Things to look for when buying a new (or used) acoustic guitar by Randy Schartiger

[@dgale1023]

You are a little different, buy what a wealth of knowledge!!! I'm brand new to guitars and I will use all you have shown to get my first guitar . Really appreciate everything. I'm glad I subscribed

[@RandySchartiger]

I'm a whole lot different! :) Thanks for subscribing and checking out my videos!

[@sasquatchlife8836]

The best people in this world are different. He also just doesn't give a shit, which is what everybody should do. Be yourself, if people don't like it, then oh well.

[@ralphchiaro3017]

Randy thanks so much for all the great info, I ended up spending 5 days in the hospital this week and you and Q saved my sanity I was really missing my dog and you guys really kept my spirits up, thanks again

[@RandySchartiger]

Oh man, I know what it's like being separated from my Q-ball and wouldn't be able to stand it for long. Thanks for watching Ralph, I hope you're home now with your pup and doing much better! :)

[@sschario60]

New older student loving your videos. Invaluable information presented in a way so that even a noob like myself can benefit. I dig your personality, too. Just starting out, but man…you are my favorite, brother. Thank you and be well, Randy.

[@RandySchartiger]

I appreciate that brother! and thanks for subscribing! welcome to the mad house! :D

[@efilnikcufecin9333]

In the beginning of my guitar playing, I didn't know what to look for. Some of the more obvious things, yeah,but a lot of the things that I've learned from you were just not that obvious to me then. Now though, I check out everything that you just mentioned and it's saved me from making a bad decision when someone wants to sell me a guitar. When I start pulling out straight edges and sheets of paper and compact mirrors, I get some strange looks to say the least...haha. But, I want to make sure I'm getting what I'm paying for, ya know. That's why I appreciate your videos so much because I know what I've learned from you is the real deal. I can't thank you enough for teaching the things that you have and I have no problem giving credit where credit is due. Anyway, my friend, hope you have a good evening and again thanks for everything. The Q-Ball fix was great. She had me laughing with that new language she was speaking..lol. She's great, Randy. Really sweet lil friend you have there. Take care.

[@RandySchartiger]

I'm glad my videos help mate and glad you can use them to save yourself some money or not buy something you pay for but are not getting. And thanks for the words about Q-ball I'll tell her lol BTW I know those strange looks you speak of, especially in a music store! :)

[@austinbrowning7127]

I'm only a beginning musician, just a few years experience, but your videos are without a doubt the most helpful thing I've found in those years. You do the best job of thoroughly answering any question I have, so thank you man. It helps more than my pride will ever let me say on a public video.

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks so much my friend for your kind words! I'm glad to hear my videos are helpful, I try to keep them focused on the point yet funny and entertaining too, thank you for watching and subscribing! :)

[@guitarstruggles3140]

Great tips brother! I've been lucky but sometimes I get so excited to buy a new guitar that I forget to be thorough. Rock on!

[@RandySchartiger]

I do that too! I just want to get it home and start rockin! lol Thanks for watching brother! Cheers!

[@chrisdimadura3918]

Hi, Randy I just bought a second hand guitar last November and I checked the frets where the fingers mostly played,like A, D, C and E, for dents and worn-out of fingers on fret wires and the fret board. And more likely I played the strings one by one. Playing open string on high E and starting to press the string one by one while plucking all the way up to the last fret. Trying to hear for buzzing sound. Same thing on the second string working up to the low E. I hope this is a correct way of determining in buying a second hand guitar. Of course your advice and suggestions are very essentials and important tips you made in your statements. I always watched your KZbin for guitar tips and I really like your sense of humor,.like making your eyes big like monster, LOL.

[@malcolmmurchison8974]

Thankyou Randy You are a legend my brother. I've learned a lot from you and you always brighten my day God bless you mate

[@cajunqueen5125]

just seeing this now, a few yrs later, but still great advice and tips.

[@dalepal]

Great job covering what to look for when buying an acoustic. It’s good to check those things on the guitars we already own every so often. Good to see and hear Q-ball again.

[@RandySchartiger]

Yes! It can save a lot of pain and heartache and money by checking the guitars you already have occasionally for these things, it's not good when you pop open your case and see something you own but didn't expect to see. Thanks Dale!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Great Video, Randy and I am sure many folks will welcome the info. Truss Rod...let me tell you a little story. Singapore, Yamaha official dealer, a great SG 1820 (yes, an electric but it applies to acoustics too ), perfectly set up, great sound, all is ok... I ask the owner to allow me to check the truss rod, she agrees...and it was totally frozen. Totally. No human force would make it move. I did not buy the guitar but she sent me to another branch where we could find the beauty in perfect condition and is one of my jewels now ( is a 3000 USD guitar...).Please tell your viewers to check if the truss rod is functional. A shout to the Yamaha dealer in Singapore BTW. Sorry for the length of the comment! ThxUp!

