Guitars have become the new parlor instrument of the 21st Century. It is tough to find a dorm room, attic, or basement in America that doesn’t have an acoustic guitar lying around. Many people can play at least a few chords, so guitars are great to have in the house for the social aspect. For those who are looking to purchase an acoustic guitar for the first time, a trip into the music store can be a puzzling experience.

Most acoustic guitars look fairly similar, but the price range between two instruments can differ greatly. There are two main factors that ultimately determine the cost of an instrument: where it was made and the quality of materials. Guitars made in the U.S.A. such as Gibson, Martin, and Taylor tend to carry the highest price tags. To find a quality guitar at a moderate price, one will need to look to instruments built overseas. Some common brands of consistent quality include Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha, and the Canadian made Seagull.

Aside from where it was made, the quality of materials will determine the price of the guitar. If a perspective buyer can afford to purchase a $300 dollar Epiphone rather than a $200 model, the more expensive guitar will contain better woods and component parts, such as tuners. If the buyer can afford the extra $100, this may be the difference-maker between a guitar that lasts a lifetime and one that requires an upgrade a year or two down the road.

There are a few simple things to look for at the store when checking out individual guitars. Are the strings rusty or corroded? If so, this means the guitar has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. Are the strings resting high off the neck? Guitars with the strings far off the neck (or with a high action) will be harder to play and have more potential to be out of tune. On the other hand, make sure the notes don’t buzz when you press down the strings and play. This means the action is too low and is also problematic. And finally, does the instrument fit comfortably in the lap of whom the guitar is intended for? Guitars come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Make sure the instrument is comfortable in the player’s hands. It is tough to practice on a guitar that feels awkward.

Before heading to the music shop, get educated via the Internet. There are a plethora of online music stores such as Musician’s Friend and American Music Supply that offer hundreds of acoustic guitars for sale, although it is better to buy an instrument from a local store. That way the guitar can be physically inspected prior to purchase. However, printing off a couple Internet prices is a good idea before setting foot in the store. Online sites offer guitars at discounted rates. Local shops will almost always match prices, so print off the sale price and bring it into the neighborhood store.

Buying a guitar is a lot like buying a car. The more educated you are before heading to the dealer, the more likely you are to make a successful purchase. Also, remember that every deal is negotiable. Don’t be shy. Go ahead and ask about the “bottom-line price” or see if the store can throw in a tuner, a pack of strings, and a free hardshell case. In these tough economic times, many music stores are just looking to move merchandise. Take advantage of this fact. Good luck shopping!

For info on keeping your new guitar in tune, check out Matt Warnock's article Tips On Keeping a Guitar in Tune.