Guitars

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Buying Guide

Ibanez SA160
from $389.00
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Jay Turser JT62S/JT300 Electric Guitar Double Cutaway with lifetime warranty

$139.00
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Norman 027330 Protégé B18 Cedar 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar

$449.00
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Ibanez RG350EXZBK Electric Guitar - Black (discontinued clearance)

$459.00
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Ibanez RG421
from $449.99
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Buying a Guitar: first considerations

Before one goes and blindly purchases a guitar without knowing his/her musical preferences, it may prove to be a waste of time and money since different types of guitars are used to produce different kind of sounds. Some of the mainstream music genres along with their favorable guitar preferences are listed below.

Music styles

Rock, blues, punk and metal have been molded by the electric guitar sound. So as general rule, you’d want to buy an electric guitar if you are into artists like U2, Metallica, Eric Clapton, The Beatles and so on.

If you are a fan of singer-songwriter songs, folk music and softer ballads like those of artists such as John Mayer, Eagles, Jack Johnson, Nick Drake and Elliott Smith, then a steel string acoustic guitar will give you the most adequate sound.

But if you are into more erudite acts like Baden Powell, Niccolò Paganini, Andrés Segovia and John Williams, then the traditional nylon string classical guitar will likely be your best friend. This is also considered the best type of guitar to buy as the first guitar for younger guitarists, and it is frequently available in 3/4 and 1/2 sizes.

Performance Location

After knowing the style of music one is interested in, the next important thing that needs consideration is the venue where the person intends on playing this instrument, whether it’s a living room, hall, banquet or a live concert. Based on this one needs to filter his/her requirements.

Home: For beginners or hobbyists who wish to play guitars at home, steel string electric guitars are preferable since they have lighter gauge strings that are easier to play and they require an amplifier to adjust their sound intensity.

Small Venue: If a person intends on playing the guitar in a regular coffee shop or a small hall, then acoustic guitars would be the most comfortable instrument to perform with due to the fact that they don’t need amplifications or distortion or electronic effects.

Large Venues: Those guitarists who wish to join a band or follow their hobby like a pro, its necessary for them to get an acoustic-electric hybrid guitar along with effect pedals. This type of guitars has a built in sound pickup for amplification and produces acoustic sounds.

Guitar size and weight

In general, electric guitars are heavier than acoustic guitars. So if a person is a frequent traveler, then he/she can consider using an acoustic guitar instead of an electric one at first. Depending upon you height and physique you can choose various size of a guitar varying from 1/2 to 3/4 and finally full size.

Brand and pricing

A number of well established companies as well as smaller brand contemporaries manufacture thousands of varieties of guitars which vary in their type, mode and material of construction. So, compare pricing, servicing, spare parts and warranty factors before choosing a guitar. It is recommended that branded guitars should be chosen as they provide better sounds and have better servicing.

Acoustic Guitars

A good quality steel string guitar will provide a very robust, full and clear natural sound when played. Cheaper models obviously won’t come close to achieving the same results, but it doesn’t really matter that much when you are learning. Even so, going for a classic nylon string acoustic guitar when starting to learn how to play would probably still be better than buying the cheapest steel string guitar around. If you are looking for a top-quality steel string guitar the price would be between a classical guitar and an electric one, from 700 dollars onwards. These models don’t need amplification, which is another factor to take into consideration. On the other hand, a steel string guitar requires really precise and firm pressing of the strings to produce the correct sound, making it harder to play than either other guitar model. Some of the more well-known steel string guitar manufacturers are Martin, Taylor, Takamine and Santa Cruz.

