Buying A Good Acoustic Guitar

Test the sound quality in the store. The sales person will expect this so don't be shy. Try out different guitars in the store, and try to see what 'feels' right, more than what looks right! Play a few chords and preferably up and down the fret board to measure the responsiveness at different points. A common fault in cheaper acoustics is the greater distance between the strings and fretboard closer to the 'hole'. Look for what sounds the best to you. You'll be glad about this later. Take the guitar into the amp room if possible to do this. Strings on the other acoustic guitars in the room will create sound when you play a guitar (sympathetic vibration), making the guitar sound better than it actually is.

Consider how big the guitar is. If you like the sound but can't play it, Gibson and Ibanez offer smaller guitars. The key thing is that the bottom groove should fit comfortably on your right thigh, and sitting upright, you should be able to strum with your elbow at right angles to the neck, and your wrist flexible. It should feel comfortable in your arms, like a good woman!

Select a guitar that fits your style. Some examples are electric/acoustic guitars for rockers, and acoustics for classical or country or even jazz and blues. The electro-acoustic guitars or semi-acoustic guitars create a different sound which can only be assessed using an amp so ask the store to set up an amp for you to test this. Don't get confused between Spanish Classical guitars, which have nylon strings, and normal acoustic guitars, which have steel strings.

Make sure once you choose your guitar at a store where they let you play your guitar. Make sure after you play it for a while, there are no buzzing sounds on the 1st string 3rd fret, or on the 13th fret.

Electro acoustic guitar is a good type, but it might not sound as rich as a real acoustic guitar unless you use an amplifier. But electro-acoustics, which are usually half the size, are also quieter to practice on - unless plugged in! - and don't stretch your voice if you want to sing along!!!