Buying a Used Guitar

Aside from sound, size and appearance, when buying a used guitar there are some structural factors the purchaser should be aware of.  To avoid costly repairs and disappointment, some very important points to consider are:

Truss Rod - Just about all manufacturers use some sort of a reinforcing truss rod system buried inside the neck of the guitar, to counter the pull of the strings and avoid the neck warpage which would make it difficult to play.  The truss rod is usually adjustable, it allows for natural shrinking & expansion in the wood itself.  This work should be done by someone experienced in these adjustments.

When examining your prospective purchase, if the strings appear to be unusually distant from the fingerboards,  1/4 inch (8mm) or more, you must determine if the neck has become bent.  Here's a quick check to see if this is the case.  Making sure the 1st string is tuned, press that string with one hand so that it is against the fingerboard where the neck joins the body.  With your other hand, press the string onto the fingerboard at the first fret, by the tuners.  This gives you a straight line to compare the neck to.   Should it seem to be out of line, a truss rod adjustment, which is usually not expensive, should be able to correct this problem.  On the other hand, if the neck appears to be fairly straight, the problem could be in the stucture of the guitar's body (broken braces and joints, buckled top or broken bridge).  These repairs can add up to be quite costly and can only be carried out with the appropriate tools and training. 

Remember, the reinforcing truss rod is meant only to work on the neck and does not run the entire length of the guitar; it stops at the neck joint.  Neglect or abuse affects all guitars the same way whether it's an expensive well-known or a no name beginner model.  Don't assume because an instrument is known to be a quality brand that it can endure being used badly.

Always inspect the guitar in tune so flaws will be obvious.

Choosing the best Guitar Strings for you

Whether choosing an electric or an acoustic string, the right string tension is very important to bring out the sound in your instrument and enhance your style of play.   Players are often surprised to find that a lighter gauge set can actually sound better on their guitar.  Don't assume that the string tension the guitar manufacturer selected at the factory, is the right tension for you.

Light gauge strings are the most popular and are recommended by most manufacturers of acoustic steel string guitars.   Lighter string tension ensures longer soundboard and neck life.  Heavier tensions are not recommended for guitars built with fragile tops.  Medium gauge strings offer more loudness on heavier built instruments.

If you wish to try different brands of strings, you will find that most of these companies make sets of like thickness labeled as "light", "medium", "heavy", etc., to be user friendly.  That is, a set from company A will be similar in gauge to company B, although the tone will be distinctive accourding to each makers special formula or technique.

Here are some popular acoustic string blends with a description of their characteristics:

80/20 Bronze - Deep bass, brilliant tone but "age" quickly.

85/15 Bronze - similar to 80/20, but a little more life before going dull.

Phospher Bronze - Phospherus is added to enhance string life, also it is credited with producing a warmer tone that 80/20's.

Coated strings - Come in the same blends as those above, however, they have a teflon coating which gives them a longer string life.  They also reduce string "whisper".

There are many choices for each indiviidual taste.

TRIC Guitar Case

Thermally Regulated Instrument Case

Most guitar cases provide protection from impact, the TRIC case does double duty.  This case is an insurance policy that will last for years.  In our harsh Maritime climate, with its temperature extremes, the wise travelling guitarist should seriously consider one of these.  Avoid the sorrow of cracking and warping by providing a protective and stable enviroment for your favourite instrument at an affordable cost.

                                 Available in dreadnaught, folk and parlor sizes.

 

Below are some articles I've written, covering questions that are frequently asked at the shop.   I''ll be adding to this section periodically.   I hope this helps you out,  Carson

                                            Topics

                                     ---  R.H. Relative Humidity

--- What's the Best Guitar?                --- A Well Adjusted Guitar

--- Buying a Used Guitar          --- Choosing the Best Guitar String for You

---TRIC  Guitar Case

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                                              A Well Adjusted Guitar

A common customer concern is when through time their guitar becomes difficult to play.   Something can be done about that.  It is best to have someone with experience do these alterations, as expensive damage could result if not carried out properly. 

Aside from structional problems, such as a bad neck joint or a warped top, guitar "action" or fingerboard playability can be improved. 

Acoustic & electric guitars have a truss rod that is set in the length of the neck, from heel to headstock.  Tightening the adjustment nut on this rod can alter the straightness of the neck which should result in the strings resting closer to the board.  " Do not over tighten!"

The truss rod only effects the neck and sometimes further work is required if the "bridge" is too high.  On acoustic guitars the bridge is usually a piece of wood that is glued to the top of the guitar.  When you look at your guitar you'll see that there is a piece of hard material, usually white in color set into the bridge which rests under the strings.  This is called a "bridge saddle".  The saddle can also be altered, usually by cutting or sanding to make it lower.

Electric guitars usually have provision for adjustment with small screws on metal bridge saddles, allowing them to go up and down. 

             Now you'll be able to enjoy your guitar again!    Happy Playing!

F Y I

                                            What's the Best Guitar?

By far the most frequently asked question is"What's the best guitar to buy?"

My answer to that question would be the one you can't put down. 

Currently there are so many choices available in quality instruments that you owe it to yourself to check out everything on the rack.

Ultimately the best value for your money is an instrument that you'll want to play all the time,  so comfort and tone are the determining factors in your satisfaction and enjoyment.

                                      Shop R. H., Relative Humidity

We post our shop relative humidity daily on our website.  It is located in the upper right hand corner of our main page.  The number is color coded and although enviroments vary this can be used as a geneal indicator.

   Blue - when humidifying, Black when the enviroment is stable and Red when                                                              dehumidifying.

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