Best Guitar Shop » first guitar

Epiphone Roy Orbison 12-String Acoustic Guitar Officially Launches in Miami

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:14:34 +0000

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, Epiphone Guitar and EMI Music Publishing Latin America teamed up to celebrate and honor Roy Orbison and presented Epiphone’s new Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String Acoustic Guitar. The mood of the evening was set with Roy Orbison’s hits throughout the event here at the Miami Showroom.

Renowned local singer/songwriter Jim Camacho, who recently earned the New Times’ "Best Songwriter" and "Best Acoustic Performer” Awards, interpreted Orbison’s greatest hits for an intimate gathering of fans, VIP’s and key players in the industry — such as EMI Music Publishing’s Director Andres Sandoval — all wearing Orbison-signature sunglasses.

Astonishing local model Denysse Carrillo wore superb latest creation by Carolina Boulton to emulate Orbison’s legendary Pretty Woman. EMI Music Publishing Latin America provided exclusive Roy Orbison content including “Oh Pretty Woman”, “Crying” and “Blue Bayou.

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“Sound” Advice on Guitars as Christmas Gifts

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:58:55 +0000

Guitars are sold everywhere this holiday season. But be wary: Don't go and buy the cheapest thing you see or pick up the first instrument you find.

Local instrument experts say you should consider these things whether you're buying a guitar.

Whether your son or daughter is trying to shred like Metallica or play Bob Dylan covers, here's what to look for:

In general
For beginners, many guitars come in packages that include everything you need to start learning to play.
Electric guitar packages come with the guitar, an amplifier, a strap, extra strings, picks, a carrying bag and an instructional DVD or book or both.
Acoustic guitar packages come with the guitar, bag, strap, strings, picks and instructional material. Some stores also offer another acoustic package that comes with an amplifier for an additional $30.
Packages come from a multitude of manufacturers and cost at least $200 for an electric guitar and $149 and up for an acoustic.
Individual instruments can be had for less than the price of the packages. An acoustic guitar will cost at least $100. An electric guitar will cost around $110 and up.

Acoustic or electric?
What's better for a beginner: an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar?
It's one of the most commonly asked questions at guitar stores, but the answer isn't clear cut.
One isn't necessarily better to play or easier to learn than the other. It's a stylistic choice.
If the person playing the instrument wants to learn country, folk, worship or other music, an acoustic guitar is generally the better choice. For rock 'n' roll, an electric is generally better, said Dan Sullivan, pro shop manager at Dietze Music.
And for those parents worrying that the noise from an electric guitar will shake the walls, be not afraid. The amps in the starter packages mentioned above are usually only a meager 10 watts.
“They're not that loud. And they all come with headphone jacks,” Sullivan said.

Guitar stand
Those nifty packages come with everything. Everything but somewhere to put your guitar when you're not using it. You can pick up a simple guitar stand anywhere for under $20.

Size
Sometimes kids need small-sized guitars because they're not big enough to comfortably play a full-size guitar.
Children can benefit from playing a smaller guitar, but it depends on the child's height. Someone at a store can help you pick the right size, said Hoyle of Russo's.
At age 11 or 12, it might be a good idea to buy a full-size guitar even if the child isn't quite big enough to play it yet since they'll quickly outgrow a small-size guitar.

Strings and picks
Guitar strings come in all kinds of styles and from many manufacturers.
For a beginner, it's best to use a light to medium gauge string. The lighter strings are easier for a beginner to press down and play notes.
As for picks, they come in countless shapes, sizes and thicknesses. Again, it's better for a beginner to use a thinner, lighter gauge pick. They're easier to use and require less finesse than a thicker pick, Hoyle said.

Amplifiers and pedals
The Foo Fighters might have them, but a beginner doesn't need an enormous amplifier.
If you're not buying as part of a package, a 10- or 15-watt amp is perfect for a beginner. Many by Marshall and Fender have both clean and distorted channels in order to play a variety of different styles.
For a higher price, some amps have multiple effects that can make a guitar sound like practically any guitarist you admire.
“You want to be Eddie Van Halen on the spot? Just push a button,” Hoyle said.

