Guild Acoustic Guitar article
Common Guild Acoustic Guitar Mistakes to Avoid
A quality acoustic guitar requires care and correct practice habits. Here are the most common mistakes players make and how to correct them.
Players who invest in a quality instrument often assume the guitar will look after itself. With a Guild acoustic guitar, as with any well-made acoustic, proper care and correct playing habits make a significant difference to the long-term performance of the instrument. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.
Neglecting Humidity
Acoustic guitars are made from wood and respond to humidity changes. A Guild acoustic guitar that is stored in a very dry environment — particularly during winter with central heating — can crack, develop sharp fret ends, or have the top drop and the action rise. The solution is to keep the instrument in a humidity-controlled environment: a room kept between forty and fifty-five per cent relative humidity, or use a case humidifier if the instrument lives in its case. This is not optional care — it is essential for preserving an acoustic guitar's playability and value.
Buying the Wrong Model for Your Playing
A common mistake is choosing based on price or reputation alone rather than fit. A jumbo is a large, loud instrument well suited to strumming and performance but uncomfortable for a player who prefers sitting down and fingerpicking for long sessions. A dreadnought suits most purposes but may feel too large for some players. The mahogany-topped D-20 has a different tonal character from the spruce-topped D-40; choosing without trying can result in an instrument that sounds good but does not suit your style. Try before you buy where possible.
Skipping the Setup
Every Guild acoustic guitar benefits from a professional setup, even expensive ones. A new instrument from a retailer may have action that is too high, a poorly cut nut or intonation that is off. These are all correctable by a luthier for a modest fee. Skipping this step means playing an instrument that does not perform as it should. If you are buying a significant instrument, include the cost of a setup in your budget and have it done before you start playing regularly. For a guide to the range of available models, see our buyer's guide.
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