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| Guitar Guitar, London. |
Buying a new guitar is exciting. You scroll through pages of beautiful instruments online, look at the specs, maybe even watch a couple of YouTube demos, and before you know it, you’re hovering over the “Buy Now” button. But here’s the thing: no matter how much research you do, you can’t really know if a guitar is right for you until it’s in your hands.
Here’s why trying out a guitar in person beats buying blind online:
1. Every Guitar Feels Different
Even two guitars of the same model can feel completely different. The neck profile, fretwork, and weight/balance are all things you just can’t gauge from photos or spec sheets. What feels smooth and natural to one player might feel clunky to another.
2. Sound Isn’t Just Specs
Sure, you can read about the pickups, tonewoods, and hardware, but sound is personal. Some guitars resonate with you immediately; others don’t. Plug it into an amp and strum a chord. You’ll know instantly whether it’s “your sound.”
3. Comfort Matters More Than You Think
Does the guitar sit nicely when you’re playing seated? Is the body too heavy on the shoulder when you’re standing? These small details make a big difference if you’re going to be playing for hours at a time.
4. The Setup Isn’t Always the Same
Online purchases sometimes arrive with less-than-ideal setups. Action too high, intonation off, or even minor buzz. In a store, you can feel all of that right away and often ask the staff to adjust it on the spot.
5. The Instant Connection
There’s a moment when you pick up the right guitar and it just clicks. You feel like you’ve been playing it for years. That’s not something you can predict from reading a product description.
Online shopping is tempting, especially when you see a good deal. But before you drop hundreds (or thousands) on a guitar, make the trip to a store and try a few out. Even if you go back home and order online afterwards, at least you’ll know what feels and sounds right for you.
At the end of the day, a guitar isn’t just a gear; it’s a partner in your musical journey. And like any good partner, you’ve got to meet them in person before making the commitment.
If you're looking for other useful tips and one-on-one interaction with me, check out my new course, Guitar with Giovanni (click here)