How to Buy an Electric Guitar
Even the most expert guitarists find selecting an electric guitar to be a challenge. Despite your skill level, picking the right guitar for your needs can be tough, but rewarding too; a great electric guitar is a thing of beauty.
A guitar has five basic components; any electric model will have all of these parts:
1. A body 2. A neck 3. A head stock piece 4. Electrical pick ups 5. A bridge
Of course, you’ll also need an amplifier if you are to hear what you’re playing on an electric guitar. You play an electric guitar like you would an acoustic guitar, that is, by strumming and/or plucking the strings. However, with an electric the vibration if the strings is taken up by the pickups (think of them as a sort of microphone for your guitar) and then carried to the amplifier.
The top two things most people look for when shopping for a guitar are price and sound quality.
The price of an electric guitar can be anywhere from an inexpensive $99 to an eye-popping $20,000. Quite a range, yes? Why is there such a difference in price? The materials that the guitar is made of, the care with which it is constructed and the quality of the pickups is the reasons for this. A beginner of course can safely opt for a cheaper model. There are even starter kits out there which include an amplifier, guitar strap, picks and instruction books along with the guitar.
A guitar usually has a solid wood body, meaning the body will not resonate very much (this is why pickups are necessary). An amplifier is used to control the volume of the guitar. Among beginners, solid body guitars are the most commonly used.
The other factors to consider are the guitar’s looks and the neck joint.
The visual appeal of the instrument is also a prime factor - after all, you are more likely to enjoy playing the guitar if it is an instrument which is pleasant to look at. The most popular looks (and indeed, brands) are the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster. Another large manufacturer is B.C. Rich, which is known for offering electric guitars in unconventional shapes and colors, as well as being slightly less expensive than Gibson or Fender guitars. However, even the biggest names need not be too expensive as these manufacturers offer lower priced models in addition to their flagship products - a Fender or Gibson guitar can be yours for $300 or a little less.
Guitars are made with several types of neck joints (how the neck attaches to the body). There is the bolt-on, which is the cheapest, then the set neck and the neck through style. The bolt on type is exactly what it sounds like-it bolts on to the body. This is the most common type of neck and is very affordable.
A set neck has a tongue that is set into the body and glued securely to the body. This type of neck allows more note sustain and resonance through the body and is slightly more expensive to construct.
Neck through is the most expensive neck joint style, but according to many provides the best sound of any of the three types. In these joints, the neck is one piece which runs the entire length of the guitar.
If you’re in the market for an electric guitar, does some research before you buy? Visit guitar stores and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Try out every guitar you’re interested in and go with one that feels right to you - you’ll know when you play it!
Happy playing!