Guitars

The best selection of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amplifiers and effects always at the guaranteed lowest prices. Fast, free shipping.
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Guitars, Amplifiers and Effects

Starting with the basics, a guitar is a stringed musical instrument typically constructed with body, a neck, and a headstock. The body of a guitar is usually made of wood and can have different shapes such as dreadnought, concert, or parlor. It houses the soundhole (on acoustic guitars) or pickups (on electric guitars) that capture the vibrations of the strings and amplify them to produce sound. The neck of a guitar is a long, slender piece attached to the body, and it usually contains frets, which are metal strips embedded into the wood. You press the Guitar Strings against the frets to change the pitch of the notes. At the headstock of the guitar, you'll find tuning pegs that allow you to adjust the tension of the strings and tune them to the desired pitch.

Electric vs Acoustic Guitars

We have thousands of guitars, so when you're looking to buy your next instrument, one way to narrow down the options is to decide if you want an Electric Guitar or an Acoustic Guitar. The Acoustic Guitar initially gained popularity during the Renaissance of the 15th century. During this time, the guitar evolved from its early ancestor, the lute. Depictions of 16th century musicians show a more rounded body and the now standard 6-string configuration. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a surge in popularity for the acoustic guitar, with the instrument becoming a staple in folk, blues, and country music. Some of the guitar Brands from this era are still dominant today like Martin Acoustic Guitars, which are still made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. 

Acoustic guitars produce sound acoustically, relying on the vibration of the strings to resonate through the body and create sound without the need for amplification. On the other hand, electric guitars use pickups and require an amplifier to produce sound. The invention and popularization of the electric guitar revolutionized the music industry and introduced new possibilities for musicians. The electric guitar's rise to prominence can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s when innovators like Les Paul, Leo Fender, and others began experimenting with electric amplification. Advancements in electronics and the invention of pickups allowed the guitar's sound to be electronically amplified, leading to a significant shift in the way guitars were played and heard. However, from our experience, the demand for the Electric Guitar really manifested after the Beatles performance on Ed Sullivan in 1964.

Guitar Amplifiers

The history of guitar amplifiers is closely intertwined with the development of the electric guitar.The first guitar amplifiers were relatively simple and used vacuum tube technology, which was the dominant technology for amplification at the time. Early pioneers, such as George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker, experimented with different designs and configurations to achieve higher volume and distortion. These early amplifiers had low power output and limited tonal control.In the 1950s and 1960s, guitar amplifiers underwent significant advancements. Companies like Fender and Vox introduced iconic models such as the Fender Twin Reverb and the Vox AC30, which became renowned for their clean tones and versatility. Tube amplifiers were widely used during this period and helped shape the distinctive sound of rock 'n' roll, blues, and other genres.In 1962, Marshall Amplification was founded by Jim Marshall, introduction a distinctive sound that powered iconic Rock n Roll guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. 

Guitar Effects

The advent of Electric Guitars and Guitar Amplifiers unleashed the endless search for the perfect tone. To help musicians in the pursuit, several brilliant minds started inventing Guitar Effects.Often taking the form of a floor based pedal that would sit between a Guitar and an Amplifier, Guitar effects allow you to create your own unique sound, One of the earliest guitar effects was the tremolo effect, which was achieved by varying the volume of the guitar signal to create a pulsating or "trembling" sound. The advent of the electric guitar's popularity and the rise of rock music fueled the demand for effects pedals. Companies like Maestro, Electro-Harmonix, and Dallas Arbiter introduced pedals such as the Fuzz, Wah, and Phaser, which became iconic sounds of the era. With the advancement of digital technology in the 1990s and new millineum, guitar effects entered a new era. Digital effects processors and multi-effects units offered guitarists a vast array of effects in a single device. However, similar to the staying power of Classic Rock from the 60s and 70s, we have seen a resurgence in single effect Stombox style analog pedals. Boutique Pedal Brands like Earthquaker Devices from Akron Ohio and Walrus Audio continue to create classic analog pedals. Other notable figures in the boutique pedal awakening include JHS Pedals founded by the charismatic Josh Scott, Wampler, and Strymon. Today, guitar effects have become an integral part of modern music, allowing guitarists to sculpt their tone, create unique sounds, and push the boundaries of sonic experimentation. From iconic vintage pedals to cutting-edge digital processors, the world of guitar effects continues to evolve, offering musicians an ever-expanding palette of sonic possibilities.

 

We are proud to offer a vast selection of top-brand acoustic and electric guitars on our website.  If you're looking for other "things with strings" - such as ukulelesbanjos, or mandolins, don't worry - we've got you covered. And don't miss our awesome selection of left-handed guitarsstringsparts and accessories.

If you're looking for the best of the best, you have to check out our Guitars Of Distinction collection. We have Electric Guitars Of Distinction, Acoustic Guitars Of Distinction and Bass Guitars Of Distinction. We've assembled an amazing selection of instruments from the top brands in the industry, each individually photographed and, for electric guitars, weighed, so you can view the actual instrument you will receive. We have Electric Guitars Of Distinction, Acoustic Guitars Of Distinction and Bass Guitars Of Distinction.

We are committed to offering the latest gear from all of your favorite brands. Whether you are looking for an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar, you'll find it here at Sam Ash - and it will be at the guaranteed lowest price and with fast, free shipping on most items!

Expert Advice and The Guaranteed Lowest Price!

Serving musicians since 1924, Sam Ash is proud to be part of your musical journey! If you have any questions about the products we sell, our staff of professional musicians have the answers. Just give us a call at 1-800-472-6274 and they will be glad to help you select the right piece of gear to suit your needs and budget.