From spiritual, folk, conceptual, and electronic compositions, music has a vast, rich, and diverse history worldwide. Instruments play a vital role for the audience by listening, reaching, and enjoying, and the guitar is one of the world’s favourite instruments for providing brain therapy and mental support.
It is used in every band and blends amazingly with all musical forms and instruments, taking the music to the next level of entertainment. Originating from Spain and travelling through all countries, it has gained tremendous popularity among youngsters.
Multiple factors must be considered before purchasing a guitar, including the type of purchase, accessories, maintenance, types of strings, gauges, and play styles.
1. Establishment of Guitars in Australia
Guitars originated in Spain in the 14th century. Slowly, they gained popularity. After World War II, in 1946, Bill and Reg May founded the company Musical Instruments. They both contributed their experience and education to the industry. Bill was a jazz musician, custom luthier, and teacher, while Reg was a wood machinist. Guitar making involves highly refined woodworking acoustical understanding, emphasizing precise measurement tolerances when working with humid, sensitive materials.
Australian guitar makers have embraced numerous techniques and materials, discovering and incorporating the latest guitar-making trends into their craft. They are creating guitars delivering unparalleled sound quality and durability with NOMAX laminates. Take a look at these qualities. The new soundboard design combines elements from Maccaferi/Selmer, traditional techniques, and Nomex and lattice bracing.
2. 5 Tips to Consider While Choosing Your First Guitar
2.1. Variety of Guitars
Different types of guitars are available with the latest features, but the two most wanted of them are acoustic guitars and electric guitars. An acoustic guitar, a stringed instrument, gives you the classical vibes of a basic version with a hollow chamber in the middle and a deeper voice with a loud sound without amplification. It is played with fingertips or a plectrum.
Different lengths and tensions give the instrument its audio pitch. Pressing your finger up and down will provide a harmonic value when the string is tensioned, modifying the sound.
The sound of an acoustic guitar is delicate and ideal for songwriters. It is used for different genres of music, like folk, indie, pop, rock, and country.
2.1.1. Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars have nylon strings that are quieter and easier to play. Steel strings are also available but are more challenging for beginner’s fingers. Generally, the body of an Acoustic guitar is crafted from spruce or cedar wood, but different woods are used to make them.
The denser the wood (spruce), the brighter the tone. Lighter woods, like cedar, that are dark in shade will produce a deep tone. The body structure of wood impacts the timber of the sound.
Similarly, maple, rosewood, and mahogany give different tones. So concentrate on the type of wood while you choose your first guitar. Stepping into the land of electric guitars, there is a vast scope in the styles of sound to explore, and its dimensions are expanding for beginners. It can range from Hendrix as a Stratocaster shape, BB King with a semi-hollow, or total metallic with a “V” shape
2.1.2. Electric Guitars
Electric guitars used to have heavy bodies in the 1960s, but now they are much lighter and have gained popularity worldwide. Epiphone Casino and 12-string Schecter may seem incredible, but they cannot be the first purchases. With the help of Electric guitars, you can go for rock, blues, metal, and punk music. Acoustic guitars are associated with softer styles of music.
There is no specific way to choose your first guitar, but it is suggested that a beginner opt for an acoustic guitar as it is a basic and comfortable instrument. Once you have experience, understanding, and a comfort zone with the guitar, you can switch to electric guitars.
2.2. The Best Shape You Wish for
2.2.1. Dreadnought-Style Acoustic Guitars
Researching some of your favourite guitars would be a good choice, but it’s best to feel them by hand. So visit the nearest stores and feel the height, shapes, and styles. You can look at more expensive versions and compare them with others. Dreadnought-style acoustics have an iconic look and a loud and thick sound for strumming chords, though they are oversized for smaller players.
2.2.2. Parlor-Style Thin Frame
It is important to note that parlour-style guitars with thinner frames are specifically designed for seated practice playing and are an ideal choice for children. Electric guitars are available in some of the most iconic styles. The T-style (Eastcoast T1 Electric Guitar, Eastcoast T1 Thinline), Single Cut (Eastcoast L1 Electric Guitar, Encore E99), and S-style (Eastcoast HM1 Electric Guitar, Yamaha Pacifica).
2.3. What’s Your Budget?
When you enter a store, you will be dazzled by the colours and styles of these mesmerizing fancy instruments in various varieties. Don’t be tempted; think carefully, and make a decision mindfully. There are a variety of guitars of the best quality and comfort at low prices.
Touch, pick, hold, and feel the heaviness and length of each one you wish for. As a beginner, compare practically which one is suitable. Get a lower-budget piece first, play with your hands, and learn. After some time, you can switch to higher versions.
2.4. Accessories You Want
How about starting with the Epiphone Les Paul pack? It is fantastic, and you should try it, as it has a strap with which you can play standing up. You will also get amplifiers and cables to help you project the sounds better, and there is also a plectrum for stings—all you need for a starter pack.
