Buying tips & guidelines

Guitar - Buying tips & guidelines

therefore picking your first instrument can be difficult however, the only thing you should really focus on is how the guitar feels in your hands.
You should start with deciding which guitar you wish to play - acoustic, bass or electric. You then narrow your options further by choosing the features that suit the musical style(s) and genre(s) you want to play.

You should also have a budget therefore a price range of affordability in mind before visiting a music shop or browsing online to review the instruments. The recommendation is to try out an instrument before you buy and a friend who plays the instrument, your music teacher or local retailer will be able to provide some advice on makes, sizes, functionalities to consider and other factors to look for.

Also check online shops to see which specific guitars are available that meet your criteria and budget. Music websites may also have chat functionality and forums which are tools you could use to find out more about the guitar you wish to get and support your decision making process.

If you want to fingerpick chords to accompany your singing, get an acoustic guitar and if your preference is to play heavily distorted songs, then go for an electric guitar.

You might be worried about spending too much money on your guitar before fully committing to it being the instrument you wish to learn how to play. On the other hand, the cheap guitar you get can often be difficult to play or keep in tune. This can be really frustrating, and discourage you from your practicing and learning pattern. There’s no need to spend big, but if you really want to play a guitar, get the best one you can reasonably afford.

The brand should not be as important as the quality of the material used in building the instrument if the guitar stays in tune, produces decent tone, and feels comfortable to play, then it should be just fine for a beginner.

If you’re unsure which guitars will provide the quality within your price range, the music shop sales staff, your guitar playing friend or your music teacher will come in handy for help.

Buying online

Skwiix strongly advises against purchasing any instrument on the internet, regardless of the source without initial research. There are musical instruments available on the internet that are suitable for beginners and will allow parents to save a significant amount of money when buying an instrument for a child who is not yet, or may never be, ready to make a lifetime commitment to playing the instrument. However, there are also some very untrustworthy sources, and there are sellers who, intentionally or not, are unable to judge its condition or provide an accurate description. You cannot accurately judge the condition of an instrument from a picture. If you do choose to purchase an instrument online, it would be wise to choose an online retailer with an established reputation. Also, make sure that the seller offers a guarantee that allows you to return the instrument if you are not satisfied once you have had the opportunity to inspect it.

Visit the Skwiix outlet for a great selection of quality guitars.

Renting a guitar

Renting a guitar means that you can try it out before making the commitment to buy it. If you subsequently decide to play another type of guitar or even another instrument then a rented instrument has an advantage because it can be returned to the music shop (subject to your specific agreement, of course).

In addition, renting means you could probably end up with a better quality guitar than you will get if you purchased one as the purchased one could be of lower quality and price, a ‘beginners’ guitar. It is a great way to get your hands on a starter guitar without spending a huge amount, but it's also a great way to try out a ton of guitars before you commit to buying one. It's nice to have a little variety.

Another major advantage for renting is that a reputable rental arrangement will, (subject to agreed conditions), cover you for accidental damage, regular maintenance and if in case the instrument is stolen. It can also be because a new guitar playing young child needs a smaller than full size guitar and will need to replace it one or more times as they grow towards a full size instrument.

The major advantage for buying an instrument is that there is no need to pay recurring fees, which can soon add up and could be put towards buying a quality instrument. You also have to be careful not to buy a very inexpensive guitar that does not meet your learning needs as a beginner as it may present you with difficulty in achieving a good sound and handicap your learning experience.

Many beginners buy a first guitar right off the bat because they are committed and they want to learn. The recommendation is to buy a guitar only when you're absolutely sure you're ready to commit to learning.
The way to look at buying or renting a guitar therefore boils down to : -

Rent a guitar if you want to explore your options
Buy a guitar if you're all in and fully committed

Choosing the right one

The choice of which instrument to select especially if it is your first depends on different factors including : -

The level of your commitment to play the instrument

How much time you want to spend rehearsing playing the instrument
How much money you wish to spend on the instrument
The styles and genres you wish to play
The instrument type that best suits you

How much you can spend on the quality of the instrument you get is wide ranging. You can get a simple good working used instrument that is fully sufficient for your purposes or a new expensive instrument that may not necessarily be fit for your purposes.

To ensure you receive the best opportunity as a beginner, it is best to take time to compare brands, price and customer reviews. Look for models that balance economy with good sound and playability.

You should always seek help before you buy an instrument to know whether the quality of what you’re getting is worth the price. Research and look for guitars reviews, solicit the help of a guitar teacher, a friend or someone who plays the instrument to go with you to play, test, feel, check the instrument before buying is always recommended.

