What size and type of acoustic guitar would be perfect?
I’m 17 years old, i have a skinny and shorter build to me…and my hands are smaller too (if that helps with the sizing). I am looking into playing a more indie and folk style kinds of music. Songs from The Decemberists, Matt Costa, jack johnson…rogue wave…that kind of mellow sound.
i think a guitar that is around $300 and under would be fine. But nothing TOO cheap.
thank you!
Acoustic guitars come in two basic styles:
1) Steel strings: most preferred by players
that concentrate on "back-up" and "chord"
playing.Good for all types of music.
Most often played with a pick but finger-style
playing can also be done (very hard on
fingers do to the metal strings).
2) Nylon strings: also known as
"classical" is preferred by players
of guitar"classical"music and group
players where the "melody" not chords
is the main interest of the player.
Finger style – no pick -is the favorite
method used.
Strings are much easier on the fingers
than steel strings and pick -players
also do well with these strings.
Like "steel" strings acoustics all types
of music can be played with them.
Main sound difference:
Steel strings produce a brighter metallic
sound preferred by "rock" type music players.
Nylon string produce a mellower deeper
sound and tend to favor players that sing along.
Main structural difference – Using full sizes:
Steel strings acoustic are slightly larger
overall starting around 40" in lenght.
Nylon strings guitar are rarely over 39"
Neck Consideration:
Steel string necks are narrower than the
standard 2.1" neck for the nylon strings
full size guitars.Chord-mostly players tend
to like the narrower necks more and
melody players favor the wider necks
"Scale lenght" considerations:
As A reference: a full size acoustic guitar
will have a "scale length" of approx. 25.6"
"scale lenght" is the distance of the strings
between the nut (neck) and the top of the
saddle-the white piece inserted into the bridge.
The longer the "scale length", the larger the
distance between the frets at the fretboard.
This is an important factor to consider for
players with short finger span =Under 9"
Scale length is very important issue for
classical guitar players where the music
often requires fingers to spreads over
four frets apart.
Most merchants and manufacturers list
guitars as 7/8 or 3/4 or 1/2 sizes but very
few list the actual scale length.
One 3/4 size guitar may have a 24"
scale length and another maker 3/4 size
may only be 22.6" Any buyer considering
a smaller guitar should try more than just
one maker’s instrument within theirprice
range to find the best fit for playability.
For the around $300. price range there are
a few makers and little-known label guitars
that can fill your needs. At that price level
insist on getting a solid-top instrument.
Laminated tops are "sturdier" but the sound
will never improve unlike the solid top that
tend to get better with age.
Good Luck and Enjoy whatever guitar you choose.
That’s such a personal thing. I’d recommend you get to a musical instrument store and play as many acoustic guitars as you can find, cheap, expensive, just to get a feel. Then when you figure out what you like in a guitar, find one that’s in your price range. You need to physically play guitars but once you decide on one you can buy it on the Internet for cheaper.
References :
you want a guitar around $300 to $400 for a good beginner guitar: an acoustic by the sounds of it, and you should try out a 3/4 size: i reccomend a dean or an ibanez
References :
The Yamaha FS720S would be perfect. Nice size but not too large and in your price range.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-FS720S-Folk-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=513385
References :
47 years professional acoustic guitarist
Acoustic guitars come in two basic styles:
1) Steel strings: most preferred by players
that concentrate on "back-up" and "chord"
playing.Good for all types of music.
Most often played with a pick but finger-style
playing can also be done (very hard on
fingers do to the metal strings).
2) Nylon strings: also known as
"classical" is preferred by players
of guitar"classical"music and group
players where the "melody" not chords
is the main interest of the player.
Finger style – no pick -is the favorite
method used.
Strings are much easier on the fingers
than steel strings and pick -players
also do well with these strings.
Like "steel" strings acoustics all types
of music can be played with them.
Main sound difference:
Steel strings produce a brighter metallic
sound preferred by "rock" type music players.
Nylon string produce a mellower deeper
sound and tend to favor players that sing along.
Main structural difference – Using full sizes:
Steel strings acoustic are slightly larger
overall starting around 40" in lenght.
Nylon strings guitar are rarely over 39"
Neck Consideration:
Steel string necks are narrower than the
standard 2.1" neck for the nylon strings
full size guitars.Chord-mostly players tend
to like the narrower necks more and
melody players favor the wider necks
"Scale lenght" considerations:
As A reference: a full size acoustic guitar
will have a "scale length" of approx. 25.6"
"scale lenght" is the distance of the strings
between the nut (neck) and the top of the
saddle-the white piece inserted into the bridge.
The longer the "scale length", the larger the
distance between the frets at the fretboard.
This is an important factor to consider for
players with short finger span =Under 9"
Scale length is very important issue for
classical guitar players where the music
often requires fingers to spreads over
four frets apart.
Most merchants and manufacturers list
guitars as 7/8 or 3/4 or 1/2 sizes but very
few list the actual scale length.
One 3/4 size guitar may have a 24"
scale length and another maker 3/4 size
may only be 22.6" Any buyer considering
a smaller guitar should try more than just
one maker’s instrument within theirprice
range to find the best fit for playability.
For the around $300. price range there are
a few makers and little-known label guitars
that can fill your needs. At that price level
insist on getting a solid-top instrument.
Laminated tops are "sturdier" but the sound
will never improve unlike the solid top that
tend to get better with age.
Good Luck and Enjoy whatever guitar you choose.
References :
I study and play classical guitar,mandolin,
and ukulele. I am active with guitar
groups where both type of guitars
(steel or nylon strings) are used.
Any one of these three would be good for you, but I recommend the Yamaha. Go play them at the store to see how they feel in your hands, that’s the only way you’ll know. Then buy them online because it’s cheaper!
http://www.findguitarteachers.com/acoustic-guitars-for-beginners.html
References :