Picking Out a First Guitar – Some Pro Tips!

(AKA. Are Guitar Kits Any Good?)

Picking out a first guitar can be a challenge. There are dozens of brands, shapes, styles, and even sizes of guitars! It can be overwhelming to go into a guitar shop to browse. So, how do you know what is even worth looking at?

The Three Tips

1. Feel the sides of the neck. The fret wires on the top of the guitar neck are usually cut with a pair of pliers and then filed down. A poor quality instrument will have rough edges and feel “snaggy” when you run your finger or hand up and down the side of the neck. (Yes, “snaggy.”) See Image 1 below.
2. Look at the string height. String height? String height is the distance from the top of the metal fret wire to the bottom of the string. In particular, look at the distance of the fret wire to the string at the twelfth fret. (You’ll know it’s the twelfth fret because it will have two dots or a special design on the fretboard.) See Image 2 below.
3. Listen to the sound. You may wonder, “But how? I don’t play the guitar yet.” When you go to a guitar store, there are countless people who will be more than happy to play any (possibly every) instrument in the store for you. It doesn’t even have to be a store associate! In fact, you may want to ask a store associate for help first. Then ask the person who is playing in the corner of the store what she thinks about the guitar.
4. ::BONUS TIP:: Smell inside. I know. It’s weird. But you will ALWAYS see me smell the inside of a guitar. There’s a fine balance between wood, glue, and lacquer. If you’re brave enough, then put your nose up to the sound hole and try smelling the inside of the guitar. What do you notice? Does it smell like glue? Paint fumes? Anything weird? Or does it smell like the lumber section of a Home Depot? Does it smell like a cedar chest? Bottom line: If you notice more fume than wood, that’s something to consider.

So, what about guitar kits? Are they any good?

Well, that depends. Some kits have a decent guitar in them. The accessories are often pretty sub-standard. Occasionally there are some good starter kits with helpful, good quality accessories. But I’m a big fan of borrowing a guitar to get started and then buying a used instrument when it’s time to make your first purchase. You usually get a LOT more bang for the buck when you buy a previously owned guitar. As for accessories…I’m not a fan of companies telling you what you need. You’ll know what you need as you progress. That way you can make buying decisions based on your needs and your budget on an as-needed basis.

That said, there are occasionally good kits. And I’ll be sure to link to some below whenever I come across them.