Lessons
It used to be that you had two options: Take lessons or fumble around and try to teach yourself.
“I'm self-taught,” Hoyle said. “When I started, I watched people play or listened to the album and pulled the needle back and listened again to figure out a part.”

A few more options exist today on the Web. Many sites are dedicated to teaching guitar with videos, sheet music and tablature that can help you learn a plethora of songs.

Still, the experts say getting one-on-one time with an instructor and being able to ask questions is important.
“There's a lot of cool stuff on the Internet. There's a treasure trove of information,” Sullivan said. “(But) lessons are the optimum way to do it.”

Teachers can give students direction and guidance and teach them a guitar philosophy that you can't get from a computer, Hoyle said.
Instructors at local stores teach on acoustic and electric guitars in a variety of styles and offer lessons to almost any age. Children can start as young as 6 years old.

NEW HANDMADE BLUE Acoustic GuitarStandExtras

0 Bid

US $9.95

NEW ACOUSTIC GUITAR W ACCESSORIES COMBO KIT BEGINNERS

US $34.99

New 38 HOT PINK Acoustic Guitar Set Kit Pack Lessons

US $2.99

HUNTINGTON 41 INCH HANDCRAFTED CUTAWAY ACOUSTIC GUITAR

US $69.95

NEW HANDMADE COFFEE Acoustic GuitarStandExtras

0 Bid

US $9.95

NEW HANDMADE NATURAL Acoustic GuitarStandExtras

0 Bid

US $9.95

15m

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:41:38 +0000

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar

Great first guitar.
What's so special about the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar? The super-low price for starters and that's not all. It gives you all the essential elements of a Les Paul. Made with a mahogany body, bolt-on mahogany neck, smooth 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, this baby is every bit as handsome as its uptown cousins. Features 700T/650R open-coil humbucking pickups that deliver long, singing sustain and true Les Paul tones. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece add more sustain and make string changing easier. Limited lifetime warranty.

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar Features:
• Mahogany body
• Bolt-on neck mahogany neck
• 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
• 700T/650R open-coil humbuckers
• 24-3/4" scale
• 1-5/8" nut width
• LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece add more sustain and easier string changing
• Tone, volume, and 3-way pickup switch
• Hardware: chrome (black on wine red finish)

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar

9 Bids

US $100.00

3h 4m

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar

0 Bid

US $140.00

3h 58m

New Epiphone By Gibson Les Paul Limited Edition Custom

US $799.99

14h 4m

Olmpic White Fender Stratocaster with vintage finish

US $550.00

15h 45m

EPIPHONE LES PAUL SPECIAL II ELECTRIC GUITAR

US $239.00

17h 40m

Epiphone Les Paul Special II electric guitar

0 Bid

US $69.00

1d 7m

Gibson J45 Standard Rosewood Electro Acoustic

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:28:05 +0000

The J-45 has been Gibson’s top-selling acoustic guitar for years. Nicknamed, The Workhorse, and first introduced in 1942, Gibson’s most popular acoustic is now the icon of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line, world renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. Subtle changes to the bracing of its predecessor, the J-35, made Gibson’s J-45 one of most technically advanced guitars of its time.

Nickel Grover Rotomatic tuners are an engineering marvel, with abundant style and performance exactly suited for the J-45. With a gear ratio of 14:1, the Rotomatics deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. All moving parts are cut for exact meshing, eliminating the possibility of slippage. A countersunk tension screw lets players regulate the tuning tension to any degree. A special lubricant inside the gear box provides smooth and accurate tuning stability.
The top of the J-45 is made from AA-grade Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from pattern grade Honduras mahogany, giving the J-45 its world renowned full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. Selecting the right wood, and the formula to dry it out, are two of the most central procedures to Gibson’s guitar-building process. Beginning with its first catalog in 1903, Gibson has assured its customers that every guitar would be built using woods with the most durable, elastic, and sonorous qualities, and today’s guitars from Gibson Acoustic are no different.

The pickguard for the J-45 is Gibson’s standard plain tortoise tear drop shape, which has been used on the J-45 since its introduction in 1942. As with all of Gibson’s pickguards, the coloring and binding are all done by hand.

