How Much Should You Pay For A Beginner Guitar?

January 11, 2019

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Sometimes, whenever we’re excited about buying something, we tend to pick up the first thing that catches our attention. Without even minding the price tag too much, we tend to buy it right away because of the fact that we have been wanting the item for so long.

It’s also very easy to impulse buy, especially if the sales person has his way with words.

The same case also happens if you don’t know much about the thing you’ve been wanting to buy. In the case of buying a beginner guitar, well, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sight of every single shiny piece of guitar.

That’s why you need to know the ideal amount you should spend on a beginner guitar.

Getting your first guitar can be a bit crucial. It could be a deciding factor if playing the guitar really is for you since first impressions do last.

In my experience, I made sure that my beginner guitar ticked all the right boxes and has the right features that I truly need so I could play it easily and comfortably.

Contents

Know Why You’re Buying One

Before we discuss the price range of your potential beginner guitar, you first need to make it clear to yourself why you want one. Knowing what you want out of a guitar will help you identify the features it needs to have in order to identify your needs and reach the goals you have in mind.

Do you want to buy a guitar because you want to start a new hobby?

Are you looking for a guitar because you want to develop a new skill?

Do you idolize Led Zeppelin or Ed Sheeran and want to follow their footsteps?

Whatever (or whichever) it is, buying a beginner guitar is no joke, since you’re willing to shell out some cash.

And if you’re out there looking for a serious one, don’t worry because “serious” doesn’t necessarily mean “lavishly expensive.” Tons of companies offer affordable guitars that are perfectly playable and some of them are even quite unique.

Determining why you’re planning to buy a beginner guitar could lead you to finding the right one for you. And from there, you’ll have an idea of how much you should be splurging for your beginner guitar.

So, How Much Exactly Will A Beginner Guitar Cost You?

Beginners are an easy target for a wily salesman in getting them to buy a guitar that might be too expensive for a beginner guitar.

For this not to happen to you, you need to know what you’re dealing with and have an idea on how much a beginner guitar might cost.

A decent and simple guitar that’s perfect and is made for beginners should be priced at at least $200, without exceeding $800.

Beyond that, and you’re eyeing on a high end stringed musical instrument.

Anything below the minimum price range might have poor features and weak construction. You wouldn’t want that, would you?

However, if you see “deals” on guitars that might sound too good to be true, it probably is.

The phrase, “You get what you paid for.” will come handy when thinking of buying a beginner guitar.

According to Guitar World, guitars priced within the ideal price range should have a decent top. You might be seeing guitars with laminate top, but that’s understandable given the price range.

Guitars in the range of $1,200 and $2,500 must get you nothing less than a pro-level instrument that you will love and never outgrow.

Any guitar model with a four-digit price tag should be a solid-wood instrument with lots of fancy features, which might be undesirable for beginners because you really don’t need much if you’re still starting out.

What you need is a decent beginner guitar with straightforward features that would help you have a better guitar learning experience.

Guitar Starter Packs For Beginners

The aforementioned price range could also be used for guitar starter packs. Since we’re talking about guitars for beginners, you can also get yourself a starter pack.

Starter packs are basically what it says it is—an all-in-one kit containing everything a new guitarist needs to start playing. This way, you’ll get all the necessary accessories in one go.

You’ll spend less than you would have if you were buying everything individually, and save yourself the effort and time from having to hunt down all the accessories a beginner will need.

If you highly consider going to this route, it’s best to get one from known major guitar manufacturers. Depending on which one you’re looking for, you could find an electric or acoustic guitar pack.

You know you’re looking at a great acoustic guitar starter pack when you find basically a complete set of everything you need to start playing right out of the box. These include a cable, picks, gig bag, a tuner, extra strings and often an instructional DVD or book.

On the other hand, an electric guitar starter pack needs an amp. So, you’ll find an amp additional to what you normally find in an acoustic guitar starter pack.

Both types of starter kits can be bought at a price starting at $200.

Where Should You Get It?

Now that you’ve had an idea of how much you should pay for a beginner guitar, looking at where to get your beginner guitar would is another thing to think about.

For starters, it’s highly advisable to go to a local dealer or visit a known guitar store in your area. This way, you’ll be talking to a sales associate and will help you through your search.

But remember, don’t be fooled by their sales talk.

While you’re at a local store, play as many guitars as you can to know how they sound and if you like it. Ask the salesperson as many questions as you can think of to really get to know each guitar.

If you’re thinking of buying from an online website or seller, make sure that you get to know one you’re buying. Don’t be tricked by the ratings or positive reviews it has, as it can be faked.

There are lots of sites where you can buy affordable guitars without being cheap.

Choose the one you think will serve you best—without breaking the bank.