Essential Tips for Identifying a Quality Instrument

Choosing a guitar can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, especially with so many options available. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, knowing how to identify a quality instrument is crucial. Let’s dive into some essential tips to help you find a guitar that’s perfect for you.

Understanding the Basics

First things first, let’s get familiar with the main parts of a guitar: the body, neck, fretboard, and electronics. Each component plays a vital role in the overall quality and sound of the instrument. The body affects the weight and overall resonance, the neck is all about feel and playability, the fretboard is where your fingers dance, and the electronics bring your sound to life.

Evaluating Build Quality

Inspecting the Finish

It is with guitars as it is with food; we eat first with our eyes. Whether it's a rough finish with the texture of orange peel, a clean glossy finish, or an expertly aged relic finish, this will be the first thing you will notice. In general, a quality instrument will be free of sanding scratches and swirls, and should reflect light evenly. One way to check this is to hold the guitar up to a light source at different angles and look across the finish for imperfections. 

Checking the Neck

A stable neck is crucial for proper intonation and playability. Sight down the neck from the headstock to the body to check for any warping or twisting. The neck joint should be tight and secure, with no large gaps between the neck and body.

Assessing the Fretboard

The fretboard should be smooth, with evenly installed frets. Run your fingers along the edges to ensure the frets are flush with the board and don’t stick out. Poor fret installation can lead to buzzing, while properly installed, dressed and polished frets make for a handsome look and smooth playability. 

Examining the Hardware

Bridge and Tailpiece

The bridge and tailpiece play a significant role in the guitar’s sustain and intonation. Look for sturdy, well-made bridges that can be easily adjusted. Whether it’s a fixed bridge or a tremolo system, it should feel solid and stable. Brand names such as Gotoh and Kluson are mainstays in the industry, while Rutters and Callaham are upgrade options. 

Tuners

Good tuners are essential for maintaining tuning stability. They should turn smoothly, hold the pitch well, and offer a high enough gear ratio to allow for fine tuning; 15:1 is the industry standard, while some brands offer higher ratio options such as 18:1. Test them by tuning the guitar and playing for a bit; if the guitar quickly falls out of tune, the tuners might not be up to par. 

Pickups and Electronics

The pickups and electronics are the heart of an electric guitar’s sound, and in our opinion they make the biggest tonal difference out of anything discussed here. Different types of pickups (single-coil, humbucker, P90) produce different tones, so choose according to your preference. Check the wiring inside the control cavity; it should be neat and clean, with no loose connections or sloppy soldering. While clean wiring doesn't necessarily make a difference in the sound of the instrument, the fact that a builder takes the time to make something look nice that most people won't actually see shows that they take pride in their work. Look for brand names such as CTS, Bourns or Alpha for potentiometers, CRL or Oak Grigsby for switches, and Switchcraft for jacks. 

Playability and Comfort

A guitar should feel comfortable in your hands. The neck profile and thickness vary between models; some players prefer a slim neck, while others like a thicker one. Try out different shapes to see what suits your hand best. Does the guitar have any sharp edges that cut into your forearm or your body when you sit? While you stand?

String Action and Setup

The action (the height of the strings above the fretboard) should be low enough to play comfortably without buzzing. If the action is too high, it can be adjusted, but if it’s extremely high, it might indicate underlying issues with the guitar. Play notes up and down the neck on each string and listen for clear and even tone across the neck, and on open strings. Don't forget to play the guitar as you'd normally play it, though; any guitar can be made to buzz depending on your technique. 

Weight and Balance

The weight and balance of a guitar affect how it feels to play. Some players like heavier guitars for their solid feel and sustain, while others prefer lighter guitars for their comfort during long playing sessions. Make sure the guitar balances well when you hold it, without the neck diving or the body feeling awkward.

Sound Quality

Acoustic Resonance and Sustain

Even if you’re buying an electric guitar, it’s worth strumming it unplugged first. A good guitar should resonate well acoustically, with a clear, sustained sound. This is a sign of quality construction and tonewood. While pickups colour the sound, and have a huge effect on the tone, we believe a great guitar starts with a resonant acoustic tone. 

Amplified Sound Characteristics

Plug the guitar into an amp and play through various settings. Listen for clarity, depth, and how the guitar responds to different playing styles. A quality guitar will sound good clean and distorted, with no unwanted noise or harshness. Play the guitar while adjusting the volume and tone knobs throughout their range, and try different pickup combinations. 

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Researching Reputable Brands

Some brands have a long history of making high-quality guitars, but don't blindly trust their reputation. Do some research on the brands you’re considering, because you might think all well-known brands have more consistent quality, but that's not always the case. If you ask any experienced repair person, they will tell you that many big brands rely too heavily on their own reputation, letting quality control slip in the name of bigger profits. 

Reading Customer and Expert Reviews

Look up reviews from other guitarists and experts. Pay attention to recurring themes in the feedback. If many people mention poor quality control or specific issues, it might be a red flag.

Trying Out Different Models

Whenever possible, try out several models and brands. Each guitar is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. Visiting a store and playing different guitars can give you a better sense of what feels right.

Final Considerations

Budget and Value for Money

Consider your budget and look for the best value within it. A higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, but very cheap guitars might have more issues. Balance your desire for quality with what you’re willing to spend.

Future Resale Value

Think about the guitar’s potential resale value. Well-known brands and models tend to retain their value better. If you plan to upgrade in the future, this can be an important factor, while if you're shopping for a heavily customized heirloom quality instrument, this might be less of a concern. 

Warranty and Customer Support

Check if the guitar comes with a warranty and what it covers. Good customer support can be a lifesaver if you encounter any issues with your instrument.

Conclusion

Choosing a quality guitar takes time and effort, but it’s worth it for an instrument that will bring you joy and inspiration for years to come. By paying attention to these key areas, you can make a well-informed decision and find the perfect guitar for your needs.