Magic Rush

I then check the sound of the instrument to see if it has the qualities that I'm after. They are: projection; quality of tone and; comfort i.e. is it the right size for me or whoever we're buying the instrument for.

Phew! Talk about attention to detail! But if you're after an instrument of quality and it's worth the money then it's worth the time and effort to research.

If your heart is set on going to a "bricks & mortar" store to seek out an instrument, actually getting it in your hands to get the feel, then there are a few things you should know before you go.

The third thing I do is to hold down the strings from the second fret to the twelfth fret and see if the string length touches all the intervening frets. There will be a problem with craftsmanship if you have any significant variation here.

So, one of the first things I always do is check along the neck of the instrument by looking down from the nut to the end of the instrument. That is, I physically pick up the guitar and hold it out from my body so that the headstock is pointing towards me. Then I look along the length of the neck to see if it is straight. There should be NO bowing of the neck at all.

If you've covered all these areas you'll usually come away with a decent guitar that will last you many years of happy playing.

If you're a more advanced player or have the money and inclination to buy something a little better, you know, that DREAM guitar, then you'll have to invest a little more time, money and testing to achieve it.

There are many things to consider when buying a new classical guitar. For instance, whether or not you are a beginner or seasoned professional will determine just what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend.

I also look behind the bridge of the instrument to see if any area of the top is buckled or bowed. I would strongly advise anyone NOT to buy an instrument that was showing any signs of these defects. It's just not worth it in the end.

You can pretty much trust that their instruments will be good and you can view pictures of them online so don't be afraid of buying a guitar online if youre looking for that sort of convenience.

He has also taught Primary (Elementary) school for many years and had a long-held dream to build a quality website for the classical guitar that is of use to anyone even slightly interested in this beautiful instrument. He has now made that dream a reality with the highly rated...

The most important thing is of course the sound of the instrument. Is it a sound that you are happy with and feel comfortable about.

I've been asked in the past to accompany parents of some of my students to help in the purchase of a guitar. If the instrument is new then these things aren't so important but I still check them anyway.

I hope this has been of help in purchasing an instrument.

If you're a beginner to intermediate player there are many excellent online dealers that carry a good range of brands at reasonable prices. I've recently added a Guitar Store page on my website which carries merchandise from Musiciansfriend.com which I'm very happy with.

These online stores "live and die" by their reputation and so can't afford to have mediocre instruments or service. As we all know, news travels very fast on the web and they'd soon be out of business if they tried to "pull a swifty" on anyone.

The different types of wood that classical guitars are made from will give each instrument its own peculiar sound but in general, guitars with cedar tops produce a more "warm' tone whereas spruce tops are likely to be more "focused" or 'concentrated".

Trevor Maurice is an Australian, living in beautiful seaside Maroubra, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.

Sharon Isbin, writing in the Classical Guitar Answer Book , suggests these areas when purchasing that "dream guitar": Beauty of Tone; Dynamic & Timbral Contrasts; Clarity & Speed of Response; Sustain; Balance; Resonance; Intonation; Projection; Condition.

Buying A Guitar

He's been involved in playing guitar (mainly classical) for longer than he cares to remember and has also taught the instrument for many years. He is teacher trained, having a Diploma of Education (Majoring in music)

The Down and Dirty Promotion, Godfather Principles and Sales Models for Guitar Effects On-line Biz Package (3 CDs)

Why oh why do some people who have had their 15 minutes of reality fame feel the need to try to stretch it into an awkward singing career? The latest to attempt this feat is Heidi Montag of The Hills. If you've been fortunate enough to miss her first video I'll fill you in: you know when you watch someone try to pick up at a bar and it's so painful you're embarrassed for them? Yeah, well, that's the only way to explain this video that could very well have been a drunken day at the beach shot on a cell phone. The only good thing about her acting is it distracts you from the singing.

Reality Stars Singing

There are plenty of wonderful singer song writers who can't get any airtime. Very talented artist. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for them. And it ticks me off. Maybe they should try out for The Hills and go from there.

But really, who could blame her? She probably took one look at the gems put out by Paris Hilton and though, hey I can skank around in a bathing suit, too! The sad thing is, some people will go out and buy an album put out by Heidi.

If she was talented, I wouldn't give a hoot that she was on a reality TV show and used that as a jumping off point for her musical career. But the girl has no real talent. Yet her video and music are out there. The same can be said for Paris Hilton, even though her videos are a bit more professional. She also has minimal to no talent. It's painful to listen to her and watch her in her videos, but because she's a celebrity for well, being a celebrity, her music and video get airtime.