Acoustic Guitar
Buying Guide

Controls normally add an extra $150-$250 to an acoustic guitar if installed as an aftermarket upgrade, for a professionally installed equalizer of good quality. However, if you spent $500 to $1000 on an acoustic guitar, the thought of cutting into it can be unsettling. In which case, it is highly recommended to buy an acoustic guitar with the controls already built in.

• Conveniently Located. It is best if the equalizer is located where it can be easily adjusted while playing, such as on the side, where it will be on the top "side" when playing, as opposed to the bottom of the guitar, where it cannot be reached and adjusted while playing.

• Number of Bands. The more bands, the better you can individually control each sound (frequency range). Upper-end equalizers have as many as four bands, although professional equalizers may have up to six.

• Pick Up. A Piezo pickup offers the most pure sound, with the least interference and feedback since it it installed directly on the saddle (where the strings lay just beneath the sound hole) inside the body. The saddle serves as a sound conduit from the strings to the inside of the body. Microphone and magnetic pickups are also used. However, these are installed in the sound hole, and therefore pick up more interference and feedback.

• Natural and Equalized Sounds. Some equalizers include a control that will allow you to choose whether you want the output to the amp to sound natural (acoustic) or equalized (electronic).

• Master Volume. Most equalizers have a master volume control to allow you to determine loudness.

• Noise Interference Control. The better equalizers have a way of eliminating unwanted noise, so only clear sounds are outputted to the amp.

• Additional Controls. This can include controls that cut low frequencies when they are not wanted, or automatically bring sounds closer to the normal range. 

Make sure all of the seams are sealed, and that there are no flaws in the woodwork. The fret board should not be bent, warped, or twisted. If the guitar has binding around the edges of the guitar, make sure it is flush with the wood and there is not  any uneven edges. 

Binding around the edges of the guitar will help it to hold up better and longer. Without this binding, even slight impact on the corners of the body or neck can cause the edges to come apart.

 

 

Peal Craftsmanship: "Craftsmanship Guarantee" ensures that you will be more than satisfied with how well your guitar is made. * Binding - Ivory ABS * Handcrafted in Korea by certified technicians * Seams - All seams are very tight

5. How high are the strings from the frets?

The height at which the strings rest above the frets is also referred to as the "action" of the guitar. Most people will prefer a "low action", meaning the strings are fairly close to the frets. Guitars with low action are much easier on the fingers, and overall much easier to play.

However, you do not want the strings too close to the frets, which will produce an undesirable buzzing or rattling while playing. Since it can be a fine balance between having the strings too high or too low, you definitely want to make sure that you choose a guitar that offers a way to adjust the "action".

Acoustic guitars with an adjustable truss rod will allow you to modify the "action" more to your liking, at least to a degree. A comfortable "action" will result in fewer blisters, less frustration, and greater enjoyment.

Peal Guitar String Height: Low action, easy to play.

---

6. Does the guitar have a double truss rod?

The additional support of a double truss rod system (as opposed to having just a single truss rod) will prevent the neck and bridge from warping, bending, or even twisting. A guitar with only a single truss rod inside the neck cannot prevent twisting, and does not protect against warping or bending nearly as well. 

In addition to enhanced support, the double truss rod system has other benefits. For example, seasonal adjustments are not necessary, since the truss rod duo does a better job of maintaining the angle of the neck.

Also, with the increased mass, the double truss rod system cleaner, more clear, and longer sustained notes. On the other hand, double truss rod systems typically add cost to the guitar, while also requiring greater torque in order to adjust.

Peal Guitar Truss System: Adjustable, double truss rod system

---

7. Is the body right for you?

Size. Jumbo-sized guitar bodies will produce the highest quality sound of any guitar-body size. The Peal JC Deluxe-Cedar and JC Deluxe-Spruce each come in the Jumbo body size.

