In the second part of this article we'll look at buying a guitar online. We'll also consider what to look for in a new guitar.
About the only option for people in smaller communities or rural areas is to buy online. Buying online is todays equivalent of mail-order. If you buy online, the dealers reputation is of equal importance to the "in person" option. Don't base your choice of dealers purely on price. Customer service and clear communication is still of huge importance.
Virtually all dealers have a 48-72 hour approval period. Some of the on-line dealers offer a trial period of 1 to 1 1/2 months! As-new condition is required if you are to get a refund. This frequently includes all materials included in the case; warranty cards, adjustment tools, etc...
When you have decided on a particular brand and model of guitar, play several different examples of it. Because most guitars are made of wood, there can be variations in sound. Even solidbody electric guitars are affected by the quality of the wood used in their construction. There is also the factor of the the way the workmen were feeling on the day(s) that the guitar was made. And I know we've all been cautioned about cars made on Mondays and Fridays.
Now that you've narrowed it down to the "one" you need to examine it for fit and finish. Things to look for are even distribution of the finish (no lumps or thin spots), all of the components (tuning machines,etc...) attached correctly, pickups and controls all working, no sharp ends on the fretwires, smooth finish on the top of the fretwires and strap buttons securely attached.
Used guitars can sometimes present a good value if you know what to look for. Another option is to have a friend who is an experienced player help you. If you are inexperienced, your best bet is to buy a used guitar from a reputable dealer. The biggest advantage in buying used is that the original owner took the depreciation. Guitars are like cars in that they depreciate. A guitar that was bought a month ago is still a used guitar and the price should reflect that.
What's the best guitar for me is a question with answers as individual as the person asking it. Hopefully this information will help provide the best answer for you.
