Guitars

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Buying Guide

Kala MK-SD/OR Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele in Orange Gloss

$69.99
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Ibanez RG370
from $460.00
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Washburn RO10N Rover 6 String Acoustic Mini Travel Guitar

$235.00
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Ibanez RG370AHMZ-BMT RG Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Blue Moon Burst

$699.99
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Art & Lutherie 013876 Cedar Black Acoustic 6 String Guitar (discontinued clearance)

$359.00
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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. Kala MK-SD/OR Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele in Orange Gloss
  Simply the best entry level ukes on the market. Sound and playability usually suffer at these affordable prices but not with Makala. These ukes... Kala MK-SD/OR Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele in Orange Gloss
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4. $69.99
  
  ~~$99.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez RG370
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $460
  
  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 RG370AHMZ-BMT RG Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Blue Moon Burst
  Edge-Zero II tremolo bridge with ZPS3Fe for exceptional tuning stability and playing comfort. The Ibanez RG370AHMZ-BMT is a RG Series 6 String... Ibanez RG370AHMZ-BMT RG Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Blue Moon Burst
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4. $699.99
  
  ~~$1,099.95~~ -36%
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 GRX40-TFB Gio Series 6 String Solid Body Electric Guitar in Tri Fade Burst
  The Ibanez GRX40-TFB is a Gio Series 6 String Solid Body Electric Guitar in Tri Fade Burst. A guitar doesn't have to cost a bundle to sound good.... Ibanez GRX40-TFB Gio Series 6 String Solid Body Electric Guitar in Tri Fade Burst
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4. $249.99
  
  ~~$369.95~~ -32%
2. Ibanez GRG121DXWNF RH Electric 6 String Guitar
  The Ibanez GIO GRG121DX solidbody electric guitar's basswood body is comfortable and resonant for rockin' all-nighters, while its two humbuckers... Ibanez GRG121DXWNF RH Electric 6 String Guitar
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4. $319.00
  
  ~~$587.75~~ -46%
2. Ibanez SA160
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $389
  
  from 2 stores
2. Godin 028672 xtSA Light Burst Flame 6 string Electric Guitar
  A jack-of-all-trades, and master of all of them, the Godin 028672 xtSAs incredible sound power begins with three distinct voices: electric... Godin 028672 xtSA Light Burst Flame 6 string Electric Guitar
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4. $995.00
  
  ~~$1,395.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez Gio RG170DX
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $249
  
  from 1 store
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. Norman 027514 Studio ST40 Presys Acoustic Guitar 6 String
  The warm and smooth tone of the Norman 001071 Studio series ST40 comes from the combination of its mahogany back & sides and solid cedar top. Norman 027514 Studio ST40 Presys Acoustic Guitar 6 String
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4. $639.00
  
  ~~$945.00~~ -32%
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. Ibanez RG657MSK-STB RG Prestige Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Sunset Burst
  Birdseye Maple fretboard with a Silky Oak top/Mahogany body. The Ibanez RG657MSK-STB is a RG Prestige Series 6 String Right Hand Electric Guitar in... Ibanez RG657MSK-STB RG Prestige Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Sunset Burst
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4. $1,999.99
  
  ~~$3,099.95~~ -35%
2. Yamaha C40
  Beginners will appreciate the level of quality found in the C series classic guitars. These quality instruments deliver outstanding cost...
  
  Yamaha C40 Acoustic Guitar - Yamaha
3. Store: Canada’s best value $199+ ships free/next day
4. $189.99
2. Jay Turser JJ43F-RSB 3/4 SIZED 6 String ACOUSTIC GUITAR in Red Subburst
  Basswood body, flame top finish, adjustable truss rod & die cast machine heads Jay Turser JJ43F-RSB 3/4 SIZED 6 String ACOUSTIC GUITAR in Red Subburst
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4. $99.00
  
