Best Acoustic Guitars

Some of the best-built acoustic guitars include the Alvarez, Gibson and Yamaha. The Alvarez offers the Yairi models. Their Aj60SC acoustic electric and the 12 string are two of the most popular. These models have a solid spruce top with maple back and sides. The have die-cast tuners, white pearl rosette, multiple binding and the Alvarez logo on their headstock. They are comfortable to play and have a powerful sound.

The handmade Gibson models offer many choices for beginner and seasoned guitar players. There are two new Gibson models that have recently hit the market and are making quite an impact –The J-150 and the J-200. The J-150 is reasonably priced (much less than the J-200), but has all the features and sound of the J-200. It has a big body, solid spruce top, figured maple back and sides, mother-of-pearl crown inlays, decorated pickguard, and the trademark Moustache bridge. The differences in the two guitars are mainly cosmetics. The J-150 is not bound on the neck and headstock or around the truss cover like the J-200 is. The J-200 has a more colorful pickguard and stands out a bit more than the J-150. But, they basically sound the same.

Finally, the Yamaha has introduced a premium acoustic guitar at a very moderate price. The FG series Yamaha’s come with solid Sitka spruce tops, multiple top binding, bound fretboards, and precision craftsmanship. The Yamahas look and sound fantastic and are considered the best buy for any serious guitar player. Serious players will tell you that the Yamaha sounds as good, if not better, than guitars that cost hundreds of dollars more.

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Acoustic Guitars

An acoustic guitar is a modern version of a classical guitar. In general, it is strung with steel rings, whereas the classical variety has strings made from catgut or nylon. This feature gives it a variant name: steel-stringed guitar.

Acoustic guitars give a louder, clearer sound compared to that of a classical. This calls for added tension, which is accomplished using much heavier construction than that used for other varieties.

To play an acoustic guitar, one uses one or more guitar picks, or plectra, which are small plates of hard plastic or other material. Players strike or strum the strings. Most players use a flat pick held between the thumb and index finger, while some use fingerpicks, worn on the thumb and three fingers. Players who use fingerpicks or their bare fingers or fingernails to strum and strike individual notes are called finger style players.

The price of acoustic guitars depends on the material used in and the type of construction. Guitars with solid wood tops, sides and backs are more expensive than those with solid tops and laminated backs and sides. The wood used in the solid type is generally Indian rosewood, maple, or mahogany. The simplest acoustic guitars are usually made with laminated wood. Fingerboards and necks are made of denser wood, such as ebony and cedar. The combination of various woods is what defines the guitar’s “tone.” However, many of the best guitar manufacturers are experimenting with alternatives to wood that are less expensive and more readily available. Some have also started using plastic or graphite.

The 12-string guitar is a variation on the standard acoustic guitar. It has an additional doubling string for each of the traditional six strings. Celebrated artists like Huddie Leadbetter and Leo Kottke helped make the 12-string guitar popular.

Guild Taylor, Gibson and Martin are among the premium makers of acoustic guitars in America.

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Acoustic Guitars What to Look For When Buying

What is an Acoustic Guitar?

The origins of the classical guitar go back centuries and were strung with strings made from animal gut. As these guitars developed acoustic guitars strung with steel strings started to become popular.

These days, when we refer to a classical guitar it generally means to be strung with nylon strings (they evolved from the animal gut given its cheapness and playing qualities) whilst reference to acoustic guitars means those that are strung with steel strings. In essence therefore, both classical and acoustic guitars are very similar or indeed the same except for the strings they use.

Acoustic Guitar Qualities

Acoustics guitars (steel stings) are loader and have a punchy, jangly and vibrant sound. This enables the instrument to cut through other band noise to provide a rhythmic sound and edge to the band and have therefore become popular with both the country and rock genre of music.

The good quality acoustic guitars are made of solid hard woods like rosewood, maple and mahogany which, apart from making the instrument more robust, enhance its sound qualities. Some cheaper instruments are manufactured using laminated woods but this does affect the tonal range and quality. Some mid priced acoustic guitars will use a mixture of solid and laminated woods.

Since the 70′s the acoustic guitars manufacturer Ovation, started to develop and build acoustic guitars with solid wooden tops but plastic bowls or backs. These again have provided a further individual sound for the acoustic guitar. Given their curved back, some consider them more comfortable to play.

Acoustic guitars have been further developed to include built in pick-ups, pre-amps and graphic equalisers to further manipulate the tone. Coupled with that, specialist amplifiers for acoustic guitars have been developed that enable the natural sound of steel strung acoustic guitars to be mirrored at high volume levels.

If you are looking to purchase an acoustic guitar, given the massive variety and price ranges available, it is not something that you should rush into and you really need to try as many instruments as you can in order to find one that is comfortable for you and has the sound you are looking for. If you are serious about your guitar playing, I would always recommend spending as much as you can afford and try not to skimp. That will only result in more expenditure when, and you will inevitably will, wish to upgrade your instrument.

Mark J Emslie has been a guitarist and musician for over 35 years. Much of that time has been in a professional capacity. More information on guitars and guitar lessons can be found at www.GuitarPik.com.