Where possible, it makes sense to check if you can lease or rent a new instrument from the music shop which can be bought later. Do not rush the decision to get your instrument, take your time to ensure that you get the right thing.

If the dealer hasn't got the type of instrument you want, you should ask them to show you the ones they have that is within your budget range to try out. Off course be aware that the Acoustic, Bass and Electric guitars will differ from each other in terms of sound, quality and cost.

To ensure you are buying an instrument fit for purpose carefully check if anything is broken or scratched on your selected instrument before you buy.

What should you look for in a guitar

Does it play well?
Does it sound good?
Does it have a good warranty?
How does it feel?
What is the store return policy?
Do you like the way it looks?
Is it a good brand? (Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha or Fender)

Visit the Skwiix outlet to see the price range of Guitars on offer. You may also find them in pawn shops, auctions, flea markets, classified ads, and online.

Skwiix tips!

Tip 1

Be sure as to your commitment to playing the Guitar. It doesn’t make sense to spend a considerable amount of money on an instrument you have no commitment to playing

Tip 2

Decide on the type of Guitar you wish to play (Acoustic, Bass or Electric). Most starters opt for the Acoustic Classical to begin with because it uses nylon strings

Tip 3

If you opt for an Bass or Electric guitar then ensure sufficient appropriate sound proofed space or headphones to block out the noise

Tip 4

Decide on whether you want to get a new or secondhand instrument

Tip 5

Set a budget of how much or how little you wish to spend on your Guitar. Remember that the cost is dependent on the type of Guitar you wish to get (Acoustic, Bass or Electric, New or Second hand).

Tip 6

Second hand Guitars will normally be less expensive that newer ones. Many music stores offer both new and second hand guitars and can assist you in choosing the right fit for you or your child.

Tip 7

Before you buy a used guitar, it is best to guarantee that it is a workable instrument with no playing defects. Get as much information as possible about the history of the instrument

Tip 8

Before you buy a used guitar, play it to make sure every note sound is in tune, the volume and tone is consistent on the scale

Tip 9

Find and talk to a guitar teacher whose insight you can pick and/or guitar playing friends, relatives for their insight. The trick to all of this is how it is displayed on the website, but also making sure that the visuals are lovely and engaging.

Tip 10

Although it may be convenient and sometimes even less expensive to buy your guitar online, it is best to go to a shop that sells several brands and types of the instrument where you can actually get the look and feel the instrument. Try out several before you make your decision.

Tip 11

Whether new or used, inquire about a warranty for the guitar you intend to buy. Make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. It should include a time frame for returns or exchanges. It should also outline exactly what repairs will be made to the guitar and for how long before charges would be incurred.

Tip 12

If visiting a shop to buy your instrument, arrange an appointment and if possible, go with a teacher or someone knowledgeable about guitars to play the instrument as a test, get their feedback before you buy it.

Tip 13

Make sure in addition to the guitar, you also get a method book

New vs Second hand

It’s always a great idea to buy used when you know exactly what you’re getting into. Like buying a used car, you should only buy a used guitar if you know what to look for and aren’t too worried about making repairs. If you do decide to purchase a used guitar, take someone who has been playing the guitar for years with you–they’ll know what to look for and will play the guitar to see if there’s anything obviously wrong with it. Many quality instruments are sold used at significantly reduced prices. Good guitars tend to hold up well over time, so if you are lucky enough to come across such a quality instrument at a good price, snap it up.

People usually sell their used instruments for about 1/2 to 3/4 the price they paid for them depending on its condition and the owners knowledge of the guitars value. It is possible to find a good second-hand guitar for the price of a new entry-level or beginner guitar although it takes much looking. Be very careful and diligent when checking a used guitar however.

Used guitars can be found in places like the local music instrument store, through online classifieds, and even major online music retailers.

If you’re a first-timer, want to get an instrument with no wear and tear, frets in perfect condition or don’t want to spend money on surprise repairs, it makes sense to purchase a new guitar. If you’re concerned about price, keep an eye out for online sales or consider renting until you can afford the new guitar you want instead.

If you’re looking for a guitar that sounds great and is affordable, you should absolutely consider buying used gear. Not only does used gear maintain its quality, but also you can save an average of 20 percent off the original price and often even more.

Plus if you decide that you want to try something new, you can typically resell a used guitar for close to the same price you paid for it. Plus, there's the undeniable cool factor that comes from old guitars.