A rosette is the beautiful, hand-crafted circle around the sound hole, and can be one of the most ornamental elements of any acoustic guitar. It is also one of the most subtle and complicated woodworking decorations on any acoustic guitar. The rosette on the J-45 is a simple single-ring rosette consisting of three-ply binding, adding a stylish, understated elegance to the J-45 Standard.

Rosewood Fingerboard with Rolled Edges and Dot Inlays The fingerboard of Gibson’s J-45 is constructed from the highest grade rosewood on earth, which is personally inspected and qualified by Gibson’s team of skilled experts before it enters the Gibson factories. The resilience of this durable wood makes the fingerboard extremely balanced and stable, and gives each chord and note unparalleled clarity and bite. The J-45s dot inlays are made of genuine mother of pearl, measuring approximately ¼-inch in diameter, and are inserted into the fingerboard using a process that eliminates gaps. The fingerboard also sports a rolled edge instead of the usual right angle where the fingerboard surface meets the neck; Gibson Acoustics’ rolled edges are slightly beveled for an extremely smooth and comfortable feel, enhancing the playability of the J-45.

1970S GIBSON J45 ACOUSTIC GUITAR

US $1,399.00

1d 21h 23m

Gibson Advanced Jumbo J45

US $2,650.00

3d 2h 28m

Gibson J45 1966 Under the bed for decades orig case

0 Bid

US $2,600.00

8d 1h 21m

Gibson J45 1963 Amazing condition Original case too

0 Bid

US $2,900.00

8d 1h 49m

gibson custom j45 j 45 j 45 vine rare

US $5,000.00

19d 9h 55m

Taylor Guitars and Country Pop Star Taylor Swift Announce New Signature Model

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:56:45 +0000

Once a talented, aspiring preteen with a Taylor guitar and big musical dreams, country pop superstar Taylor Swift has made her mark on the music industry. After spending much of 2009 on her first headlining tour and celebrating the milestone success of 10 million total albums sold and over 20 million paid downloads, Swift is now adding to
her repertoire as a singer, songwriter and actress with her very own signature guitar. In collaboration, Taylor Guitars and Taylor Swift announce the arrival of the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor guitar (TSBT), a model that is sure to inspire players of all skill levels with its compact size, full-voiced tone and a top that features Swift's design touches.

Based on the best-selling Baby Taylor guitar, the TSBT is ideal for both promising players and accomplished pickers. At three-quarters the size of a standard dreadnought, with a slim 1 11/16-inch neck and a comfortably compact shape, the guitar is just right for both the littlest player's hands and anyone who likes to pick up and play on the go. With the new model, Swift
hopes to inspire others to express themselves through music. "I wanted to share my passion for playing guitar with my fans," she says. "For a beginner, finding the right guitar can be intimidating, but this guitar, it's the
perfect size. Even if you've been playing for years, it's a great size to travel with."

The TSBT is crafted from a resilient sapele laminate body with a solid Sitka spruce top. Swift's design, which encircles the guitar's soundhole, features her well-known expression "Love, Love, Love" among delicate vines. The design also commemorates the songwriting spirit and success of her latest album, Fearless, whose title is inscribed above the bridge along with her signature.

Swift, who shares a close relationship with Taylor Guitars and regularly uses a variety of Taylor guitars when both performing and recording, fondly remembers her own Baby Taylor as a go-to guitar during her early days of touring. "I used to sit in the back seat of the rental car while I was on my radio tour at 16, writing songs on my Baby Taylor guitar," she reflects. "I love the sound, and I love those memories."

It's not just Swift who is excited about this guitar. Taylor dealers everywhere are also eagerly anticipating its arrival, like Bryan Rankins from Fazio's Frets and Friends in St. Louis, Missouri. "It's not often that I get
excited about another 'signature' guitar, but when I heard about the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor, my reaction was much different," Rankins says. "Here you have an incredibly gifted young woman who is inspiring young people through her words and music. When I first saw a picture of the guitar, I knew right away that it would help spawn a whole new breed of young musicians and give them something positive that will stay with them for the rest of their lives."

