Guitar Buying Tips in Singapore

Hiya all,

Let's kick start the year with a "Where to buy guitars and stuff" guide in Singapore. My students often ask me this question so I feel the need to put it down on stone so that everyone out there may benefit from the information. (Warning!! It's a long post! Read only if you have time.)

For the beginner guitarists, it's easy to be overwhelmed (and conned) by the choices available in Singapore in regard to the matter of purchasing a guitar. For many guitar students, they simply buy a guitar from their music school or from Yamaha music (simply because most Singaporeans have already associated guitar with Yamaha, kudos to them, they have been very effective in their marketing.) I wrote this unbiased (I try to be....) guitar buying guide for two reasons:

1) To share my experience and help beginner guitar students get the best deal in Singapore. Too many lousy China made guitars being peddaled by unscruplous businessmen out to make a quick buck. Too many guitar students being cheated.

2) To help them see that what their music school offers may not always be the best. I submit this to you. This is my personal opinion. You are welcome to disagree. The places recommended are not in any order of rating. Emphasis will be on classical/acoustic guitars.

Ok, here goes...

a) Maestro Guitars
Very good quality guitars available for the beginner students. They do Singapore proud. Affordable quality beginner classical guitars. You can't go wrong with a Maestro. However, I am told by professional classical guitarists that Maestro still has a long way to go before their concert series guitars are able to match up with the Spanish makers in terms of tone and colour. Their Blueridge acoustic series are also worth a look. Impressive sound. Excellent before and after sales service. http://www.maestroguitars.com/

b) Davis Guitars
Good range of acoustic, classical and electric guitars. Their guitar strings are probably the cheapest in Singapore. I recommend the Takamine acoustic guitars. Great place also to pick up quality guitar accessories. Value for money. Good service though shop space might be a bit cramped due to crowd. A must-stop for guitarists.http://www.davisguitar.com/

c) Swee Lee Music
They've been around for years. Huge selection of classical, acoustic and electric guitars.Try out the Manuel Rodrigues classical guitars. A little expensive but Spanish-made guitars are always worth the money. Congress (China made) guitars are a good choice for the amateur weekend player. Cheap and good.Ibanez acoustic guitars are also another excellent choice. My favourite is the Ibanez Art Wood series. They also carry a huge range of beautiful Epiphone electric guitars. Try asking for a discount at the shop. Oh... and did I mention that they hold two 50% sales a year, somewhere around June and December? http://www.sweelee.com.sg/

d) City Music Centre
Lesser choices than Swee Lee. However, they have great sales service and quality products. Check out their Custom Acoustic classical/acoustic guitars. Affordable and excellent!They also carry the amazing VariaX electric guitars and the famed Martin Co. guitars. Annual year end month long December sale. Miss it at your own peril! You'll regret it. http://www.citymusic.com.sg/

e) The Guitar Workshop
Level 3 Bras Basah Complex, tucked in a corner. Great range of well-maintained second hand guitars and new guitars, and excellent service by friendly people. I always go there for my guitar repairs. Cheap and good.

f) Luthier Guitar Centre
Luthier housebrand classical guitars are excellent in terms of sound and volume. Owner Yudi Kwok was a former professional classical guitarist so he knows his stuff very well. Check out his Azahar guitars made in Spain. Sweet crisp clear tone. www.luthierguitar.com

g) Guitar 77
If you are into great sounding electric guitars and you don't spending a little more, check out Guitar 77. They carry quality products and have built quite a following amongst electric guitar players in Singapore. If I am not mistaken, the owner is a well known rock musician so he knows his stuff. http://www.guitar77.com/

God Bless. Happy Shopping!!