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A Guide to Trying Out Guitar Equipment – Unleashing Your Sound
Introduction
Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, the process of trying out new guitar equipment is both exciting and crucial to shaping your unique sound. From guitars and amplifiers to pedals and accessories, finding the perfect combination can be a game-changer for your playing experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the most out of trying out guitar equipment and make sure that you purchase the right equipment for your needs!
Define Your Goals
Before diving into the world of guitar gear, it’s essential to clarify your musical goals. Are you looking for a setup suitable for live performances, studio recording, or casual jam sessions? Knowing your preferences will help you narrow down your options and focus on the gear that aligns with your musical aspirations.
However, don’t get too rigid in your goals! You may think you will only be doing studio recording but if a performance chance arises you may want to know if you can cover that as well!
Research and Educate Yourself
Stay informed about the latest guitar equipment trends, brands, and models. Read reviews, watch demo videos, and explore online forums to gather insights from fellow guitarists. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions when testing out gear in person.
Thanks you websites like YouTube, you can check out almost any gear in any style! So looking up equipment and finding out if it is for you couldn’t be easier!
Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for plenty of example and demos of various pedals, guitars and gear!
Visit Local Guitar Shops
Head to your local guitar store to get hands-on experience with different instruments and equipment. Most stores have dedicated areas for testing guitars and gear. Take advantage of this opportunity to feel the instruments in your hands and get a sense of their playability and comfort.
Don’t be scared to try multiple items a few times! Take your time or even Come back the next day, There is no rush to buy that new piece of equipment. Rushing a purchase can lead to buying the wrong thing!
Bring Your Own Guitar
If you already own a guitar, bring it with you when trying out new equipment. This allows you to compare how the gear responds to your instrument, ensuring compatibility and helping you maintain a consistent reference point. You would be shocked at how many people try out amps and pedals without running their own gear through it!
If you can’t take your own gear, try to match it as much as possible! Normally play a custom Strat? Well, make sure to find a Single coil guitar to try out!
Try Before You Buy
Don’t be afraid to spend time testing various guitars, amplifiers, and pedals. Experiment with different settings, play styles, and genres to see how the equipment responds. Pay attention to the tonal nuances, sustain, and overall feel to find the gear that resonates with your playing style.
Also, You don’t have to buy a bit of gear there and then! You can always come back and try it again! Sometimes it is great to sit on a bit of gear after playing it and processing your thoughts! Is it worth the price? Did it sound like I wanted it to? All these questions tend to get forgotten about when playing something. However, leaving it a day can really help! You can always go back in and try it out or buy it again, later down the road.
Experiment with Different Genres
Play a variety of musical genres to assess how the gear performs across different styles. Whether you’re into blues, rock, metal, or jazz, make sure the equipment can adapt to your preferred sound palette, we don’t all play the same genre all our lives! This experimentation will help you discover the versatility of the gear you’re testing.
Ask for Assistance
Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the store staff or fellow musicians. They can provide valuable insights, recommend specific gear based on your preferences, and share their own experiences. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the guitar community can lead to discovering hidden gems. They spend their whole working day around gear and also listen to everyone else testing gear. This means they have heard most gear played through most other gear. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
Consider Your Budget
While it’s tempting to dream big, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget for your guitar gear. There are excellent options available at various price points, and finding the right balance between quality and affordability is key. Don’t spend all your money on a bit of gear and never financially recover from it!
If you are after something outside of your budget, ask yourself, why do I want that exactly? Is it the name? The colour? The spec? Once you have determined why you want it, then you can look at other options. Want a guitar because it has a Floyd rose? Then look for a more budget-friendly guitar with a Floyd rose. You will always find another option!
Evaluate Portability and Convenience
If you’re a gigging musician, consider the portability and convenience of the gear. Ensure that it’s practical for your specific needs, whether you’re playing in small venues or travelling frequently.
We might all dream of owning a genuine tape echo, however, is it practical? will it require a lot of upkeep? Is it better that you bought something smaller and more reliable? Keep these things all in mind when trying out gear!
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing guitar equipment. If a particular instrument or piece of gear feels right and inspires you to play, it’s likely a good fit for your musical journey.
If we are all honest, we have all bought equipment either due to hype, Desire or just needed something. Look at the price of Klon’s, that is purely based on desire and a want to have it. Sometimes this is ok! Sometimes buying something blindly because you want to is ok. Maybe your favourite guitarist has a signature pedal out and you want to support them! There are edge cases where it is ok!
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on the exciting journey of trying out guitar equipment and discovering the perfect combination that complements your style and enhances your playing experience. Happy playing! Just remember to have fun and enjoy it! However, remember that the gear doesn’t make the player! Don’t go hunting for gear in the hopes it will make you a better play.
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