Many professional musicians and just music lovers at one stage or another, having already mastered playing the acoustic guitar, turn their eyes to its electronic counterpart. However, many of them do not know how to choose an electric guitar.
First of all, it should be noted that this process is similar to the purchase of an acoustic instrument. However, if you already own it and are wondering what kind of electric guitar to choose, you will come in handy tips, which we will talk about below.
The main parts of the electric guitar
In order to make the right decision on how to choose the right electric guitar, let us first familiarize ourselves with its main elements that distinguish this instrument from the acoustic “brother”.
So, in addition to those design features that are inherent in a conventional guitar, an electric guitar consists of:
- pickup;
- bridge.
In addition, any guitarist will also note the absence of a resonant hole in the construction of the guitar.
Without even knowing how to choose the first electric guitar, in addition to the musical properties and design features, you need to pay attention to its appearance.
Of course, in the case of the acquisition of a new tool, it will be in perfect condition. However, otherwise, pay special attention to the absence of various kinds of defects on the metal parts of the electric guitar. They should not be rusted or otherwise damaged.
Electric guitar pickup
A pickup is a design element of an electric guitar that converts the vibrational movements of the instrument strings into electrical signals that must be further processed using various electronic equipment.
The musician, who first wonders how to choose an electric guitar, should know that there are two types of pickups:
- Singles, i.e. singles. This type of pickup is usually popular with musicians playing jazz music. It allows you to get a rich, rich sound picture.
- Humbuckers, i.e. double. These pickups allow you to get a very strong and powerful sound, however, certain nuances and notes of the melody are not accurately perceived. Usually used in rock music and other similar directions.
However, this classification should not be taken literally, it is advisable to focus on your own sound preferences. Especially if the question is how to choose an electric guitar for a beginner. In addition, depending on the manufacturer of the instrument, a unique pickup, unique to this company alone, may be installed.
Therefore, a universal advice on how to choose a pickup for an electric guitar simply does not exist.
Bridge (typewriter)
Specialists who are contacted by novice musicians who do not know how to choose an electric guitar are also advised to pay special attention to the bridge.
This is a special device made of metal, the main purpose of which is to maintain the correct structure of the instrument strings.
There are several types of bridge:
- fixed;
- tremolo;
- floyd rose.
Varieties of bridge
Each of the varieties of the bridge has its own defenders and opponents. When wondering which electric guitar to choose, you should clearly understand what type of bridge you need specifically.
The fixed bridge allows you to hold the string system for a long time. In addition, its special properties simplify the process of replacing strings on an electric guitar.
The tremolo design contains a set of springs, with which, acting on a special lever, you can lower the system, after which it returns to its original state.
Floyd rose is one of the varieties of the previous bridge, however, it complicates the procedure for replacing strings on a guitar. In addition, it will be impossible to quickly change the guitar settings.
You need to decide on the type of bridge before choosing an electric guitar. You can safely recommend a beginner a fixed one, since a tremolo requires certain playing skills. Otherwise, with inept handling, the sounds that the guitar makes will frighten not only you, but also the listeners.
It is also important to pay attention to the quality of the bridge and its manufacturer. Cheap varieties that hold the string system very poorly should be avoided.
Choice of strings for electric guitar
The choice of strings that a musician uses to play an electric guitar is a creative process. Each person independently determines for himself the most comfortable parameters.
For those who are thinking about buying strings for their new electric guitar for the first time, here are some general recommendations that should never be considered dogma.
First of all, it is advisable to pay attention to the string manufacturer. No matter how trite it sounds, products from well-known companies are of higher quality and have a long service life.
As for the thickness, or, in other words, caliber, strings, it is advisable for a beginner to opt for sets with a thickness of 0.009 inches. Having mastered the game on them, you can select the strings based on personal preferences.
Coverage is also important. If you do not have any personal preferences, it is advisable to focus on steel or nickel modifications.
When purchasing strings, do not forget about special care and cleaning products. This will extend their service life without compromising the quality of the sound they receive.
