Tips for Choosing Your First Guitar
Tips for Choosing Your First Guitar
Tips for Choosing Your First Guitar
As a player: I like choice, I like color, I like tone. This probably explains why I have come to stock over 20 or more Spanish and Australian makers, almost 100 models and have at any stage almost 1200 guitars in stock.
Why? Because when choosing a guitar, you need to be able to compare and contrast models and makers to find the guitar that is right for you.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Guitar
1. Level of skill.
Are you seeking an entry level/intermediate/advanced or concert guitar. Are you looking for a guitar that will help you shine in exams or school ensemble playing?
2. What kind of music are you looking to play?
Classical/flamenco/jazz/blues? Or a cross section of music?
3. Physical characteristics.
Some players have small hands or stiff joints. Different guitars and set-ups can help with different physical characteristics.
4. Budget is always an important consideration.
As guitars are handmade with tone woods, budget often determines the level of the guitar.
Guitar Options and Budgets: How Much?
If you are looking to stay under $300,
I would recommend the Antonio Pinto GC200 which plays well, is well set up and has great tone and projection and has fractional ½, ¾, 7/8 sizes as well as full size for the beginning player.
Entry “value for money” level ($399-$1000).
At this level you are getting a guitar with a quality solid top, so this is also good for the resale value. I would line up several makes and models such as
Alhambra 1C, Antonio Pinto 1C Matt in either Solid Cedar or Spruce or Antonio Pinto 1C Gloss, Alhambra 2C and 3C
GuitarsOnline Guitar Guide
All models listed below are currently in stock and listed in order of $ value/performance. Each guitar has been hand-picked, tested and evaluated: Only the best have made it into our 2023 line-up.
For more details on each model, click on the link to go to detailed specifications, description, and video demos.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pierre on 0410 708 338.
Good: Entry Level Spanish Guitars - up to $599 RRP
Oregon Spruce top, with markers 3,5,7 to make playing easier for beginners, Spanish heel construction, full sound.
Good solid Cedar or Spruce top, markers 3,5,7 to make playing easier for beginners, Warm tonality, detail in every note, excellent value for money.
Alhambra entry level guitar, easy to play with good Solid Spruce top, good value.
Exotic Koa tone woods, projection, striking matte finish.
Alhambra entry level, easy to play and great balance across the strings.
Higher grade Solid Cedar top, balance and resonant, more detail in each note and due to lacquering greater resonance.
Better: Advanced Spanish Guitars RRP $600 - $1200
Higher grade solid top, very warm open and loud improved dynamics over the College
For the committed player- High Quality Cedar top for improved projection and musical performance, great dynamics.
Great clarity and volume, larger range of tonal possibilities
Beautifully crafted, very loud and playable with wonderful tone
How Can I Help?
If You Have Questions?
Please give me a call at any time if you have questions about any of our guitars, or if you would like me to offer you some suggestions.
Pierre Herrero
m: 0410 708 338
e: pierre@guitarsonline.com.au
Expert Playing Style Assessment and Guitar Fitting
Don't let the wrong guitar hold you back and limit your ability to progress and enjoy your practice and playing.
My system for playing style assessment and guitar fitting has been developed from more than 50 years of acquired knowledge, playing and testing more than 3,000 uniquely different guitars from more than 70 different luthiers and helping match almost 18,000 people with their dream guitar.
So, unless you are an experienced, expert player, who has spent decades travelling the world, testing guitars, how do you know what specific guitar, is best for you, the individual player?
You don't have to - that is what we do. It's this service that helps make GuitarsOnline so unique.
Our Expert Guitar and Playing Style Consultation Service is a unique offering, whereby we do a complete analysis of you and your playing style - your physical characteristics and objectives.
You then have the opportunity to play a range of guitars, all perfectly suited to your specific playing requriements.
Our GuitarsOnline showroom is located just over the Westgate Bridge in Melbourne
If you would like to book a style assessment and guitar fitting, please contact me on:
pierre@guitarsonline.com.au
m: 0410 708 338
Or you can contact me through the following form:
https://www.guitarsonline.com.au/product-enquiry