Acoustic Guitars Laminated Wood Versus Solid Wood

A lot has transpired through the years in the debate over acoustic guitars in the area of laminate versus solid wood construction. It is not a secret that the type of materials and craftsmanship affect the quality, durability, sound and price of acoustic guitars. However, there is probably no other discussion bigger than this.

The question that many players ask themselves is whether a solid body is worth the price? Despite the better sound, they require care and regular maintenance to prevent cracking. When using laminated you run the risk that it will separate over time. There is no clear answer to this question and as long as there is a discussion about acoustic guitars, it will always be at the forefront.

The Debate – Uncut

Laminated is several pieces of wood glued together and solid body is exactly that, one piece. There are pros and cons to both kinds. It is a fact that laminate is known to produce a ‘dead’ sound that does not sustain or project sound very well and the one-piece body is known for its richer tone. Laminate is more used because it is more durable and less sensitive to humidity and change in temperature. A body that is made from one-piece timber is very sensitive to humidity and climate change. The top is like a sponge that you can’t let dry out.

A Bit Of History

Years ago the debate was not about sound quality or durability, it was about price. The one piece timber body guitars were very expensive so many musicians did not have a choice but to buy one made of laminate. A one piece is coveted because of its rich and beautiful tone that only seems to become better over time. However, times have changed quite a bit in the world of laminate including the craftsmanship. Better quality laminate is being used and more detailed craftsmanship has been applied so they are sounding better and better everyday.

It is evident why this debate is becoming less spectacular, but the fact will always remain the same that a laminate will never be able to sound as good.

The Main Problem

When building a guitar you want the soundboard, better known as the top, to be as lightweight and strong as possible. Creating this ratio with laminate is often difficult because in order to make it strong it ends up too heavy. The wet glue used to secure the pieces of timber together can become to heavy when too much is used. Unfortunately, when too little of the glue is used, the timber pulls apart. Recently new adhesives have been introduced that have helped to solve this problem and ensure lightness. This is one of the ways that laminated construction is becoming more popular and competitive.

Necks, Sides & Backs

Acoustic laminate necks are very common and widely accepted. This has become a popular way to make the neck stronger. Hybrid guitars are also extremely common. Many models are made with one piece body tops and laminate sides and backs. The sound quality is 90% dependent on what the top is made of, so as long as the soundboard is one piece the rich sound will be present. This is also a great way to make solid body tops affordable.

How Do You Tell The Difference?

Depending on how dark the timber or stain is, telling the difference between them can be a difficult task. First, you need to look at the inside edge of the sound hole on the top of the body. If the edge has a natural finish it is a one piece body and if it has two or more layers it is made of laminate. To determine what the back and sides are constructed with you need to first look at the back of the guitar. Next, look inside the sound hole at the same spot on the back and see if the wood grains are the same. If they are the same it is a whole body. You can do this same technique with the sides.

It’s a Wrap

Everyone’s opinion is different. Many believe that there is no need to buy an acoustic made of laminated timber when solid bodies are so affordable now. Others believe that the sound quality of laminate bodies on their own and in a hybrid model is comparable. Each individual needs to evaluate the pros and cons of both, and decide what makes sense for them. For example if you travel often, perhaps it makes sense to purchase a laminate model for its durability. When buying there are always a lot of questions that need to be answered, this is just another one.

Ken Searcy is the host of http://www.the-guitar-guide.com where you will discover invaluable advice and tips on how-to choose and buy electric guitars, the perfect acoustic guitar, guitar lessons, guitar amps and guitar accessories.

12 String Acoustic Guitars

Guitars have evolved a long way from the 6 stringed guitars of the yesteryears to a completely functional acoustic guitar with 12 strings. Earlier, a guitar only meant the non-electronic variety. A 12-string acoustic guitar is a modern form of guitar that has its roots in the classical guitar. Acoustic guitars are tensed with steel strings for a clear and loud sound. They require a stronger frame construction to withstand the tension created by the strings. Terms such as the steel-stringed guitar or folk guitar are used to distinguish an acoustic guitar from classical guitars.

The production of a 12 string acoustic guitar has many variations in the construction method and materials used. These methods contribute largely to the sounds produced by an acoustic guitar. Expensive guitars feature solid wood tops, sides and backs, while the lower priced ones may use solid tops with laminated backs and sides. Acoustic guitars made for amateur guitarists are completely laminated. As the availability of high quality woods is on the decline, manufacturers have resorted to using different types of woods. Plastic and graphite are also used as a guitar making material. The various combinations of different woods and their quality, along with design and construction elements are among the factors affecting the tone of the guitar. The most contributing factor in the tone of an acoustic guitar is the solid top. The laminated sides and backs are also instrumental in the production of pleasant sounds.

There has been a rise in the number of guitar players and the companies selling guitars. The most prominent American makers of acoustic guitars are Martin, Guild, Taylor and Gibson. They are known for both the quality and price of their instruments.

Rock bands have adapted to the use of 12 string acoustic guitars. They are easy to learn and play. They provide variations in the sound output that may not be possible for a classical guitar.

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