Acoustic guitars are the most popular type of guitar in the world. Many famous artists use them, like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour. There is a lot of controversy surrounding these guitars though some say that acoustic guitars are too expensive, while others say they’re worth it. This article will explore how these two ideas can be true at the same time.
What Makes an Acoustic Guitar Expensive?
1. Materials.
A guitar is made up of a lot of different materials, and materials cost money. A guitar comes from different countries with different types of wood, different types of steel, and more.
2. Top and backplate
The top and backplate of the instrument are made out of quality wood. This is probably one of the most expensive parts because of its “brilliant” craftsmanship and design fit. For a high-quality acoustic guitar, it will cost more than $300.
3. Soundbox
The soundbox is the body of the acoustic guitar that holds all the parts together. It is hollowed out to make room for all the strings that are attached to its neck. The soundbox is made of either wood or Plexiglass. The material used in making the soundbox will determine its cost. A good quality soundbox will cost well over $300, while a cheaper one will cost less than $100.
4. Inlays
Inlays are the small decorative symbols on the instrument’s top fretboard. These are usually made from precious metals such as gold or silver. The cost for a good-quality inlay depends on the design and size of the inlay
5. Machine Heads
Machine heads are used to adjust the tension of all the strings. It determines how easily the strings can be tuned and change pitch. Most music teachers will encourage their students to use quality machine heads when dealing with playing an instrument. That’s because good-quality machine heads are relatively expensive. Good quality machine heads will cost between $30-$100 depending on the brand and the usage.
6. Bridge
The bridge is the part of the guitar’s tailpiece which holds all the strings. This part is made of quality wood and will determine how perfectly it will fit on the soundbox.
7. Tuners
The tuners are used to tune all its strings perfectly. They determine the guitar’s tuning and can be very expensive. Furthermore, good quality tuners will cost about $25 in the market.
8. Pickups and Electronics
The pickups and electronics determine how properly the guitar is played and sounds in different music situations. A high-quality, brand new acoustic guitar with all its parts will cost more than $1,000 because of its durability, disposal prices, playing style, function, and so on.
9. Strings
Strings are another factor determining the price of an acoustic guitar because it determines the quality of the tone produced. The high-quality strings will cost more than $50, but lower-class strings cost less than $25.
10. Wood finish
The wood finish will determine how attractive the guitar looks. It determines how perfectly it will look on a person’s body as well as the color. The wood finish is expensive because of its durability and ability to withstand rough treatment from the players.
11. Case
An acoustic guitar case is one of the features that make buying an acoustic guitar pricey. You could buy a cheaper case for less than $100, but there are high-quality cases that will cost well over $300. The case will depend on the quality of the instrument you’re buying. Most guitarists prefer using hard cases because they can be stored at home or in an office without worrying about scratches or damage to their instruments.
Acoustic Guitar Brands and Their Pricing:
Hofner:
Hofner is one of the oldest brands when it comes to acoustic guitars. They are known for their handcrafted guitars that luthiers specially design. Their prices vary in the market, but Hofner’s mid-range guitars will cost between $300-$375 in the Singapore market.
Yamaha:
The Yamaha Company started in 1887 when Torakusu Yamaha made his first reed organ, “oyamauchi.” He later founded the Yamaha company in 1887 and became one of Japan’s largest instrument makers. Even though they were known as Japan’s largest instrument maker, the Yamaha Company still produces acoustic guitars. Their mid-range guitars will cost between $400-$500.
Yairi:
Yairi is another guitar company that was established in 1966 by the Yamaki family. Yairi is known for its acoustic guitars. They were the first company to create a semi-hollow body guitar, and it is still a top seller today. They also made the first acoustic-electric hybrid guitars which were a huge hit in the ’70s. Their guitars are handmade and offer a variety of sounds, from soft voices to heavy rock sounds. The price range for their guitars will cost somewhere around $700 – $1,000.
Gibson:
Gibson is the most prominent name in acoustic and electric guitars. They were established in 1902 and have been in the music industry for over a hundred years. Their guitars cost around $700-$1,000
Austin:
Austin Guitars originated from South Africa in 1968. However, they took over the manufacturing of guitars in Brazil in 1969. They are arguably one of Brazil’s best-known guitar companies. The price range will cost between $500 – $1,000.
Does a Brand Name Affect the Guitar Cost?
Many brands claim that their guitars are made with high-quality materials and components, but this does not mean that they will cost less. For example, Gibson offers a lifetime warranty on their acoustic guitars due to the quality of materials used in their instruments. However, in reality, Gibson can be up to twice as expensive compared to other brands. Prices range from $2,500 – $4000. So, the brand you buy will not affect the acoustic guitar cost in most cases unless you are buying high-end products.
Hey! Do You Wanna Buy Best Acoustic Guitars Then Click Me.
Conclusion:
So many factors determine the price of an acoustic guitar. The more expensive features are the ones that determine the price. So, the only way to determine if an acoustic guitar is costly or not is by knowing all its features and being able to research them online.