George asks…
What is a descent accoustic guitar for a beginner ?
My daughter is taking guitar lessons and is really enjoying it. She is asking for a guitar, and I think buying a good brand used rather than a cheap new one is the way to go. What brand and what do I look for in a used guitar?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Okay.
Guitars should first be comfortable to play, to begin with. The neck and the fingerboard of any guitar is what a beginners has to deal with in starting out. And it will make the difference in whether or not the experience will be a good one for the next few years. Ask about any ‘set up’ that can be done by those at a music store, if it will improve or be needed on the guitar in starting out.
Best to have your daughter (now that she is into it enough) to try them out physically, at a music store, and discover what will feel right for her and not worry about particular brands or styles. And buying new can be possible with the less expensive models of some very good brands, over anything used.
Expect to pay $125.00 – $500.00 (really) for the guitar that you both feel will meet your expectations in playing comfort, performance (tone and expression) and quality level. Learn to understand why these instruments can go into the thousands when it comes to the differences in those features mentioned, besides the variety of surface cosmetics and finishes. The average ‘good’ guitar of intermediate to advanced player will be that expensive and last a lifetime.
Here’s the list and many are good enough if not ideal for anyone starting out and having it as their instruments for years to come, when taken care of properly: Alvarez; Art & Lutherie; Dean; Epiphone; Ibanez; Jasmine (Takamine); Johnson (the better models) Lag ($$); Micheal Kelly; Seagull (S-6); Simon & Patric; Walden; Washburn and Yamaha.
Yes, many are Chinese in origin, but endorsed by the major labels mentioned and worth trying out. Korean made are somewhat better in quality and anything from Japan will be rare and further expensive, short of those made in the USA. The technology has gotten very good in the construction and quality over the last few decades for these imports. But, no two of the same model can be the same. Remember this, and it is why people are turned off by a ‘bad’ one.
It is the fact that many get by without being properly inspected and corrected. A good music store is aware of such practice and I have come across some good ‘cheap’ guitars that I wouldn’t have expected to be all that great, but impressed me because of the care given them before they were put out for sales.
Those which come with ‘solid tops’ are certainly more ‘guitar’ in expression, and can be a difference to the ears. But, many veneer (select wood) tops can be close to a pleasingly enough tone and do well enough for the player’s listening pleasure as, well as those who appreciate the sound of most guitars. It is the fit of the whole guitar (neck and body style) to the player that will be the most important. And, upgrading to a better instrument can be looked forward to, according to the experience gained and appreciation and love for the instrument over time.
Last of all, have your daughter’s instructor to help in recommendations and looking over any of the choices of instruments to be considered or looked at.
Donna asks…
How can I research my guitar by its serial number?
I cannot find a website where I can find my guitar‘s details by serial number… It’s an Aria Pro II. Not exactly your common guitar. Any ideas, please?
NydiaMccartney answers:
The easy way is actually to call the manufacture who made the guitar because they have all of that information on file. They will have the date it was made and what store is was sold to as well as all the guitars information such as wood it was made from how many was made and so on. Here is the guitar makers contact info below and there website is www.ariausa.com
Dana B. Goods
4054 Transport Street, Unit A
Ventura, CA 93003
Sales@danabgoods.com
(805) 644-6621
Jenny asks…
What is the difference between the two models of synyster gates guitars for sale?
Hi i am a big A7x fan and i saw they had a replica of syn’s schecter for sale! I also realized i could find one for 699$ and another for 999$, What is the difference and is it worth the cash???
NydiaMccartney answers:
Electronics and The Wood.
Pick Ups and the Saddle Bridge
Go wit the least expensive my ears cant tell the difference you can upgrade the electronics latter.
No biggie they both rock
Chris asks…
Where can I get a used acoustic guitar neck?
I’m looking for an acoustic guitar neck that is either free or very cheap for a project I am working on. I have tried eBay and kijiji and I couldn’t find anything…any suggestions?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bodies,_necks,_wood/Acoustic_guitar_necks.html
If you want a finished neck, a junk guitar from a yard sale might be the easiest way. An acoustic neck normally gets lacquered after installation, along with the rest of the guitar.
Mandy asks…
what is the average size of a regular acoustic guitar?
i just bought a 34inch acoustic guitar off amazon and it sounded somewhat big but i got it today and it looks like a toy, im not sure if its supposed to be this small and i was probably going to return it and get another one, but does the size affect the sound of anything or is it just a preference thing? also, what is the regular size of an acoustic guitar?
NydiaMccartney answers:
As they say, size doesn’t matter…yeh, right.
Well, size is less important than manufacture. There are many exceptional small-scale guitars and also many crummy dreadnaughts.
A typical acoustic guitar is about 39 inches long, incidentally. And if all else is equal, a smaller one will not sound better. But my current guitar (a Washburn Rover backpacker model–I’m not playing as much as when I was young and I wanted small) sounds better than a lot of full-sized acoustics I’ve heard. To me, anyway.
I love online shopping but Amazon is the wrong place–can you get a refund? If I were buying an acoustic, here’s what I’d do:
First, take a knowledgeable friend along to a top local music shop (Sam Ash or Guitar Center or the local store that sells orchestral and band instruments as well). I’d try out as many guitars as were in my price range, and I’d look for what feels good–left hand is comfy around the neck, right arm drapes nicely over body, fingers reach comfy. Then I’d have the sales clerk or friend play each of the guitars that felt good while my back was turned (same tunes). The one that sounds best to you is the one you want.