In addition to Taylor's global network of dealers, the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor is available now for pre-orders at Amazon.com. "We're thrilled to work with Taylor Guitars to make the new Taylor Swift Baby Taylor available to our customers," said Noah Herschman, director of Home Electronics and Musical Instruments for Amazon.com. "Taylor Swift is one of the hottest stars in
country and pop music, and her collaboration with Taylor Guitars has resulted in a product that we think our customers will love. Now they can pre-order it and ensure they'll get it in time for the holidays."

Introduced in 1996, the Baby Taylor was designed to be the ultimate musical travel companion and set the standard for how good a small guitar could sound.
Delivering impressive volume and tone for its compact dimensions, the Baby Taylor quickly became the favorite "road guitar" for many professional musicians, including rock legends Bono (U2) and Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), pop artist Katy Perry, and country music hit makers Clint Black and Tim McGraw.

The TSBT will be offered at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $398 and comes ready to rock in a cushioned Taylor Guitars gig bag. The Taylor Swift Baby Taylor guitar is available for purchase at authorized Taylor Guitars dealers, Amazon.com and soon, at TaylorSwift.com.

Seagull S6 Acoustic Guitar

admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:16:23 +0000

Seagull The Original S6 Acoustic Guitar
Great-looking award winner with solid cedar top and genuine lacquer finish! Highly recommened as a first guitar.

Gorgeous domestic wild cherry back and sides provide a unique tone blending the warmth of mahogany with the crisp definition of maple. Silverleaf maple neck on a shorter 24.84" scale with a rosewood fretboard is easy on the fingers while specially aligned machine heads make for quick, stable tuning.
Seagull The Original S6 Acoustic Guitar Features:
• Solid cedar top
• Wild cherry back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• Tusq nut and compensated saddle
• Semi-gloss lacquer finish
The perfect combination of precision luthiery and low price.

Seagull Entourage Mini Jumbo Acoustic Guitar Rustic NEW

US $329.99

19h 55m

Seagull S6 Slim Acoustic Guitar S 6 In Box

US $299.00

1d 3h 8m

SEAGULL S6 {Original} Q1 ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC Handmade

US $519.00

1d 19h 28m

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar Cedar

6 Bids

US $52.00

2d 1h 7m

Seagull S6 Original Series Acoustic Guitar w GIG BAG

US $327.20

3d 1h 5m

Guild D-40 Acoustic Guitar Review

admin — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:35:38 +0000

By Charles Saufley

With a lineup of classic flattop models including the F-30, F-50, F-412, and D-55 and a league of devotees that has included Nick Drake, Tim Buckley, Ralph Towner, Richie Havens, and Ryan Adams, Guild is among the most loved and respected acoustic-guitar companies. But while rightly regarded as an institution, Guild has had several homes, counting New York City; Hoboken, New Jersey; Westerly, Rhode Island; Corona, California; and Tacoma, Washington, as headquarters during its 57-year history. Late last year, Guild’s parent company, Fender Musical Instruments (who acquired the brand in 1995), announced that Guild was on the move again—this time back east to the New Hartford, Connecticut, factory that is home to Ovation production. (Fender also owns Ovation’s parent company, Kaman Music.)

Our review specimen of Guild’s stalwart D-40 dreadnought is among the first to emerge from the new facility. The quality, timeless style, and vibe that has always made Guild guitars special was evident the minute I took this guitar out of the case, and it only took a little picking and strumming to discover that the D-40’s tone and versatility are worthy of the Guild legacy.

A MAHOGANY LEGEND
The D-40 first appeared in 1963 along with the rosewood-and-spruce D-50. The two guitars were critical to Guild’s growth as it transitioned away from jazz archtops, and they were well timed to coincide with the acoustic guitar boom of the 1960s.
Except for a few noteworthy exceptions, the Connecticut-produced D-40 is faithful to the design and spirit of its 1960s forebears. It’s built around a lovely Adirondack spruce top with subtle bearclaw figuring and rich, chocolatey mahogany back and sides and finished with a flawlessly applied nitrocellulose lacquer that gives the guitar a mirror-like depth and shine. Guild’s trademark art-deco headstock—capped here with ebony—looks as sharp as a bespoke suit, sporting deco-inspired Gotoh 700 tuners, a pearl “Chesterfield” inlay (named for its similarity to the Chesterfield cigarette logo), and a pearl Guild logo that lend the guitar a distinctly American elegance. Among the changes to the original design are details such as a slightly tighter 30-foot top radius (earlier versions had a 40-foot radius), which Guild says increases the guitar’s sustain and projection, and a dual-action truss rod, rather than the older single-action type.

