What is the best kind of acoustic guitar microphone to buy?

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josiemacla

I have a regular acoustic guitar and I'm starting to perform live locally. I need a way to mic my guitar to an amp or a speaker. I really would like an acoustic guitar microphone. I hear that having your guitar turned into an acoustic/electric can ruin the sound quality and value of the instrument. My question is, what is the best type of microphone I can buy for my guitar with the best sound quality, and where can I buy it?

Answer
Hi,

If you basically strum the guitar, an undersaddle pickup will be the best for you. Fishman makes some decent ones. A decent guitar store can install it for you. They can install it without changing your guitar. It is a flat extremely thin pickup that fits under your saddle, they will replace your end pin with an end pin jack, so there is virtually no difference. I have one on my Taylor and I wouldnt do anything to hurt my guitar. Also it doesnt feedback much like a microphone.

If you are really looking for an instrument microphone, Id suggest a Shure sm81. It sells for about $350.

What is a good acoustic guitar for a 13 year old beginner?

Matrix

I am a 13 year old girl, and I enjoy playing music, I already play the piano, clarinet, and flute :)
I''ve been interested in starting acoustic guitar for a while now, but I'm not sure what guitar will be good for me. I am about 5 feet 1 inches, so I'm pretty short for my age, and like I said, I am a 13 year old girl. So I am wondering what guitar is pretty good quality, but not too expensive (under $250, since I'm just beginning), for a 13 year old girl.

Thanks!! :DDD

Answer
I also play clarinet, flute, guitar and some piano, although my main instrument was saxophone in college. Anyway do you know anyone who plays or have a good music shop in your area with an acoustic selection? If so, it'd be best to take some time and try to get a feel for each guitar and, if possible, even have someone play it for you.

You'll most likely get a steel string acoustic unless you're interested in a classical, nylon string guitar. But you can try out the different sizes and I'm guessing you may like smaller ones like the OO or OOO/OM sizes. (I know the terms can be confusing, but you can get a visual and some details here: http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/guitars/sizetype.html ). Personally, I'm 6'2" and still prefer the OM/000 size, mainly as I like the balanced sound.

As for specific brands and names, that can be difficult as guitars are made of wood and will all be a little different. For lower priced guitars I've been impressed with Godin, a Canadian company that makes Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Art & Lutherie and others. They have an Art & Lutherie AMI acoustic, which is fairly small but pretty nice. It's not quite in your budget, though. I think they sell for around $350 new. You can see them here: http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/ami.htm

Other than that, I've seen some very nice Yamahas and Alvarez guitars at or close to your budget, so they are out there. It may be harder to find one that's not a large dreadnought style, but they do exist.

Oh, unlike with the other instruments, your fingers will sting a bit while you're learning, but that'll go away after a while. Enjoy finding a new instrument and learning it!

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Is Taylor a good brand of acoustic guitars for beginners?

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I can sort of play the keyboard, I do not really play any other instruments. I cannot read music notes but I know the basics. I want to become a singer/songwriter and I want to learn to play the acoustic guitar. As a beginner I found two Taylor acoustic guitars online at Best Buy that are cheap enough for me to save my money and buy one of them. I would like to know if it is a reliable brand for beginners.

Answer
Taylor makes great guitars so in general, you can't go wrong with that. However, buying guitars online can be something of a hit and miss affair when you're just starting out.

You really should be able to try the guitars first before you decide to purchase the instrument or not.

I suspect you've been looking at the Baby Taylor guitars. Although these are good guitars, they are not full size. They are somewhat limited in volume and tone. You should really go for a regular full size steel string acoustic. And again, you definitely want to try this out for yourself...

You will definitely do best if you buy from a dedicated guitar/music dealer. Oh, and stay well away from First Act instruments. These are nothing but kids toys.

Edited for spelling errors...

What is a good acoustic guitar to buy for beginners?

Alexis

Im planning on taking acoustic guitar lessons, but dont know what a good guitar would be to buy. I dont want anything to expensive and I need one thats good especially for a13 year old beginner. If you could add links of different guitars, That be great!

Answer
I don't know whether you are looking for a steel-string guitar or a classical guitar (both are acoustic), but either way, your best bet is to visit a music store and ask to try out some guitars in your price range (which should be at least $100 and probably about $150-300). Yamaha, Epiphone, and Jasmine are examples of decent makes for beginners. Avoid buying online or from discount stores or big box stores. There is a lot of unplayable junk out there, especially in the sub $100 range, and you don't need to waste your money on a lemon.

P.S. In case the issue comes up, a 13-year-old most likely needs a full size guitar, which means that scale length is 24.5 - 25.5" and body size is whatever you find comfortable. "3/4 size" guitars are for kids of 8 or 10.

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