Accessories for electric guitar
Before you buy an electric guitar and start the game, you need to solve many other necessary issues:
- how to choose strings for an electric guitar;
- how to choose pedals for an electric guitar;
- how to choose a guitar processor.
There is still a question about how to choose a combo for an electric guitar. The fact is that the electromagnetic waves received from the pickup are not audible to the human ear. To convert them to sound, additional equipment is needed. And if you have already decided how to choose strings for an electric guitar, you need to proceed to the next stage - the choice of a combo, that is, a combo amplifier.
Features of choosing an amplifier for an electric guitar
In most cases, if you plan to delight only your loved ones in the family circle by playing an electric guitar, it is enough to choose an amplifier whose output power does not exceed 15 watts. For a small concert activity or rehearsal as part of your group, a power of 100 watts is already required.
In addition to power, guitar amplifiers are structurally divided into several groups:
- tube;
- analogue
- digital.
Tube amplifiers
Amplifiers of this design first appeared in the 30s of the last century. The process of amplifying sound is done using radio tubes connected in a special circuit. Professional musicians believe that the highest quality sound reproduction from an electric guitar can be achieved only using amplifiers of this variety.
Sound passing through electronic circuits acquires peculiar warm colors that are so appreciated by sophisticated listeners.
These devices have a very high cost. In addition, their operation requires careful handling, constant care and repair. But the vast majority of famous musicians use them in their activities.
Analog amplifiers
Semiconductors are the most commonly used type of amplifier.Their cost allows you to purchase a similar unit to every novice guitarist. If the permissible sound level is exceeded, it can make an unpleasant noise, while the sound picture becomes illegible and blurry.
But if an analog amplifier is necessary for organizing home concerts or solo rehearsals, subject to its operation mode, it allows you to achieve good sound. For the layman this is the best choice.
Digital amplifier
This kind of sound amplifier owes its appearance to the explosive development of electronics and computer technology. The appearance of processors allows you to process sound, encoding it in digital form. This allows you to synthesize a sound that is similar in quality to a tube. However, true connoisseurs still prefer the classics in the form of tube circuits.
By the way, progress in this area has reached such a level that with the use of modern electronic equipment you can get the highest quality sound. Even many professional musicians cannot distinguish between the type of amplifier that is used to play the melody.
With all its undeniable advantages, digital amplifiers have a fairly affordable price, which is increasingly approaching the cost of analog devices.
Amplifier Design Features
The sound amplifiers used for electric guitars can be divided into two types, depending on the features of their design:
- combined amplifiers (combos);
- separate amplifiers.
Combined amplifiers, colloquially called combos, contain in one housing both an amplifier and the speaker system itself. And separate ones, as the name implies, consist of two parts: an amplifier (head) and an acoustics system (aka cabinet). All together, professionals are often called the guitar stack. This type of amplifier is characterized by a large output power and is usually used for concerts and other public events.
A combo is the best choice for a novice musician who makes music at home.
Amplifier Parts
Amplifiers, regardless of design, have several inputs and sometimes outputs, which are used to connect various additional equipment to it. In this case, several channels can be used.
Another integral part of the amplifier is the speaker. Usually use speakers with a diameter of 10-12 inches. It is important to note that to achieve high-quality sound, you must pay attention to the manufacturer. The brand can be obtained from the seller in the music salon.
Well and the last - regulators (or, in other words, "twists"). Depending on the model and cost of the amplifier, their number may vary. However, most models have a minimal set of controls, which includes:
- volume control;
- tone control
- equalizer;
- overload regulator;
- reverb regulator.
Some expensive models of amplifiers can be equipped with various additional equipment.
For the correct choice of an amplifier, it is necessary, in addition to familiarizing yourself with its technical characteristics, listen to its sound and decide on the basis of personal preferences.
In the end
Thus, in answering the question of how to choose an electric guitar, we tried to touch on the most important points of this process. You can obtain more detailed information by consulting the seller in the musical instrument store.
