What I Wish I Knew Before I Bought an Acoustic Guitar

Summary

In this video, the host reflects on the journey of buying their first acoustic guitar, a Taylor 110e, back in 2004. They share essential lessons learned when purchasing an acoustic, such as the importance of soundboard quality, body size, and how personal playing style affects guitar choice. Joined by expert luthier Chris Alvarado, they delve into topics like guitar maintenance, setup, and potential issues with used instruments, including the cost of neck resets. They also touch on top brands like Taylor and Martin, emphasizing craftsmanship and offering tips for new guitar buyers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first acoustic guitar often holds sentimental value; it’s worth saving up for a good one, even if it's a stretch financially.
• 🎸 Aesthetic appeal can be misleading; a guitar that looks beautiful may not sound as good as a more plain-looking one.
• 🌲 The wood used for the guitar's soundboard plays a critical role in its sound quality—opt for lightweight, straight-grained softwood over hard, figured woods.
• ⚖️ Body size and shape matter, but proper voicing and the pairing of the top and back woods are more important for achieving a full sound.
• 🤔 Consider your playing style when choosing a guitar; fingerstyle players may prefer smaller body guitars, while heavy strummers may need larger bodies like dreadnoughts.
• 🔧 Unlike electric guitars, acoustic guitars cannot be easily adjusted by the user—repair costs for acoustic guitars, especially used ones, can be high if they’re not properly set up.
• 📸 When buying a used acoustic, ask for detailed photos, particularly of the string height at the 12th fret and close-ups of the bridge and nut, to avoid hidden issues.
• 🛠️ A neck reset is a major repair needed for acoustics with neck problems. It's expensive, so inspect the guitar carefully before purchasing.
• 🌡️ Humidity is key for guitar maintenance. Too much or too little can cause cracks or warping. Keep your guitar in a room with 40-50% humidity, and use hygrometers to monitor it.
• 🔍 When purchasing a budget guitar, watch out for poor craftsmanship, like misaligned braces or excessive glue. Reputable brands like Taylor and Martin prioritize build quality even in lower-price ranges.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first acoustic guitar, and why is it significant to them?

The speaker's first acoustic guitar was a Taylor 110e, purchased around 2004 when they were 13 or 14 years old. It holds sentimental value as it was bought with money earned from mowing lawns, marking an important milestone in their musical journey.

How has buying an acoustic guitar changed in the past 20 years?

In the past 20 years, there are now far more options and price points available for acoustic guitars, giving buyers a broader selection to choose from compared to when the speaker first bought their guitar.

What is one of the biggest traps people fall into when buying an acoustic guitar?

One of the biggest traps is falling in love with a guitar because it looks visually appealing, often due to the use of striking woods like zebra wood or quilted maple. However, these visually stunning woods may not always contribute to good sound quality.

Why is lightweight, straight-grained wood important for a guitar's soundboard?

Lightweight, straight-grained wood is ideal for a guitar's soundboard because it produces better sound quality. Hardwoods, which are often used for decorative purposes, do not offer the same tonal benefits as softwoods.

Does the body size of a guitar greatly affect its sound?

While the shape and size of the body affect a guitar's sound, the most significant factors in creating a rich sound are the voicing of the guitar and how well the top wood is paired with the bottom woods. Larger guitars can sometimes sound smaller than expected, while a dreadnought or j45 tends to provide a balanced sound.

What should players consider when choosing a guitar based on their playing style?

Players should consider their playing style. Heavy-handed strummers may benefit from larger-bodied guitars like dreadnoughts, which can withstand more aggressive playing. Conversely, lighter players or fingerstyle guitarists may prefer smaller-bodied guitars like parlor guitars or Triple Os.

Why is it harder to adjust an acoustic guitar compared to an electric guitar?

An acoustic guitar is harder to adjust because its construction includes a glued-on bridge and bone saddle, unlike electric guitars that allow for easier tweaks to settings like intonation and saddle height. Acoustic guitars require professional adjustments and repairs, which can be expensive.

What are some potential risks of buying a used acoustic guitar?

Buying a used acoustic guitar carries the risk of structural issues, such as a warped neck or improper setup. These issues may require expensive repairs like a neck reset, which can be costly (ranging from $500 to $1,000). It's important to have the guitar inspected carefully or request detailed photos before purchase.

What is a neck reset, and when might it be needed?

A neck reset involves adjusting the angle of the guitar's neck to improve playability and prevent high action. It may be needed when the neck pulls up due to string tension, which can cause strings to rise too high, making the guitar difficult to play. This often happens over time, especially with older guitars.

How does humidity affect the condition of an acoustic guitar?

Humidity plays a critical role in the condition of an acoustic guitar. Excessive dryness or over-humidification can lead to cracks and structural issues. Wood can shrink or expand, affecting the guitar's sound and stability. Keeping the guitar in a humidity-controlled environment (ideally 40-50%) is essential to maintaining its longevity.

Which guitar brands are known for consistent build quality, and which issues should buyers be wary of in budget guitars?

Taylor is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and consistent build quality. Martin also produces reliable guitars. In contrast, some budget guitars may have issues like poorly glued braces or excess glue inside the body, which can affect sound and durability. These flaws often go unnoticed because they are hidden inside the guitar.

What maintenance steps should guitar owners take to ensure the longevity of their acoustic guitars?

Guitar owners should regularly monitor the humidity levels in the room where their guitar is stored, keeping it between 40-50% to prevent wood damage. During dry or winter months, it’s recommended to keep the guitar in its case to avoid cracking. Humidifiers and hygrometers can help maintain the right environment for the instrument.