A Basic Buyer’s Guide to Testing an Electric Guitar in the Music Shop

Purchasing a decent electric guitar can be a pricey affair; especially when you have set your heart on an icon like one of the Gibson Les Paul Standards. Even if you've spotted it for a great price on a trustworthy website like our friends, Stewart and Kevin's over at Rainbow Music in Carlisle: a classy guitar like that is something you'll want to get your hands on first before committing your cash. You don't want to set yourself up - only for regret to creep in after your purchase.

It's just plain common sense to test out an electric guitar before purchasing it, not just to see if there is anything wrong with it, but to get the feel of the neck and whether it really suits your playing style. Of course, you should go beyond a simple sound check through a familiar amp and inspecting the body for any scratches or dents. Whether this is your first electric guitar or your tenth, be sure to check for the following:

Knobs and Switches: Controlling the Electronic Heart of the Beast

The electronics are the secret to transforming the mechanical vibrations of the guitar body and strings into the electric pulses that drive the amplifier! Strum the guitar, let the note play. How much sustain does the body seem to push back to the strings? At the same time, try turning the volume knob up and down to see if they are responsive in a way that gels with your style . Once you have sussed whether the volume knob is in smooth working order, strum the guitar again and check the pickup switches and tone controls. Any crackling or hissing sounds coming from the guitar as you do this, suggest there may be a problem with the switches, wiring or connectors.

Action: to Drive Your Audiences Reaction!

Generally, you want your electric guitar to have medium to low action. That space between the fret board and the strings governs how quickly and cleanly you can travel between chords and notes. The closer the strings are to the fret board, the easier the strings are handled. Test this by pressing down on the strings and playing a few power chords. Try running a few quick sequences or snappy tunes. If you aren’t satisfied with the action, check with the staff whether it’s possible to lower the action. Too high an action will leave you with tired fingers and buzzy notes at the end of a session!

Buying an expensive guitar is a great feeling, but getting the wrong one because you didn't spend time getting to know it in the shop is a real show killer. Always take a little bit of time to make the right choice. Don't compromise when you want the perfect guitar for your Universal Riffs of Power!