[@RandySchartiger]

That's a good call Cesar thank you for posting it! Yes definitely check the truss especially if you're spending big bucks because they can cease up and break if forced too much! A slight tweak loosening will immediately tell you if the truss works or not.

[@utubehound69]

I just got a Ibanez artwood 12 string it plays & sound Great!!!! & a good deal sitka spruce top rosewood back & sides. The only thing is there's a belly bulge where the bridge mounts. I could see by eye should I send it back?

[@AmirFazadh]

Watchman4u - I would tune down a step to D, humidify it, and monitor it for a week or two. Randy has an easy way to check the belly, stacking coins and using a straightedge. If it stays problematic, install a JLD Bridge Doctor. Another thing would be to use a straightedge and check the neck angle. If it is need of a neck reset, Randy does GREAT work, but it isn't the cheapest procedure in the whole world. I have an old Takamine that I am saving up to have him do a neck reset for me. I already tried the saddle shave, made it playable, but I want to fix it right. Some folks would call me crazy, but it's worth more to me than what I have in it, mostly sentimental value, so I don't have any reservations about Randy working on it.

[@utubehound69]

Thx I was just humidify it it's helped a lil bit. I normally tune down an whole step anyway or at lest an 1/2 step down. I have it have step down & tuned to DADDAD not DADGAD. It really sound good I tuned it up to normal tuning after having it tuned down a whole step last night to see if the belly would come back & it seems like it did so I tuned it back down to DADDAD & put it back in the box w/humidify sponge, I saw that Bridge Doctor thing….but this is a new guitar I don't wanna drill into it & heard that the Bridge DR don't work as well on 12 strings.

[@AmirFazadh]

Ah, new guitar. OK, if it's under warranty, I'd leverage the warranty. New guitars shouldn't have a belly. Also, on my 12, I string a little lighter gauge than what came on it, which helps in my case. Have you looked inside to see if maybe a brace popped its glue? I've actually seen that on a guitar before, in the store. I had an inspection mirror with me, and took a look inside one that had a belly, and the top bracing wasn't glued properly. Told the sales guy to have a look, and he took it off the floor to send it back. Don't know what ever happened to that one, I assume the manufacturer replaced it.

[@adanreyes7595]

You're cool beans brother. You remind me of one of my old friends dad, haven't seen them in a while so you bright those memories back thanks for that. Video was very helpful and entertaining as well

[@commentfreely5443]

he reminds me of Catweasel

[@clawhammer704]

Iv seen headstock and neck cracks on some guitars. Usually just a slide off the side of a chair or wall. Hairline cracks can sometimes be very easily overlooked.

[@joemcgraw5529]

very informative randy very good advice ,been watching your channel for a while but always learn something from you ,q ball is awesome!!!!

[@suzannacrawford6447]

Great advice, also like to add to check for a loose nut (this is no joke by the way). I received a new guitar via UPS a few years back and I usually change the strings to some that I like. Lo and behold.....once I loosened the strings, the nut flipped off! I cleaned up the area real good and glued it back into place, but I can imagine for a new player how disappointing this could be. Great Q-ball fix, she looks good. Tell Earl he needs to tone it down a bit. Have a great evening:D

[@RandySchartiger]

Excellent point! Someone was just telling me a few days ago about changing strings the first time on their brand new guitar and the nut fell right off, he said it was never glued in! So yes checking the nut is an excellent idea, thanks for posting this! And thanks for viewing, Q-ball says hey! :) Hope you're having a great evening this evening my friend! Hold on! :D

[@mikem7976]

I am pretty new to your channel. Subscribed about 2 weeks ago. Been watching alot of your videos lately. I have been playing a little over a year. Thanks to you I understand how the guitar works much better and will be taking better care of it. I have a decent student guitar (Fender CD100). Going to gradually trying out new Tusq stuff on my next few string changes(add a new Tusq component each string change). Tusq saddle arrived a couple days ago. Going to give a Mitchel's PlateMate a go too. My Damp it just arrived yesterday. I especially liked your kind gesture to that young kid by setting up his new guitar for free. Your heart is in the right place, man. Thank for so much for your highly useful videos.

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you for the kind words and thoughts my friend, I am glad my videos are helpful, back in my younger days we didn't have the internet and videos to learn from and if we didn't have someone right there to show us things we'd have to learn them how ever we could, almost all of what I learned was thru experience and trial & error, error mostly lol So that's why I try to teach people here, hopefully can better their knowledge thru these videos. Thank you again for subscribing.

[@ricardocazares5249]

The first part of the video tripped me out lmao

[@RandySchartiger]

lmao thanks for watching!

