How to Choose the Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners?

It is difficult to find such a person who would not like music. Considering the large variety of musical instruments, everyone can find one that suits their liking in order to quickly learn how to play. For many, such an instrument is the guitar. And not ordinary, namely acoustic. Let's try to consider what are the best acoustic guitars for beginners on sale today, how to choose a really good model for a beginner.

First of all, you need to understand what acoustics is in this case. Basically, it is a stringed plucked instrument from the group of guitars that shapes the sound through string vibrations. And the resonance of an empty cabinet amplifies the sound. This fixture usually has 6 strings. Note that there are 2 categories of such devices:

• western, where metal strings are mounted;
• classic, where only nylon strings are used.

In principle, everything is simple with classic models - the elements and the body are made according to the same principle. But the second category of models is divided into a large number of subcategories according to various criteria. Among them are the dimensions of the bodies and necks, manufacturing techniques and much more.

Such models have a richer and more sonorous sound. This is achieved due to the fact that metal strings are used here. This will be the best solution for people learning to sing with a guitar or play a pick. The narrow neck makes the barre easier to apply. In addition, such a guitar is suitable for almost any genre of music. Although a number of pieces will sound unusual on such a guitar, the sound of nylon strings will be more appropriate.

This type of acoustic guitar is a great choice for beginners. Its only drawback is that it will be extremely difficult for fingers that are not used to playing such an instrument to play metal strings.

In addition, an acoustic guitar must have these parameters.

• No defects. The neck should be free of curvature, the product should not have chips or cracks that can affect the sound of the instrument. This moment is especially important for the soundboard. If it is damaged, then you definitely do not need to purchase it.
• Should like it. Nobody is going to play an instrument they don't like. Moreover, we are talking not only about the appearance, but also about the sound emitted.
• High-quality sound. When using a guitar, there should be no rattling on the frets and frets. The device should produce a clear and even sound with a lot of overtones.
• The ability to keep in line. You need to play the guitar a little, and if it gets upset rather quickly, then you should refuse to buy it, because such a phenomenon is unacceptable for a quality instrument.
• Be comfortable. When purchasing a guitar from your hands or in a store, you need to stand with it for a while, hold it in your hands. It will not be superfluous to lose it. You should pay attention to the position of the body and hands, because it should be comfortable to hold it.

Now let's make a small top-rating of guitars in various price categories, from budget to premium models.

Considering cheap models, I would like to start with the Colombo LF-3800CT SB. It is one of the most budgetary. Belongs to the category "Western". Has 21 frets. Another interesting feature of the Colombo LF-3800CT SB will be the presence of a bottom deck made of basswood. This is the hallmark of this particular guitar.

Its price is 4000 rubles. The top is painted in a color called striped sunburst. Speaking of the neck, it is crafted from mahogany and complemented by a rosewood fretboard. The mass of this model is about 2 kilograms, reviews on the Internet about it are mostly positive.

Another interesting model is called ENYA EA-X1. This guitar also belongs to the Western category. It is interesting that the body of the considered model of the instrument from the company ENYA is made of mahogany. We add that there is a special pattern on the top and bottom decks, as well as the sides called KOA HPL. For its application, the product is processed by high pressure. The tuners are made of black steel and the neck is mahogany. The price of this guitar is about 13 thousand rubles.

An interesting feature will be the presence of a case, a belt, a set of strings and a pick included with the instrument. The guitar in question does not differ in any special sound. According to the reviews, we can conclude that from time to time users are faced with defective copies. For this reason, you should be careful when buying the model in question.

Another inexpensive tool to look out for is the YAMAHA F-310. It is considered one of the best in the segment for beginners. One of the main advantages is the affordable price - about 10 thousand rubles. In addition, the brand is also important here, because Yamaha has long been famous for its quality products. The top here is made of spruce, which, according to the manufacturer, is also a factor that allows the guitar to produce an excellent sound and convey even the finest shades of melody.

It should also be noted an extremely interesting design, because the body depth and scale length are less here than in analogs. The sides and bottom are made of meranti, while the fretboard is rosewood. At the same time, attention should be paid to the specificity of the sound of the creation of Japanese engineers. The model has a serious expression of high frequencies, but low frequencies are heard very poorly. If you have an ear for music, then you need to look for a guitar in a more balanced way. Users note that the lower sill is high and cannot be completely retracted by adjusting the anchor.

The advantages of the model include:

• low price;
• good workmanship;
• cool appearance;
• thoughtful design.