Nylon string classic guitars are the beginner’s best friend. Their nylon strings are way easier on the fingers than steel strings, and they produce a warm, velvety sound, making them very discreet. Moreover, a good quality classic guitar is significantly cheaper than its steel-stringed counterparts, starting around a very reasonable 200 dollars tag. Its thicker neck, softer strings and good space between cases / strings also combine to make it a very smooth instrument to play. However, this also means that people with small hands can have some problems with some specific models. Some of the most well-known classic guitar manufacturers are Yamaha, Jose Ramirez, Alhambra and Manuel Rodriguez.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are unique because they can create really unique and powerful sounds with the help of amplifiers and effects pedals that overdrive, distort and fuzz their output according to preset configurations. It can go from the most suave and creamy blues sound in B.B. King to the most wheezing, sludgy blast in stoner doom metal bands like Electric Wizard and Sleep. With the right set of equipment, the possibilities are nigh-endless. Their light-gauge strings and thin arm also mean that they are actually quite easy to play when compared to steel string guitars. Moreover, by playing without an amp you can still distinguish notes but at a very discreet volume, which is great for practicing.

On the downside, pedals, cables and amps are absolutely necessary to get the most out of it. When buying an electric guitar or an acoustic electric hybrid – which is a very nice option for those who want the best of both worlds – take into consideration the costs of amplifiers, pedals and cables of high quality. Beginners will probably be good to go with a Squire, Epiphone or Ibanez model. For more experienced players who want to get the absolute best guitars around, consider models from ubiquitous brands like Fender (of the legendary Stratocaster), Gibson (and its equally legendary Les Paul), Rickenbacker and Jackson.

When buying acoustic and electric guitars it is really important to consider the intended final use for these instruments, as well as any additional costs that one may have to extract the most out of it. But remember: saving money is no use if you buy a product that you are hardly ever going to use. So read Shopbot’s user and expert reviews, compare prices using our site’s tools, and make sure you are really rocking with your purchase!

Playing guitars is one of the best ways to get acquainted to music. Learning the art of playing this instrument is fun, refreshing, stress relieving and can be taken on as a healthy professional path. For those who are looking forward to buying a guitar, it should be noted that hundreds of varieties of guitars along with several of its accessories are available in the market, which varies in shape, size and usability. Read Buying Guide

2. Ibanez SA160
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $389
  
  from 2 stores
2. Ibanez RG350EXZBK Electric Guitar - Black (discontinued clearance)
  The RG Tremolo series includes many models with a variety of different features and exciting finishes. The one constant factor in all of them is...
  
  Ibanez RG350
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4. $459.00
2. Ibanez RG421
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $449.99
  
  from 2 stores
2. Jay Turser JT62S/JT300 Electric Guitar Double Cutaway with lifetime warranty
  Limited Lifetime Warranty on all Jay Turser GuitarsDouble Cutaway Electric Standard Size Guitar - Alder body with Maple Neck - Rosewood 21 fret... Jay Turser JT62S/JT300 Electric Guitar Double Cutaway with lifetime warranty
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4. $139.00
  
  ~~$199.98~~ -30%
2. Norman 027330 Protégé B18 Cedar 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
  The B18 features a semi-gloss Custom Polished finish and a select pressure tested solid cedar top. The sound (as with all Norman models) will only... Norman 027330 Protégé B18 Cedar 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
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4. $449.00
  
  ~~$625.00~~ -28%
2. Art & Lutherie 042432 Americana Bourbon Burst CW QIT Acoustic Electric 6 String RH Guitar
  This stage and studio ready A & L 042432 songbird comes equipped with Godin Q1T electronics featuring a built-in tuner. Art & Lutherie 042432 Americana Bourbon Burst CW QIT Acoustic Electric 6 String RH Guitar
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4. $529.00
  
  ~~$658.00~~ -20%
2. Seagull 039210 Excursion Walnut 12 SG Acoustic 12 String Guitar
  As with all models in this series, the Excursion Walnut 12 SG features a solid spruce top and walnut back & sides made of a 3-layer lamination of... Seagull 039210 Excursion Walnut 12 SG Acoustic 12 String Guitar
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4. $389.00
  