[@lmSwiZz]

rock on randy this is exactly what the people need

[@georgewocosky]

In a hurry this time around . . . so I didn't read all the comments first :p I'll mention that you should check for neck TWIST , as well as the saddle fitting the neck radius profile ! If the strings are higher in the center of the fretboard , or higher at the 'E' strings , it could indicate a badly shaped saddle ! * Not the end of the world, but an inconvenience if you don't know how to fit one ! Neck twist can be a real bugger , though I've only seen a handful that were WAY out of 'warranty' :p If it feels good & sounds good , PLAY IT ; & make it a KEEPER ! Good stuff Randy !

[@RandySchartiger]

Yes! Great points! I've seen a few twisted necks and you're right they can be a bugger! Thanks for posting this, I knew I'd leave a bunch of stuff out, even with notes! lol Cheers!

[@jonahguitarguy]

All good points Randy. When making new nuts for acoustics or electrics I use the same rule of thumb, on wound strings a little less than half the string above the nut. Of course the plain strings would be deeper, could you imagine having a .009 string .004 out of the nut? When doing set ups I will clean the nut up and lower it too if the strings are buried but I don't bring the string above the nut on an existing guitar. But mostly because educating others can be very difficult.

[@RandySchartiger]

I should have mentioned that about the unwound strings, thanks for posting this. And you're right about educating others on that matter especially, you can read the comments and see that! lol Thanks for tuning in Dane, always appreciated.

[@warrenjansen9871]

Thanks for the 'things to look for'. Also in you video 10:10 - 10:13 mins. your "Tap test" I could hear a heavier tone on the backside upper body .

[@tomahoks]

About the shattering of the lacquer, the small cracks, they are because of freeze. That guitar has been left out cold, I mean subzero temperatures. I have two of them too.

[@jcreasy9358]

Randy, I'd add something of concern to some and that is the serviceability of the neck joint. Some guitars, like the 70s Japanese student cheapos, have doweled butt joints held by epoxy (and other Asian Mystery Joints too numerous to mention) - no one wants to work on these and they've got to be converted to bolt-ons that kill intonation. Lower-end yamahas have nice dovetails, but they're packed with epoxy that won't melt so one wants to work on them. As a newb, I bought a Japanese cheapo for more than I should have paid and the seller pointed to the bolt in the block as evidence of future serviceability (definitely close to needing a reset). I thought it was like the bolt in a Martin's mortise/tenon (which is serviceable), but turns out the bolt was used to hold the expoxied doweled butt joint - $$ lesson learned.

[@Maydoggie]

That is one cute dog!

[@MrMikepresley]

Could you do a video on different ways to clean a guitar, ie,... polishes, wet rag, paper towels, how often should you clean, how wet the rag should be, using clean rags ( I have put minor scratches on my guitars from using rags that had little pieces in the rag). Randy I trust your advice, and its a topic that does not get discussed enough.

[@RandySchartiger]

I've had that to happen before too and it does suck! I will write in my notes to work up a video on this, it's a good subject and as you said not discussed nearly enough, and when you rub those first scratches into your finish it's very disturbing to say the least. Thanks for watching! The cleaning video will be coming down the pipe, probably not soon lol but it'll get here.

[@MrMikepresley]

I really appreciate you taking the time out (from the house that never sleeps) I respect and admire the work you do, I collect guitars and you certainly help add value to my collection because I take what I learn from you and I treat my guitars better! Thank you again Randy, looking forward to the Cleaning Video. (Btw, I don't trust a lot of the chemicals and cylicones that they put in the guitar polishes, I like using a very damp watering cloth, clean hands and a clean cloth, seems to work for me. Thanks again Randy, now I will shut up..lol

[@AliBuchan]

Thanks for the video, some great info in there and the dog is a star! :)

[@mikemagnum7987]

Well Sir? I did not hear no mention about the "nut holdin the guitar" so... I guess ain't much be done in that regard outside a what Earl has going on.....Ha! ;) I couldn't resist Randy....I have learned a great deal and feel very confident in going out and looking at guitars! I like to look just because I like the dang things! Thanks Randy.

[@RandySchartiger]

You and me both! I like them too much I think! lol You gotta keep your back to the wall when ole Earl is around, that SOB is quick! LOL! Thanks for viewing Mike. :)

[@nyacoustics8373]

How much saddle should be sticking out if you measured it with a ruler? as a guideline

[@stevew585]

Hi from London England Randy, awesome video Brother! You have great knowledge Sir, now I'm not totally clueless, Thanks Man!

[@Flat-Pickfan]

Good tips. Thanks Randy!

[@Flat-Pickfan]

No problem, ive learned a lot from you and learned a lot the hard way too. Id rather take someones advice whos been there already haha.

