Choosing your first instrument | Electric Guitar



When I vaguely thought, "I should buy an electric guitar!", I had all sorts of fantasies.
Writing this will probably give away my age, but I think I bought my first electric guitar when I entered junior high school... Back then, there was still that old stereotype that electric guitars and motorcycles were for delinquents.

I remember being obsessed with KISS back then... Ace's Les Paul, a custom red cherry sunburst with three pickups! The front pickup would shoot flames, I remember those days... Back then, of course, there was no MTV, and magazines like MUSIC LIFE were all we had for information. Those photos and the artists on the covers were the only images I had. Foreign artists didn't come to Japan for tours all year round like they do now.

The first thing that knocked me out in that magazine's photos was Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin! I was blown away by the photo of him holding his Les Paul so low, almost waist-high. I just wanted an electric guitar. But back then, as a middle schooler, a Gibson was completely out of my reach. I used to drool over the mini-humbucker goldtops and three-piece sunbursts displayed in the instrument shop windows, haha... And then there was Greco! That's right, we all grew up with Greco.

Nowadays, there are tons of electric guitar manufacturers and countless models, but back in the late 70s, before Greco's Super Real and Tokai came out, it wasn't perfect, but Les Paul and Stratocaster copy models were all the rage!

There were several manufacturers like Greco, Fernandes, and Aria, but there was a TV show called "Rock Omoshirokku" hosted by Chikada Haruo at the time. It was a competition between amateur bands, and I always looked forward to it because bands like Bow Wow and Char would sometimes appear as guests. In a commercial for Greco, one of the show's sponsors, Wada Akira of Prism played an incredible fast solo, and it was so cool.
That impression was really strong in my mind. PHOTO: Okay, I'll go with Greco! But then, when it came to what to buy, I could only think of the Les Paul that Jimmy Page uses.

Now that I think about it, back then, there were Led Zeppelin fans and Deep Purple fans among my friends. Of course, I was a Led Zeppelin fan... so when it came to electric guitars, I was always thinking of Les Pauls or Stratocasters. One day, I was really struck by a Greco EG-600J (dark green!?) Jeff Beck model Les Paul that I saw at a music store in Shinjuku, and I took a catalog home with me. I spent some time happily poring over the catalog after that.


So in the end, I bought it! A Greco MR-600!! What?! Why, you ask... I don't know... well, just bear with me. Somehow, I got my hands on a Les Paul (or rather, a Les Paul-type!) when I was in my second year of high school. A Tokai LS-100VF! Back then, I was working part-time jobs all the time. And then I bought it! A Marshall Unit 17 (JCM800/100W stacked).

Les Paul and Marshall are truly the strongest combination in the world. That Tokai Les Paul of mine had its neck broken about 20 years ago, and although it was repaired once, it broke again and is now unusable.
Oops, I've been rambling on about my own past, but basically, I think it's okay to start with your favorite artists, your favorite sounds, or anything that you feel strongly about.

 

Now that I've had enough daydreaming, let's think about how to get my hands on that dream electric guitar. First, I need to consider my budget... By the way, how much do electric guitars typically cost?NewThere are so many options, from those under 10,000 yen to those with no upper limit on price.
It's natural to wonder, "What's the difference between a cheap one and a super expensive one?" But, not just with electronics, expensive products in general have higher manufacturing costs, material costs, and other factors that require a certain amount of effort and money to produce. But don't worry, nowadays, just like with clothing, there are hardly any products that are of good quality even if they're not made in the USA or Japan. "I'll start with something cheap," "I want something of good quality even if it's expensive," "I'll choose based on the brand"—everyone has their own way of thinking, but I want you to choose with confidence based on your own values.

some time ago,NewBut, as I said, there are also used ones!NewWhether you buy a new one or a used one will affect what you can purchase within your limited budget. Also, there are other things you should buy besides the electric guitar itself, so make sure you have some extra money in your budget! More details later.

What do you think of used electric guitars?

Young people these days can easily pull off vintage clothing and look cool, but used electric guitars that have been played a lot and developed a dignified look are pretty cool too!! Sparkling cleanNewBuying is fine, but used guitars offer the best value! You might be worried that used electric guitars are dirty or broken and unusable, but don't worry, this is a used guitar specialty shop! They polish every nook and cranny and make meticulous adjustments so you can play them without any stress.

What? You're saying that's not enough to make you interested in secondhand items?! Well, let me tell you a little about it. First of all, when we say secondhand, we're talking about things that are old, made 20 or 30 years ago, and almost...NewThere are all sorts of things, including things like that.

The unique atmosphere of an electric guitar that has aged over many years is something you can hardly find in electric guitars made in recent years, and there is also the satisfaction of owning something different from others. Used current models areNewIt's not uncommon to find them for half the original price, and I'll let you in on a secret: popular models that sold well a while ago, or artist signature models, are good targets. For example, a model that originally retailed for 80,000 yen might be available for under 20,000 yen!

Choose an electric guitar based on its shape and structure.

Standard type:
Les Paul、Stratocaster、Telecaster、SG...and other electric guitar standards that have enjoyed consistent popularity for over half a century!! The Les Paul, with its elegant curves, is a major draw. The Stratocaster matches any musical style. The Telecaster, once popular in country music, is popular among vocalists for its simple style. The lightweight and easy-to-play SG is perfect for wild stage performances.

Transformation type:
Explorer、Flying VWarlock, Mockingbird, and others – their aggressive looks alone make them perfect for those who want to stand out and express their individuality.
This uniquely shaped model retains that same vibe and is popular among hard rock and metal fans.

Semi-acoustic guitar：
Instruments with a hollow section in the body. Examples include the ES-335.
Combining the core strength of a solid-body guitar with the rich, full sound of an acoustic guitar, it's versatile enough to handle a wide range of genres, from rock to blues and jazz.

Full acoustic guitar：
Instruments with a completely hollow body structure. Examples include the ES-175 and L-5.
This full-acoustic type guitar boasts a captivating resonance throughout its entire body, offering a large, rich tone that vividly expresses the player's touch and nuances.

Check the stock availability:
[Standard]Les Paul、Stratocaster、Telecaster、SG
[Transformation]Explorer、Flying V
[Boxed items]Semi-acoustic guitar、Full acoustic guitar

Set neck:
The body and neck are completely glued together.

Bolt-on:
Drill holes in the neck and body and secure them with screws.

Arched top:
It has a raised body top and the neck is joined at an angle, resulting in a wider gap between the body and the strings.

Flat top:
It has a flat body top, and the body and neck are joined straight together, resulting in a narrow gap between the body and the strings.

Choose by electric guitar sound

Humbucker:
It has a thick, powerful sound that distorts easily. It also has low noise.

Single coil:
Bright and light sound. Easy to touch and responsive.

Ash:
It has a wide frequency range and a crisp sound with good attack.

mahogany:
The sound has a warm and sweet quality in the mid-range.

Alder:
It features well-balanced materials overall, and is characterized by a clear and tight midrange.

Basswood:
Although it's made from inexpensive materials, it produces a flat, neutral sound. However, because it's made from soft materials, the sound tends to lack body.

Maple:
It boasts excellent attack and clarity, and a strong high-frequency sound. It's also highly regarded for the beauty of its wood grain.

Other options

 

You can also choose based on your preferences, feelings, and intended use.

Neck shape (grip comfort):
Initially, it's best to choose a fingernail that allows for comfortable finger movement, regardless of thickness or width. Whether you have small or large hands, try holding it in your hand to see if it feels right.
Weight:
Of course, weight is important, but the weight balance between the head and body is a crucial point for those who want to run around on stage! Lighter is easier, but remember that it also affects the sound.

Locking tremolos such as Floyd Rose:
It stays in tune. However, getting used to setting and tuning the strings is necessary.

Synchronized tremolo:
It allows for easy tremolo arming. However, it tends to go out of tune somewhat easily.

Fixed type:
It doesn't have a whammy bar function, but the tuning is stable. Stringing is easy.

Names of the parts of an electric guitar

head:
This is often the part where the brand logo is located and the tuning pegs are attached.

