With so many guitars available and so many important features to consider, the choices are endless. Whether you’re a first time buyer or just looking for something new, it’s easy to get confused and intimidated by technicalities and specifications. Worry not, check out our simple guide to help inform you on what to consider when finding your new musical companion.
1.Acoustic or Electric?
This is an important question you need to ask yourself early on in your search, this decision will define your sound and the music you play. If you’re looking to shred like Slash then electric is the way to go, in which case you would benefit buying an amp to allow you to train your ear to a high standard. Electric guitars create a unmistakable magnetised sound, often heard in rock music or dramatic film sequences. As opposed to electric guitars, if you want to play like Dylan, then acoustic if your calling. An acoustic is simply a sound box, it’s sound made entirely from vibrations of strings when plucked or strummed. Spanning many music genres, rock music, folk music or flamenco music, an acoustic is the guitar you’ll want if you’re searching for a raw, harmonic sound.
2. The right body for you
You can find a guitar suited to any body, shape or height. Many of you may rely on your favourite rock stars guitar of choice when considering this factor, but what is important is that try, try and try again, Slash’s Gibson Les Paul may not suit you. Quincy’s Manchester based showroom is available to visit by appointment to anyone wanting to spend time finding the best fit. It’s very much about your body, with 3/4 guitars available for the little ones (or those that value convenience when travelling) or a shallow bodied guitar making it easier to reach what you need. For a good all rounder we advise traditional acoustic, the style is dependant on how you intend to play and what feels comfortable. As you’d try on a pair of new jeans or a swanky pair of shoes, we advise you try before you buy!
3. Material and Finish
For the more experienced buyer, the material in which their guitar is made is extremely important, it contributes to it’s appearance and even it’s sound! For example, Rosewood which typically originates from India, features complex overtones while Walnut supplies bright high-end tones and enhances midrange tones. Our favourite here at Quincy is Spalted Maple, our 335 inspired model the Vancouver was designed with this beautiful timber in mind, producing a dry sound with strong emphasis on high tones. If the natural look doesn’t appeal to you, you may want to consider a finished exterior like Quincy’s Memphis, our stratocaster style electric guitar with 50s duck egg blue finish.
4. Expand your toy box!
After buying your guitar and as you learn more, it maybe useful to expand your musical toy box. A bag for transport, a strap to stand and perform, a pick (or twenty), a capo and even a cleaning kit to keep your precious companion clean and ready for action at a moments notice. The great thing about a bag or a strap is that it can perfectly suit your style or interests, you have freedom over colour, design and even shape at a affordable price. For you aspiring heavy metal guitarists, it’s a good idea to get an amp early on, this will help you later on when you don’t have to worry about the moment you plug in.
For more information on finding the right guitar for you, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team who are happy to help! No question is a stupid question.
If you’d like to try out our wide range of Quincy electric and acoustic guitars, our Manchester based showroom is open to you via appointment only simply call 07984 545056 or email us at info@quincymusic.co.uk
For accessories visit http://stores.ebay.co.uk/19music/ for unique bags, straps and accessories
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