Buying Guide for a High End Acoustic Guitar

So you want to buy a really classy high end acoustic guitar but don't want to waste your money without doing some proper research first. If you have, say, £2000 (that's about $4,000) to spend you could pretty much get any brand you like. Even a custom hand made model could be available with this kind of budget.

Generally there are two things to bear in mind - body size and neck size.

The three body sizes to consider are the 000 size (smallish) the dreadnought size, (standard looking acoustic) and jumbo (big). Broadly speaking the larger the body the deeper (or bigger the sound) although choice of woods for the top (where the soundhole is) and the back and sides also is a big variable here.

The choice is down to what sounds good to you but if you finger pick try a cedar (reddish colour) top which will give a slightly softer sound with more mid. Many strummers choose a spruce (light coloured) top which can give a punchier, harder sound. The wood for the back and sides has a bearing too. Many exotic woods can be used but the classic options are rosewood, mahogany and ebony.

The other size consideration is fingerboard width and neck size. Neck size is personal preference. Although I have smaller hands I prefer a fatter neck but if you have small hands and fingers you might prefer a narrower fingerboard width. Just check that it's not too small to comfortably play chords with.

Take your time choosing and play as many models as you can before making a decision. I'd go to a place like Denmark Street in London or Guitar Centre in the US where they have loads of guitars try. Take your time and don't make a snap decision.

As far as brands are concerned these are my thoughts.

Taylor - all models very easy to play. Try their T5 too which is a hybrid acoustic electric which is especially easy to play particularly if your mainly going to be playing through a PA system.

A friend of mine went to Brook guitars in Devon and was very satisfied. They or any decent custom maker should talk you through body and wood options vs. sound differences. It will take a while to build but if you choose right will last a lifetime.

Another alternative is Avalon guitars in Newtonards near Belfast. These guys are all worship leaders so should understand your needs. Give them a call as although they do lots of off the peg models at dealers they may make something for you (or at least advise you on the phone) for that kind of money. They also used to sell seconds directly from the factory at pretty large discounts so that worth checking because I couldn't tell the difference between a first and a second.

Martin 000 series. This is the standard 'small' guitar so worth looking at as a bench mark.

Mcpherson guitars - based in Nashville http://mcphersonguitars.com/. I've just got one and they are very, very nice. The sound hole is offset which helps tone and projection and as there are only a handful in the UK at present so this would be a really unique instrument for you. Mcpherson are a boutique maker so they can talk you through options, woods etc. It's a bit like having a tailor made suit and as you order directly from the US the current pound dollar situation gives you a very good guitar for the money. Much better in fact than buying from a retail shop here. For instance, a $4500 (circa £2250) guitar over there would cost you over £4000 pounds here if you ordered through a dealer.

Andy Chamberlain (andy@musicademy.com) is co-founder of Musicademy, a music school that produces DVDs, online lessons and practical training in contemporary instruments both in rock & pop music and for href=http://musicademy.com>worship musicians Go to the website for DVD and online instruction in worship guitar, keyboards, bass, drums and singing.