[@RandySchartiger]

Flat-PickFan That's one thing I can say is I've been there for a long long time haha hands on! :)

[@thomastommy1192]

Randy A great video. With A lot of great advice. My brother bought A new Martin D35 back in 2002. It had A loose brace below the saddle. Luckily Martin fixed it.We have a Martin authorized repair luther near where we live. Was an easy fix. But he just got lucky. People take Randy's advice. Like he said. Even new guitars have flaws in them. Thanks for sharing.

[@RandySchartiger]

I've seen that a lot in new guitars, even expensive ones! It pays to check them out good. Thanks for watching Thomas.

[@gregrobinson9827]

Randy Schartiger new martins are bad about the toung of the fingerboard on the top having a gap near the soundhole because they leave a about a 1/4 inch of laquer around it when they glue the neck on and i always try and slide a paper between top and fingerboard and check that as well as the bridge! great video great tips!

[@jhorsty]

Really great information presented in a unique and fun way.Subscribed,and thank you!!!

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you Jim! and thanks for subbing!

[@yvoncormier9762]

@Randy Schartiger I have a Hohner "Countryman" guitar, made in Indonesia, no pick guard, dark mahogany all around. Binding is black. I'm trying to get the year it was made. No serial number either. I'm in a fix.

[@brianjackson9599]

thanks for the cue ball fix Randy

[@RandySchartiger]

haha you're welcome Brian thanks for stopping in!

[@buzzlightyear1191]

Going to buy a new j 45 standard tomorrow my friend. Do you have any tips specific for that guitar ?

[@rsgarza1968]

You're the best Randy! Love your channel. Comparing 2 Eastman's now and I wrote that all down! THANK YOU!

[@RandySchartiger]

Glad to help Gina! Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@ahhimary3475]

I can pass a paper underneath the bridge for few mm only is this an indication that bridge is lifting or margin is not glued on purpose?

[@RandySchartiger]

You shouldn't be able to get paper under your bridge, I would recommend fixing this before it gets any worse.

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Excellent video Randy! I'm thinking about buying a vintage guitar next year so this is helpful.

[@RandySchartiger]

Many thanks for watching John! I'm glad my video helps! And good luck on the new guitar!

[@CrawfishParish]

Great Video again. Thanks for that..

[@RandySchartiger]

You're welcome brother thanks for viewing.

[@myacousticblues]

That damn Earl!.....Sick em' Q ball!!! lmao!!! I think you covered everything there Randy! Another great video! I'm a sucker for an old off the wall acoustic so I learned all these things to look out for early on....or I was buying a wall hanger!! ;-)

[@RandySchartiger]

hahaha Earl would probably get erectified by that! lol Thanks for watching mate and for your comment it is greatly appreciated!

[@Gingerjake2]

After all the other really important stuff you've covered, I think one of the *most* important ones people never think about is how does it feel when you hold it & play it? It can be the most beautiful, perfectly made guitar in the world but if it doesn't fit *you*, then you're not going to be happy with it... My Martin & my Guild have almost identical necks if you look at the stats on them...& the Martin is a $3000.00 guitar, the Guild is an $800.00 guitar. I love playing them both but if I'm honest, that Guild neck, because of the shaping of the back, is the more comfortable one of the two. The Martins neck is a true half circle...the Guilds has a bit of a V shaping to it...my hand fits that so nicely. So the downside to buying a mail order guitar is that you can't try this out... What a great video Randy! As always. Oh & you might want to check Q's teeth...she might have snarfed down a bird! LOL!!!! ~G~ ♪

[@RandySchartiger]

An excellent post! And I can relate directly to it! My $5000 Martin Tyminski has a neck like a fence post! Just as you described it's a half circle, and my cheaper Martin Custom MMV has a really tiny neck and not nearly as wide and feels sooo much better in my hands than the Tyminski, granted the Tyminski sounds much better and I know the beefy neck contributes to that but still, it's not nearly as comfortable or easy to play. The Tyminski was built off Dan Tyminski's old 1940's model Martin. haha Q-ball chases birds when we go for walks, shes a beast as long as the birds fly away but when she runs towards something that doesn't run away she quickly spins around and high tails is back to me! So funny to see! lol

[@Gingerjake2]

