Simple Guitar Test

[SpiderTrap]

Many never think of this while looking and testing guitars . A simple fingertip tap (s) behind the bridge and that area of the guitar face should emit a deep Drum like sound to about one inch from the outter edge . Im sure veteran players know - - but this is for new bee info . It isn't a scientific method , but should give you some idea if the face will be acceptable to sounding good . Should be the deeper and Louder the tone produced , the better usually . CAVEAT assuming there are NO Protruding Fingernails which can easily indent a Guitar Face

[zombywoof]

I do something similar - the thumb test. I give the side of the guitar a bit of a whack with the side of my thumb and note how long I can feel the vibration.

[steelvibe]

I've also heard that plucking just an open A string can speak to the qualify of a guitars tone. I don't know why it works or how but I recall a very respected and knowledgeable forum member- I think it was Wade Hampton.

[Bob Womack]

I strum a cowboy G with the 2nd string fretted at the third fret for a D and then do the thumb thump. For some reason that seems to yield a comfortable first impression. But it is usually done pretty absent-mindedly. Brriiiinnng...

Bob

[Swamp Yankee]

I employ a highly radical technique when assessing a guitar: I play it.

Crazy, I know.... but that's how I roll

[lodi_55]

My test consists of playing 2-3 songs that I play of differing styles. Only takes 10-12 minutes, but it pays dividends. Buying a guitar that matches my personal style is big (obviously).

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by Swamp Yankee

I play it.

This is all that matters. Play it every which way.

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by Swamp Yankee

I employ a highly radical technique when assessing a guitar: I play it.

Crazy, I know.... but that's how I roll

I also roll in a way which is . . . that.

[Von Beerhofen]

I also use thump tapping over the entire guitar, front, back, sides and neck, if only to determine if something has come loose. Also knowing the guitar's natural resonance (Helmholtz) frequency can help in determining dead notes, which often happen around the same frequency, as it can cancel out or amplify the string's amplitude.

Ludwig

[Tony Done]

Originally Posted by Swamp Yankee

I employ a highly radical technique when assessing a guitar: I play it.

Crazy, I know.... but that's how I roll

I've found that to be a very reliable method. I also check the neck angle and price tag.