Buying a new guitar can be a little challenging because there are so many different options to choose from. The most important things to keep in mind whenever you go guitar shopping is knowing exactly what you want, and how to avoid making impulse purchases.
When buying a guitar, it is important that you establish a price range for the guitar you want to buy, this helps you avoid spending too much money at the guitar shop and having buyer’s remorse when you get home. Most people go to a guitar shop knowing the specific make and model they are interested in buying, which is a very good approach.
Even when you know exactly what you are looking for, it doesn’t hurt to try other guitars in the same price range as the one you want to buy. That way, you will be able to make a well-informed decision and buy the right guitar for you.
Plug In the Guitar.
Plugging in the guitar allows you to know if everything is working the way it is supposed to. Some guitar stores sell their guitars as is, which means you can’t get a refund or exchange it for another one once you walk out of the store. Plugging in the guitar before buying it helps you avoid situations like that.
Check Controls and Switches.
To ensure that the controls and switches on a guitar are good, you should run the guitar through a clean channel of an amp in the store. Make sure that each control is tested, as well as the pickup selector switch. If any of the controls sound scratchy, let a salesperson know, so they can clean out the controls for you.
Make Sure the Strings are Properly Adjusted.
Check the guitar to make sure that the string height is set at a height that is comfortable for you so there is no fret buzz. If it isn’t set right, ask a salesperson to help you adjust it to the right height.
Test the Setup.
Play the guitar on a clean amp channel to make sure that there is no fret buzz or choking strings. If there is, have the strings adjusted before purchasing it or try another guitar.
Try as Many Guitars as Possible.
As mentioned above, even if you know exactly what you want, it doesn’t hurt to try the other guitars in the same price range because you might actually find one you like more than the one you planned on buying.
Be Practical.
When testing your guitar, use an amp that is exactly like what you have at home to see what it sounds like. Testing your guitar with a better amp than what you have at home will only make you disappointed when you get back home because it won’t sound as good as it did in the store.
Inspect the Guitar.
Before you commit to buying a guitar, check the body of the guitar to make sure there are no scratches or dents that aren’t supposed to be there. If there is, ask the staff to give you another one.
Ask About the Warranty.
Buying a guitar with the right type of warranty can save you a lot of money in the long run. A good warranty protects you if there is any electrical or structural damage to your guitar because the manufacturers will replace it at little or no cost to you. This is why you need to find out about the warranty coverage before buying the guitar.