for in Acoustic guitars to make sure you buy the right one.
1. Electronics
If you wish to perform or use your guitar in front of a large crowd, you need access to electronic systems such as preamplifiers and pickups. Some guitars also come with preamps mounted within them on the side of the guitar, while others have them mounted on the inside of the soundhole. You can also go for systems that put it all together: a preamplifier, piezo pickups, tuners, EQ, and a microphone.
2. Intonation
Intonation is one of the most important characteristics of any guitar, as it determines if the notes will play in tune as you move your finger upwards on the neck.
If the distance between the frets is not correct, the guitar will not be able to produce the notes and play in tune, thus making the guitar useless.
3. Body style
Some guitars are available in a wide spectrum of shapes and sizes, ranging from travel-size guitars to jumbo ones. It is important to consider the body style as it affects the sound projection and tone emphasis.
You should consider how comfortable it is to play the guitar and the tonal quality. You can find guitars with a single-cutaway design and a double-cutaway design. This design allows you greater access to the upper frets.
4. Fingerboard and bridge
The bridge and fingerboard are a very important part of your guitar and affect the quality of the sound produced. While they are not as significant as the body of the guitar, it is still important to use high-quality materials for making the fingerboard and bridge.
5. Tonewood
The type of wood used determines the sound and tonal quality produced by an acoustic guitar. The majority of guitar makers use spruce as the standard material. The type of wood also affects the cost of the guitar.
6. Tuning machines
Tuning machines are a very important part of your guitar. They allow you to hold pitch and fine-tune. Tuning machines that are well covered and enclosed are resistant to rust and corrosion and therefore do not need to be replaced and do not require as much maintenance as open tuning machines.
7. Neck
The size of your hand determines the type of neck you should choose. The width and thickness of the neck usually depend on the size of the guitar’s body and how many frets the neck has to hold. The majority of guitars have necks with 12 to 14 frets.
8. The guitar’s finish
The guitar’s finish can affect the vibration of the wood, but you can not choose or change the finish. The type of finish is selected by the guitar maker, and they usually know which finishing to use.
In a nutshell
The above-mentioned aspects of the guitar are very important to consider when buying your guitar. A good guitar can last your entire life, so you must do your research before making the final decision. Whatever you decide, always make sure that you take good care of the instrument.
