Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Different Types of Guitars

by: Patrick Carpen


The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments, and it has earned a world-wide fame throughout the decades for its melodious sound and tone. These amazing instruments are found in a wide variety of sound quality, playability, and in terms of overall appearance. There are different types of guitars, each of which are chosen depending on certain factors and convenience of the professional guitarist, or the aspiring guitar players.

The first major variety in the list of the many types of guitar includes the Acoustic guitar. There are scores of guitars under the brand Acoustic, varying widely from one another. An acoustic guitar is made of a wooden structure, fixed with a soundboard, and it is free from any external inclusion. The sound emerging from this category of guitars is generally softer than the other instruments included in the orchestra bands. However, they can be accordingly amplified and modified with the needs and requirements of the musician or that of the band. There is, again, a broader variety of these acoustics that include classical and flamenco guitars, steel string guitars, and many more to be discussed. The category extends to both amplified and non-amplified guitars that are used in the different registers, such as the acoustic bass guitar.

Designed exclusively for the execution of a solo polyphonic melody, the magical guitar produces music similar to that of a pianoforte. The finely placed nylon strings on the guitar sound melodious with any music, from jazz to classical. The modern forms of classical guitars were pioneered by Antonio Torres Jurado. There is a roster of classical guitars classified distinctively according to their functions and usages. These include the tiny requinto, the larger guitarron, and many more. The requinto is a well-famed type, found mostly in the Latin-American nations as an associated part of the guitar family.

There are also the more reformed and simplified versions of the classical guitars. The Renaissance and Baroque guitars are smaller in size and are comprised of only four to five courses of strings attached to it. Often used in an ensemble for rhythmic purposes, these two types are quite common in musical performances. While the Renaissance guitar is comparatively simple and plain, the Baroque guitar comes highly embellished in the on its entire structure including the neck and body.

Included among the many other guitar types are the Portuguese guitars, the twelve-string guitars, which are exclusively meant for their traditional Fado song, the Archtop guitars, the Flat-top (steel-string) guitars, the traditional seven-string Russian guitars with an open G major tuning, Acoustic bass guitars, Tenor guitars, Harp guitars, the smaller Guitar battente, extended-range guitars, and the resonator, resophonic, or Dobro guitars.

The electric guitars have become one of the most common and significantly used instruments in any musical ensemble or performance. These guitars basically use electronic pick-ups to amplify the sound and vibration of the strings. They come in a solid or semi-solid structure, and do not use much of the body structure to produce sound. They use amplifiers to produce the maximum amount of sound that is emitted from the instrument.


About The Author

Patrick Carpen is the designer, writer and owner of the website http://guitaring.infobay.ws/

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Electric Guitar Buying Guide

by: Ek Lucktong

So, you’re looking to buy your first electric guitar for yourself, or perhaps a gift for a young budding musician. Buying your first guitar can seem like a daunting task. With so many different brands and models available today it can be difficult to decide which guitar to purchase. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the best choice.

I can’t stress enough how important it is for new guitar players to start out with a good quality instrument that is easy to play. Electric guitars, in general, are easier to play than acoustic guitars because of their lighter gauge strings and lower playing action. They require much less hand strength to fret the strings and are much easier on beginner’s uncalloused fingers. A quality guitar will assure maximum comfort and ease-of-play while beginners are starting out. Otherwise, young players can easily get discouraged with an instrument that is hard to play and painful on their fingers.

For consistency in quality I would recommend sticking with a well-known brand name guitar rather than a cheap knock-off or reproduction. Spend a little more money to invest in a quality instrument. Many of the bigger guitar brand names will offer affordable lines of guitars specifically targeting beginners. For example, the Fender guitar company offers their Squire line of guitars. The Gibson guitar company has their Epiphone guitar models. These guitars look and play like their more expensive counterparts but are much more affordable, often hundreds to thousands of dollars less. Other popular brands such as Ibanez, Jackson, BC Rich, Gretsch, and many others offer lower-end affordable models alongside their premiere models. Good brand name guitars will also hold their value should you ever want to sell them.

Consider buying a used guitar. Unlike computers or electronics used and older guitars don’t become obsolete. You can find some fantastic deals on lightly used guitars that may have some light cosmetic signs of wear but will perform just as well as a new instrument. Some people even feel that a used guitar has been ‘worn in’ and will play even better than a new one. Most of these guitars will have already been set up properly and ready for play. Another advantage of buying used guitars is that you may find instruments that have been upgraded by their former owners: new pickups, strap locks, and custom graphics to name a few.

Another great option in guitar value is to consider Factory 2nd and refurbished guitars. These guitars may have slight cosmetic blemishes or factory repairs that prevent them from being sold as new instrument. They usually sell for significant discounts from their new counterparts. Besides minor blemishes you are practically getting a brand new guitar.

Seek the advice of someone you may know who plays guitar. Most experienced players will be familiar with the various brand names and can help guide you in your decision. Guitarists love to talk about guitars, and this is a great way to get some honest advice without the pressure of the salesman pitch.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to find an affordable, great quality guitar that will provide you with reliable performance and music for years to come. Visit http://www.2ndstringguitars.com/ for the best value in new and used guitars, factory 2nds, and refurbished instruments at cheap guitar prices.

E. Lucktong


About The Author

E. Lucktong is an avid guitar player and performer with over 20 years of experience. Visit http://www.2ndstringguitars.com for great values in new and used guitars, factory 2nds and refurbished guitars, and vintages.