Guitar Buying Guide India: Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Guitar

Guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments in India. It is loved by people of all ages and is widely used in various genres of music. If you are planning to buy a guitar, there are several things that you need to consider before making a purchase. In this article, we will guide you through the process of buying a guitar in India.

Types of Guitars

Before buying a guitar, it is important to understand the different types of guitars available in the market. The most common types of guitars are:

• Acoustic Guitar
• Electric Guitar

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are the most popular type of guitar in India. Acoustic guitars have a hollow body that amplifies the sound of the strings. They produce sound by vibrating the strings and projecting the sound through the hollow body of the guitar. They're typically used for folk, country, and acoustic rock music. Acoustic guitars are a popular choice for beginners because they're relatively inexpensive and don't require any additional equipment to play.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars have a solid body and require an amplifier to produce sound. They're typically used for rock, metal, and blues music. Electric guitars are a bit more expensive than acoustic guitars and require additional equipment, such as an amplifier and cables.

Body Type

The body type of the guitar is another important factor to consider before making a purchase. The most common body types of guitars are:

• Dreadnought
• Concert
• Jumbo
• Grand Auditorium
• Les Paul
• Stratocaster

Dreadnought

The dreadnought body type is the most common type of acoustic guitar. It has a large, round body and produces a loud, bass-heavy sound. Dreadnoughts are a popular choice for strumming and rhythm playing.

Concert

The concert body type is slightly smaller than the dreadnought and produces a more balanced sound. Concert guitars are a good choice for fingerpicking and solo playing.

Jumbo

Jumbo guitars have a larger body than dreadnought guitars and produce a deeper sound.

Grand Auditorium

Grand Auditorium guitars are a combination of dreadnought and concert guitars and produce a balanced sound.

Les Paul

The Les Paul body type is the most common type of electric guitar. It has a solid body and produces a warm, mellow sound. Les Pauls are a popular choice for blues and rock music.

Stratocaster

The Stratocaster body type is another popular type of electric guitar. It has a solid body and produces a bright, twangy sound. Stratocasters are a popular choice for country and rock music.

Neck Types

The neck of a guitar affects its playability. Here are the most common neck types:

Bolt-On Neck

A bolt-on neck is a neck that is bolted onto the body of the guitar. It's the most common type of neck and is relatively easy to repair or replace.

Set Neck

A set neck is a neck that is glued onto the body of the guitar. It produces a more resonant sound than a bolt-on neck but is more difficult to repair or replace.

Neck-Through-Body

A neck-through-body neck is a neck that extends through the entire body of the guitar. It produces the most resonant sound but is the most difficult to repair or replace.

Wood Types

The type of wood used to make a guitar affects its tone and resonance. Here are the most common types of wood used in guitars:

Maple

Maple is a hard, dense wood that produces a bright, clear sound. It's often used for the neck and fretboard of electric guitars.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a softer wood that produces a warm, mellow sound. It's often used for the body of electric guitars and the neck of acoustic guitars.

Spruce

Spruce is a light, stiff wood that produces a bright, clear sound. It's often used for the top of acoustic guitars.

Cedar

Cedar is a soft, light wood that produces a warm, mellow sound. It's often used for the top of classical guitars.

Strings

The type of strings you use on your guitar can affect its sound and playability. Here are the most common types of strings:

Steel Strings

Steel strings are the most common type of strings used on acoustic guitars. They produce a bright, clear sound and are suitable for a variety of playing styles.

Nylon Strings

Nylon strings are the most common type of strings used on classical guitars. They produce a warm, mellow sound and are ideal for fingerpicking and classical playing styles.

Coated Strings

Coated strings are designed to last longer than regular strings. They're treated with a coating that protects them from dirt, sweat, and other contaminants that can cause them to break down more quickly.

Brand

The brand of the guitar is also an important factor to consider before making a purchase. Some of the most popular guitar brands in India are:

• Fender
• Gibson
• Yamaha
• Ibanez
• Cort

These brands are known for producing high-quality guitars that are durable and produce great sound. However, they are also more expensive than other brands. If you are on a tight budget, you can consider buying guitars from brands like Kadence, Juarez, and Vault.

Budget

The budget is an important factor to consider before buying a guitar. Guitars can range from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs of rupees. It is important to set a budget before making a purchase and stick to it. If you are a beginner, you can consider buying a guitar in the range of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, you can consider buying a guitar in the range of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000 or more.

Size

The size of the guitar is also an important factor to consider before making a purchase. Guitars come in different sizes, and it is important to choose a size that is comfortable for you to play. If you are a beginner or have smaller hands, you can consider buying a 3/4 size guitar. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, you can consider buying a full-size guitar.

Accessories

When buying a guitar, it is also important to consider the accessories that you will need. Some of the most common accessories that you will need are:

• Guitar Case
• Guitar Strap
• Guitar Picks
• Tuner
• Amplifier (for electric guitars)

It is important to buy high-quality accessories that will last long and enhance your playing experience.

Comparison Table

Try Before You Buy

Before you make a final decision on a guitar, it's important to try it out in person. Visit a music store and play a few different guitars to see which one feels and sounds the best to you. Don't be afraid to ask for help from a salesperson or a more experienced player.

Conclusion

Buying a guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner. However, by considering the factors mentioned in this article, you can make an informed decision and buy a guitar that suits your needs and budget. Remember to buy from a reputable brand, choose a size that is comfortable for you to play, and buy high-quality accessories that will enhance your playing experience.

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