Until recently, all you needed to do was to walk into a store or visit a website to get your hands on your preferred electric guitar. But in 2022, guitar players are faced with empty shelves and out-of-stock labels because brands like Fender have reached two times their regular sales volume in the past year. As a result, manufacturers like PRS Guitars, IK Multimedia, Behringer, and Vintage Guitars are finding it hard to keep up with the demand this year.
This can make it even more difficult to shop for an electric guitar, which are more complex than your basic acoustic guitar due to their added features. These features add to the instrument, which is why electric guitars tend to be a bigger investment than their acoustic counterparts. To get the most out of your money and your time, you need to consider the following tips before making that purchase:
1. Check the Body Type and Material
A solid-body guitar is the most widely available type, made out of a solid slab of wood. This is usually most people’s first pick. Hollow and semi-hollow guitars are great for a wide variety of styles, from blues to punk rock, but these are harder to find, more expensive, and aren’t as beginner-friendly.
The type of wood can also affect tone. Maple, for example, is used for necks and fingerboards and provides a bright tone. Bodies are often made from mahogany, which gives off a warmer sound. Another part to factor in would be pickups—the most basic would be the single-coil pickup, but others are equipped with other kinds, such as active pickups. You may want to do more research and listen to how guitars made out of various materials differ in sound.
2. Consider if the Size is Proportionate to Your Body
Essentially you’ll want to ensure that you can reach the entire fretboard and that it’s the right size for you. Full-sized guitars are suited for all ages above 11, and smaller models for all ages below. Check that the guitar’s neck is straight— one easy way to confirm this is if the strings are decently distanced from the board. If you can comfortably hold and play while testing it out, it’s most likely right for you.
3. Inspect its Sound and Electronics
Although it’s tempting to fall for the sickest guitar design you see on the shelf, sound checking should be first on your agenda. Tune it, and then play a few chords. Listen for a clean, lively sound. Shops will most likely offer to help you test how it sounds on an amp.
Opt for a clean tone at first, with the EQ controls set to a moderate level. Observe the tone closely as this is something that can differ from model to model. For example, figure out if it sounds bright or dark, powerful or soft, fat or thin. Also, make sure that you’re toggling all the switches and turning the knobs, and check if they’re all working. Choose a guitar that naturally sounds suited to the kind of music you play, even without the help of additional plug-ins.
4. Do Your Research on the Best Brands
There are a few popular electric guitar brands on the market worth considering, and you probably already have an idea of which one you want. Fender and Gibson guitars have proven their quality through time, and are considered great investments even at higher price points. And although Epiphone is known as a more affordable sub-brand of Gibson, it offers great sound for your money’s worth. In fact, the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II is a popular first buy for many guitarists. Another notable entry is the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012, which is another classic, affordable guitar that’s perfect for new players.
5. Look into the Essential Accessories
Although labelled as accessories, these items are actually electric guitar necessities. As such, you’d have to factor in accessories like a small “practice amp”, cable, tuner, guitar picks, and a guitar strap into your budget. You may also want to purchase extra electric guitar strings because these thin strings are easy to bend but also easy to break. Thick electric guitar strings will only cause your guitar’s neck to become more taut, so it’s safer to pack the regular strings as a reserve. You should also purchase a guitar case, stand, or wall hanger so you can safely store your guitar.
The search for a good electric guitar is even more challenging in 2022. As such, you need to take your time and consider these five factors to ensure that you’ll end up with an instrument that’s worth the investment.
