When choosing a new guitar, I follow this 8 steps methodology:
1. What music/song I want to play?
- For illustration, I want to play EC acoustic unplugged songs
- This will narrow down to type of guitar - Acoustic Guitar
2. What does the artist(s) use?
- EC uses a Martin 000-28EC (and a lot more .... but use this for illustration)
3. What's my budget?
- If you have it, buy the Martin else look some more
- For illustration, budget about S$300-400
4. Based on my budget, what are the acoustic guitars available
- check out music online store for indication of price range, eg. music123
- this will narrow down the models of guitars
5. What are the features I desire
- such as solid top acoustic, dreadnought
- further narrowed the models
6. What are the reviews of these models?
- check out website like harmony central
- based on review and judgement, further narrowed to a few
7. Where can I find it in Singapore?
- Call the major stores
- Try it out and let your feelings guide you
8. Are you likely to be a GAS victim?
IF NO, - Buy the guitar with the 'feel'
IF YES, - go and buy the Martin. That will stop you searching for a while
Hope that make life a little easier when you go shopping next. :wink: