Q. How much should a beginner spend on a guitar? (Budget Guide)
A. For your first guitar, we highly recommend the 30,000 to 50,000 yen price range. While there are very cheap guitars in the 10,000 yen range, they tend to go out of tune easily or have poor construction, which can hinder your progress. In the 30,000 to 50,000 yen range, the build quality is solid, allowing you to play with confidence for a long time. Especially at a used guitar specialty store like ours, you can get a high-quality guitar that would normally cost 70,000 to 80,000 yen for a budget of 30,000 to 50,000 yen.
Q. Is it okay for a beginner to choose a "used guitar"?
A. Yes, a used guitar adjusted by a professional is actually a “great deal” and “easy to play.” Many people worry that “used guitars might be in poor condition,” but at TCGAKKI, our expert staff rigorously inspects and adjusts (sets up) every used guitar we receive. Even a New can be difficult to play if it hasn’t been adjusted, but our used instruments are prepared to be “easy to play even for beginners” before being displayed in-store, so you can choose with confidence.
Q. I have small hands. Can I still play the guitar?
A. That’s absolutely no problem. We can recommend models that fit your hand size. There are plenty of professional guitarists with small hands. If you choose a model with a slimmer neck or a guitar with a slightly shorter string length (scale), such as “medium scale” or “short scale” models (like the Mustang or certain Les Pauls), you’ll find playing surprisingly easy. If you’re unsure, please come to the store and try holding the necks to compare them in person.
Q. Should I buy a “beginner’s set” or individual items?
A. If you plan to stick with it long-term, we recommend purchasing the necessary items individually. While sets are convenient, the included amplifiers and cables may not be very durable. Spending more on the guitar itself and choosing high-quality, essential amplifiers and accessories will ultimately allow you to practice with better sound and improve faster. At our store, we can also suggest starter sets tailored to your budget that include “only what you really need.”
Q. Is it okay to just choose based on looks?
A. Yes! “Liking the way it looks” is the most important factor. No matter how high-end a guitar is, if it doesn’t excite you when you play it, you won’t stick with practicing. Intuitions like “the color is cool,” “I like the shape,” or “it looks like the one my favorite artist uses” are very important. Let’s work with our staff to find a guitar from the ones you like visually that also fits your budget and plays comfortably. First, take a look at our inventory list and see if you can find one that really “clicks” with you.