However, the concert-sized guitar body is still large enough to produce a high-quality sound, but it is a little smaller than the Jumbo, making it easier and more comfortable for most people to play. The Peal SC Solid-Top Series and SC Maple Series acoustic-electric guitars each come with a concert-sized body.

If you can hold it, then a larger acoustic guitar will produce a better sound. A larger soundboard results in a better vibration, creating a greater volume and tone.

Body Style. If you plan to use the entire fretboard when you play, then you should have a body with a cutaway style (like the one in the picture to the right), so you will be able to reach the frets closest to the sound hole. For this reason, all Peal Guitars are made with a cutaway.

---

8. How does the guitar look?

Part of the satisfaction you will gain from your guitar is derived by its appearance. While playing for others, you will want your guitar to sound good, as well as look good.

A few things that add to the attractiveness of a guitar includes pearl inlay, decorative headstock, and the luster (or shine) from the finish of the wood.

Pearl Inlay can be added in places such as around the soundhole, around the outer edge of the soundboard, and between the frets on the fretboard. Quality inlay pearl can make a guitar "sparkle", especially under stage lights.

Genuine, or real inlay pearl adds much more value, and is much more attractive than stickers that are sometimes used to imitate inlay pearl.

In addition to the pearl inlay, certain parts of the guitar can be shaped decoratively to further add to the appearance of the guitar. Examples include decorative headstock designs and non-standard sound hole shapes.

Peal Guitars w/Pearl Inlay: All Models (except D-10)
Peal Guitars w/Decorative Headstock Designs: SC Solid-Top Series, JC Deluxe-Spruce

---

9. What types of machine heads are used?

Sealed lubricated machine heads (a.k.a. tuners) prevent dust particles, dirt, etc. from getting inside, and will usually perform very well the life of the guitar.

You should also make sure that your tuners have high-precision gears (14:1 or 15:1 ratio), so it is easy to properly tune. Anything less will result in a lot of back and forth adjusting of the machine heads. Anything much more will make tuning more time consuming, as it will require more twisting before reaching the proper tightness of the string.

Also verify the slippage, or "backlash" of the machine heads. The backlash refers to how much twisting is required when you reverse directions, before the gears grab on to the string again, and begin tightening or loosening it. 

Peal Guitar Machine Head Spec's: 14-1 gear ratio; Sealed lubricating type; Metal buttons; Zero slippage or backlash

10. What kind of warranty and guarantees are offered?

Warranty. Some acoustic electric guitar manufacturers and suppliers do not offer a warranty, or only a very short one, such as 90 days.

Guarantee. This is particularly important if you are buying a guitar over the internet. Most of the best deals for acoustic guitars are available on the internet, but you cannot fully evaluate the guitar until you have it in your hands.

In which case, a strong and fair money-back guarantee policy is vital. Beware of suppliers that charge restocking fees, or that do not offer to pay the return shipping costs in case you do decide to return your guitar.

Peal Guitars Warranty: Lifetime Limited Warranty

11. Is the fretboard easy to play?

A fretboard made from rosewood will be strong, while giving extra comfort to the fingers. A cutaway body style will make it possible to easily play the fretboard all the way down to the sound hole.

12. What about price?

And of course, price is a pretty important factor as well. Well-made acoustic guitars are notorious for surprisingly steep prices. The most important factors that determine price are the type and quality of wood used on the guitar and brand name. 

With this being the case, you can save hundreds of dollars for all the same features and quality level by buying one of the lesser recognized names.

Compare the D-10 to the Esteban guitar (as seen on TV).

Peal Acoustic-Electric Guitars

---

Premium Acoustic/Electric Guitars >> $179-$799
Spruce, Cedar, Solid Tops, and Maple Tops all w/4 Band Equalizers

Discount Acoustic Guitars  >>  $109-$189
Affordable Acoustic and Acoustic/Electric Guitars under $200

Guitar Amps  >>  $99-$159
25 watt guitar amps with 8" speaker

What customers have to say about their Peal Guitars