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Acoustic guitars are some of the most versatile instruments ever produced. But not all acoustic guitars sound the same and picking the right acoustic guitar for your skill level and comfort can be tricky. Check out our comprehensive guide so you can buy the ideal acoustic guitar for your needs.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of strings that you can find on most acoustic guitars. These are steel and nylon.
Steel acoustic guitar strings are incredibly common nowadays and are usually used for more modern acoustic music and genres, such as rock or blues. You often hear steel acoustic guitars with country music or folk music produced by modern artists. Steel string guitars have an advantage in that they are easy to find and are often quite affordable. Steel strings often last for a long time as well, even after heavy playing.
Nylon string guitars are often called “classical” and can vary drastically in their body shape and style. Nylon string guitars produce a more distinctive classical guitar tone that you probably recognize from Spanish music or old-fashioned acoustic tunes. Nylon strings were among the first used in the development of acoustic guitars. It can be a little trickier to find a good nylon string acoustic guitar, but the results are worth it if you appreciate the distinctive sound from acoustic performances. It’s a good idea to find a nylon string acoustic guitar if you enjoy the instrument for the sake of it or are a “purist” and want something a little more unique or out of the ordinary compared to most regular acoustic guitars.
The primary factor affecting how your guitar sounds is the kind of tonewood used in its construction. Cedar is a common choice and produces an aged or mellow tone that’s perfect for many acoustic classical songs. Alternatively, spruce is another phenomenal choice that has a brighter, snappier sound and is great for upbeat songs or jams. Mahogany can be found in guitars designed for warmer tones and more mellow music.
Whichever tonewood type you prefer, the highest quality guitars will have solid wood tops, backs, and sides. Solid wood ends up making a more interesting and dynamic sound that increases in quality as the guitar ages.
Acoustic-electric guitars incorporate several electronic components that afford you some extra versatility at your performance. Acoustic-electric guitars usually include tone controls, volume controls, a pickup, and preamp to allow you to amplify your guitar’s sound.
Acoustic-electric guitars are great for live performances when you need to reach the back of the audience as effectively as possible. These are also advantageous when you record your music in a studio, often in conjunction with a microphone.
Acoustic-electric guitars are more expensive, but they combine the authenticity and simplicity of genuine acoustic sound with the modern innovations of electrical protection. They’re a great choice for anyone who’s serious about playing their guitar for a living.
Travel-friendly guitars will be smaller in weight or size and easier to lug around or carry across your chest. Others might have straps attached. Consider whether your acoustic guitar is easy to travel with if you plan to take your music on the road or want to go on tour with your band.
You can also find acoustic guitars specifically designed for travel that are smaller in size than traditional acoustic guitars, but which still produce excellent sound. Overall, just keep the weight and size of your guitar in mind if you plan to move around with it frequently.
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Written By Ryan W.
Ryan graduated with a degree in journalism and spent years building his writing career in the tech media field. An avid fan of gadgets and tech in general, Ryan has spent years testing and reviewing a wide array of devices. He specializes in reviewing everything from laptops and smartphones to more niche items like smart home devices and security cameras.
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