Best Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic Guitar

An acoustic guitar is a musical instrument with a hollow body that makes sound naturally without needing electricity. It usually has six strings made of nylon or steel, which you pluck or strum with your fingers or a pick. The body of the guitar is made of wood and has a hole in the middle, which helps to make the sound louder and richer. When you play the strings, they vibrate and create music.

Acoustic guitars are popular in many types of music like folk, country, and rock. They are loved for their natural, warm sound and are used by both beginners and professional musicians.

Why Choose an Acoustic Guitar?

Picking an acoustic guitar is a great choice for all musicians, from those just starting to play to those who have been playing for a long time. Here's why they're so popular:

Portability and Accessibility:

You can easily take an acoustic guitar anywhere. It doesn't need electricity, so you can play it outdoors, at friends' places, or wherever you like.

Versatility in Playing Styles:

Acoustic guitars are great because you can play them in many ways, like using your fingers to pick the strings or using your hand to strum. This makes them good for lots of different types of music, such as folk, blues, and country. They're flexible and fit well with many kinds of songs.

Beginner-Friendly:

Acoustic guitars are good for beginners because they're simple to use. You don't need extra equipment like guitar amplifiers, pedalboards or cables, just the guitar itself.

Rich & Natural Sound:

The acoustic guitar's hollow body produces a warm and natural sound. They're great for singing along or playing in a group, perfect for many music styles, from calm, soft tunes to lively songs.

Affordability and Low Maintenance:

Acoustic guitars often don't cost too much, which makes them a good choice for people who are just beginning to play music. Also, they usually don't need as much care as electric guitars because they don't have electronic parts.

How To Choose an Acoustic Guitar?

Choosing an acoustic guitar can be an exciting but overwhelming process. Here are some simple steps to help you pick the perfect acoustic guitar:

1. Determine your budget:

Decide how much you're willing to spend on a guitar. Prices can vary widely, so setting a budget helps narrow down your options. You may also explore the option of second-hand acoustic guitars

2. Consider your playing style:

Are you a beginner, intermediate, or experienced player? Your skill level can influence your choice. Beginners may want a basic guitar, while experienced players might prefer something more advanced acoustic guitar.

3. Choose the acoustic body type:

Acoustic guitars come in various body shapes, like dreadnought, concert, and parlor. Pick one that feels comfortable to hold and play.

4. Select the tonewood:

Different woods produce different tones. Common tonewoods include spruce (bright and crisp), cedar (warm and mellow), and mahogany (rich and balanced). Choose a wood that suits your preferred sound.

5. Check the neck and fretboard:

Ensure the neck width and shape are comfortable for your hand size. Pay attention to the fretboard material as well; rosewood and ebony are popular choices.

6. Test the action:

Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Lower action is easier to play but may cause buzzing, while higher action requires more finger strength. Find a balance that suits your playing style.

7. Assess the hardware:

Examine the tuners, bridge, and saddle. Quality hardware keeps your guitar in tune and affects its overall performance.

8. Consider the brand and reputation:

Well-known brands often provide better quality and customer support. Do some research or ask for recommendations from experienced guitar players.

9. Play and compare:

Try out several guitars within your budget. Play them to feel how they sound and handle. Pay attention to the tone, volume, and comfort.

10. Ask for advice:

Don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced guitarists, teachers, or music store professionals. They can offer valuable insights and help you make an informed choice. Our team of experts at Musicstore will help you find a good acoustic guitar in UK for you.

11. Trust your gut:

Ultimately, choose the guitar that feels right for you. It should inspire you to play and make you happy when you pick it up.

Remember that finding the perfect acoustic guitar may take time and patience. Take your time to explore different options and pick the one that suits your style and preferences best. 

What are the Types of Acoustic Guitars?

Here's an overview of different types of acoustic guitars:

1. Classical Acoustic Guitar:

• Nylon strings, softer on the fingers.
• Typically used for classical and flamenco music.
• Has a wide neck and a smaller body.

2. Steel-String Acoustic Guitar:

• Steel strings produce a brighter sound.
• Popular in folk, rock, and country music.
• Comes in various body shapes like dreadnought, jumbo, and concert.

3. 12-String Acoustic Guitar:

• Has 12 strings in 6 courses.
• Creates a richer and more ringing tone.
• Often used for rhythm parts in rock and folk music.

4. Electric Acoustic Guitar:

• Can be played acoustically or plugged into an amplifier.
• Electro Acoustic Guitar Has built-in pickups and preamps.
• Versatile for live performances and recording.

5. Archtop Guitar:

• Has a curved, arch-shaped top like a violin.
• Often used in jazz and blues music.
• Produces a distinct, smooth sound.

6. Travel and Mini-Acoustic Guitars:

• Smaller and more portable than standard guitars.
• Ideal for travelers and young learners.
• Despite the size, they still produce a good-quality sound.

7. Parlor Guitar:

• Smaller body than most acoustic guitars.
• Known for its midrange focus and softer volume.
• Ideal for blues and folk music.

8. Acoustic Bass Guitar:

• Larger than other acoustic guitars.
• Has four strings like an electric bass.
• Produces deep bass sounds.

9. Semi-Acoustic Guitar:

• Hollow or semi-hollow body design.
• Primarily an electric guitar.
• Typically used for electric-style playing.
• Commonly associated with jazz and blues genres.

Each type of acoustic guitar has unique features and is suited for different styles of music. The choice depends on personal preference, playing style, and the genre of music you want to play.

Which are the best Acoustic Guitar Brands?

When discussing the best acoustic guitar brands, several stand out for their quality and sound:

• Fender Acoustic Guitar:

Known for its rich sound and comfortable playability, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players.

