So I was in the local guitar shop recently, and a low-priced Alvarez Parlor guitar caught my eye. So, I picked it up and spent about 45 minutes playing it, and was pleasantly surprised at just how nice it sounded, considering it was only $450.00. It could have been a little easier to play, but I typically find many guitars off the rack could always use a bit of tweaking to make them easier on the hands. As I was playing, I looked up and noticed and young man and his son were standing watching me. I struck up a conversation, and inquired if the father was here to buy his son a guitar. He told me, no, but he was shopping for his wife. One thing led to another, and I mentioned that I was a guitar instructor, and if he needed any help, I was glad to give him advice. He told me he had been playing for about six months, and asked my advice regarding what type of string to use, as the set on his guitar was making his fingers unusually sore. As we talked more, I realized that his problem was not with the type of strings he was using, but that the action on his guitar was probably too high, requiring more effort to press down the strings. So, my advice was to find a qualified guitar repair person, and invest in having a proper setup for his instrument. I explained that having a professional modify his guitar would be the best value for his money, and that even an average priced instrument, in the hands of a skilled technician, could really play like an instrument twice its value. I gave him the name of my guitar tech, and he thanked me and moved on.
Which brings me back to my original story of the Alvarez guitar. I knew that in the hands of my guitar tech, who I refer to as “the miracle worker,” that $450.00 instrument could sound and play like any guitar worth $1000.00. I know this for a fact, as he has done this with two guitars I have brought to him. I travel well over an hour to my guitar tech, and usually have to leave it for a week, but, it’s worth it. When I get it back, it’s always like having a new guitar!
So, as the title of this blog states, you don’t have to have an expensive guitar to sound good. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying a $450.00 guitar is going to sound as good as a $3000.00 Taylor or Gibson. But, for the average hobbyist, a mid-priced, well made instrument with the proper set up and modifications, can play and sound great for far less cost. And, if you stick with it long enough, you can always keep upgrading until you find that “dream guitar!” So, scour the internet for a reputable guitar technician near you. Look for reviews, ask around. When you find someone, take the time to meet them, discuss what you’re looking for, and get to know them. Most guitar tech people are more than happy to chat about their craft, and most will talk you ear off all day long if you let them! You can also learn a great deal from people in this profession, as they can give you great insight into the inner workings of the instrument.
Good luck!