Pegs:
Wind the strings and tune them.

nut:
The pivot point on the headstock side of the strings, which serves as the reference point for the frets.

neck:
The pitch of the sound is determined by the position in which you press down on the strings.

fret:
By pressing the string here, the string length changes, which alters the pitch.

string:
It consists of six metal threads, which vibrate to produce sound.

body:
This refers to the torso, which is primarily made of wood.

Pick up:
A microphone made of a coil and a magnet picks up vibrations and converts them into electrical signals.

bridge:
This is the pivot point on the body side, from which vibrations are transmitted to the body.

Tailpiece:
A part that secures the end of the string.

Pickup selector:
Switch between multiple pickups.

Control knob:
A knob for adjusting volume and tone.

Jack:
Insert the shielded cable here and connect it to the amplifier.

Strap pin:
A pin for attaching a strap (shoulder strap).

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing an Electric Guitar

Q. How much should a beginner spend on a guitar? (Budget guideline)
A. For your first guitar, the price range of "30,000 to 50,000 yen" is the most recommended. There are also very cheap guitars in the 10,000 yen range, but they tend to go out of tune easily and are poorly made, which can hinder your progress. With a price range of 30,000 to 50,000 yen, you can expect solid construction and be able to play with peace of mind for a long time. Especially if you're buying from a used guitar specialty store like ours,NewThis means you can get a high-quality guitar that would normally cost around 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 that has been professionally adjusted is actually a "bargain" and "easy to play." Many people worry that "used guitars are in poor condition," butTCGAKKIAt our store, all used guitars that arrive are thoroughly inspected and adjusted (set up) by our expert staff. NewHowever, unadjusted instruments can be difficult to play, but our used instruments are prepared to be "easy to play even for beginners" before being displayed in our store, so you can choose with confidence.

Q. I have small hands; can I still play the guitar?
A. No problem at all. We can suggest models that fit the size of your hands. There are many professional guitarists with small hands. Choosing a model with a slender neck (handle) or a guitar with a slightly shorter string length (scale), such as a "medium scale" or "short scale" guitar (like a Mustang or some Les Pauls), can make playing surprisingly easy. If you are still unsure, please feel free to try out different necks in our store.

Q. Is it better to buy a "beginner's set" or "individual items"?
A. If you plan to continue playing for a long time, we recommend buying the necessary items "individually." While sets are convenient, the included amplifiers and cables may have low durability. "Investing in the guitar itself first, and then choosing a minimum number of sturdy amplifiers and accessories" will ultimately allow you to practice with a better sound and improve faster. At our store, we can also suggest starter sets that combine "only the things you really need" to suit your budget.

Q. Is it okay to ultimately choose based on appearance?
A. Yes! The most important factor in choosing a guitar is "liking its appearance." No matter how expensive a guitar is, if it doesn't excite you when you play it, you won't continue practicing. Intuition is very important, such as "I like the color," "I like the shape," or "It looks like one played by my favorite artist." Let's work together with our staff to find a guitar that suits your budget and playability from among the guitars you like the look of. First, try to find one that "clicks" with you in our inventory list.

lastly

So, have you found that guitar that you think is "the one"? Now all that's left is to head to the store!
The staff at the shop are all friendly and will listen to anything you have to say about your circumstances and preferences. Please feel free to talk to them.

For those of you who live far away, please check out this website to explore various places.♪
TCGAKKIWe're posting lots of content on our YouTube channel, so please look forward to it!

Author of this article:Matsui (TCGAKKI Store Manager)

After serving as store manager of Kyōritsu Musical Instruments Shinjuku storeTCGAKKIJoined the company. As store manager, I worked in the vintage guitar floor and electric guitars.BassHe has held various positions across genres, including amplifiers and parts. He is a leading electric guitar salesperson in the industry, highly trusted by famous musicians. His favorite musician is B'z. His hobbies include horse racing and golf.

Qualifications and experience: With 20 years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, I have contributed articles and supervision to publications such as Guitar Magazine.

▶︎Click here for the article I wrote
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