The sound of the same model of guitar will not be consistent in all cases–Ovations are remarkably consistent but that’s in part why lots of guitarists don’t like them. Other models depend a little on the wood grain and humidity during manufacture and other intangibles. So you probably want to buy the guitar that you know sounds good, not the same model new in box.
OTOH, if you do want to shop online and look for savings, then note the make and model of all guitars that feel and sound OK to you, and then shop for price. That music store might have a closeout sale! Otherwise, deal not with Amazon, go to http://www.musiciansfriend.com or http://www.musicyo.com or at least ebay :-)
Helen asks…
Is there a place I can go to make a guitar?
Like that can supply me with tools and stuff for free but I have to pay for the wood I use and such?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Guitar building schools all have fairly stiff tuition fees, also housing fees (unless you happen to be in the same city as one, of course). Just google “guitar building school”.
Your best bet would probably be to buy a good kit, for example from Martin or from www.stewmac.com. The work that requires heavy shop equipment will already have been done for you and you will only need to pick up some hand tools and clamps.
Tools are not cheap but if you’re serious about working on guitars, you’ll want your own. I paid for mine by buying, repairing, and reselling about a gazillion yard sale/flea market guitars.
By the way, this is not a way to get a guitar for cheap, if that’s what you have in mind. You will end up spending about as much as for a high midrange instrument, plus weeks or months of spare time, and your first attempt will probably leave something to be desired. An individual can’t hope to compete in terms of price or efficiency with the factories that build most modern guitars. Building a guitar is more of an option for the experienced player who loves woodworking and wants the experience of building and customizing their own personal instrument.
If you want to make an electric guitar with minimal effort, your bets bet would be to buy finished parts and just bolt them together. Make sure that the parts are all compatible, though.
In the event that you don’t already know how to play, making your own guitar is not really a viable option, since an understanding of what makes a guitar playable (or not) is essential.
Thomas asks…
What is the best guitar for playing all genres?
I like to play metal,rock n’ roll, blues, old rock so what would the best guitar/amp for me to get
p.s my budget is around $1800
NydiaMccartney answers:
Gibson SG or Les Paul Silver Burst old school one. Look on ebay it is the best place to look for them. They are heavy but the heavier the wood the better the sound. Don’t buy Fender firewood. I will actually look for you right now. Ya there is ton of them for sale under 1,400. By the way the older the better. Plus they come with a case most of the time and no Taxes :) There is actually a Gibson Les Paul Silver Burst for sale on ebay for 1,799.00 For buy it now, with free shipping. It is number 30 out of 500. My guitar player has one of those. The pickups alone are worth 1,500 a piece. Buy a wide strap. You will be good to go with nice cab like a Messa Boogie. Jump on it and don’t be afraid of ebay. That is where I just picked up a Warwick Thumb bass for 1,750.00 and never looked back on the sound that is perfect. Don’t listen to the guy about musician friends, 123 music, and guitar center cause they are all the same thing. Ebay is were it is at. Marshal is out dated. Still good but not great. Epiphone and Dean guitars do not hold their value or up to staying in tune or quality of sound. They run a thin high with no bottom end. When you play your guitar don’t turn down your mids like every other idiot guitar player who feels that they should crank they Highs and Lows either. If you are looking for a great clean sounding guitar Rickenbacker.
Robert asks…
How to sell my wood clocks and toys online?
I would really like to make my hobby a business a sell my woodworking projects online such as clocks, toys, and possibly guitars(when I get good at making them) online and would appreciate any advice I can get, thanks
NydiaMccartney answers:
Etsy isn’t a bad choice, but you’ll have to promote the stuff in the forums.
Ebay will give you a large market, but you need to spend a few months learning how to sell properly there – it’s not really for amateurs anymore.
Forget Amazon.
Possibly Bonanzle, but sales are slim there.
Your best bet is actually to rent a booth at a farmers market or flea market and sell the items directly.
Sandy asks…
How much is my 1975 fender stratocaster natural/tuxedo worth?
I know from the serial number that it was made in 1975 in Fullerton california. It has a natural wood finish with a black pick guard and white pickups and knobs which i’ve learned is called ‘tuxedo’. Anyone have a price range estimate? Obviously condition is a factor, but what would be an estimate for a good to very good condition?
NydiaMccartney answers:
There are several ’75′s for sale in the current ‘Vintage Guitar’ Magazine Classifieds. For ‘Good Cond.’- ‘VGC+’ they go from $900- $3000 U.S. The ‘VG++’to’EX+’ are $2600 and $3400 (with orig case/papers). Some they call ‘VG+’ I’d call ‘near mint’; so price would likely vary with the buyer. Originality is also a ‘used Fender factor’. The ’75′s were a ‘parts transition year’, and should have pots and hardware numbered from 1974, (with neck and body 1975). Also the pick-up bottoms should have a grey color. Apparently the ’75 is considered the ‘last of the golden age’ of Stratocasters; whereas there were some quality issues in the late 70′s et al. I read there was better quality/weight body wood used in the early 70′s. Some people also prefer those ’3-bolt’ neck plates. Note that in 1975 Fender used it’s famous ‘Alice In Wonderland’ ad. For the (natural finish) Stratocaster. Having a copy of this may add to the selling price. Best wishes.
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