Randy Schartiger It's funny, isn' it? And when you go into the Martin factory, they have all these necks hanging on the pegboard walls, each tagged for the guitar they're meant for. People on the tours always ask them 'why so many necks'...I bet they get tired of answering that one! But it really does make such a difference to the player too. Everybody's hands are a little different. I do recall Q scooting after the birds. And 'course me being a bird lover, I'm glad she's lousy at catching them...ha! Why I said about the feathers in her teeth was I remember this cartoon from a long time ago & the dog did that same little cough-y thing she did with her tongue out. Except that in the cartoon a big puff of feathers flew out of the dogs mouth...lol! I think it had eaten a pillow or something. I had to tell you too...the last time I changed strings on my Martin I put those Martin SP's on. That was about a month ago... They are pretty much finished now already. I wonder if I should be more careful wiping them down when I'm finished playing? They aren't coated so maybe that's moisture making them go quicker? Wish me luck this weekend too...I might be getting a new (to me) car. My 22 year old one is ready to retire because I can't get parts anymore but I found a little Subaru Forester in mint condition & cheap! I can do cheap! LOL! TTYS ~G~ ♪

[@RandySchartiger]

Gingerjake2 About a month seems to be how long the Martin MSP's last, not nearly as long as Elixir but I think they sound and feel much truer than Elixir's do. Wiping them off very hard does seem to shorten their life too, I've found that slipping a cloth between the strings and the fretboard, working it all the way up to the nut and then wrapping the rag around all 6 strings and wiping them all 6 down towards the sound hole one time after each time playing seems to be good enough. Once MSP's do go bad they can often still sound decent but become almost impossible to slide on, almost like they are sticky or something. I remember that cartoon! Good lord! I had forgotten that but remember it clearly after reading your comment! :) I like birds too, my mom has two cockatiels and Q likes to watch them in the cage up close when we visit, I'm really glad she doesn't succeed at any of her hunts. Best of luck on the new ride! Getting new wheels is always exciting, and risky! lol I've never owned a Subaru always hear how good they are and how they run as long as the body hold onto them. My brother in law had one that had over 300k miles on it, the body was almost rusted off but it ran perfect, he made countless trips back here from California with it. I never have that kinda luck with ANY vehicle lol

[@everettfargnoli-jb2gi]

How to check for twisted neck

[@CristinaS]

Very interesting info, Randy! Cheers, Cristina

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you Cristina my dear friend for watching! :) I hope the weather there is as beautiful as it is here today and you're enjoying it. Cheers!

[@CristinaS]

Thank you, Randy :-) The weather is chancing here, it's a little colder. Temperatures are from 13° C in the morning to 18°C in the afternoon. I prefer the heat, but it's good as well :-) Greetings from Italy, Cristina

[@RandySchartiger]

Cristina S Last night was the coldest night we've had this season, it got down to 3.8 C and today reached 22.7 C. The hurricane that's hitting our east coast should start effecting us tonight or tomorrow so it's all about to change yet again. I just hope no more flooding like we had in June.BTW I like the heat too, I was freezing last night.

[@CristinaS]

Hi again, Randy (It's 6 am here) I hope you live far from the Hurricane zone. Natural disasters are so scary! I wish a nice day, my friend and a warm greeting from Italy! Cristina

[@Alex83333333]

Hi! what about loose saddle or leaning forward saddle to the neck?

[@howardcunniffe8738]

I've always believed the best thing to do is buy a guitar in a music store.Not the internet. Now Randy,if your reading my post,some of the things you say makes sense like check if the guitar has cracks or if the frets have dents.Make sure your neck is straight. What I would like to add is,when buying in a store,play the guitar and hear if it's got a good sound to it.Make your money worth buying something for.When buying on the internet,your taking risks in what your buying.Sure the internet will tell you they will double box the guitar for you.But your still taking risk.When that guitar you bought on the internet gets put on a UPS truck,the driver has no clue what is in that box.He puts your guitar in that truck with other packages and it gets damaged,is the internet company you bought that guitar from going to take responsibility for your lost. Is UPS taking any responsibility for other packages falling on top of it? You make the call!

[@irongoatrocky2343]

Did anyone mention that ya forgot to take that POS Stew-Mac mirror and check the bridge plate!

[@gordonday7615]

My old Fender 12 string has those surface cracks on it, but I bought it used in 1977,still play it, I do have another 12 string I take out more. How do you fix those little cracks?

[@mgunde]

thanks for the info.

[@benaaronmusic]

I'm having some of that "Shattered Glass" finish with the top of my 2011 Martin D-28. Only where I rest my forearm. I'm praying it's not going to lead to any more serious problems. Is it just an aesthetic problem? It seems like I could have prevented it by cleaning it more or something. Thanks for the great tips, Randy.

[@RandySchartiger]

It happens from the guitar drying out and becoming more humidified then drying out again, this process goes on without us seeing it, if you can keep the humidity around your guitar 45% to 55% this will never happen, but that;s easier said than done. Also it being taken from very cold temps rapidly to ver warm causing condensation can cause shattering. Thanks for tuning in Ben, much appreciated.

