How Do You Purchase? Eyes or Ears?

DenverSteve · #1 05-26-2016, 12:39 PM

I see an inordinate number of "GREAT" "EXCELLENT" "BEST GUITAR I EVER PLAYED" guitars listed in the classifieds. One thing many of these guitars have in common is that most are beautiful. Beautiful is great - If the guitar's sound characteristics are equal to the visual appeal. are so many people selling the best (pick your top dollar guitar) they have ever played - and stating that they are doing so because they purchased one, or more, other guitars necessitating the sale of the best one ever played. Many are big maker top models and small & boutique maker expensive guitars being sold for the second or third time in the past year (2015 models).

So it appears that a lot of us may be buying based on appearance rather than tonal qualities of the guitar's being purchased. What say you? For me it's all about tone. I would prefer a plain-Jane tone box to a quilted, fiddleback, sinker... great looker without a soul.

Roady68 · #2 05-26-2016, 12:43 PM

Looks catch my eye, but it's the sound I listen for. Manufacturer, tone wood, features are what narrows down my looking. But at the end it's how it sounds and plays. Of course my experience is limited to just three guitars purchases. But the formula works for me.

MaurysMusic · #3 05-26-2016, 12:43 PM

For me, looks are important but tone is the true decider. If a guitar sounds great and looks good enough, I'm in. If it looks great, I won't give it another thought if the tone isn't there.

devellis · #4 05-26-2016, 12:44 PM

Ears all the way. When I see postings from players looking for modest priced guitars with a sunburst, my first thought is, forego the burst and you very well might be able to get a better guitar for the same money. But everyone gets to choose their own priorities.

When I was just starting out, I really couldn't hear the differences between guitars and thus let my eyes guide my decisions. That led to a few bad calls. I've learned not to repeat those mistakes.

Sprikitik · #5 05-26-2016, 12:45 PM

I see more photos than soundclips in the Classified section.

I'd guess, for lots of the buyers here, the answer is eyes.

BahPa · #6 05-26-2016, 12:47 PM

It must sound good to my ears. Looks are important, but I don't want to buy a Cadillac with no engine

My old Martin D-15 looked like a beast but sounded so sweet.

slice · #7 05-26-2016, 12:47 PM

I have bought a few guitars based on beauty... and I've been disappointed every time. I eventually sold them all, and paid the price for the lesson learned. Musical instruments are only worth something to me if they sound great, because I don't buy them to display them.

The Growler · #8 05-26-2016, 12:51 PM

Ears forme, but I admit I like a nice looking guitar.

That said, I think that some of the flipping you see is that people's taste change as they play more and or get into different types of music. Used to strum, niw they are learning finger style and you just have to have a different guitar for that don't you?

I also think that there is a small amount of people getting into financial issues and needing to unload. A lot of people think that being able to make a minimum monthly payment means they can afford something. Sometimes that doesn't work out. That's not just guitars, but other toys as well.

musicman1951 · #9 05-26-2016, 12:54 PM

I did enjoy the look of some Koa guitars, but I rarely find an ugly guitar. Sound is 95% of the decision. How often do you set the guitar up on the other side of the room and gaze lovingly at it? For me the answer is never - it's a tool.

Flgatorgirl · #10 05-26-2016, 01:07 PM

My eyes catch the one I want to try, my ears the one I want to buy.

Tico · #11 05-26-2016, 01:10 PM

94.87% sound.
5.13% appearance.

0% status.

smurph1 · #12 05-26-2016, 01:12 PM

Looks are important, but the biggies for me are tone and action. I like a darker tone and a low profile neck with lower frets. (Thus my 000-17SM)

It plays like a nice electric.

muscmp · #13 05-26-2016, 01:16 PM

not too many people would buy an ugly, beat up guitar that needs detailed work but sounds great. however, that would be their choice.

i prefer to play as many of the same guitar as possible prior to selecting the one that sings to me. hopefully, it is the best looking of my choices also.

play music!

SFCRetired · #14 05-26-2016, 01:18 PM

I agree, tone and action.

In my younger years bling was the cats meow. But as I have grown older and I suppose wiser, I have realized I don't want to pay for bling. That's why in my mind once you get past the D 28 in say a Martin, it's more about bling. Unless of course they are using some high quality wood. But I always question that as well. Just because they say so doesn't make it so.

There is however a G series Takamine EG340DLX that I would like to have if not just for the bling. But we're talking less than 6 bills for an adequate guitar.

ewalling · #15 05-26-2016, 01:25 PM

For me, looks are pretty important. Gibson sunbursts with anemic-looking rosewood fretboards would probably not even come off the wall for a try! And Larrivee has definitely gone down in my estimations since they started putting on those dreadful pickguards!

Yes, ultimately tone is the deciding factor, but if I'm going to sink hundreds or even thousands in a guitar, it has to cut a dash, too!