Common Guitar Buying Myths

1. XYZ model of guitar is bad news!
- Draw your -own- conclusions; each guitar is unique, so if even if you have heard that a certain company makes a bad guitar, this does not mean that all their guitars will be bad.

2. New guitars are better than second hand!
- Not necessarily true; some guitars (especially acoustics) actually improve with age as the wood ages. However, when buying a second hand guitar, it is important to be stringent in checking for problems. The Nitty Gritty Guitar Book provides a helpful and easy to understand check list of things to look out for when buying a second hand guitar.

3. Older/vintage guitars are better! - Again, not necessarily - a guitar doesn't improve with age if it was badly put together in the process. Beware overenthusiastic sellers, and avoid expensive mistakes.

4. A more expensive guitar will make me sound better! - This is not the case; its all in the fingers! However, a more expensive guitar will sound better when played properly and hold its value for longer.

5. U.S. brand name guitars are better! - Although most American guitars are well made, and some are outstanding, companies in the Far East such as Tokai, also produce some beautiful guitars.

For some top tips on buying guitars, and a directory of guitar manufacturers, check out The Nitty Gritty Guitar Book, by Smoking Gun Books, available NOW on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.