My name is Serge Alsteens and I represent EMD Distribution for the whole of Europe. We partly specialise in quality Canadian acoustic guitars and have had a long association with Fret Music who we know will give you first class service and advice. I have extracted some tips from The ‘Robert Godin’ notes on selecting an acoustic guitar that I feel summarises the most important relevant points.

The Instrument.

The most important things in the construction of the guitar are resonance and durability . It must also look good.

The Top

Most people assume that the sound of the guitar is produced by air set in motion from vibrating strings becoming amplified inside the ‘box’ and projecting from the sound hole. Although this explanation is not incorrect it is misleading because it neglects the significance of the top . Virtually every part of the guitar contributes to the sound of the instrument, but having said that, there is no doubt that the single most important component in an acoustic guitar is the top . The vibration of the top is responsible for about 80% of the instrument’s sound.

The top can be made of laminate or solid typically cedar or spruce wood . The quality option is a solid top the primary benefits being sound and ageing .

A solid top vibrates much more freely than a laminated top. This vibration provides richer tone , better dynamic range and better balance of tone . The second reason is that a solid top actually improves over time. The vibrations from playing the guitar result in the top vibrating more and more freely. This phenomenon is called ageing which means the more a guitar is played the better it will sound. It is important to remember that in order for a guitar to age it must be played. A guitar left in its case for 5 years will get older but it will not age . A lacquer finish will allow the top to vibrate more freely and is highly recommended.

Back and Sides

A guitar body works in much the same way as a ported speaker enclosure , the top vibrates as in the speaker and the back and sides reflect the sound in much the same way as the speaker cabinet does. Dense hardwoods like mahogany and rosewood are the ideal timbers and ideally solid not laminate.

Neck

Most necks would be made from mahogany or maple with a rosewood or ebony fingerboard. The quality all contributes to the sound.

With the current highly competitive market place, there is really no such thing as a bad guitar . Providing you pay a reasonable amount of money for the instrument (£100 plus) and if you buy from a reputable dealer the quality should be OK. Often the difference between a good and bad guitar is a simple tweak of the truss rod and an adjustment of the bridge saddle .