How Much Does A Guitar Cost?
The guitar is one of the most popular instruments on the planet. In North America, it has a rich history associated with resistance and rebellion. From the repressed bluesman to the most longhaired shredder, guitar playing has given many misfits an accepted place in society that wouldn’t normally exist. The universal acceptance of the guitar has led to its meteoric rise. Everyone wants to be accepted, and there is still no better way to gain automatic approval than to bring out a guitar. Guitar cost can change according to several factors, all of which should be examined prior to purchase. Keep the skill and interest level of the player in mind when buying a guitar. The cost of a guitar in the upper echelon of craftsmanship is thousands of dollars, and this extra value will be lost to someone who can’t take advantage of it. Even worse, it may be relegated to the closet when a novice player loses interest in the art.
A good beginner’s guitar should cost no more than $500, while an experienced player might benefit from one in the $1,000 area. Find out what kind of guitar best suits the purpose. Acoustics are best for songwriting and sitting around with friends, while electric guitars are for peeling the paint off of the walls (for some people at least). Bass guitars are a whole other phenomenon as they “feel” unlike any other type of stringed instrument with their air wobbling power. At this point you may realize that you also have to consider the area in which the instrument is to be played, and the amount of noise tolerated in the immediate vicinity. The amount of custom accessories built into the guitar will also alter its price. A floating bridge will be more than a fixed unit, active pickups will be more costly than others, and special woods may have been used in the construction of the instrument. If none of these features are important to you, then saving a lot on guitar cost is in your future.
Acoustic Guitar Cost
Many players have started their journey with an acoustic guitar, while some have never played anything else. The acoustic guitar is where it all began, and there would certainly be no electric-charged rock and roll mayhem without the dignified acoustic to lay down the path. The cost of a guitar from the unplugged family can be as little as $200. This may seem suspiciously cheap, but it is entirely reasonable to find an acoustic guitar in this price area that is ideal for a beginner. Advanced players may want to try a more expensive instrument and could end up facing an acoustic guitar cost of over $1,000. Collectors will flock towards a classic acoustic that has been well kept, but at prices in the dozens of thousands they will likely be left to fight amongst themselves. Acoustic guitars with electronic appointments (like pickups and equalizers) are often called electric-acoustics. Guitars of this kind can be found within any price range, except for the very low end of beginner instruments.
Electric Guitar Cost
Electric guitar cost can range from a $200 jalopy to a multi-thousand dollar masterpiece. Its woods, construction methods, finish, and electronics can determine the cost of a guitar. Experienced players may put down the big bucks to own a guitar that will help them become just a little bit better, while an earlier learner will seldom be able to take advantage of the qualities that make top-end electric guitar prices so high. The best plan when buying an electric guitar is to buy within reason while considering the skill and experience levels of the user. Intermediate players could make use of a mid-line $800 instrument, but a novice is unlikely to need, want, or deserve a guitar of this quality.
Bass Guitar Cost
The bass guitar is one of the key facets in a band’s rhythm section (along with the drums). These low-voiced guitars most often have 4 strings, though 5 and 6 are not entirely uncommon. Bass guitar cost tends to rise with the number of strings, although a high quality four-string bass may still be worth more than a so-so quality six-string. Bass prices are almost identically comparable to the cost of a guitar of another type.
Average Cost Of A Guitar
The average guitar cost lies in the area of $800. There are plenty of beginner models available for under $300, and many of them are perfectly suitable as a first, or even second guitar. An intermediate student would benefit from the added playability found in standard models that price in the $500-$1,000 range. Only highly skilled guitarists will have a need for high-end instruments that cost several thousands of dollars. The fine details and adjustments made to these advanced guitars will often allow a great player to extend his skills to the absolute extreme. There is nothing more saddening than a high quality guitar that is left to wither away in neglect. This is a waste of material, craftsmanship, and money, and can be avoided by purchasing the right guitar for the level of interest and skill of the player.
Choosing A Guitar
A beginning player needs to decide what their personal musical style is before determining the guitar prices they are comfortable with. The singer/songwriter type may feel more at home with an acoustic guitar, while a focused musician could find the electric guitar to have more space to grow. The rhythmic aspects of the instrument usually draw in bass players. The bass tows the line between auditory and tactile sensation. You can certainly feel a bass riff as much as you can hear it.
Once a guitar type is chosen, assessing the player’s level of interest can help gauge an appropriate guitar cost. The purchase of a high quality, expensive guitar is never recommended for a player with low or undetermined interest in continuing to learn the craft of the instrument. Other factors to consider when choosing a guitar include the accessories you desire and/or need to be included with the instrument, and whether you wish to purchase a new or used instrument. You should always have an experienced professional examine any instrument prior to a used purchase, but taking the time to look for a good second-hand instrument can greatly decrease the cost of a guitar purchase.
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