  ~~$545.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez RG370
  
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3. from $460
  
  from 1 store
2. Ibanez AG75
  
  Compare prices for this product
3. from $419
  
  from 2 stores
2. Seagull 029419 S6 Original QI Acoustic Electric 6 String Left Handed Guitar
  Winner of several awards, the S6 is perhaps the instrument that best represents the Seagull philosophy. Seagull 029419 S6 Original QI Acoustic Electric 6 String Left Handed Guitar
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4. $529.00
  
  ~~$739.00~~ -28%
2. Norman 021390 Studio B50 Acoustic Guitar 6 String
  Not only is the Norman 021390 B50 a stunning beauty with its flame maple back & sides and high-gloss Custom Polished, but combined with a solid... Norman 021390 Studio B50 Acoustic Guitar 6 String
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4. $629.00
  
  ~~$878.00~~ -28%
2. Norman 000890 Encore B20 Acoustic Guitar 6 String
  The Norman 000890 B20 is the original member of the Norman line going back to 1972. Norman 000890 Encore B20 Acoustic Guitar 6 String
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4. $399.00
  
  ~~$569.00~~ -30%
2. Art & Lutherie 013876 Cedar Black Acoustic 6 String Guitar (discontinued clearance)
  The full size body of the Art & Lutherie acoustic dreadnaught models offer a tight & warm bottom end, as well as responsive mid-range tones. Art & Lutherie 013876 Cedar Black Acoustic 6 String Guitar (discontinued clearance)
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4. $359.00
  
  ~~$445.00~~ -19%
2. Ibanez ASV10A-TCL Artcore Vintage Series 6 String Hollow Body Guitar in Tobacco Burst Low Gloss Finish
  The Ibanez ASV10A-TCL is an Artcore Vintage Series 6 String Hollow Body Guitar in Tobacco Burst Low Gloss Finish. With vintage guitars as popular... Ibanez ASV10A-TCL Artcore Vintage Series 6 String Hollow Body Guitar in Tobacco Burst Low Gloss Finish
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4. $679.99
  
  ~~$1,049.95~~ -35%
2. Ibanez SA1060WZC-NTF SA Premium Series 6 String Electric Guitar in Natural Flat Finish (discontinued clearance)
  The Ibanez SA1060WZC-NTF is a SA Premium Series 6 String Electric Guitar in Natural Flat Finish. Built for versatility, the SA is musical... Ibanez SA1060WZC-NTF SA Premium Series 6 String Electric Guitar in Natural Flat Finish (discontinued clearance)
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4. $1,525.00
  
  ~~$2,599.95~~ -41%
2. Seagull 039586 Excursion Natural Solid Spruce Isyst Acoustic Electric Guitar 6 String
  As with all models in this series, the Seagull 039586 Excursion Natural SG dreadnaught features Canadian Wild Cherry top, back & sides made of a... Seagull 039586 Excursion Natural Solid Spruce Isyst Acoustic Electric Guitar 6 String
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4. $399.00
  
  ~~$550.00~~ -27%
2. Ibanez Gio RG170DX
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $249
  
  from 1 store
2. Washburn RO10N Rover 6 String Acoustic Mini Travel Guitar
  The ultimate travel guitar! Bring your Washburn Rover with you when you're on a plane, a boat, a car, the beach, camping, hiking. Washburn RO10N Rover 6 String Acoustic Mini Travel Guitar
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4. $235.00
  
  ~~$319.00~~ -26%
2. Ibanez RG421QMTGB RG Series 6 String Electric Guitar in Transparent Gray Burst (discontinued clearance)
  The Ibanez RG421QMTGB is a RG Series 6 String Electric Guitar in Transparent Gray Burst Ibanez RG421QMTGB RG Series 6 String Electric Guitar in Transparent Gray Burst (discontinued clearance)
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4. $399.00
  
  ~~$649.95~~ -39%
2. Seagull 029402 S6 Original Left Handed Acoustic 6 String Guitar
  Winner of several awards, the S6 is perhaps the instrument that best represents the Seagull philosophy. Seagull 029402 S6 Original Left Handed Acoustic 6 String Guitar
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4. $439.00
  
