The Guitar Player's Resource
Hello there, guitar slingers!
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is if someone should upgrade his/her existing guitar with better hardware or opt for a shiny brand new one!
As you might guess, the answer depends on several factors — factors like your own motives, what your goals are, and, of course, the kind of guitar you own right now.
Most of the time, when someone asks this question, it is because they have a sentimental attachment to the guitar they already own. Usually, we are talking about someone’s first guitar, because it is the guitar they learned how to play and they want to keep that guitar around, which is perfectly fine.
If the problem with the specific guitar is the lack of good pickups, tuning pegs, or something like that, then it is OK to take the guitar to a good guitar tech and upgrade those specific components. However, if this is your first guitar, then it is most probably a low-quality instrument. That means all the parts of the guitar are going to be of low quality, and you are going to have a hard time making this particular guitar a worthwhile instrument. You are much better off buying a new guitar and keeping your old one as a backup on the side.
If your old guitar’s low-quality construction and playability are keeping you from becoming a better guitarist, then you cannot keep using it as your primary instrument. When you practice, you want a guitar to help youpush further to get better and not prevent you from reaching your goals.
What I am suggesting is that you get a good used electric guitar AND also keep your old one. Yes, of course, you can upgrade various things in your old guitar every now and then, depending on your financials. However, you should really upgrade to a new instrument in the majority of cases.
So, it is not an “either/or” suggestion. It is an “and” suggestion. Buying a new one AND upgrading your old one since you feel so strongly about keeping it around.
I hope this was helpful. You can watch the video below, where I explain this topic in more detail. If you’re interested in developing your guitar skills and reaching your music goals, please check the different Elite Guitar Coaching Academy packages and how you can get private coaching from me.
If you're interested in developing your guitar skills and reaching your music goals please check the different packages of Elite Guitar Coaching Academy and how you can get private coaching from me.
Ioannis Anastassakis is a guitarist from Greece who has produced recordings in a variety of moods and styles, including flamenco and fusion.
His CD is entitled "Suspension Of Disbelief", his long-awaited rock/fusion instrumental album.
