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Guitars & Basses

Our range of guitars covers electric, acoustic, electro-acoustic and bass models suited to beginners and improving players. What matters most in this bracket is not the specification list but whether the instrument plays comfortably and holds its tuning, since a guitar that fights back is the main reason people stop practising. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Electric, acoustic or bass?

An electric guitar has a slim neck and light strings, which makes it the most forgiving to learn on, though it needs an amplifier to be heard properly. An acoustic needs nothing else and is more portable, but heavier strings and a higher action ask more of the fingers at first. An electro-acoustic is an acoustic with a pickup fitted, which matters the moment you play with other people. A bass has four thicker strings, a longer neck and a different role entirely, so choose it because you want to play bass rather than as an easier alternative.

Scale length and body size

Scale length is the distance from nut to bridge and it changes both the string tension and the spacing between frets. A standard electric sits around 25.5 inches, and shorter scale instruments are easier for smaller hands. On acoustics, body shape decides volume and comfort: a dreadnought is loud and full but bulky against a smaller player, while a concert or folk body is quieter and considerably more comfortable to hold for long periods. For a younger player, a three quarter size instrument is far better than a full size one they cannot reach around.

Setup matters more than price

The single biggest difference between a guitar that gets played and one that gets abandoned is the setup. Action, the height of the strings above the frets, should be low enough to press without effort but high enough to avoid buzzing. Intonation should be set so the instrument stays in tune as you move up the neck. Almost any guitar improves markedly with a proper setup, and it is worth budgeting for one on a new instrument rather than assuming a fault.

Pickups and electronics

Single coil pickups sound bright and clear and are the classic choice for blues, funk and clean tones, but they pick up mains hum in some rooms. Humbuckers use two coils to cancel that hum and sound thicker and louder, which suits rock and heavier styles. Many instruments offer both, with a selector switch, which is the most flexible option for a player still deciding what they like.

Strings, tuning and staying in tune

New instruments come with strings that have usually been on for months, so fitting a fresh set is the cheapest immediate improvement. Lighter gauge strings are easier on the fingers, heavier ones give more volume and tone. If a new guitar will not hold its tuning, the usual causes are strings that have not been stretched in properly or a nut that needs attention, rather than faulty machine heads.

Looking after the instrument

Wood moves with humidity, so avoid leaving a guitar against a radiator, in a car boot overnight or in direct sunlight, all of which cause more damage than playing ever will. Wipe the strings down after playing to slow corrosion, keep it in a case or on a proper stand rather than propped against furniture, and be aware that some vintage style finishes react with certain stand materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which guitar is best for a complete beginner?
An electric is the most forgiving, with a slim neck and light strings, though it needs an amplifier. An acoustic needs nothing else and is more portable but asks more of the fingers at first. Either works, so choose the sound you actually want to make.

What size guitar should a child have?
A three quarter or half size instrument, chosen so they can reach comfortably around the body and to the first fret without stretching. A full size guitar that is too big is the most common reason a young player gives up.

What is the difference between single coil and humbucker pickups?
Single coils are bright and clear, favoured for blues, funk and clean tones, but can pick up mains hum. Humbuckers use two coils to cancel that hum and sound thicker and louder, which suits rock and heavier styles.

Why will my new guitar not stay in tune?
Usually strings that have not been stretched in yet, or a nut needing attention, rather than faulty tuners. Stretch each string gently and retune several times. If it persists, a setup will normally resolve it.

Does a cheap guitar need a setup?
It benefits from one more than an expensive instrument does. Adjusting the action and intonation transforms how easily a guitar plays, and it is worth budgeting for rather than assuming the instrument is faulty.

How should I store a guitar?
In a case or on a proper stand, away from radiators, direct sunlight and cold car boots, since humidity and temperature swings move the wood. Wipe the strings after playing, and check the stand material is safe for vintage style finishes.

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