[@benaaronmusic]

Randy Schartiger thank you for the clarification, Randy.

[@tonee667]

Great video!

[@likeakite]

Nice advice Randy.....as well as a straight edge may as well take a fret rocker too? Cheers buddy !

[@RandySchartiger]

Yes good point! Thanks for that! And thanks for viewing! Cheers! :)

[@Matiasbiteh]

Hi randy I recently bought a martin d41 from 1991 and the binding is separate behind the neck. What do you recommend me? I’m in Florida at the moment

[@saoirsepaddy]

Cool quick tip picks :) ps. I'll ship out my citten Tuesday ! I'll send you some Beer and I have a Dan Crary Capo to give away and some another things too :)

[@RandySchartiger]

Very cool mate, let me know when you ship and I'll make sure someone is here on the day it arrives, if noone is here they leave it on the carport and I don't like them dropping off a guitar like that, so I'll make sure someone is here. Coolness on the beer and capo! :)

[@oatgibson]

There is a hairline crack on my martin 00028 on its heel i could insert a paper in there. Does that mean that i need to have a neck reset ? My saddle is also very low too but the guitar plays great with low action and no string buzz

[@RandySchartiger]

I wouldn't reset the neck if it plays that good, I would seal that crack tho with finish or glue to keep any elements like dust and polish from getting in there.

[@oatgibson]

Randy Schartiger thank you very much for the reply. Also im wondering if i want to put a new saddle in to get more volume, would i be able to get the action nice and low ? Because right now the neck has a little bit of bow shape on it and my martin is made in 2004.

[@RandySchartiger]

@@oatgibson yes you can get it as low as it is right now, maybe a little lower it depends on how much of your saddle sticks up above the surface of the bridge. you'll probably have to remove a lot of material away from the saddle but yes you can do it.

[@malexponce]

Randy, what's your opinion on Fender acoustic guitars? The ones I've put my hands on have not made a big impression. Of course, it could be that the ones that come to Venezuela are the cheapest ones, still I'm curious to see your opinion.

[@RandySchartiger]

For the most part Yamaha guitars aren't too bad, I've in fact played a few that were extremely nice but they are few and far between, it seems older Yamaha's are better sounding, possibly because they are older but for the money they are ok.

[@malexponce]

Sure, Yamaha's are cool, it was Fender I was wondering about hahahaha.

[@RandySchartiger]

Manuel Gonzalez lol sorry for that, someone else was asking about Yamaha I probably told them about Fenders lol Fender is about the same as Yamaha in acoustic guitars, they aren't bad for the money and every now and then you'll come across one that really sticks out in sound and tone, they are built well, a little lighter than Yamaha's and usually sound a little better IMO than Yamaha's do because of lighter woods used.

[@rickygarner7719]

Great advice thanks 👍🏻

[@timcox4046]

love your vids man but is there a way to work on the lighting in your room that would be awsome

[@RandySchartiger]

That's what the support button is for :) I am actually looking at more lighting, it's a big room I just need to get this corner of it lit better.

[@timcox4046]

yes sir i understand a little at a time buddy. keep up the good work

[@blackfender100]

Thanks Randy.In your opinion what is the cheapest solid top acoustic that you could recommend.

[@RandySchartiger]

Probably would be a Sigma or a low end Blueridge, both are very good sounding guitars and well built for the money.

[@blackfender100]

Thanks Randy.Unlike you I have 12 electrics and no acoustic.

[@RandySchartiger]

Joe Dov I remember a time in my younger years I had 7 electrics and no acoustic, and a banjo! lol I pretty played electrics all the time accept for the banjo, weird combination I know.

[@JohnShalamskas]

I bought a low end Blueridge (BR-40) recently and replaced the plastic bridge pins with bone, which was a definite improvement for only 12 bucks. It has a great sound, the forward shifted X bracing makes it sound a little more nasal than standard bracing. I also got a professional setup done which made it easier to play well - slightly lower action, light fret levelling, and straightened out a dip in the neck at the 13th fret on the bass string side. The laminated back and sides are more stable with temperature and humidity changes (like travelling to lessons) than my higher end solid wood guitars, and it still sounds amazing for the money spent. The intonation is not bad, pretty close to guitars that cost 6 times as much.

[@steveharris2589]

Good video!!!!!🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks for checking it out Steve!

[@guysmiley1242]

What's your opinion of the Yamaha fg800 series? I'm interested in an 830...all solid wood. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@RandySchartiger]

they are great guitars for the money, yamaha used hyde glue, wood glue and epoxy to glue the neck onto some of them, try to find out if epoxy was used and stay away from it if so, they are extremely hard to reset the neck should it ever need done. thanks for watching!