The three-piece neck (which has a slightly smaller heel than most older Guilds) is made from mahogany with a walnut “skunk” stripe at its center, and the rosewood bridge is cut in Guild’s signature twin-peaked shape. As on so many Guilds, there are plenty of small luxuries that make the guitar feel like some¬thing more than an ordinary factory ax: black-and-white rosette with a delicate ring of tortoise; tortoise binding and heel cap; and bone nut, bridge, and bridge pins.

FAT, WARM, AND LOUD
I’ve played a lot of D-40 dreadnoughts (as well as all-mahogany D-25’s and spruce-topped D-35’s) over the years, and I’ve always loved their playability, punch, and warmth. They’re like the guitar equivalent of a 30-year-old baseball glove—supple, responsive, and ready to go. Tuning up and laying into some first-position chords, I found that this D-40 displayed much of the power and glow that I remembered in those old Guilds. Like a new baseball glove, it felt a little stiff at first, but a fresh set of strings brought the D-40 to life—making the guitar feel a little faster under the fingers and adding a little extra shimmer to its kick and warmth.

Eager to break in the D-40, I had a go at my favorite Fred Neil vehicle for fast and heavy strumming, “Looks Like Rain.” The Guild’s warmth and clarity made me feel right at home, and I was impressed with the D-40’s responsiveness and tone under both a light and heavy touch. This is a dynamic and touch-sensitive guitar—not prone to harshness or harmonic blur when you push it, as some mahogany guitars are, nor apt to lose bass or high-end when you take your foot off the gas.

My interest piqued by the D-40’s sparkly, high-mid voice, I snapped a capo onto the third fret and improvised around the chord melody to “Shady Grove.” In this context the Guild was as responsive to delicate arpeggios as muscular, staccato picking—again demonstrating a wide dynamic range that will delight flatpickers and vocal accompanists. And I couldn’t help but think how much I’d value this guitar if I played in a band that worked in a wide range of styles. This guitar has a considerable presence that would find a place in any mix.

Fingerstyle explorations, in this case, improvisations in D A D G A D and C G C G C Eb, benefited from the D-40’s impressive range, too. The lower tunings showcased the D-40’s formidable low-end sustain, color, and overtones, and a driving, uptempo original tune in D A D G A D that relies on a droning sixth string sounded orchestral thanks to the D-40’s bottom-end muscle and high-end detail. Changing strings yet again—this time switching to light-gauge strings to facilitate faster bends—made the guitar feel even livelier for fingerstyle workouts. And though it took slightly more effort to summon the same low-end thump, the guitar remained balanced, responsive, and full of character.

NO-NONSENSE STYLE, RICH TONAL PALETTE
Over the course of the month I spent with this Connecticut-bred D-40, it became an ever more-rewarding companion. Though I enjoyed the guitar’s warm, boisterous voice most when strumming with a heavy, percussive, Neil Young–style attack (especially with the sixth string dropped a step or more), the D-40 was a great companion for delicate, late-night fingerpicking sessions, where I could appreciate its sustain and rich palette of overtones. It’s also a subtly gorgeous instrument, built with all the style and attention to detail that has made Guild a favorite of no-nonsense guitarists. If this D-40 is typical of the Connecticut factory’s work, it bodes well for Guild’s continuing legacy as a guitar maker for serious players who value utility and timeless style over flash.

At a Glance: Guild D-40 THE SPECS
Solid Adirondack spruce top. Solid mahogany back and sides. Three-piece mahogany and walnut neck. Dovetail neck joint. Rosewood fretboard and bridge. Bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins. 25.63-inch scale. 111/16-inch nut width. 21/8-inch string spacing at the saddle. High-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Gotoh 700 tuners. D’Addario EXP 17 medium-gauge phosphor-bronze strings. Made in USA.

