Finding the right acoustic guitar is a journey every player understands. My own started with a graduation gift, a Fender dreadnought that, while not fancy, became a workhorse during my bar band days. It wasn’t a Bentley Guitar in terms of prestige or price, but it was exactly what I needed to start my musical journey. This guitar, a D-18 clone, boasted a sitka top and laminate hog back and sides, finished with a square Martin-like headstock – a detail I appreciated, having never been a fan of Fender’s typical 6-on-a-side headstocks for acoustics.
Initially, at Swarthmore Music, I was drawn to the flashier, all-laminate guitars in the same price range. However, the salesman’s patient guidance led me to this simpler model. He emphasized the superior sound and playability, qualities that proved invaluable. Truthfully, that plain dreadnought earned me more money than any of my subsequent Martins ever did. It taught me a crucial lesson: substance often outweighs style, especially when it comes to musical instruments. Just like a finely crafted Bentley car prioritizes performance and quality engineering beneath a stylish exterior, a great guitar’s true value lies in its sound and playability.
However, the dreadnought size presented a challenge. Being a smaller player, holding it comfortably while standing was difficult. In my early, enthusiastic strumming days, I played so intensely that I wore down the top above the pickguard. This led to painful splinters drawing blood – a badge of honor for a dedicated, if slightly reckless, young musician! This was long before the internet offered quick solutions and before I had disposable income for repairs. My resourceful fix? A 2″x 3″ patch of satin Scotch tape. Far from a professional repair job, but it did the trick!
Years later, I noticed the same wear pattern emerging on my J-40, similar to the corduroy finish in a picture I once saw online. This time, I consciously adjusted my technique, forcing myself to strum over the pickguard, even though my preference was the softer feel and tone of strumming closer to the neck. It was a compromise, changing a deeply ingrained habit. Eventually, I discovered that switching from medium to light gauge strings allowed me to achieve the sound I desired while strumming “properly,” preventing further damage to the guitar top. This adjustment not only preserved my guitar but also broadened my understanding of how equipment choices and technique adjustments can refine one’s playing experience. Just as choosing the right model and features is crucial when considering a high-end purchase like a Bentley, selecting the right guitar and setup is essential for any musician seeking optimal performance and longevity from their instrument.
