Should I get a new guitar?

Question

When I bought my acoustic guitar I had no clue as to what to look for when shopping for one. The only problem is It had scratches around and on the bridge where the pins insert. (I didn't notice that until the 1st time i replaced the strings).Now (about 3/4 yrs later) ... my guitar sounds horrible and not the same as when i first had it. (or even last year) Yesterday, when I was trying to replace one of the strings, i would hear a cracking sound each time I would twist the tunning peg. I was afraid the wire was going to pop out of the bridge pin and whip me! I was doing everything correctly to my knowledge.

Can you tell me whats wrong with it? Is it the strings im using? Is it because my guitar isn't a brand name guitar? It was on sale for like $80 or $90 (came with a sucky cardboard box .. to take home in and a guitar pick)

I'm thinking of getting a new one maybe a fender or
gibson since i used them in H.S. and i like how they sound.

Acoustic Guitar :D

o yea .... i forgot to mention the bridge pins are plastic .... if that makes a big difference.

Answer 1

Quite simply take it to be restored,I am sure it's repairable from what i've read but if the cost out weighs the price of a new or better one then yes I would buy the one you're after.

Answer 2

Bridge pins usually are plastic. That shouldn't make a big difference. The creaking while changing/tuning a string is normal. What your hearing is the ball end being tightened against the bridge pin. You won't hear it on an electric because there's no sound hole. I'd take it with you when you go guitar shopping and ask someone in the store. Most reputable instrument dealers have someone in the store who does repair work. They should be able to tell you what's wrong.

Answer 3

No, it doesn't make a difference as to the brand name of the guitar. Just keep turning the tuning keys and when you hear that cracking sound, pull up on the string a little bit, then let it settle back in the bridge saddle, afterward pluck it again. The sound of the string will drop lower that you set it. Well, you just tune it right back up, and do the pullin' thing again until the sound doesn't drop anymore. So when you're putting new strings, they need some time to "set". Plastic or fiberglass pegs to hold the strings is normal. Don't fear givin' it a lil' strength, you won't be damaged in the process!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

As for the "cracking sound," it could be a combination of the bridge pins slipping and/or the tuning machines themselves - especially if they need some lubrication. Maybe a trip to a good intrument tech or luthier is in order. If you're thinking of buying new (presumably inexpensive), companies like Guild or Alvarez make some fine sounding guitars for not-a-lot of cash. I like your thinking on the Fender/Gibson solution.....they're awesome. Scotty

Answer 5

im a intermediate guitar player and i find guitar hero games more difficult than playing the real guitar. for one, you have six strings on a guitar, where as the game has 5 buttons. the game actually has you moving your finger further when you play single notes than actually playing real guitar. where a note on a real guitar might have you just fretting a lower or higer string. the game makes you fret a button that further. i like playing chords on the game. in that, it does feel like your actually playing chords. another thing is that you dont really have to look at a screen when playing a real guitar. so you do need more hand eye cordination to play the game. the songs in the game are set up pretty good. its not just random button presses, the game does have repeatable patterns. its defintely fun. its just easier to play real guitar.

Answer 6

I've had that happen too once with my cheap acoustic years ago. It's probably the tuning machines breaking apart. Save yourself the hassle, the time, and the money, and get a brand spanking new guitar if you like playing.

Answer 7

if you bought it second hand, it could hav been brocken and fixed not very well... if you love your guitar it will sound better - proven. change the machine heads maybe, replace the bridge, oil the frets with lemon oil. if you really want a new one, go for it and brand names definitely sound better. hondo 2 also has a nice sound if u want a nylon string.

Answer 8

i think u bought one that wasnt really good in quality.im not really good at these kind of stuff but maybe u can take it to a shop that repairs guitars?if the repair costs more than a new one than i suggest u get a new one.

Answer 9

your guitar seems to be low quality and your lucky it lasted that long, i dont think its the strings but the manufacturing. if u want a cheap but good option go for ibanez but gibsons are defineteley very good.
always ask for assistance in the shop and go with someone who isnt afraid to tell you wat they think of the quality

Answer 10

buy an electric guitar :-)