Quote from a young guitarist : “I’d love to have lots of expensive
guitars but since I can’t really afford it, I’m pleased with a guitar
which sounds good enough so I can improve my skills on it“. Very wise words indeed!
Your guitar shouldn’t de-tune much, it shouldn’t sound like an
industrial tuning fork, however it should play properly, fret perfectly and sound angelic. Many new music students who feel they can’t really sound good unless they spend several thousand dollars on gear.
You don’t have to spend crazy money to get a decent guitar.
Tone lies in the hands of the player. Your hands can get the best out of a good instrument. A $300 guitar can be a good guitar if serviced by the right tech. It’s not compulsory to have a $4,000 custom shop Gibson Les Paul, to say that you have a good guitar.
If your guitar is set up properly, balanced right, sounds great and has the necessary functions available for your needs it’s the right guitar for you.
The practical difference between a “nice” guitar and a top level,
hand built, Axe can be substantial. If you need to have pro
grade gear, get it. Don’t settle for less. The better the instrument, the less you have to fight it. So don’t stress. It’s not part of the job. Play stress-free.
Getting pinch harmonics, adequate gain, workable tone, quietness in the studio and onstage are all important aspects of a great instrument.
Most of the supposed “extras” you find on guitars are marketing gimmicks.
Most of the supposed “extras” you find on guitars are marketinggimmicks. There’s no need to spend thousands to get a great guitar.
Personal preference is the key. When I finally got a great guitar it all felt a little more effortless, smoother and just plain easier. It’s all worth the process.
I need the right guitar for me. Exactly! You play and sound different from anyone else and so should your guitar.
It all boils down to just choosing and using the best guitar that
suits your needs. Price is not always the final determining final factor.
A good guitar tech with great listening skills+an open minded player+verbalization of needs+desire for the perfect instrument = the best possible outcome when finding your ideal instrument.
Guitar sound and play-ability motivates a player to practice more, because it inspires. Top of the range equipment, excellent ideas and implementation designed by the player and tech together will promote and allow everything to happen faster and effortlessly.