How important are the “looks” of an acoustic guitar? In today’s video, you’ll get a full analysis and three reasons why just focusing on tone is a mistake when choosing a new guitar.
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Many guitar players, especially experienced ones, start to discount the looks of the guitar. Too often, players are fixated on the tone of a guitar. While it’s important to like how an acoustic guitar sounds, it’s also important to love what you look at.
When you include looks into your evaluation of a guitar, you’re adding a whole other level of consideration. While it might not impact what your playing sounds like, looks actually have a HUGE impact on how you practice. That’s why this episode is dedicated to the looks of a guitar!
In addition to talking about aesthetics, I’ll also give you a tour of my studio, answer a few questions, and tell you about the first time looks changed the way I looked for guitars.
As always, you can catch Acoustic Tuesday at 10 am every Tuesday in these four places:
- Acoustic Life YouTube channel
- TAC Guitar Instagram Page
- Get show notes emailed directly to your inbox.
- Listen to audio-only below or in iTunes
Gear List
- Hangers: String Swing Guitar Hanger: https://www.stringswing.com/
- Hydrometer: Accuright Hydrometer: https://www.acurite.com/
- Record Shelves: Boltz: https://boltz.com/
- Cases: Calton Cases: https://www.calton-cases.com/
- Humidifier: Venta Airwasher: https://venta-usa.com/
- TurnTable: U-Turn: https://uturnaudio.com/pages/turntables
- Table: Line Phono: https://www.linephono.com/
From a distance, the most appealing visual is the contrast or the blend of color between the top wood and the sides/back. For example, I have a Taylor 618e, Blonde on Blonde – kinda looks like the Martin you’re showing. Its stunning when viewed from across the room; color shading is antique blonde, the big-leaf maple ribbon pattern is irridescent-really eye catching. Then, as you get a closer look, you focus on the purfling, rosette pattern, pins and fret designs. Mine has MOP detailing and the fret inlay pattern is inspired by facades of California Spanish Missions with maple binding accented with koa and ivoroid top trim. So all of that equals a really cool looking guitar. Now, the sound is also astounding. The newer Taylors, like mine, feature Andy Powers’ V-class bracing. That, along with torrefied Sitka Spruce top wood, makes for a deep, powerful sound with light touch sensitivity and great intonation – IOW it sounds great as well as looks great. So, that’s my input on why a guitar should look great as well as sound great. I am connected to this guitar as if it had a soul! Sounds crazy! But there really is something of a metaphysical quality about really good looking guitars. That’s an overstatement-but you get the idea. You can relate to what I’m describing when you first pick up and handle such a guitar. It just feels special, and even before you play it you just know it’s going to sound great and play well. Have fun and Guitar Geeks Unite!
Hey Tony,
As to your question, the tone woods are what draw me, nothing like Brazilian and and nice old red addy top.
First and for me most important is the sound. I might have a tin ear but my Yamaha dreadnought has a nice sound. I first bought a 3/4 guitar used and when I got it home it was tinny. more tinny than my ear so I took it back and traded up for my dread. the dread is kind of big for me but the sound is much richer. Rick E (tac memter 3months)
Hey,Tony
1st time really sitting in on your Accoustic Tuesday show.Lovethe looks of that Martin OM you designed.Tuxedo. Wow!
Also really hope your baby boy comes out healthy and loving life.
Stay stoked,
KC Earnshaw
Great episode and a great way to start my day. Good luck with the new arrival I know he’ll be another great addition to your family. David
Speaking of maple guitars, have you had a chance to listen to any of Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Songs from Home” during the pandemic? She plays a beautiful 1983 John Grevan Model J (all maple) guitar. It’s also beautiful sounding. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WjPpJvLbXw&list=RDtcTrZ_OnyS8&index=2
Tony,
I don’t know if you have seen my “Guitarsenal”, submitted in middle or late May, but what I like best about the looks of a guitar is “Tasteful Bling”, as seen on my favorite guitar a 1999 Gibson “Dove” Artist and my 2013 Gibson J-45 “Custom Lefty” Custom Shop Limited Edition. Tied with the “Dove” Artist for my “favorite guitar” is my 1976 Guild D-25M, Mahogany. First year with a Sitka Spruce Top with Zero Bling! It was my fifth guitar in fifteen years of playing but my first real “quality” guitar. It was $475.00, Brand New!. I traded in my 1968 Right Handed “Red Label” Yamaha FG-180 and $200.00 Cash and never looked back. The Tone and Playability are as good or better than any Gibson or Martin I own!
Hi Tony, terrific Acoustic Tuesday!
Visual aspects of the guitar do get to me :)! Back and sides, I love to see the different grain patterns of the tone woods; rosewood, cocobolo and koa are some of my favorites. In contrast, often the simplicity of an all mahogany guitar (e.g. martin, santa cruz, larrivee) stokes passion. Last, on vintage instruments it is all the bumps and scraps that make me wanted to hear to stories behind them and that gives the guitar character. Anyway, great topic and thank you!
Tom
P.s. wishing you all best with your new special package
Hey Tony
the overall look of the guitar appeals to me, no bling, just a straight forward honest looking guitar , satin finish & good tone .I just bought my first new acoustic guitar about 3 weeks ago. its a grand auditorium Backporch guitar a small company in nor california . i played about 6 different guitars , different tone woods , I bought the guitar with eastman spruce top & african mahogany back & sides , I loved the sound its awesome sounds as good as my friends taylor for much less. I love acoustic tuesdays , your doing a great job
When I was 18 (45 years ago) I bought a 1979 Alvarez Yairi DY79. snowflake fingerboard inlay. Years later I see Dickie Betts playing the same guitar on Mallisa unplugged with Warren , Greg, And Woodie. She’s a keeper for sure and gets better with age.