Guild D40 Bluegrass Jubilee USA MADE setup CLEARANCE

US $1,299.99

1h 13m

Guild D 40 Bluegrass Jubilee in Antique Sunburst

US $2,395.00

19h 53m

Guild D 40 C Acoustic Dreadnought PERFECT Condition

US $1,200.00

1d 42m

Guild D40 Bluegrass Jubilee USA MADE setup CLEARANCE

US $1,299.99

1d 1h 23m

GUILD D40 BLUEGRASS JUBILEE D 40 D TAR ACOUSTIC W CASE

US $2,399.00

1d 18h 33m

The Jesus Papyrus

US $3.25

4d 17h 21m

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Guitars

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:53:59 +0000

Shopping for an electric guitar or any guitar for that matter is a tedious and time consuming process, and this is especially true for beginner’s electric guitar. What makes one guitar different from another? Is a guitar that costs $1000 better than one that is $500 or$100?

You only get what you pay for.
It can be a daunting task especially for beginners looking at all the different electric guitar models trying to make a decision as to what to buy. And when you add amps, effects, and everything else involved you end up saying to yourself, “Maybe I don’t need all that stuff.”

Well now, what do I REALLY need.
Let me just say for the record that I’m far from an equipment expert. There are plenty of “gear heads” out there that get something new every month. These guys always have the latest and greatest in guitars, but I find these guys can hardly play a lick because they’re too busy buying all their gear!! I’ve always been a “just let me play” kind of guy. But it’s always nice to have friends like this so you can go over to their place and try out all their cool stuff.
This page has the beginner in mind so if you’ve been playing for a while you’re probably going to think “well, duh!” But my goal here is to discuss what you need and your different options. Please keep in mind that everything below is solely my opinion.

What kind of beginner electric guitar should you buy and how much should you spend?

If you’re a beginner just starting I don’t recommend spending any more that $500, if that much. You can usually find something to learn on for $2-300 or even cheaper at a flea market or online. You don’t need anything more than that, especially if you lose interest. I’ve only gone through 3 guitars in my life, the first being a cheap Dean that I got for Christmas out of a Sears catalog. I then got an Ibanez 560 Frank Gambale model that I ordered from Suncoast music for Christmas when I was 16 or 17. I had that one for a long time up until 4 years ago when I went guitar shopping for the first time and got a custom made Ibanez S-Series that listed for $1500. By this time, I was advanced enough that I justified paying that much for something good.
The point is don’t spend too much money right now unless you are seriously interested in the instrument. I would focus more on playing and getting better than getting all the different gears.

Its tough to make good recommendations but I’ve always been partial to Ibanez. But, there are a lot of good guitars and companies out there. The best thing I can recommend anybody looking for an electric guitar is to go to the store and play different models. This is the ONLY way you can figure out what works best for YOU. Then you can start haggling the sales clerk at the store about the price.

Obviously, buying a beginner electric guitars online will give you significant discounts as well as special deals. You can find lots of great bargains here. Here are some great starter packages. Any one of the above packages would be perfect for a beginner, whether you want to play electric, acoustic, or the electric/acoustic combo! And the best thing about I bought one of my Yamaha acoustics from them and I’m quite happy with the customer support, and I also received it in a couple of days. I’ve since bought a couple other guitars and a Pandora PX4 and I’ve been 100% satisfied with every purchase.

What about buying beginner electric guitars amplifiers?
This is something that you have to go to the store and try for yourself before you make a decision. I have a Crate GT-200 that I played my Ibanez through at the store when I went shopping that day 4 years ago. For amps you most definitely get what you pay for. Mesa Boogie are the best amps I’ve heard, but I never could afford them. Depending on your budget, try to make the best decision based on quality vs. your personal budget. Again you will get significant discounts online, but you will definitely want to hear how your electric guitar sounds with the amp you’re looking at.

What else do you need?
If you have a beginner electric guitar and amplifier you’ll need a few other things. Some of them are optional…and mostly a matter of preference.

