6 Things to Look for in an Electric Guitar If You Want to Buy One

There are literally thousands of reasons to want to buy an electric guitar. Too many to list! Aside from the fact they are, without doubt, the most fun instrument to play in the world, obviously! 

Whether you’re new to playing guitar or have years and years’ worth of experience, you may still need some tips on what to look for when you’re looking to make a new purchase. In this article, there are six important things you need to look for and understand when buying an electric guitar. Read on to find out all you need to know. 

New or Second Hand?

Before you get to the six top buying tips, it’s worth considering whether you want to purchase a new or a second-hand guitar. There are benefits to choosing either! A really well-made guitar will last a long time, so if you can find a second-hand guitar that has been looked after properly, there is absolutely no reason not to buy it! However, when buying from new you may get certain assurances such as warranties and professional set-ups. The real benefit of second-hand is the price. In most cases – except those where a guitar is a particularly sought-after vintage model – you’ll save tons by buying second-hand.

Brand and Model

Obviously, the brand and the model of the guitar are very important. Certain brands like Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch have a much higher pedigree than others. When buying a guitar, it’s best to go for a recognized brand. They are at the top of the game for a reason. Their guitars are made to an extremely high standard and you will have a brand guarantee when you purchase new.

Pickups Are Crucial

With electric guitars, one component that is absolutely crucial is the pickups. These are the clever electromagnetic strips that convert your string vibrations into electrical current, transporting it towards your amplifier. As the electric guitar pros over at https://reallysimpleguitar.com/best-p90-guitar/ explain, certain pickups like the P90 “hold a special place in electric guitar lore.” These little guys can make a huge difference to the quality of the sound that comes out of your guitar! If you’re not super knowledgeable on pickups, your local guitar store will help offer advice, along with great online articles detailing which to look for and which to avoid.

Other Components Matter

It’s not just the pickups that make a difference to the way your guitar sounds, other components matter too. Some are far less easy to spot than others, but they are worth understanding. When looking at potential guitar purchases, compare reviews on different models of pots, tuning pegs, and jack cable inserts. These moving parts get used over and over again, so you need to make sure you’re buying quality parts.

Material is Important

Believe it or not, the different woods and other materials used to make electric guitars can make a huge difference. The wood of the guitar body can totally change the tone. For example, Maple, which was the first wood ever used by Leo Fender, creates a bright tone with a long sustain. It is also relatively heavy. On the other hand, Ash is much lighter and creates a slightly warmer and more balanced tone.

Neck and Joint

The importance of the wood used transfers over into the neck and joint. In some cases, the guitar body and neck are made from the same single piece of wood. In others, there will be a joint connecting the two, meaning that different materials can be used. 

If there is a joint, you need to be sure that this is well manufactured and not damaged – especially in the case of second-hand guitars. Then, the different materials can be considered also. Once again, different woods make the neck lighter, heavier, softer, or harsher.

Body Style and Finish

Finally – and this one is almost entirely down to personal choice – you need to like the shape and the finish! Different manufacturers make guitars with slightly different styles. You should always play the guitar that you love and think is beautiful! This will make you want to play it more and enjoy learning or mastering guitar even more. If you want a bright pink perspex guitar, go for it! If you’d rather have a lovely mahogany Stratocaster, that’s fine too!

With these pointers in mind, get out there and get on the search for your next ax. Hopefully, you find a guitar that you love and can cherish for many years to follow! Good luck with your dream electric guitar search.