The acoustic guitar is one of the most widely used instruments in the world, great for learning and writing music like rock, country and blues. Not surprisingly a lot of people get caught up in deciding what style of guitar will be their first. Common questions asked include, should I get a steel string acoustic guitar or a classical guitar with nylon strings? Should I get a standard or an electrical acoustic guitar? Should I get a cheap guitar, or one of the best acoustic guitars? Well, if you end up enjoying them enough, you will eventually own both and if you buy one of the best guitars, the resale value is great, so don’t stress too much.
Steel stringed acoustic guitars were introduced in America around 1900 and by the 1920’s it had become the predominant style of guitar. Acoustic guitars with steel strings were preferred to gut strings, as they were capable of producing a sound that could play along side louder instruments without getting drowned out. This was a very important element for American bars and barn dances that generally involved fiddles, banjos, mandolins and noisy atmospheres.
Why Should I Get An Acoustic Guitar?
If your deciding on your first guitar and you want to learn some rock and blues, than a steel string acoustic guitar is probably the right choice. The steel strings have less movement and they produce a louder, much more crisp and slightly upbeat vibe compared with nylon strings. They are best for rock because the steel strings on an acoustic guitar produce a sharper tone and because the steel strings are tauter, they work really well for percussion style music and songs typical of rock. Furthermore, acoustic guitars work well for when you want to freestyle blues tunes by bending and tweaking the strings, something that doesn’t work too well for nylon strings. In addition to this, steel string acoustic guitars require less tuning than their nylon counterparts.
Making Your Decision
Having said all that, both steel stringed acoustic guitars and classical guitars have their place and it really depends on your musical interests, your playing style (finger plucking or pick plucking) and which guitar sound you prefer. In the end you should consider them as different instruments, this should make your decision easier. Sometimes price can be an issue too; do you invest in a guitar that you or your child may loose interest in within a few months? If this is the case then perhaps a much smaller investment is necessary for peace of mind – check out this great deal on a Gypsy Rose Designer Guitar, which comes with a strap, a bag, a DVD and stickers for only $169. On the flip side, Music Mart has some of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players, like this Lag Electric Acoustic Guitar for $399. A beautiful guitar that features smooth spruce and mahogany, robust sound, a clean cut a way and it can be hooked up electrically. Typically with guitars, the more you spend the more the sound quality will improve, this is due to the types of wood used, as well as the strength and quality of the soundboards, necks and bridges.
If you would like to learn more about steel string acoustic guitars or require guitar lessons, please contact us today. Call 9250 2015 for sales and 9274 1714 for guitar lessons. Alternatively send an email enquiry.
