People often underestimate the huge impact that an amplifier has on the overall sound quality of a guitar.

Spending thousands on a guitar that will end up being combined with a cheap, tinny amplifier simply won’t do.

It’s for this reason that we have prepared this short advice article to help you get the sound you want whilst playing.

The first thing to remember is that maximum output is not the most important trait of an amp. It’s all very well being able to burst an eardrum or two, but this is no use when an audience can’t hear the music at the same time. Similarly, spending huge amounts of money on equipment just because it has a brand name attached is usually a mistake.

Instead, you should assess what exactly you intend to use your amp for. A solid-state amplifier (which is fully electronic) is usually the most economical option for anyone who wants to practice, but they often lack the correct tones for playing live. If you intend to perform in public, it might be worth opting for an all-tube amplifier which will cost considerably more but will produce the warmer, more resonant tones you’re looking for.

Effects are also a point to consider when making a purchase. Amplifiers come with varying amounts of channels, sound effects, control knobs and sometimes headphone jacks. Some people will want to play only using the original sound, but for others there may be added emphasis on reverb effects etc.

Lastly, choose an amp that suits your guitar. If you have a bass guitar, there’s no point in buying an amp that specializes in high notes. Just a thought.

Video Courtesy Of JustinGuitar.com – A great Site With FREE Guitar Lessons

Vintage acoustic guitars are a sought after commodity amongst musical enthusiasts.

As time passes, the wood which makes up the main bulk of the guitar matures and causes the guitar itself to produce more ‘mature’ and resonant tones.

The three most common woods used to hand-make guitars are mahogany (matures at between 25-30 years of age), maple (matures anywhere between 25-50 years) and rosewood (no longer used due to conservation efforts, making these guitars very desirable and expensive).

If you are one of the enthusiasts mentioned above, and you intend to make a purchase using eBay, there are some things you should look out for:

If the guitar you’re viewing has been repaired or refinished in its lifetime, the price should be reduced accordingly. Instruments in their original condition are far more valuable. To check this, only consider guitars listed with a repair history and close up, high resolution photographs that show any marks. Also check the neck of the guitar, which may become bowed and require re-setting.

Also, ensure your seller has some eBay history. If there are negative feedback marks against the seller’s name, enquire about the reason for this and only consider trusting them with your cash if they can provide a plausible explanation.

Finally, do your own research. Look into the history of manufacturers you’re not familiar with and also check what special care your guitar may need. Remember that older wood will require TLC from time-to-time and once you’ve paid for the delivery, and repairs will have to be made using your earnings.

Video Courtesy Of Expert Village

Choosing a new guitar, regardless of your ability or experience, is never an easy task.

You must always consider the type of sound you wish to create, your maximum budget and the style of music you’re learning to play.

The three most common types of guitar are categorized by the material their strings are made from and their status as electric or acoustic. Therefore, you may either want a Nylon-stringed acoustic, a Steel-stringed acoustic or a Steel-stringed electric. Each of these is distinctly different and will be better suited you different styles.

Nylon-stringed acoustic guitars tend to be the cheapest variety and are the easiest to learn on because of the extra space between strings and their relative kindness to fingertips. Typically, they are used either as beginner instruments or for travel purposes where there is a risk a more expensive instrument may be damaged.

Steel-stringed acoustic guitars are similar in construction to their Nylon-stringed counterparts, but are generally used by more serious or professional players because of their usefulness in building playing-endurance and finger strength. These instruments are of a mid-range price and are also available in electro-acoustic varieties.

Steel-stringed electric guitars are distinctive because of the presence of a pickup (which turns vibrations in the strings into electrical signals to be emitted by an amplifier) and the absence of a hole in the body (which the pickup renders obsolete). Electrical guitars are the most versatile types and thus, the most expensive. Whilst you may pick up a budget electric guitar fairly cheap, this is useless without the concurrent purchase of an amplifier, which again varies in quality and price.

When buying a guitar, it is always best to have an impartial, experienced player with you in the store. If this is not possible, research the meanings of build-quality, neck-relief and intonation with reference to guitars and be sure to look out for each.

Below is a informative video, courtesy of Guitar Academy