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28 October 2008 - BBZGuitars of High Wycombe has launched a free set of guidelines for parents, family members and friends who may be thinking about buying a guitar as a gift for someone this Christmas but are not able to play the guitar themselves. The guidelines, which were developed in conjunction with local guitar teacher Danny Lamb, are designed to help non-guitarists select an instrument of quality that offers good value for money and will not need replacing after six months of play.

"There are a number of precautions you can take to ensure you get a good instrument but, easily, the most important is to hear the guitar before you buy; if you don't play yourself, ask the dealer to play it for you," said Danny.

However, whilst Danny is keen to advocate buying musical instruments from a specialist, he recognizes that many people, particularly parents buying Christmas presents for children, will be tempted by online offers and supermarket deals and may not have the opportunity to hear the guitars they are buying.

"It's easy to be seduced by the kind of low prices on offer from Internet sites, catalogue shops and supermarkets, particularly when they're recognizable brands, like Gibson, Aria or Fender," said Danny. "What you need to understand as a first-time buyer, however, is that they are not the same high-quality instruments that made these companies famous; in my experience, they're rarely well-made, frequently unplayable out of the box, and have virtually no-resale value."

Danny believes the popularity of computer games like Guitar Hero will fuel Internet sales of guitars in the run-up to Christmas but is concerned that lack of quality and playability in the instruments purchased online will mean that many new guitarists will not be inspired on their musical journey and may well abandon their guitar before the year is out.

"Not all budding guitarists will grow into the next rock god. Those that are taken by the guitar bug always want a new guitar, I still do and I am on my 22nd now," said Danny. "But in any event, the best way to progress is to go to your local guitar shop and take the advice of the sales people. Internet purchasing is okay for things you know about but when you're just starting out it's always best to see an expert."

For the full list of purchasing guidelines for first-time guitar buyers, visit www.bbzguitars.co.uk/blog.

BBZGuitars offers an extensive range of guitars to suit all levels of budget and ability, including Vintage, Italia, Washburn, Gordon Smith, First Act, Hamer, Indie, Tanglewood and Antoria. Owner Steve Busby, a former professional guitarist, is happy to demonstrate any of the products on-sale and is always willing to negotiate a good price on guitar and amp starter-packages. BBZGuitars is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10.00 – 5.30) and is located at Unit 10 Cressex Enterprise Centre (BasePoint), Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, BUCKS, HP12 3RL. For information on any of the guitars on sale, contact 01494 533554 or visit www.bbzguitars.co.uk. To contact Danny Lamb, call BBZGuitars in the first instance.