[@miguelfernandes7353]

Awesome work Randy. Ive been following your channel not for a long time and found it amazing so far. Regarding this video, i would like your opinion on a guitar with a great strings break angle due a high saddle, however the neck alignment with the bridge is a bit lower which cause a high action special from 8 fret onwards. Thanks a lot

[@rupertradar7424]

Another comment about the TRUSS ROD. I bought an electric off eBay from SixStringsKatana (I think) in Japan. Paid nearly $1000 for a guitar that I discovered the truss rod was completely snapped off. Could not get my money back. Seller would not even reply.

[@rod4129]

Good advice.. I bought a '71 D35, arrived yesterday from Chicago Music Exchange, frets are nearly new, neck was reset, cracks were repaired.. hope I made the right decision in paying $2200 for it.. I think the back has Brazilian and Indian rosewood in it.. thoughts?

[@RandySchartiger]

probably is brazilian, it should be ok if the repairs were properly done. thanks for watching!

[@Jdotm]

What’s your opinion on the Epiphone EJ-200? I bought one yesterday (vintage sunburst), and I’m just waiting for it to arrive in the mail. It’s certainly not it’s $5000+ Father Gibson, but a lot of people seem to like it. I bought it because it’s the exact model one of my heroes used before he was anybody. I think Lennon had a Gibson J-200, as well, but that’s beside the point. Just curious if you’ve had any experience with that particular Epiphone model. I suspect I’ll have to do a little set up, and I’ll almost definitely change the saddle and bridge pins.

[@RandySchartiger]

yes I have set up several Epiphone EJ-200 guitars glued braces in a couple that weren't taken very good care of, I have a friend owns a Gibson J200 and I would put the Epiphone EJ-200 right up there with it, amazing they can build and seel such a nice axe for the prices they go for,I think after you set it up you'll be very happy!

[@ac0ustic78]

hi randy love your videos.. I've just brought a Ashbury acoustic ,had one before and was amazed at the quality for a solid top at £130 .. bone nut saddle and great natural finish. this one which I got off Amazon was a used one think maybe a old display or something it came in original box ect. anyway I've got tuning problems it sounds awfully crap when tuned up standard tuning.. the action is really low and the saddle looks low and definitely had a shave or Two..I've checked the truss rod...not adjusted it just to see if it's tight but it's quite loose .. I'm gonna re-string and was wondering for any suggestions.. also I've had a good look inside the sound hole held it up to light and in a couple of places can see a bit of bracing has chipped and daylight is visible but not shining through thers no holes or cracks in the binding. cheers your a brilliant teacher

[@tallthinkev]

One of the best things you can do is take a mate with you, one who also plays. Two sets of eyes and someone who can play the guitar so you can hear it from a good few yards away. No real need for a mirror, use the camera on your phone.

[@RandySchartiger]

That's an excellent idea! Thanks for adding it, both of them! :) And thanks for watching mate, cheers!!

[@tallthinkev]

Don't forget, drink more beer!

[@repeatoffender9902]

Hey randy what if your bridge is a tad higher than the finger board is that ok and I have a Martin mmv do u know wht bracing pattern they use iv herd a fram x fram can u help me out and how can I make it more articulable and brighter I got plenty bass thx I luv your videos have watched them all your great

[@RandySchartiger]

I have an MMV, they are Sitka non-scalloped X type bracing non-shifted. I shaved the braces in mine and helped it a lot, put in a tusq saddle and enlarged the sound hole, it really woke the guitar up and is very loud now.

[@repeatoffender9902]

Also my actions kind of high I can fit two quarters and a 50mm pick on the 12 fret is that to high I’m a new player my saddle isn’t small I think I could take sum off any suggestions how to sup up a Martin mmv I think I herd u say u shaved the braces on one

[@anjumariaphilipose6554]

Hey Randy..i have heard acoustic guitars do tend to improve over time(especially the martins) but i got a yamaha guitar that cost me 200 bucks and it does have a solid sitka spruce tops...so do they improve over time.?.if so how much time does it take to open up?

[@RandySchartiger]

it depends a lot on how much it's played, the more you play it the sooner it opens up. thanks for viewing!

[@tonee667]

Hey Randy. I bought me a MD 100 Mitchell and tried to lower the action by taking off some of the saddle and now I got a buzz . Any pointers on how to fix it now? I measured the height on the action on the low E 12 fret and I am about a little under 3/16. I was thinking about investing in a tusk saddle .

[@RandySchartiger]

You probably would like the difference in sound Tusq would make. In fact that's what I'd do to fix the buzzing problem is order a tusq saddle and sand it down the the height you like. Until then, you could put a tooth pick under your saddle inside the slot, this would raise it by the thickness of the tooth pick.

[@spudchabaz]

Would you mind giving me an opinion on guild d125ce if nothing else just based on its specs? I value your work and opinion. thanks.

