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Buying a Guitar: Choosing a Guitar

Be sure you're making the right guitar choice

By Dan Cross, About.com

So, now you've played a bunch of guitars, and hopefully found a few that you really like. It's time to do some research on all the guitar companies whose instruments you are considering. Use the Brands of Guitarslinks resource to get familiar with what each of these companies has to say about their instruments. Most guitar company websites provide specs on each of their guitars, so you can find out additional information on the instrument you're considering. Search their website for warranty information, and make note of that also. You can even call or e-mail them if you have any additional concerns.

Guitar company websites are fine, but obviously they're going to be biased, so you'll need to find out what others think of the guitar you're considering. Fortunately, the web is filled with sites that archive user-reviews of guitars. Check the Gear Reviewssection for links to critiques of guitars. When studying these reviews, take special notice of the prices people paid for the instrument, and carefully consider all criticism. Be wary of people who give their guitar a "perfect 10" score - many of these reviewers aren't knowledgable enough to offer constructive criticism.

Next, take out your phone book, and look up the other music stores in your area. You should consider visiting each of these stores and trying out the guitars they offer. For now, call each of them, and see if they offer any of the same guitars you're considering. If so, ask to be quoted a price. Occasionally, you'll run across a store employee who is hesitant to quote you prices over the telephone. Mention you're about to buy a guitar elsewhere, and he should change his mind. Again, make note of any differences in price.

If you're still unsure about what guitar is right for you, feel free to post your questions to the FretBoard, an online bulletin board designed to help guitarists interact. Chances are, in no time someone will respond to your questions with their advice.

Armed with all this new knowledge about the guitars you're considering, it's time to take the second trip to the music store. I'll generally wait until the next day to do this - a clear head often gives me better perspective on which guitar suits me best.

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