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Beginner wondering about switching guitars
Hi All:
I’ve been on TAC for a bit. I am playing a Samish Gary Burnett guitar given to me some years ago.
I am wondering whether a change to another guitar (as in one of Tony’s beginner guitar recommendations) would be beneficial. I am an older beginner though I do have relatively long fingers just not as nimble as in years past.
Curious if any of you have made a change like this and results. I live in a very small area so trying out guitars is extremely limited. How do you evaluate if looking on the net…are there measurements I should compare such a fret width, string distance etc?
Thanks much!
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7 Replies
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For me the main benefit of a new guitar is it makes me more excited to play it, so gives me a little extra motivation. That being said I’m already very motivated.
It is also beneficial to play on a guitar that is properly setup. You could take your current guitar to a luthier and make sure it is setup properly.
Finally if you want a new guitar and have the means, then get it.
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Hi buffalo gal!
I returned to guitar after many years. My “original” guitar was from SEARS, in the 60’s! So my gift to myself during COVID was a refurbished Baby Taylor, which sounds lovely and made the reach up and down the fretboard much easier. I wanted a fuller sound so I did a lot of online comparing and my budget was limited so I went for an Epiphone dreadnaught. Nice full sound but I discovered the reach brought back old shoulder issues. One more try on line, still again after much comparing within my price range I am happy with a Cordoba mini, parlor size. I have found, yes, they will give you measurements and you can usually call if needed. Do much comparing for features which are important to you. Deal with someone reasonably local, in the US at least, with a good guarantee/warranty policy. They have shipped well; double wrapped, double boxed and no problems there. Guitar shops are good to support your community and they can often offer you service that is really helpful. You decide and best to you in the process!
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Thank you both for your input. I have been to my local guitar store and there are not many options. I’d definitely like to put hands on a parlor size guitar.
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@buffalo-gal I wrote a response, but I receive the pink wall of hell, which means it wouldn’t post, but you should have received an email with the message.
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Wow thanks for all the effort. Didn’t know about the no post thing. Will check out Sweetwater. I was really wondering if people experience a change in their playing when switching to different guitar like more ease with chords and changes because of difference in fret size or string widths. My current guitar is fine but it is all I have ever experienced so kind of clueless. Don’t know if I’m just experiencing the old beginner frustrations and looking for an easy way to improve or if there is merit to different guitar.
Thanks again!
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@buffalo-gal There are differences in neck widths and lengths and sizes of guitars, and what one finds comfortable and easier to play is a personal choice. Why not try different neck widths out at your local shop to determine what is a comfortable width for you. I have fairly small hands, but I have all size necks and really don’t have a personal favorite. I’m able to play them both. The larger width allows for strings to be wider apart and somewhat easier for fingerpicking. Another option is to consider a classical guitar. It has a wider neck and the strings are set wider apart and tends to be easier to play, and they sound pretty good, and you can find a mid level Cordoba or another brand at a reasonable price. Another easy to play guitar is the Taylor GS Mini. I have a GS Mini Koa that I love to play. Sweetwater has a fantastic customer care team. Call the rep (name and number on website) there, and they can help guide you and answer any questions.
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Lorraine you are truly a font of info! Thank you so very much. Will try some different widths as suggested. And I really have been lusting for that Taylor mini. Thank you again.
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