  ~~$600.00~~ -27%
2. Seagull 029822 Entourage Rustic Acoustic 6 String Guitar
  In the tradition of the award winning S6 Original, the Entourage Rustic S6 brings incredible value to players looking for undeniable sound and... Seagull 029822 Entourage Rustic Acoustic 6 String Guitar
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4. $359.00
  
  ~~$510.00~~ -30%
2. Seagull 032914 Entourage Rustic Mini Jumbo Acoustic 6 String Guitar
  The Entourage Rustic Mini-Jumbo offers a full sound with a warm mid-range tone and of course the award winning craftsmanship and value Seagull is... Seagull 032914 Entourage Rustic Mini Jumbo Acoustic 6 String Guitar
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4. $349.00
  
  ~~$510.00~~ -32%
2. Seagull 038831 Excursion Natural SG Isys t Acoustic Electric 6 String Guitar
  As with all models in this series, the Excursion Natural SG Isys t dreadnaught features Canadian Wild Cherry top, back & sides made of a 3-layer... Seagull 038831 Excursion Natural SG Isys t Acoustic Electric 6 String Guitar
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4. $349.00
  
  ~~$510.00~~ -32%
2. Seagull 029396 S6 Original Acoustic 6 String Guitar
  Winner of several awards, the S6 is perhaps the instrument that best represents the Seagull philosophy. Seagull 029396 S6 Original Acoustic 6 String Guitar
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4. $399.00
  
  ~~$560.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez AS93-VLS Artcore Epressionist Hollow Body 6 String Electric Guitar in Violin Sunburst (discontinued clearance)
  The Ibanez AS93-VLS is an Artcore Epressionist Hollow Body 6 String Electric Guitar in Violin Sunburst. For a decade now, Ibanez has continued to... Ibanez AS93-VLS Artcore Epressionist Hollow Body 6 String Electric Guitar in Violin Sunburst (discontinued clearance)
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4. $749.99
  
  ~~$1,349.95~~ -44%
2. Ibanez MTM20-WH Mick Thomson 6 String Signature Solid Body Guitar in White
  The Ibanez MTM20-WH is a Mick Thomson 6 String Signature Solid Body Guitar in White. Ibanez MTM20-WH Mick Thomson 6 String Signature Solid Body Guitar in White
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4. $999.99
  
  ~~$1,499.95~~ -33%
2. Ibanez AEG8E-TRS ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC - AEG SERIES TRANS RED BURST
  The Ibanez AEG8E-TRS is an AEG Series 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar in Transparent Red Sunburst High Gloss. The AEG Series' slender,... Ibanez AEG8E-TRS ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC - AEG SERIES TRANS RED BURST
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4. $299.99
  
  ~~$449.95~~ -33%
2. Ibanez AEG8TNE-BKF AEG Series 6 String Classical Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Flat
  The Ibanez AEG8TNE-BKF is an AEG Series 6 String Classical Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Flat. The AEG Series' slender, single-cutaway bodies... Ibanez AEG8TNE-BKF AEG Series 6 String Classical Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Flat
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4. $299.99
  
  ~~$449.95~~ -33%
2. Ibanez EP5-BP Steve Vai Signature 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Pearl High Gloss
  The Ibanez EP5-BP is a Steve Vai Signature 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Pearl High Gloss. Ibanez EP5-BP Steve Vai Signature 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black Pearl High Gloss
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4. $919.99
  
  ~~$1,399.95~~ -34%
2. Godin 025497 xtSA Dark Trans Red Flame 6 string Electric Guitar
  A jack-of-all-trades, and master of all of them, the Godin 025497 xtSAs incredible sound power begins with three distinct voices: electric... Godin 025497 xtSA Dark Trans Red Flame 6 string Electric Guitar
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4. $995.00
  