  ~~$189.00~~ -48%
2. Simon and Patrick 033195 Songsmith FOLK Acoustic 6 String Guitar
  With its warm and mellow tone, the Songsmith Folk is an honest and true acoustic guitar. Simon and Patrick 033195 Songsmith FOLK Acoustic 6 String Guitar
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4. $349.00
  
  ~~$495.00~~ -29%
2. Simon and Patrick 033263 Showcase Mahogany Acoustic Electric RH 6 String Guitar
  The combination of mahogany and spruce proves to be a wonderful balance of mellow warmth and dynamic clarity. Simon and Patrick 033263 Showcase Mahogany Acoustic Electric RH 6 String Guitar
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4. $1,049.00
  
  ~~$1,395.00~~ -25%
2. Art & Lutherie 014309 Cedar Antique Burst 6 String Acoustic Guitar(discontinued clearance)
  The full size body of the Art & Lutherie acoustic dreadnaught models offer a tight & warm bottom end. Art & Lutherie 014309 Cedar Antique Burst 6 String Acoustic Guitar(discontinued clearance)
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4. $359.00
  
  ~~$445.00~~ -19%
2. Norman 021000 Protégé B18 Cedar 6 String Acoustic Guitar
  The B18 features a semi-gloss Custom Polished finish and a select pressure tested solid cedar top. Norman 021000 Protégé B18 Cedar 6 String Acoustic Guitar
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4. $379.00
  
  ~~$520.00~~ -27%
2. Ibanez S521-MOL 6 String Electric Guitar in Mahogany Oil Finish
  The Ibanez S521-MOL is a 6 String Electric Guitar in Mahogany Oil Finish Ibanez S521-MOL 6 String Electric Guitar in Mahogany Oil Finish
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4. $599.99
  
  ~~$899.95~~ -33%
2. Cole Clark CCFL2EC-MMAH Dreadnought Guitar w/PU & Cutaway - All-Mahogany
  Cole Clark CCFL2EC-MMAH Mahogany with Mahogany Back and Sides Cole Clark CCFL2EC-MMAH Dreadnought Guitar w/PU & Cutaway - All-Mahogany
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4. $2,899.00
  
  ~~$3,899.00~~ -26%
2. Ibanez RGR321EX Reverse Headstock RT Handed 6 String Electric Guitar in Black Finish
  The Ibanez RGR321EX, also referred to as theRG321EX, is an RG series electric guitar model introduced in 2007. Features include a basswood body,... Ibanez RGR321EX Reverse Headstock RT Handed 6 String Electric Guitar in Black Finish
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4. $399.00
  
  ~~$799.00~~ -50%
2. Norman 031672 Studio ST68 Acoustic Electric RH Guitar 6 String with case
  The Norman 031672 ST68 CW features the same superb acoustic qualities as the ST68 but with a cutaway for easy access to the notes on the upper part... Norman 031672 Studio ST68 Acoustic Electric RH Guitar 6 String with case
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4. $1,195.00
  
  ~~$1,675.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez RG721RW-CNF RG Premium Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Charcoal Brown Flat
  Wizard 5pc Maple and Walnut neck with CAP-VM pickups and Tight-End R bridge. The Ibanez RG721RW-CNF is a RG Premium Series 6 String RH Electric... Ibanez RG721RW-CNF RG Premium Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Charcoal Brown Flat
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4. $1,099.99
  
  ~~$1,649.95~~ -33%
2. Jay Turser JJ45LHN Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar Natural Left Handed
  Basswood body, adjustable truss rod & die-cast machine heads Jay Turser JJ45LHN Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar Natural Left Handed
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4. $199.00
  
  ~~$279.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez EW20ASE
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $439
  
  from 2 stores
2. Ibanez AF75
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $590
  
  from 2 stores
2. Ibanez RG8
  
  Compare prices for this product - Ibanez
3. from $549.99
  
  from 2 stores
2. Hagstrom VIDLXBARI-TSB 6 String Baritone Viking Deluxe Model Electric Guitar in Tobacco Sunburst
  The Hagstrom VIDLXBARI-TSB is a 6 String Baritone Viking Deluxe Model Electric Guitar in Tobacco Sunburst Hagstrom VIDLXBARI-TSB 6 String Baritone Viking Deluxe Model Electric Guitar in Tobacco Sunburst
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4. $899.00
  
