03 May What Makes a Good Guitar | Best Acoustic Guitar Inspection

What Makes a Good Guitar?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Choosing the right acoustic guitar or electric guitar is a highly personal decision for guitar players, though there are some things to look out for.
• Make sure your guitar is primarily made from actual wood, as many cheap guitars are made from hybrids, plastics, and particleboards. 
• If you can, try the guitar before you buy it. To get a quality guitar, go for a classic guitar model with plenty of string vibrations, though these may be expensive guitars. 

If you are new to the world of musical instruments, you may wonder what makes a good guitar. Many of the best guitars, after all, are acoustics, and these instruments vary depending on a number of factors. So what helps to create the best acoustic guitars, and what should you be on the lookout for when making a purchase? Keep reading to find out.

What is a Great Acoustic Guitar?

Guitars come in many prices and styles if you are learning the best acoustic guitar for under $300. One person’s perfect instrument could be another’s least favorite, as much of this involves personal preference and learning how to perform basic maintenance procedures like how to set up a guitar.

There are some common variables among the best-regarded acoustics, however, such as high-grade components that do not require you to learn how to adjust the guitar intonation every few weeks. The wood used in construction also matters, as does the design. Otherwise, you may have to learn how to refinish a guitar.

How to Check an Acoustic Guitar

While each guitar is different, there are some components to keep an eye on as you shop for your perfect instrument.

Wood Types

There is no “best” wood for an acoustic, but you should make sure it is made primarily of wood and not some kind of particleboard, plastic, or another hybrid material. It doesn’t really matter if your guitar is made from various types of wood, as combining different wood types in one instrument allows for unique tonal variations. In other words, different types of wood react in different ways with one another. No matter your budget, just make sure as much of the guitar as possible is made from actual wood, including the neck, the body, the bridge, and more.

Research the Factory

Take some time to research the actual factory that manufactured the guitar and read reviews online. Sometimes, even the exact same model is made at two different factories, with one factory creating a better product than the other. In the old days, you wanted an American or Japanese factory, but things are not so simple anymore.

Play It

You know the phrase, “if it sounds good, it is good?” This is of special importance with guitars. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what the instrument is made from or how it was manufactured, so long as it feels great while you play it and it creates a pleasing sound while strummed and picked.

Good Acoustic FAQs

How  do I choose the best guitar?

Choosing the best guitar is a personal choice, so try out various models by different guitar makers at pawn shops, guitar shops, and more. 

What makes an electric guitar sound good?

It is the same as acoustics, more or less. Look for a guitar made from a single piece of wood, and make sure the pickups are well-regarded. If possible, try the electric guitar pickups ahead of time to see if you like them. 

What’s involved in a guitar setup? 

For an electric guitar or acoustic setup for guitar players, repair techs adjust the bridge and the neck, along with replacing the strings and taking a look at the truss rod. The same is true when setting up classical guitars with a truss rod. 

 

STAT

“Circa 1850, the form and structure of the modern guitar are credited to Spanish guitar maker Antonio Torres Jurado, who increased the size of the guitar body, altered its proportions, and made use of fan bracing.” (source)

TIP: If you are buying a guitar online, head to a local shop and try it out before executing the purchase.

 

Sources:

https://www.superprof.com/blog/our-advice-on-how-to-find-the-right-guitar-teacher/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_guitar

https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3s2FRq58oJAC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=acoustic+guitar&ots=owwyra6w5y&sig=_lnLZA0yObOpbVVKdBbLpmIeO6g#v=onepage&q=acoustic%20guitar&f=false

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar

https://www.jstor.org/stable/3681428