We highlight the disadvantages:

• too pronounced high frequencies;
• the need to cut the saddle.

Now let's talk about the middle category models. AND the first one I would like to mention is the FENDER CD-60S BLK. Its cost is about 20,000 rubles. The top is made from solid spruce, while the back and sides are made from mahogany. The frame of the guitar is created in the shape of a "dreadnought". This will be one of the factors that have a major impact on the sound. On the neck you can see 2 dozen frets, and the profile has rounded edges. The manufacturer claims that the model is suitable for the performance of any piece of music.

The advantages of the FENDER CD-60S BLK include:

• tuning pegs made of chrome;
• small price;
• thoughtful shape of the neck;
• nice design;
• balanced sound.

Its cons will be:

• lack of a cover;
• spruce as a material for the top deck;
• plastic sills.

The next model of the middle segment - SIGMA 00M-15manufactured in China. Its cost is about 30,000 rubles. But the guitar is distinguished by its high quality performance. The upper threshold of the mentioned model is made of bone, and the upper deck is made of solid mahogany, like the lower deck with a shell. The use of this particular material made it possible to make the sound as uniform as possible. The neck is also made from the aforementioned material. The instrument from SIGMA is completed with brass strings. For their regulation, chrome-plated cast pegs are responsible, which are placed symmetrically to one another. In addition, there is a 645 millimeter scale. The nut width here is just under 43 millimeters. Frets are indicated by dots.

The advantages of the model include:

• bone nut;
• great sound;
• cast tuning pegs;
• body that is covered with transparent varnish;
• good brass strings included.

The downside is the lack of a cover.

Another model in this segment that I wanted to talk about is CRAFTER D-7 / N worth 31,000 rubles. It comes in a case that is gray. The guitar itself is made under natural wood. One of the reasons for its high cost is that the top deck here is made of solid cedar. Mahogany is also used here. This combination of materials allows for an interesting viscous sound that envelops the listener, as it were.

The neck is narrow here, which is why you can't do without a pick. The guitar is also equipped with a pickguard made of Indian rosewood. The fastening here can be called classic - like a "dovetail". The body plate looks very interesting, which shimmers.

And let's say a little about a pair of premium guitars. First - GIBSON J-35 ANTIQUE NATURAL worth almost 150,000 rubles. For this money, you can become the owner of a cool instrument, where the top soundboard is made of Sitka spruce, and the back with a sidewall and neck is made of mahogany. But the fingerboard is made of rosewood. The neck received 20 frets, which are indicated by dots.

The nut width is 44 and a half millimeters. Interestingly, there is a vintage X-shaped spring mechanism and an LR Baggs VTC pickup.The elements are impregnated with a special oil, which, according to the manufacturer, greatly improves the sound.

The second premium model is the IBANEZ AE900-NT. It belongs to electro-acoustic, which means that it is equipped with a pickup. Its cost is about 230,000 rubles. It features a mahogany neck and satin trim, along with bone nut and rosewood fretboard. By the way, the soundboard is also made of it, however, its front side is made of Sitka spruce. The fittings are chrome-plated here.

The guitar is completed with a scale of 651 mm and BANEZ T-bar pickups, which are complemented by an IBANEZ Custom preamp. This guitar can be called a great combination of good electronics and high quality materials.

Some tips will definitely help you in choosing a guitar. What is important to consider?

• Calculate your budget correctly. Of course, everything here is individual, but the right decision would be to choose first a cheap option or a model from the middle price segment. Then, as you gain experience, you can purchase a better and more expensive model.
• Decide on the type of guitar you need. Here it is required to evaluate the convenience of the model. But if there are no specific preferences for certain characteristics, then you should buy guitars that you like.
• Choose the required size. You cannot be mistaken here, because guitars are made in relation to the age category of people and their physique. For example, 4 by 4 is suitable for adults, 4 by 3 for young people, and 2/4 and 1/4 for children. The last two categories are practically not on sale.
• It is required to choose the right type of strings. Metal strings will not work for regular guitars. They are usually used in acoustics. It will be easier for a beginner to start by playing nylon strings, but steel strings are suitable for more experienced people. Some novice musicians immediately pull on the metal, not regretting it in the future. But here you need to adapt.
• Ask an experienced friend for advice. It will not be superfluous to ask the musician for advice, because they will tell you about their experience of using guitars, and will also help you not to stumble upon a fake.

To learn how to choose the best acoustic guitar for beginners, see the next video.