Sound, Playability, Looks

Through the course of my time here at Maple Street, one of the most common conversations that arises involves what one should focus on when purchasing a new guitar.  We are often asked which guitar we would choose of those being considered. That’s a tricky question because the buyer’s ears should have the final say. My ears might hear something completely different. As an active sufferer of Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, I have my own criteria, but even I fail to follow my rules sometimes (more on that later). I always begin my search by understanding what my needs are in a new guitar, which always involves sound as the first order of business. In fact, most of my guitar purchases begin because I hear something in my head that I don’t have an answer for.  Maybe it’s the deep growl of a baritone. It might be a more muscular or delicate tone in an acoustic. Whatever it may be, sound is the impetus that leads me down the path to ”just one more.”  Most people can figure out pretty quickly how they feel about a guitar because they fall in love with the way it sounds, which should always be the first criteria. Of course, the way a guitar feels and plays is important to many of us. That is a big reason why the Maple Street family insists that every guitar be thoroughly vetted and properly set up prior to being put on the sales floor. Having a guitar that is set up for optimum performance allows the player to focus on what matters most to them. 

When someone comes out of the tryout room and remarks that a particular guitar sounds fantastic, it is generally the one they go home with. But, sometimes someone will say, ”Boy, I really love the sound, but I don’t like the neck”.  It could be the string spacing, neck shape, scale length, action or just about any other variable. Players become accustomed to how their favorite guitar feels and they are hesitant when one feels different. That’s understandable as guitar playing is a tactile endeavor.  But, humans are incredibly adaptable and I believe some folks pass up a guitar that, with a little playing time, could be ”the one”. Adjusting to a new neck feel involves playing the instrument and becoming familiar with it. It’s really that simple. Like several of our customers, I have hand issues related to aging and joint problems, but I don’t let those things get in the way if I find what I’m looking for. Of course, there are those guitars whose necks will never feel right in your hands. That is completely understandable. But playability is a moving target and, though something might feel strange at first, it can become easier over a short period of time.  Before you know it, you have adapted to something new.

I have also noticed that sometimes a customer will love the sound of a particular guitar, but they are drawn to another one with some bling. Even though one guitar spoke to their ears, they chose the pretty one that caught their eye. Mother of Pearl, fancy arm bevels, and beautiful wood don’t always speak to sound quality but, of course, when combined, it can be really exciting. Here is where my criteria recently went astray. Eastman Guitars has come out with an incredibly cool looking hollow body electric called the Romeo LA. When it showed up at the store, my eyes glazed over and I wanted it even before I played it. I loved the way it looked! I loved it so much that I traded my Gretsch for it. I had hardly played it at that point. This is usually not a good way to buy a guitar. Even though the Romeo is a great guitar in every respect, it might not have been something I needed. Fortunately for me, it turned out to be a fantastic addition (by way of subtracting the Gretsch). I replaced a good guitar with a great guitar. I love the neck and the pickups and the tremolo bar design is exactly what I needed. In this instance, I was saved from myself.

There are so many variables involved in guitar design and you have to decide which things are most important to you as you search. There are no hard and fast rules. If a guitar is structurally sound with a good neck, 75% of the battle is over. From that point on, it depends on your ear, your hands and your eyes. Which of those you choose to prioritize is all up to you. The most common approach is sound first, followed by playability and lastly, looks. As I know well, those can be scrambled pretty quickly. In the end, I think the most important thing is how drawn we are to an instrument. Are you compelled to pick it up and play it? The more you want to play it, the more you will play it and the faster you will improve, no matter your skill level. Bottom line, if you fall in love, for whatever reason, then that is the guitar for you. 
John Cable 2021