• Yamaha Acoustic Guitar:

Offers durability and excellent sound quality at an affordable price, making it ideal for learners and budget-conscious musicians.

• Gibson Acoustic Guitar:

A choice of professionals, famous for its deep, warm tones and premium craftsmanship.

• PRS Acoustic:

PRS acoustic guitars are admired for their unique designs and exceptional attention to detail, blending modern and traditional acoustic sounds.

• Collings Acoustic Guitars:

Highly regarded for handcrafted quality and superior tone, a top pick among professional musicians.

• Aria Acoustic Guitars:

Renowned for their quality craftsmanship at an affordable price, Aria acoustic guitars are great for both beginners and experienced players.

• Cort Acoustic:

A great option for beginners, providing reliable and budget-friendly guitars without compromising sound quality.

• Epiphone Acoustic:

A subsidiary of Gibson, Epiphone acoustic guitar provides affordable yet high-quality instruments, making professional-grade guitars accessible to a wider audience.

Each brand brings its unique strengths, catering to various preferences and playing styles, ensuring a suitable choice for every guitarist. Explore our collection of acoustic guitars from these top brands at the Musicstreet store in the UK. You can also find acoustic guitars for sale till the stock lasts.

What Other Accessories Do Need With An Acoustic Guitar?

When you purchase an acoustic guitar, there are several important accessories to consider that can elevate your guitar-playing experience. Firstly, if you plan to perform in front of others, an acoustic guitar amp is essential. It helps to amplify your guitar's sound, making it louder and clearer for your audience to enjoy.

To maintain the quality of your guitar's sound, investing in quality acoustic strings is crucial as they tend to wear out over time. Having spare strings on hand is also a wise idea. For those looking to experiment with different sounds and effects, acoustic guitar pedals & pedalboards are valuable tools. It allows you to easily switch between various effects pedals, enhancing your creativity and expanding your sonic possibilities.

To ensure your guitar is safe when not in use, a sturdy guitar stand & acoustic guitar case is a must-have accessory. It prevents accidents and helps keep your guitar in top condition. Strap buttons or strap locks are indispensable for keeping your guitar strap securely attached, preventing accidental drops during performances.

If you plan to sing while playing, microphone accessories like a microphone and stand are necessary for achieving clear and amplified vocals. Staying in tune is essential, and a tuner can help you adjust your guitar's pitch accurately. Guitar Capos are also handy for changing keys quickly, adding versatility to your playing. Guitar pickups also play an important role.

Don't overlook the importance of guitar cables to connect your instrument to an amp or other audio equipment. Additionally, guitar care products like cleaning tools and instrument care items are essential for keeping your guitar looking and sounding great over time. Lastly, tuners and metronomes are valuable tools that assist with precise tuning and timing, making your practice sessions more productive and helping you progress as a guitarist.

As a trusted guitar seller in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom we are here to assist you in finding these essential accessories, ensuring that you have everything you need for an enjoyable and professional playing experience

At Musicstreet we can offer you a part exchange on your used acoustic guitars for something new from our stock. 

We always have various pre-owned Acoustic and Electric guitars so if it's a bargain you're after then check back here for our used section often.

FAQs

1. How much does an acoustic guitar cost?

The cost of an acoustic guitar can vary widely depending on the brand, quality, and features. On average, you can find beginner-level acoustic guitars priced at around £120 to £500, while high-quality, professional-grade guitars may cost £700 or more.

2. Should a beginner start on an acoustic or classical guitar?

Beginners can start on either an acoustic or classical guitar, but classical guitars with nylon strings are often gentler on the fingers, making them a popular choice for those new to playing. The choice depends on personal preference and the style of music you want to learn.

3. Which strings are best for acoustic guitar?

Light to medium gauge phosphor bronze strings are a popular choice, providing a good balance of tone and ease of play. However, it's a good idea to try different types to see which suits your guitar and playing style best.

4. Is acoustic guitar beginner-friendly?

Yes, acoustic guitars can be beginner-friendly. They are often a good choice for beginners due to their versatility and straightforward design.

5. Are acoustic guitar strings different?

Yes, strings for acoustic guitars are different in material & thickness (gauge) which affects the sound & feel. Acoustic guitar strings are typically made of materials like bronze or phosphor bronze which produce a warm and rich tone when played without amplification. In contrast, electric guitar strings are often made of steel and are designed to work with pickups to create a brighter and more electrically amplified sound.

6. What is the difference between acoustic and classical guitar?

Aspect	Acoustic Guitar	Classical Guitar
Strings	Steel strings, bright and loud sound	Nylon strings, mellower, softer tone
Neck Width	Narrower neck, suitable for pick-style play	Wider neck, ideal for fingerstyle
Body Shape	Various body shapes	Traditional hourglass shape
Sound	Versatile for various music styles	Primarily used for classical/fingerstyle
Playing Style	Pick or fingerstyle playing	Fingerstyle playing
Fretboard	Different headstock styles, inlay designs	Slotted headstocks, fretboard markers

 

7. What size acoustic guitar should I buy?

The size of the acoustic guitar you should buy depends on your comfort and the reach of your arms. Adults typically fit full-size guitars, while children or players with a smaller frame might prefer a 1/2 or 3/4 size acoustic guitar.

8. What is a good cheap acoustic guitar to buy?

A good budget-friendly acoustic guitar to consider is the Fender CD-60. It offers quality craftsmanship and a balanced sound at a reasonable price point. There are many other good and affordable acoustic guitars by brands like Yamaha, Fender, Gibson, etc.

9. Do you offer left-handed acoustic guitars?

Yes, we do offer a range of collections of left-handed guitars to suit your playing style.

 

 

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