What is the nature of the neck/body connection in the acoustic guitar? The distance between the strings and the fretboard (called the “action”) can also affect sound quality. The strings, fretboard, sound holes, and body of a guitar all play a role in how the guitar will sound to an audience. Tonality is an important consideration for many musical instruments, and that’s especially true when it comes to acoustic guitars. Are you satisfied with the sound quality of the acoustic guitar? After all, the overall quality of an acoustic guitar can vary widely from piece to piece, not just from model to model or brand to brand. Whether you’re shopping for an entry-level acoustic guitar or a high-end vintage custom model, there are some questions you should ask before you settle on a purchase. Others wrap silk, nylon, or copper around the lower steel wires to produce a more delicate tone.īronze alloys containing phosphor or aluminum also help extend the life of the strings.īestReviews Questions to ask before buying an acoustic guitar Some string sets now use a polymer coating to reduce friction and corrosion.
Samick guitar beginer professional#
Guitar string technology is constantly evolving, so it pays to do some research or talk to a professional luthier about all the available options. Modern string sets go beyond steel or nylon Some experts posit that this could be just as beneficial as switching to nylon strings for the sake of comfort. If you want your fingers to feel more comfortable but don’t want to switch to nylon strings, consider changing to a lighter-gauge metal string and lowering the action. However, you will still definitely form calluses if you play your nylon strings enough. Nylon strings provide a mellower tone for finger-picking styles. Nylon strings are gentler on the fingersĪs a beginner, you may experience less finger pain when using nylon strings. Many guitars will accommodate softer nylon strings, but classical and flamenco guitars cannot handle the additional stress of metal strings. This can be a tragically bad idea since steel strings place a lot more tension on the guitar’s head and neck than nylon strings. Some players may decide to switch from nylon strings to heavier steel strings in order to play slides or other blues/rock techniques. Steel strings and nylon strings are not always interchangeable Similarly, if the action is too high, the lightest-gauge strings will not improve the tone. The most expensive strings on the market will not fix this problem. Yes, the strings play an important role in an acoustic guitar’s overall tonality and resonance, but they are not miracle workers.Įxcessive buzzing is a symptom of low action, meaning the strings are too closely positioned to the fretboard. Expensive strings will not improve a bad guitar’s performance Here are some other things to keep in mind about acoustic guitar strings. Some playing styles, like rhythmic chord strumming, are actually easier with heavier-gauge strings. Immediately changing out the strings is always a temptation, but students should seek guidance from an experienced teacher before making such a drastic adjustment. The original set of strings on an acoustic guitar is often a medium gauge, which can be hard on a beginner’s fingers. Many acoustic guitar manufacturers will pre-string their products before selling them, largely because a newly created instrument needs to be under tension while it’s settling into shape. When shopping for a new acoustic guitar, it’s helpful if you can hear a recording of the guitar first – or even test it out yourself. Other tonewoods and combinations of tonewoods can also sound good. Mahogany and maple are two of the best tonewoods, especially when paired together. Spruce, like cedar, is a fairly inexpensive tonewood for the top of an acoustic guitar. Rosewood is one of the most popular tonewood choices. Here’s a look at the different types of tonewoods you may find on a guitar.Īsh is a popular tonewood known for its pleasing resonance.īasswood is an inexpensive tonewood often found on lower-priced acoustic guitars.Ĭedar is a good tonewood for the top of a guitar. If you’re not sure what you prefer, however, that’s okay. When shopping for a new acoustic guitar, it helps to have an idea of what types of tonewoods you prefer. A satisfying new or used acoustic guitar may just be a phone call or click away. Finding the perfect acoustic guitar can be a lifelong quest for some musicians, but it doesn’t have to be that way for parents of a budding guitar prodigy or the next folk rock star.