[@RandySchartiger]

They are a great guitar for the money! One that I set up had a 16 inch radius so you wouldn't be doing any serious string bending on it but yes they are good quality guitars and seem to be holding up well. The GAD guild d125ce has better wood in it and probably sounds better.

[@alamosabill201]

Randy i always thought the flatter the radius the easier it is to bend, i have a 7.25 strat and find it much harder to bend than on my flatter fretboard on my Gibson, or is this different for acoustics?

[@RandySchartiger]

Simon Bradbury No Simon you are 100% correct! I'm glad you caught this, I was thinking backwards when I made that post and obviously too much to drink last night lol Actually a 16 inch radius would be excellent for string bending. Thanks for pointing this out. :)

[@spudchabaz]

Thanks for the help guys. Keep up the great videos Randy

[@krustybuzzard2477]

my old martin has lacquer checks like that they all do it lacquer is very brittle.

[@RandySchartiger]

This one looks like shattered glass but you have to have the light right and really look to see it.

[@krustybuzzard2477]

Yep cars do the same thing.

[@subhrajitghosh666]

very helpful....cheers from India

[@RandySchartiger]

Very happy to hear that and happy you found my video helpful! Thanks for viewing my friend! Cheers!

[@subhrajitghosh666]

:) (y)

[@johnavy1722]

Think you sir

[@RandySchartiger]

thanks for watching!

[@ABsolutly-st2mh]

We see the shatters

[@johnrossell7471]

watch for sound hole warpage

[@sweetswing1]

channel rocks

[@RandySchartiger]

ThingsAreLookingUp it's got a whif of meth in it lol thanks mate ;)

[@sweetswing1]

Randy Schartiger haha awesome

[@olcountryboy5485]

gOOD INFO bROTHER

[@SpiritualOnslaught]

hahahahahahha Q~Ball, watch out!! Earls up to his shenanigans again, bust him up!

[@RandySchartiger]

LOL! Earl probably would like that! lmao

[@krustybuzzard2477]

that heal on yours is like mine is tight as a frogs ass water tight.

[@RandySchartiger]

Yep that's the way they should fit.

[@teridacktaljones4553]

Thanks for making great video's they are very very helpful knowledge about guitars thanks .. Wilson ,lol

[@RandySchartiger]

You're welcome my friend thank you for checking them out, I'm glad they are helpful.

[@zplapplap]

That intro!!! Too damn funny!!

[@yinyangja]

You want at least a solid spruce top, not laminated. I think that's around $300-up or so. For solid back & sides it's gonna be $800-up. But I think the top is the most important for the vibrations. And over time a real solid spruce top will age and loosen up and sound even better. A laminated piece of wood is gonna be the same forever. It has to say "Solid" wood. Even a beginner should get a solid spruce top, solid wood back & sides even better.

[@RandySchartiger]

I must agree! :) Myself I wouldn't bother even looking at laminated guitars tho they are not all bad, but if you want the sound you have to pay for it as you suggested. I'm going to do a video soon to show how you can tell if a guitar is solid or laminated. Thanks John!

[@yinyangja]

That will be so awesome

[@yinyangja]

I was wrong...Fender DG-8S is solid spruce top w/accessories. $199, so a great deal for beginner.

[@jontrine1062]

This guy is hilarious!

[@technicknb]

Its always a bad idea.. Probably it was dropped, played outside.. Allways a huge risk.. Usually people dont sell their loved guitars, it means they dont enjoy it anymore, and sell.. I know a guy who forgot his guitar in his cars trunk for 2 weeks in very cold weather, and sold it later.

[@RandySchartiger]

wow that's a long time, I'd be surprised if it didn't damage the guitar. thanks for viewing!

[@guymandude999]

5:09 I made nuts, glued bridges, and buffed the entire situation to a mirror for a top 5 company, and your nut does not make feng shui sense man. You have 2 planes converging and you put that bulbous mess in there to complete the poetry

[@seymills]

got a nice yamaha FG340T...all laminate ..but man its sounds amazing....think it was made back in early 80's....with a great fishman pickup...this baby sings :)

[@ep8470]

Thx for making this...lol, I'll take that Martin of ur hands if its "no good" lol ...jk....

[@jeffbryan3224]

the dog's more in tune than you are! lol

[@RachelSemeson]

Wtf Earl?!

[@krustybuzzard2477]

qball must be taken French I couldn't understand her for a second

[@RandySchartiger]

lol I never heard her do that before, I thought she had a fur ball in her mouth lol

[@bigred4592]

don't drive your fist through it....

[@RandySchartiger]

a good point lol thanks for checking out my videos!

[@umairakhter8276]

Handy