I need a good acoustic guitar

Haywire Custom Guitars offers Premium custom built guitars and acoustic guitar modifications, setups and repairs.

The question that comes up in many guitar discussions is, “What Acoustic Guitar is best?

Several acoustic guitar makers build some incredible instruments. A few of these companies are Martin, Guild, Taylor, Gibson and several others like Takamine, Godin, McPherson, Santa Cruz  that make incredible guitars as well. These are just a few and there are many independent luthiers in the US and other countries who are regionally know for their high quality instruments. In America it seems the prevailing attitude about almost everything is: more is better, but a good acoustic guitar need not be expensive, however the buyer needs to be alert. A good guitar has a good sound, feel and is comfortable to play.

For the most part, the more money you spend, the nicer the acoustic guitar will be. Up to a point then it’s all ego on the part of the guy pricing the guitar after that. Look for a guitar with a straight finger board. Just sight down the neck as if looking down the barrel of a rifle and see if it looks flat, straight with no unusual activity or waviness. Wood is organic and susceptible to climate and humidity changes. A lot can happen after it leaves the bench so be vigilant about finding the flaws BEFORE you buy your acoustic guitar. There are a host of companies that also sell a mid-range value acoustic guitar and very inexpensive guitars, and it is often difficult to decide.

Maybe it’s better to list the basic qualities of a good acoustic guitar:

1) Solid Wood – solid top, solid back and sides
2) Light thin finish is fine, but can be heavier on back and sides
3) Scalloped Bracing
4) Dark woods or even Mahogany with Ebony fret board are great
5) Bone nut or corian, bridge
6) Heavy bridge saddle with notches
7) A straight neck with an adjustable truss rod, no buzzing, competent hardware, leveled and crowned frets

There are a few traits that increase the value but not the sound quality of a guitar:

1) Detailed neck or body inlays, special setups, stainless steel frets
2) Unusual transparent stains and finishes
3) Signatures of the makers and letters of authentication

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