  ~~$1,395.00~~ -29%
2. Godin 036523 xtSA Koa Ltd 6 string Electric Guitar
  A jack-of-all-trades, and master of all of them, the Godin 036523 xtSAs incredible sound power begins with three distinct voices: electric... Godin 036523 xtSA Koa Ltd 6 string Electric Guitar
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4. $1,295.00
  
  ~~$1,650.00~~ -22%
2. Godin 022946 LGXT Trans Blue Flame AAA 6 String Electric Guitar
  Godin 022946 shows the unprecedented power of this instrument comes from its combination of electric guitar sounds, acoustic guitar sounds, and... Godin 022946 LGXT Trans Blue Flame AAA 6 String Electric Guitar
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4. $2,150.00
  
  ~~$2,779.00~~ -23%
2. Godin 024124 LGXT Cognac Burst Flame AA 6 String Electric Guitar
  Godin 024124 shows the unprecedented power of this instrument comes from its combination of electric guitar sounds, acoustic guitar sounds, and... Godin 024124 LGXT Cognac Burst Flame AA 6 String Electric Guitar
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4. $1,895.00
  
  ~~$2,315.00~~ -18%
2. Godin 038947 ACS Nylon Lightburst Flame SA HG Acoustic Electric 6 string guitar with bag
  The Godin 038947 ACS blends classical guitar concepts with elements of solid body design. Godin 038947 ACS Nylon Lightburst Flame SA HG Acoustic Electric 6 string guitar with bag
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4. $1,225.00
  
  ~~$1,550.00~~ -21%
2. Godin 040636 MultiAc Nylon String White HG Acoustic Electric 6 string guitar with Tric bag
  The original Godin 040636 Multiac Nylon combines cutting edge acoustic guitar design with state-of-the-art on-board electronics and synth access. Godin 040636 MultiAc Nylon String White HG Acoustic Electric 6 string guitar with Tric bag
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4. $1,679.00
  
  ~~$2,110.00~~ -20%
2. Norman 034031 Studio ST40 Folk Acoustic Guitar 6 String
  The warm and smooth tone of the Norman 034031 Studio series ST40 Folk comes from the combination of its solid mahogany back & sides and solid cedar... Norman 034031 Studio ST40 Folk Acoustic Guitar 6 String
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4. $559.00
  
  ~~$795.00~~ -30%
2. Ibanez AM53-SRF Artcore 6 String RH Hollowbody Guitar in Sunburst Red Flat
  Infinity R pickups for warm balanced articulation with Artcore AM Mahogany set-in neck. Ibanez introduced Artcore in 2002 and has been the... Ibanez AM53-SRF Artcore 6 String RH Hollowbody Guitar in Sunburst Red Flat
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4. $419.99
  
  ~~$649.95~~ -35%
2. Ibanez RG7421-WNF RG Series 7 String RH Electric Guitar in Walnut Flat
  Quantum (H) neck and bridge pickups in Mahogany body Rosewood fretboard with White dot inlay. The Ibanez RG7421-WNF is a RG Series 7 String Right... Ibanez RG7421-WNF RG Series 7 String RH Electric Guitar in Walnut Flat
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4. $549.99
  
  ~~$849.95~~ -35%
2. LA PATRIE 042654 Arena Mahogany CW QIT 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
  Easy to play 6-string with Tusq Saddle & nut and Spanish heel Joint. The LA PATRIE 042654 is an Arena Mahogany CW QIT 6 String Acoustic Electric... LA PATRIE 042654 Arena Mahogany CW QIT 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
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4. $675.00
  
  ~~$900.00~~ -25%
2. Norman 041909 Protege B18 Concert Hall Burnt Umber 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
  Tusq® nut & saddle by Graphtech with Semi-Gloss Custom Polished Finish and Fishman Presys electronics. The Norman 041909 Protege B18 Concert Hall... Norman 041909 Protege B18 Concert Hall Burnt Umber 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar
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4. $419.00
  
  ~~$598.00~~ -30%