Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, it is important to know what brands you can rely on when shopping for a new guitar. Get to know what you are after in terms of body shapes that are available, quality of materials used, the sound produced by the instrument, and its visual appeal.
When purchasing a new guitar, ask yourself what you are going to be using it for. Solo performers tend to go for a steel-stringed dreadnought acoustic guitar, which provides a big, bass sound that tends to be better than the small nylon string classic guitar.
On the other hand, those playing together with a band are likely to go for a smaller instrument like a classic or artist acoustic guitar. The smaller body shape produces a treble sound that will carry over the sounds of the other instruments while minimizing feedback. They also make a good instrument size for beginners as they are easier to hold.
The Alvarez acoustic guitar is one of the highest quality instruments available. Based in St Louis, Missouri, this manufacturer prides itself on producing excellent instruments for players of all skill levels. The attention to tradition, detail and quality they put into each instrument is world-renowned, and guitarists the world over choose Alvarez for the tone produced by its instruments. Whilst most of their instruments are produced in China, a select range of higher-end guitars are hand-crafted in Gifu, Japan, by Kazou Yairi.
The Regent series is amongst the most popular in the Alvarez range. Unlike other brands, Alvarez ensures that these entry level instruments are maintain the highest possible quality, providing tuning stability and optimum tone. They are highly recommended for beginners.
At the other end of the scale is the Masterworks series, which offers the best in performance and visual appeal. Though they are more expensive, they are an excellent choice for the discerning artist who is looking for the best in tone and quality.
Another highly distinguished manufacturer of guitars is Takamine. They first began making guitars in 1962, with a focus on innovation and designs to suit the progression of musical styles and techniques. They were the first to produce acoustic/electric guitars, and they have not ceased in their pursuit to create a wide variety of instruments for all different musical tastes. Originally a small family business, the quality of their instruments has ensured international success and Takamine is now amongst the biggest names in acoustic guitars. The Takamine acoustic guitar often resembles Martin guitars, but are marketed at a much lower price.
While Takamine offers a huge range of guitars to suit all budgets and levels of playing, many prefer the sound of Alvarez guitars. The Takamine produces a more crisp, clean tone, while the Alvarez is well-liked for its more mellow tones. In the end, however, it is down to personal preference. There is no one guitar that can be recommended for all players, so try out a few different brands and styles to find out which you like best.
Tags: acoustic, alvarez, brands, comparison, dreadnought, Guitar, takamine