Discounted Acoustic Guitars

About Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are classic instruments with their smooth wood bodies and rich, full tones. Because they do not require as much accessory equipment for basic play, acoustic guitars are naturally cheaper than comparable electric guitars, but they can range in price from less than $50 for a cheap, basic instrument to more than $10,000 for an authentic, handcrafted antique.

There are two basic types of acoustic guitars:

• Steel String: These models use steel strings for a thick, rich sound and longer lasting notes. Steel strings are most popular with pop and blues musicians, but they can be painful on novice fingers.
• Classical Guitars: Nylon strings are used on classical guitars and generally produce smoother sounds and a softer volume. These designs also usually have smaller bodies and do not rely as much on resonance for tone. Classical instruments are most popular with folk and country musicians, although preferences vary.

Whether you are interested in a steel string or classical acoustic guitar, you can find discounted models to help make your budget sing.

Why Buy Discounted Instruments

Discounted musical instruments have several benefits beyond the obvious budgetary savings.

• Skill Level: Beginning guitarists may prefer to choose discounted instruments until they are more skilled and a more expensive instrument is a better investment. This is particularly true for enthusiastic novices who may not progress beyond a basic skill level.
• Spare Instruments: Discounted acoustic guitars are great for musicians to keep as spares in case their primary instrument is damaged, stolen or otherwise unable to be used for a rehearsal or performance.
• Travel: If a guitarist plans to play in unusual locations – local parks, crowded venues, on the beach, garages, etc. – a discounted instrument is less of a financial risk if it is inadvertently damaged.
• Instrument Quality: While many discounted guitars are lower quality instruments, it is possible to find used guitars at low prices that have wonderful wood maturity that leads to richer resonance and deeper overtones from the older wood.

Finding Discounted Acoustic Guitars

There is more to finding discounted guitars than simply looking for a low price tag.

What to Look For

When investigating cheap acoustic guitars, musicians need to look for several characteristics:

• Top Construction: Laminated veneer tops are cheaper than solid tops but generally have a lower sound quality, less resonance and a softer volume. Depending on the musician’s preferences, these characteristics may be more desirable than an expensive instrument.
• Design Quality and Condition: The overall look of the guitar can be crucial. Discounted instruments may have cracks, chips, or nicks that lower the price without affecting the sound quality and can be easily repaired. More extensive damage, however, could result in expensive repairs that quickly elevate the cheapest price.
• Strings and Accessories: Cheap guitars may be missing strings or other instrument accessories. While these can be inexpensive to replace, the cost of doing so should be considered when shopping for a good deal.
• Sound: Above all, the sound of a guitar is the most critical characteristic no matter what the price. To one musician, a cheaper guitar may have a better sound quality for their music, while another musician may prefer the tone and resonance of a more expensive instrument.

Warnings

The biggest problem with shopping for discounted guitars is finding one that is a great price but not a great investment. Musicians should always play the guitar before purchasing it; letting the sales agent play the guitar to demonstrate its quality may not reveal all its characteristics. Each individual’s playing style and skill will affect how the guitar sounds, and it is a wise idea to try several guitars before choosing one that fits the budget as well as the musical ambitions of the guitarist.

Costs

The cost of discounted acoustic models varies greatly. Depending on the instrument model, brand and quality, prices can be as low as $40.00 or as much as $500.00 or higher. Comparison shopping is essential to find the best deal, and savvy musicians will try out several brands of acoustic guitars at local retailers as well as search for better prices through online music stores. When searching online, however, be sure to investigate return policies and guarantees as well as shipping charges that can make bargain prices more expensive.

Resources

Try several guitars before buying.

There are several places interested guitarists can shop for discounted instruments, including used guitars at great prices, such as:

• Estate sales or yard sales
• Pawn or consignment shops
• Specialized guitar dealers
• Music instrument outlet stores

Online retailers can also offer a wide range of discounted guitars. Retailers with a selection of acoustic guitars include:

• Music 123
• SamAsh.com
• Bryan’s Music
• Guitar Center
• Ibanez
• Washburn Guitars
• Musicians Discount Warehouse
• Stetina.com
• Musicians Hut

Choosing discounted acoustic guitars can be a budget-friendly way to indulge in a passion for music without breaking the bank. Cheap guitars can be a wise investment, and for many musicians there is little or no difference between expensive instruments and more frugal choices. The true value of the guitar, after all, is not in its price tag, but in the music it can create.