From beginners to professionals, it is important when looking for a new guitar to know what brands will offer the best in quality, range and sound production. Buyers should be aware of what body shape will best suit their needs, which materials provide the best quality, and which guitars offer good sound in a visually appealing guitar.

Deciding on a body shape will depend on what you are using the guitar for. A steel-stringed dreadnought acoustic guitar is great for stand alone performances by artists with a little experience. It has a bigger, more bass sound than the smaller classic body guitar, and a tone that many artists prefer.

On the other hand, those playing together with a band are likely to go for a smaller instrument like a classic or artist acoustic guitar. The smaller body shape produces a treble sound that will carry over the sounds of the other instruments while minimizing feedback. They also make a good instrument size for beginners as they are easier to hold.

One of the best instruments you can buy is the Alvarez acoustic guitar. This manufacturer, based in St Louis, Missouri, is renowned for producing excellent quality instruments for all levels of ability. They have a far-reaching history for attention to tradition, quality and detail. Many guitarists prefer the tone produced by an Alvarez. The guitars are usually produced in China, but some higher-end instruments are actually hand-crafted by Kazou Yairi in Gifu, Japan.

The Regent series is amongst the most popular in the Alvarez range. Unlike other brands, Alvarez ensures that these entry level instruments are maintain the highest possible quality, providing tuning stability and optimum tone. They are highly recommended for beginners.

The Masterworks series is at the other end of the scale, offering the absolute best in performance and careful attention to the appearance of the instrument. The discerning artist will pay a little extra to benefit from the superior quality and tone of these guitars.

Another highly distinguished manufacturer of guitars is Takamine. They first began making guitars in 1962, with a focus on innovation and designs to suit the progression of musical styles and techniques. They were the first to produce acoustic/electric guitars, and they have not ceased in their pursuit to create a wide variety of instruments for all different musical tastes. Originally a small family business, the quality of their instruments has ensured international success and Takamine is now amongst the biggest names in acoustic guitars. The Takamine acoustic guitar often resembles Martin guitars, but are marketed at a much lower price.

While Takamine offers a huge range of guitars to suit all budgets and levels of playing, many prefer the sound of Alvarez guitars. The Takamine produces a more crisp, clean tone, while the Alvarez is well-liked for its more mellow tones. In the end, however, it is down to personal preference. There is no one guitar that can be recommended for all players, so try out a few different brands and styles to find out which you like best.