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Amit Newton
Doha
Now that you've had your guitar for some time, you would have noticed many things that you would like to add to it or change. Also, looking at the instruments of others, gives you a fair idea of what you would like to have, or, remove, on your own guitar.
Bone saddle, nut & bridge pins: If you have bought a low-to-medium-end guitar, chances are that it has a plastic saddle and a plastic nut. I am certain that it has plastic bridge pins. It is a good idea to change these to bone elements.
Why they are needed: In comparison to plastic, bone (cattle bone, buffalo horn, deer antler) is a much denser material and thus, helps in the transfer of sound all that better. It is a good idea to have the saddle, nut and bridge pins made of the same material, so the homogeneity too helps in sound transference.
Guitar Strap & Strap Button: If the guitar you chose did not come with a strap button, it is wise to get one installed. They come in many designs, materials and colours and are worth every dirham in utility. Almost certainly, new guitars never come with a strap. The strap is a separate buy.
Why they are needed: You won't always sit in a chair and play. Will you?
Extra set of strings: Acoustic guitar strings especially the lighter two strings (#1 & #2) break quite easily while tuning, so it is a good idea to have a spare set handy. Even if you are lucky and your strings don't break, you will need to change them after a certain period of time. Having them around saves you the time and effort of going out and buying them when you need them in an emergency.
And while you are ready to change strings on your guitar, you might as well experiment with string gauges put on lighter strings if you earlier had heavier strings (and vice versa).
Extra set of bridge pins: These too have a tendency of getting lost, rolling into inaccessible corners, when you take them out to change strings. So, it is wise to have them lying in a pocket in your case.
The Tuner: Once you change your strings, you will need to tune them up to pitch. The tuner is a small electronic device that you can keep clipped on to the headstock of the guitar. Switch it on and play individual strings and it will help you tune each string to its correct frequency. Now, purists will tell you that never keep the tuner clipped to the headstock, but personally speaking, I've never encountered a problem with it.
Why it is needed: There are many videos and apps available that help you tune your guitar. However, it is quite possible that you encounter a situation where you don't have access to the Internet, or, your phone's battery dies on you. Your tuner will come handy in such situations.
The Capo: The capo (or more correctly, the capodastro) is a tool which helps you change the pitch of your guitar (by reducing the length of the strings). With a capo you can play in a different key, using the same finger pattern as playing without a capo. It is particularly helpful when people play together with guitars tuned to different pitches.
The Plectrum or Pick: They come in various thicknesses to suit individual players and playing styles. Buy at least five of these, depending upon the thickness you prefer because the tendency is to drop them into pockets and wallets, from where they seem to disappear.
The Plectrum or Pick Holder: These are very helpful in keeping picks. They come in all forms and materials. There are plastic ones that you can stick to the shoulder of the guitar and there are others that you can slip into your keychain.
The Pickguard/Scratchguard: If you bought your guitar without a pickguard, you may feel the need to add one. The vice-versa is also true. You may even feel the need for a differently shaped or a different colour pickguard. All this can easily be done and is a matter of personal preference.
A heads up: A pickguard does protect your guitar top from the rigours of aggressive playing; there are no two things about it. However, understand this. Anything that you place or stick to the top of your guitar, is going to act as muffler. It will dampen its sound. For proof, play your guitar and place your hand anywhere on the top. You will be able to feel your hand 'killing' the vibrations in the top.
Power pins: These are the latest addition to the wide range of accessories available for an acoustic guitar. While regular bridge pins hold the ball-ends of the strings in the body of the guitar, you can thread your strings through power pins. This makes changing strings much easier, and people who have used them, say by using power pins, the volume and sustain on their instruments increased dramatically.
The downside: The way power pins are positioned, it puts more tension where there already was plenty. What that would do, is help your bridge pull up under the tension of your strings. Even if the bridge doesn't come unglued, it will lift the area of the top which it is directly in contact with (technically referred to as bellying). A direct consequence of this would be strings riding higher over the fretboard, making fretting very difficult.
An amplifier (for an acoustic guitar): If you see yourself up on stage in the foreseeable future, it is best that you practise your music under amplification. That way, you get used to the sound and learn to appreciate how much an error gets magnified under amplification. There are speakers of every type available in the market today. However, do ask for an amp specifically for an acoustic instrument. Generally, amplifiers for acoustic instruments are more expensive than those for electric instruments.
Next Time: Major Guitar Problems
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