Crayon Sky Music

I need new guitars, but I don’t know what to go for…?

I would like to get a new acoustic guitar, but not sure what to go for… I’ll be playing folky type stuff. Any ideas? Also, for the other side of my personality, I would like to get an electric – maybe something similar to a Gibson Firebird, but without the price tag…

I’d recommend a different shopping strategy for each.

Acoustics vary, even between two guitars of the same make and model–so I recommend you shop for feel and sound, not for model. Go to a music store (or, if you are confident in your ability to judge the condition of an instrument–or can take a knowledgeable friend–a pawn shop) and try out all the acoustics that are in your price range. Set aside the ones that feel right in your hands. Then have friend or sales clerk play each of your selected guitars while you turn your back–the one that sounds best when you avert your eyes is the one you want.

I’d personally prefer an acoustic-electric, it’s so much easier to plug it in than it is to balance it in front of a microphone–but that’s just me.

At the same time as you’re buying the acoustic, try out several models of electric. However, electrics are not as variable as acoustics–they don’t depend on wood grain and glue drying vectors, y’know?–so don’t buy from the local dealer–rather, remember the model that you like best, and then shop online at ebay, http://www.musiciansfriend.com or http://www.wwbw.com or http://www.musicyo.com or http://www.themusiczoo.com/ or the manufacturers’ websites (Carvin, Gibson, etc.). That way you can find the best price for your preferred instrument.

Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar Review Johnny Winter Haynes