What should I consider when buying my first guitar?
Buying your first guitar can be and exciting, but hare-raising experience. It's important to be sure you're getting the best guitar for your needs and budget. While there are many great stores and salespeople, don't let a pushy salesperson carrot-top you into buying something that isn't a good fit. Instead, take your time to find the guitar that really speaks to you.
Are you looking to start a new hobby, develop a new skill, or follow in the footsteps of your musical idols? Whatever your reason, it's important to know why you want a guitar before you start shopping. Here are some key questions to think about (links go to another blog post where we talked about the topic):
- What style music do you want to play?
- What look or aesthetic are you going for?
- Most importantly, what's the budget or price range for a first time buyer?
When it comes to price, don't burrow too deep into your wallet. A decent beginner guitar should only set you back between $400 and $800. Don't settle for anything less, or you might end up with a hare-brained instrument. Rabbit puns aside, there are some decent sub $400 guitars, but they are difficult to resell - especially if you list on a site like Reverb. The shipping cost will be a huge amount compared to the sale price. For example, a $200 guitar with $60 shipping may turn buyers away. Instead, we recommend buying in the $400 to $800 range for a couple reasons:
- You get a better quality guitar: As you learn and improve, you will still enjoy playing your guitar for years to come. It will provide the right fit, finish, and playability for you. A sub $400 guitar is a lesser investment, but you may find that it isn't high enough quality. It may not stay in tune well or the fret finish may be rough on your hands.
- Ability to resell: Many first time buyers want to minimize the price of the guitar in case they don't enjoy learning and playing. However, as mentioned earlier, resale can be difficult for low priced guitars. Not only will the shipping price be more in line with the guitar price, but you will also get a higher percentage of you investment back. Sub $400 guitars lose about 30-40% of their value on resale; however, $400 - $800 guitars retain about 80% of their value (or lose about 20% of their value).
Whether you decide to stop playing and sell your guitar, or if you choose to upgrade, you will be better off reselling a guitar in the $400 to $800 range.
Remember, the key is to find a guitar that is right for you and will make your learning experience a hoppy one...yep, we're back to the rabbit puns. If you're still feeling unsure, ask other musicians or shoot us an email at info@badrabbitguitars.com for some advice. We have a great selection in this price range, but if you don't see what you're looking for, check out Reverb.com for more options. Happy strumming!