  ~~$1,149.00~~ -22%
2. Norman 035885 Studio ST68 Acoustic Electric RH Guitar 6 String
  The Norman 035885 ST68 CW features the same superb acoustic qualities as the ST68 but with a cutaway for easy access to the notes on the upper part... Norman 035885 Studio ST68 Acoustic Electric RH Guitar 6 String
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4. $1,195.00
  
  ~~$1,675.00~~ -29%
2. Ibanez GRG250B-CGD Gio Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Champagne Gold
  Infinity R (H) bridge and neck pickup with Infinity RS (S) middle pickup and Rosewood fretboard with White dot inlay. The Ibanez GRG250B-CGD is a... Ibanez GRG250B-CGD Gio Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Champagne Gold
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4. $449.99
  
  ~~$679.95~~ -34%
2. Ibanez RG1070PBZ-CBB RG Premium Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Cerulean Blue Burst
  Beautiful natural binding on the top and side with Premium Fret Edge Treatment. The Ibanez RG1070PBZ-CBB is a RG Premium Series 6 String Right Hand... Ibanez RG1070PBZ-CBB RG Premium Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Cerulean Blue Burst
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4. $1,799.99
  
  ~~$2,749.95~~ -35%
2. Ibanez RGIR37BFE-BKF RG Iron Label Series 7 String RH Electric Guitar in Black Flat
  Smooth surface is designed to maximize playing comfort. The Ibanez RGIR37BFE-BKF is a RG Iron Label Series 7 String Right Hand Electric Guitar in... Ibanez RGIR37BFE-BKF RG Iron Label Series 7 String RH Electric Guitar in Black Flat
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4. $1,099.99
  
  ~~$1,649.95~~ -33%
2. Ibanez SIX6DFM-DCB S Iron Label Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Dark Space Burst
  Edge-Zero II tremolo bridge for a low profile design for comfort, and stud lock function for superior tuning stability. The Ibanez SIX6DFM-DCB is a... Ibanez SIX6DFM-DCB S Iron Label Series 6 String RH Electric Guitar in Dark Space Burst
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4. $1,349.99
  
  ~~$2,099.95~~ -36%
2. Art & Lutherie 045389 Roadhouse Faded Cream Acoustic Electric Guitar
  Wild Cherry Back & Sides with Fishman Sonitone pickup featuring sound-hole mounted volume and tone controls. The Art & Lutherie 045389 is a... Art & Lutherie 045389 Roadhouse Faded Cream Acoustic Electric Guitar
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4. $489.00
  
  ~~$598.00~~ -18%
2. Washburn RO10TBL 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 RO10TBL Rover 6 String Acoustic Mini Travel Guitar
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4. $249.00
  
  ~~$329.00~~ -24%
2. Jay Turser JT200GBK 200 Series Electric Guitar Black
  Classic Single cutaway solid basswood body maple set neck, rosewood fingerboard, gold hardware, tunomatic bridge, electronic HH, 2-V & 2-T, 3... Jay Turser JT200GBK 200 Series Electric Guitar Black
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4. $529.99
2. Simon and Patrick 033188 Songsmith FOLK A3T Acoustic Electric 6 String Guitar
  With its warm and mellow tone, the Songsmith Folk A3T is an honest and true acoustic guitar. Simon and Patrick 033188 Songsmith FOLK A3T Acoustic Electric 6 String Guitar
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4. $429.00
  
  ~~$605.00~~ -29%
2. Seagull 029839 Entourage Rustic QI Acoustic Electric 6 String Guitar
  In the tradition of the award winning S6 Original, the Entourage Rustic QI S6 brings incredible value to players looking for undeniable sound and... Seagull 029839 Entourage Rustic QI Acoustic Electric 6 String Guitar
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4. $449.00
  
  ~~$630.00~~ -29%