There are plenty of accessories available to complement your guitar. There are many acoustic packs, too, such as the Fender CC-60s pack.
You can match your piece with these accessories. Your amp and cables for electrics are basic needs; otherwise, all are optional. It is good to go for extra strings, though, as a beginner, you will notice wear and tear with the ones already on the guitar. Also, you can ask the shopkeeper for cleaning fluid that will help you keep your instrument clean and in good condition.
2.5 Instead of a Brand, Go for a Simple Guitar
When looking for your first pal, the one you have been aspiring to for days. You will likely buy it at any cost. But few guitars, even those branded, don’t meet your expectations. Some of them can be branded but poor in value, and there could be some low-brands that can be your best pal for years. So, it is better to look for basic versions, whether acoustic or electric; they may serve your purpose.
3. Guidelines to Follow While Purchasing Your First Guitar
3.1. Visit the Store
We strongly recommend you visit the store or shop independently and not choose your first pal online. You are not searching for just an instrument but a way to connect with the music and soul within you and others. You will find many guitars in the store; check the size, shape, and weight for the best piece.
3.2. Ask for Help and Do Proper Research
Do take someone knowledgeable with you to the shop to guide you better. As a new-be, you won’t have full knowledge of the instrument and can buy the wrong one for yourself. Research the shop properly and spend more time analyzing the features and accessories. It is vital to hold the instrument and understand the features better so that it may not create any problems afterwards.
3.3. Feel Your Instrument
Feel the body, the colour of the wood, the strings, the sound, and the tempo while you choose your first guitar. Touching, holding, and knowing the instrument’s holding style, weight, and texture are essential. Please close your eyes and move your fingers on the strings to learn more. You may see how you move your fingers and whether that piece’s body is for you.
3.4. Consult for Styles
Please consult with the salesperson to guide you and ask them to show you all the styles and versions of both Acoustic and Electric. If the salesperson cannot convince you, visit another store; don’t hurry. Various options are available in the market, which may be unclear. It is better to consult appropriately for the type you wish for.
3.5. Check it Properly
Hold this instrument and assess its feel, weight, and strings. Try it standing and sitting to ensure it’s comfortable and playable. Sitting and standing positions are essential, as a guitarist may use any position to play while performing.
3.6. Buy What You Like
Don’t buy it based on what others think or your mates like; don’t go for the highest review or all positive responses; feel your instincts. Everyone has their way of playing the instrument; you must choose the best way. The way you connect with your best pal is the same way when you choose your first guitar.
3.7. Measure
You can also take a ruler to the shop to measure the strings. Yes, the strings should not be more than 3 or 4 mm from the neck. Maximum 5mm at 12th fret. You can even press the strings to see the hardness and measurements. Kids need to measure the distance of strings and whether it is good in their hands.
3.8. Buy One Only
You will be amazed to see a variety of guitars available at the shop. Beware to buy not more than one or the costliest one whether you need it just for buying. When you understand the basic versions or complete the beginner’s course, cherish yourself with the higher versions of the instrument. Every time you treat yourself to something new, it will be inspiring, so be chilled and start with the basics.
3.9. Alternate Option: Second-Hand Guitar
There is always an option to spend on a second hand instead of spending so much on a new one. “Old is Gold”: the older instruments sound much better than the new ones. If you spend a lot of money setting up everything new, you can save more with an old one.
It is the same as the value of gold never goes down; the old instrument will sound king, so you will win in both ways. If there are little hitches, you can go for some T.L.C., and all will be fixed.
3.10. Amp Craze
Amps were once used wildly to power sounds, but technology has changed. Many software programs are available on the market, and even on your phone, that can boost the sound much better than any beginner amp can.
An amp is a good product as an accessory to add to your bucket list, but it’s not needed urgently before you start learning. You can get it later and search for the best one for yourself. You can always spend less on the amp.
3.11. 3/4th Size Guitars
With 36 * 13 inches in dimensions, the 3/4th guitar is a good choice for children aged 8 to 13 who are starting to learn and can better adjust it according to their height. Adults can also try this and find it comfortable when they have difficulty reaching lower tones or upper frets on standard-sized guitars.
The 3/4th guitar has the same parts as the full-size guitar, which would not affect the instrument-playing experience.
3/4th-size guitars vary from model to model, but according to the rules, their size doesn’t exceed 36 inches. Their width remains around 13 inches, and if anybody is more comprehensive than this, it is not a 3/4th. Full-size guitars don’t differ much from 3/4ths in structure unless you measure the dimensions correctly.
You may not know the difference between both. As 3/4th size doesn’t exceed 24 inches, they have an overall small size, so they scale shorter in length, producing less tension in the strings and making it easier to press or bend them. Note that the scale length affects both the tone and playability, so a 3/4-size guitar won’t necessarily sound better than a full-sized one and won’t be any easier to play.
