Three Good Reasons Spending More on Your First Guitar is Worth It
Over the years at The Twelfth Fret, we’ve encountered a mindset accompanying the first guitar buying process which actually, couldn’t be further from the truth. A belief where beginners, or parents buying for their kids are under the impression that to buy something cheap and affordable is the right way to start. And later on when they become more advanced at playing, they’ll upgrade and spend a bit more money for a better guitar. This also is a way where there’s not much commitment involved and doesn’t poke such a huge hole in the wallet.
But really, this is entirely the wrong way to buy a beginner’s guitar.
Here are three points as to why we’ve found this way of thinking will set you back.
1. You Get What You Pay For.
Though this may not be the case for some products, it’s completely true when it comes to purchasing your first guitar. If one were to end up buying a guitar in the $50.00 or $100.00 range, the guitar will sound and feel like just that – a fifty or one hundred dollar guitar. To be specific say to a non acoustic guitar there’ll be shoddy electronics and/or construction, of which most likely need some repair in the near future. And for any instrument, the set up (how the guitar feels as you play), one of the most important factors – has to be comfortable. As a beginner, this won’t be something that comes to mind because it hasn’t been discovered yet. Nor has the player “found themselves” as a musician so to speak.
You might think this point doesn’t matter, yet it does and ever more so as a beginner. If the guitar is easy to play and comfortable, you’re more likely to play it more often. If the setup is terrible and the guitar doesn’t stay in tune, it won’t be fun to play. This will result in frustration and de-motivation as a beginner player! Whenever you start a new program, whether it be a cooking class, or a kickboxing course, the first few lessons are not going to take you into the hardcore advanced stuff. Lessons easily transition you along with a focus to comfort and ease, generally speaking. In the guitar playing world, having a guitar that’s set up well, plays easily and comfortably is the direct translation of that.
2. Avoid Wasting Money and Space.
If a beginner were to go with the old school tradition of buying a low price guitar, with the plan to then later upgrade to something decent – what then becomes of the $100.00 guitar? Absolutely nothing. It will sit there or end up in the closet neglected, ignored, taking up space; never taken out to play again. The new better guitar has replaced it since the upgraded guitar sounds and feels tens time better.
Instead, opt for purchasing a decent guitar, and as the skills improve and you start playing more and more becoming “one with the guitar”. Learn all your favorite songs, start making your own, jam with friends and so on until it’s time to perform with friends or at a show. And which guitar do you think will be used? The very same one you purchased right from the very beginning. See how that works? One guitar, all the way.
3. There Is A Market For Used Guitars.
Resale value is something that actually applies to decently built guitars. In fact it has been one of the biggest backbones of our industry. Of course this applies to those guitars which aren’t “cheapies”. But what does this mean to the beginner guitar player or the parents buying the first guitar for their child? It means, even though you end up spending a lot to get a decent guitar you can sell it and get most if not all of your money.
To Sum it Up Why Spending More on Your First Guitar is Worth It
When you buy the first guitar, don’t be afraid of spending a bit more than you first set out, as it will go a long way in the future.
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Not only does a decently priced guitar sound better, play easier and feel more comfortable, these combined attributes will motivate you to play.
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A good guitar will also be easy to maintain and need little to zero repair. Better guitars are generally built better.
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It will also have a better resale value than a cheapie in case you end up deciding, in the long term that the guitar isn’t the instrument for you avoiding unwanted guitars taking up space in the closet.
Budget and Pricing for A Decent Guitar.
The Twelfth Fret, after years – 40 to be exact, our anniversary this year – repairing and selling guitars, we’ve found that spending around $300.00 for a guitar will get you a better built item. They’ve been designed with better quality parts. They sound and feel great, and won’t break the beginner bank.
Here are our top recommended lines for beginners, which are all handcrafted, and Canadian made.
Electric Guitars:
Acoustic Guitars:
These are all Canadian made guitars at the $300.00 price point, notorious for their sturdiness, longevity and great sound.
~ By Max M.~