The most commonly accepted method of choosing a low cost electric guitar is to find an instrument with good quality wood, and at least reasonable workmanship. Guitar manufacturers tend to cut corners with cheaper guitars, by using cheaper pick-ups, and hardware, but these are all upgradeable parts.

A beginner’s guide to the acoustic guitar

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:46:42 +0000

An acoustic guitar is a stringed musical instrument that is played by picking the strings with fingers or a plectrum. The vibration of the strings creates the sound, which is then made louder acoustically inside the guitar's hollow body or sound box. Further amplification is sometimes needed for performances and this is usually achieved by playing the instrument into a microphone, although some acoustic guitars do feature pickups, allowing them to be plugged in to an amp in a similar way to an electric guitar.

There are several different types of acoustic guitar available, catering for different styles of music. Classical guitars - sometimes referred to as concert or Spanish - typically feature six nylon strings and are generally used to play classical music. They are often plucked as opposed to strummed and have a flat fretboard profile. They produce a more mellow sound than acoustics with steel strings, which are both louder and brighter.

Different types of acoustic guitar
The three main types of acoustic guitar shape are dreadnoughts, cutaways and round backs. The dreadnought, which has a bell-like body, was developed by famous manufacturer CF Martin & Company and has gone on to be considered the standard acoustic guitar shape. Cutaways have an indentation in the body next to the bottom of the guitar neck to make it easier for guitarists to play the lower part of the fingerboard. Round back models have a rounded as opposed to flat back, which is considered to create a clearer and brighter sound.
Acoustic guitars available on the market.

A starter instrument, such as the Concert Acoustic Guitar can be bought from £39.99. Designed for those on a budget, the instrument is particularly good for smaller players. It produces a mellow and balanced tone and features a compensated bridge to assist with intonation. It is considered to be ideal for finger-picking and playing acoustic blues music.

The Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, which is also geared towards beginners, is available for the same price. The larger instrument has a full and balanced tone and boasts high levels of playability and response in addition to the compensated bridge.

Electro-acoustic guitars, which feature pickups, are marginally more expensive, with the Round Back Acoustic Guitar available for £65. The slimline instrument has a cutaway feature and produces warm and clear tones in addition to having a great feel. It is designed with live performance in mind, with the aim of minimising problems with feedback when the instrument is amplified.

Boasting similar features and the same price is the Single Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar, which has a well-balanced acoustic sound that is also designed to sound great through an amp.

Further up the price range and for those looking to advance is the Washburn D46S Acoustic Guitar. The dreadnought instrument costs £299 and is thought to be unrivalled in its price range for its richness of feel and the quality of wood used in its build.

At the top of the price range is the Yamaha LJX6C Solid Top Jumbo Acoustic for £675. With a solid spruce top, cutaway rosewood back and sides and a two-way pick-up with pre-amp system, the instrument is built with the modern guitarist in mind, producing a controlled and assertive tone and a strong mid-range.

Other things to consider when buying an acoustic guitar
Those looking to buy an acoustic guitar and start playing straight away may be interested in the Dreadnought Guitar + Accessory Pack, which comes with a spare set of strings and gig bag for £49.99. Other popular accessories include guitar polish, picks and tuners, while those with electro-acoustics will probably find a practice amp to be useful. Full amplifiers will likely be needed for those looking to play live.

Acoustic guitars should not be chosen just for aesthetic reasons

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:37:12 +0000

Acoustic Guitars' should not be chosen just for aesthetic reasons'
Musicians who are thinking of investing in a Gibson acoustic guitar have been advised to ensure it meets all their various requirements.

According to Gibson, most players will consider the size of a guitar first, as it must feel comfortable in the lap and under the arm.
However, the instrument manufacturer noted that acoustic guitar players need to look at other factors too when choosing which one to buy.

Indeed, it said body styles can have a "major impact" on tone, which means a person should look beyond aesthetics and check whether a guitar meets their sonic needs as well.

"While size is the most obvious factor in acoustic guitar design, it certainly isn't the be all and end all of the matter," Gibson commented.
The company added that an acoustic guitar should at least be loud enough for a person to hear clearly in a medium-sized room.