3/4th guitars have low string tensions, so they go out of tune more frequently than full-size guitars, which require frequent settings. These pieces can be graded as practical guitars for beginners of more minor age. If you are starting as an adult, don’t use this version. Even online, there are many videos of kids playing fill-sized versions, so play your hands in full size only.
3.12. G.A.S. (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome)
Yes, it is a painful condition where you suffer your mental health. Wanting more new pieces of instruments, even if you have a good one working for you, is a condition or syndrome. Many times, you think that technology is changing, though it is changing daily, but you carve a new piece for yourself to play. Unwanted expenses and numerous products of hardly different categories lie in your room.
People have suffered from this syndrome for years, so if you are also thinking of buying a new one, ask yourself first, applying a 48-hour rule, whether you need what you wish for or if the old classic one you are playing will do more for long. When something extraordinary changes in your playing instrument, buy it.
4. Some Highly Demanded Guitar Brands in Australia
Dominating the world market of guitars for more than 60 years, Australia has supported Great musicians with their Midas touch, creating the best pieces, elevating madness, and standing firm in the market. Carved from the finest materials, they are the most sought-after loved ones. Have a look at Australia’s favourite brands to choose your first pal:
4.1. Maton
Following the tradition of Acoustic guitars for years and maintaining their original presence to breaking records by selling new genre 8-string electric guitars, Australia has proved its seniority with elegance. Topping the charts since 1940, Maton is one of the oldest guitar makers in Australia.
The brothers Bill and Reg May worked hard to combine many Australian wood species into guitar construction and to change the sounds and varieties of music. Their makeovers have significantly changed the developing market.
They bring the best traditional tonewood in Australia to carve them into the guitar you would love to hold. They endorse Josh Hommee and Tommy Emmanuel and are proud to be a part of Queensland Walnut, Victorian Blackwood, and Queensland Maple. Matons constantly uses new materials and techniques to develop the finest guitars worldwide.
4.2. Shub Guitars
Jhon Shub ran a small custom shop, making one of the best guitars and basses with jagged, asymmetrical shapes, creating a unique presence in the retro era. Though Shub Guitars is small, it is a renowned company in this community. Taking care of customers’ demands for new purchases, repairs, and maintenance, Shub prioritizes its customers.
4.3. Ormsby Guitars
Understanding the demands and market changes, Perry Ormsby has amazed their fans with progressive designs. Ormsby has worked hard to build its reputation by providing high-quality Australian woods and crafting local timber woods to bring voice modulations. Their use of exotic tops makes them more popular with a broader range of sounds and tones.
Their craftsmanship and precision on each piece separate them and show their care and expertise. Also, their designs include fanned frets, which are much needed in the metal music scene as they are helpful in detuned guitars, ensuring the tension across the neck evenly. Their guitars are an excellent buy to start studying and understanding a new piece.
4.4. Harvestor Antonio Hybrid Aluminium Neck
If you want a vintage piece to choose your first pal, you must visit Anthony Paine of Harvester, who has a good sense of the old genre. They specialize in aluminium guitars such as “Serio Antonio,” inspired by Italian Wandre guitars of the ’60s. They also take their inspiration from Travis Bean TB-500. These old shops can best guide you and share their experience.
4.5. Cole Clark Angel 2
Melbourne-based manufacturer Cole Clark of Australia produces premium-quality Acoustic guitars. Their Angel 2 has taken the limelight as one of the best versions. They use the best quality Tasmanian blackwood and Queensland maple. They also excel in electric guitars with excellent innovations. One of the famous electric versions is Fat Lady 2.
4.6. Jack Spira JS Ditson
Keeping the old vibes high, Spira uses modern cutaway structures and fancy inlays in its instruments. Spira is one of the most reputed luthiers in Australia and builds exquisite flattops. These modern cuts on the guitar give you fresh vibes and produce high-quality sounds that guitar cutters. So, look at these and choose the best one for you.
5. Some Other Popular Brands Include
5.1. Martin
One of the oldest brands to ever exist in the business of N.Y.C., Its popularity has been worldwide since 1833. Being the oldest, it has high demand and ranges its pieces with high price tags, but if you wish for such a price, you can choose your first pal as Martin. They have a range of guitars to provide, so have a proper look at them and select only one.
5.2. Yamaha
Yamaha offers affordable prices and produces instruments for beginners and students. Their guitars include classical acoustic and steel-stringed instruments with numerous options according to your budget. So, you will get what you want here at an affordable price and in various shapes and sizes. They also have an excellent range of electric versions.
6. Summary
So dear friends, go and have fun in the shops near you, and do proper research. Feel the instrument in your hands, sit, and see the size. Add the accessories you wish for and bring your pal home. We hope you receive the best information on choosing your first guitar; apply these tips when you buy a new one for yourself and get your pal home.
Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Khushahal Malakar
