How to Read Reviews
There are in the market today over a thousand guitar manufacturers, many offering hundreds of models old and new. With all that to choose from, no one could cover any but a few in a small space. But reading reviews is itself something of an art. We’ll pick a small sample, in order to highlight some of the common features discussed, so you’ll know what to look for.
Keep in mind that reading reviews is only the first, but an important, step in choosing your guitar. Sooner or later, you have to listen to and play one to make your final choice. But a review can help you narrow the target, or get you started on a helpful road.
Some factors are fairly subjective, like finish and looks in general. Pickup or soundboard tone are a bit of both. Though some prefer a warm tone, others a bright one, most will agree on whether a guitar ’sounds good’ or ’sounds cheap’.
The Les Paul Special Double Cut Faded is a case in point. The thin-finish top may not be everyone’s glass of scotch. Some prefer a more dressy-looking guitar. But whether fancy or plain, be sure to look for durability. You don’t want to have to refinish or replace the guitar in two years.
The 2 P-90 pickups may have too much hum to suit some, and the volume pots could use a little more continuity. But they produce good harmonics. Some may find the multiple joints that produce odd resonances an annoyance.
The Yamaha FD01S is another example. In this case, the finish might be too thick and glossy, which will affect the resonance of the body/bridge. The fretboard is Rosewood, but painted, which gives a cheap look over a quality wood. The soft plastic nut and bridge may produce a flatter tone where a harder material would be preferred.
Most electrics will have an adjustable truss rod. The rod provides rigidity for the neck, while the adjustability allows you to compensate for changes in temperature and humidity. But you don’t want to have to do this frequently. That’s a sign of poor construction or materials or both.
Older, classic guitars will also have reviews that are worthwhile. These vintage guitars, if made well and maintained, can be as good or better than a new instrument. The classic ’60s Fender Stratocaster is a case in point.
The instrument itself may be an actual 1960s model, or a re-issue - be sure to check which. The re-issues are often manufactured in Mexico and may not have the quality of the originals. A principle worth applying to any guitar purchase – check the country of origin.
The sound may be vintage - that’s an advantage or not depending on taste. But the instrument itself has to perform. The nut and bridge/saddle should not be excessively worn. Strings can be easily replaced, but once you start replacing major components you may as well consider a brand new instrument.
Looks are important, but features like the C-shaped Maple neck are either a help or a hindrance depending on your preferred playing style. Some player’s hands are better suited to flatter necks, others to more rounded.
The 7.25 inch radius Rosewood fretboard is a joy for some, but not to everyone’s taste. The radius of a fingerboard is that of an imaginary circle that the neck is one section of. Decide whether flat or rounded is your preferred style by experimenting with both.
Check out all the features of a guitar - construction, shape, tone, electrics and others and compare against a dozen others before you settle on one.