When shopping around for a good guitar, whether you are just starting out or are looking for professional level instrument, it is good to know what the best brands are. Various factors need to be taken into consideration, such as body shapes that are available, materials used, sound produced by the instrument and whether the instrument looks appealing.

Deciding on a body shape will depend on what you are using the guitar for. A steel-stringed dreadnought acoustic guitar is great for stand alone performances by artists with a little experience. It has a bigger, more bass sound than the smaller classic body guitar, and a tone that many artists prefer.

On the other hand, those playing together with a band are likely to go for a smaller instrument like a classic or artist acoustic guitar. The smaller body shape produces a treble sound that will carry over the sounds of the other instruments while minimizing feedback. They also make a good instrument size for beginners as they are easier to hold.

One of the best instruments you can buy is the Alvarez acoustic guitar. This manufacturer, based in St Louis, Missouri, is renowned for producing excellent quality instruments for all levels of ability. They have a far-reaching history for attention to tradition, quality and detail. Many guitarists prefer the tone produced by an Alvarez. The guitars are usually produced in China, but some higher-end instruments are actually hand-crafted by Kazou Yairi in Gifu, Japan.

The Regent series is amongst the most popular in the Alvarez range. Unlike other brands, Alvarez ensures that these entry level instruments are maintain the highest possible quality, providing tuning stability and optimum tone. They are highly recommended for beginners.

The Masterworks series is at the other end of the scale, offering the absolute best in performance and careful attention to the appearance of the instrument. The discerning artist will pay a little extra to benefit from the superior quality and tone of these guitars.

Takamine is another highly distinguished guitar manufacturer. Since they began operation in the early 1960’s, they have maintained a high level of innovation, including being the first to manufacture acoustic/electric guitars. What started as a small family business has grown into one of the world’s biggest producers of quality guitars. The Takamine acoustic guitar is usually modelled to resemble Martin guitars, though without the accompanying price tag.

While Takamine offers a huge range of guitars to suit all budgets and levels of playing, many prefer the sound of Alvarez guitars. The Takamine produces a more crisp, clean tone, while the Alvarez is well-liked for its more mellow tones. In the end, however, it is down to personal preference. There is no one guitar that can be recommended for all players, so try out a few different brands and styles to find out which you like best.

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