7 Crucial Things to Consider When Buying Your Next Guitar

Summary

This video guides guitarists through seven key considerations when buying their next guitar. David Harsh encourages players to identify what their current collection lacks, explore deeper features like pickups and cutaways, and spend significant time test-playing various instruments. He also recommends listening to recordings of the guitar you want, investing in quality, and getting every new guitar professionally set up. The final tip urges viewers to not just collect guitars but truly play and grow as musicians. The advice aims to help players make thoughtful, rewarding purchases that inspire better music-making.

Takeaways

• 😀 Think about what's missing in your guitar collection. Consider adding a different type of guitar (e.g., acoustic, electric, cutaway, parlor, baritone).
• 😀 Go deeper with features. Pay attention to pickups, customization options, and accessories that could enhance your guitar experience.
• 😀 Spend plenty of time playing different guitars. Test various models to understand what feels and sounds right for you.
• 😀 Listen to recordings of your prospective guitar. Focus on how it sounds in the mix to evaluate its potential quality.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to pay extra for quality. A higher price might get you better features, but it’s worth it for long-term satisfaction.
• 😀 Always get your guitar set up professionally. Even a top-tier guitar needs adjustments to reach its full potential.
• 😀 Be a guitar player, not just a collector. Playing and developing your skills on your guitars is crucial for enjoying them to their fullest.
• 😀 Remember that guitar brands matter less than how the instrument feels in your hands. Prioritize playability over brand reputation.
• 😀 Explore different styles of guitars and pick-ups to find the one that best suits your musical needs.
• 😀 Be patient when choosing your next guitar. Carefully consider each feature, and don't rush into the decision.
• 😀 Don’t just look at aesthetics. While cosmetic features are nice, they should not outweigh the importance of sound and playability.

Q & A

What is the first step when considering buying your next guitar?

The first step is to think about what’s missing in your current guitar collection. This could be adding a different type of guitar, like switching from acoustic to electric or exploring a new variant like a baritone or cutaway guitar.

Why is it important to explore the features of a guitar when buying your next one?

Exploring guitar features helps you understand what’s lacking in your current instruments. Features like pickups, different wood types, or customized elements such as fret markers or machine heads can dramatically affect the sound and feel of the guitar.

How can playing other guitars help in deciding on your next purchase?

By playing other guitars, you gain a sense of what feels comfortable and what sounds best to you. It allows you to compare different models, body styles, and features, giving you clarity on what you really want.

What should you focus on when listening to recordings of guitarists playing a particular model?

When listening to recordings, focus on how the guitar sounds in the mix. Even though other equipment like pedals and microphones may alter the sound, a good-quality guitar will still shine through.

What does the script suggest about paying extra for quality in a guitar?

The script encourages paying extra for quality if possible. Investing in higher-quality materials, pickups, and other features can lead to a better playing experience, and ultimately save you from buyer’s remorse later on.

Why is it essential to get your guitar set up after purchasing it?

Even new guitars need a setup to ensure optimal playability. Professional setups adjust things like string action, neck alignment, and intonation, which can significantly improve the guitar's performance.

What’s the final tip for buying a guitar, and why is it important?

The final tip is to be a guitar player, not just a collector. It's essential to actually play your guitars and develop your skills. Owning a guitar collection is great, but the real joy comes from making music and enjoying the instrument's full potential.

What should you consider if you’re thinking about buying an electric guitar?

If you're considering an electric guitar, think about the type of pickups and the body style that best suits your playing. Different pickups (single coils vs humbuckers) and body shapes (like Telecasters or Les Pauls) provide distinct sounds and playability.

How can customized features, such as pickups or machine heads, affect the guitar's performance?

Customized features like pickups or machine heads can affect both the sound and tuning stability of your guitar. For example, upgrading pickups can enhance tone, while better machine heads can make tuning more accurate and stable.

What is the analogy used to explain why guitar players should actually play their instruments?

The analogy compares guitar players to someone buying delicious groceries but never cooking with them. Similarly, owning guitars without playing them means missing out on the full experience and enjoyment of the instrument.