How do I make a Squier SA100 acoustic guitar play and sound like a more expensiv

Question:I just ordered a Squier SA100 a couple of days ago. I'm a beginner, so I don't know much about guitars. I heard that the sound could be improved by restringing it with better strings. I was wondering if there was anything else that I could do to make the guitar be at its best. I don't want to put too much into it cost-wise since I'm just starting out, but I do want to make it fun to play. Any tips would be great.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I just ordered a Squier SA100 a couple of days ago. I'm a beginner, so I don't know much about guitars. I heard that the sound could be improved by restringing it with better strings. I was wondering if there was anything else that I could do to make the guitar be at its best. I don't want to put too much into it cost-wise since I'm just starting out, but I do want to make it fun to play. Any tips would be great.

As soon as you get it, take it to a music store and ask them to have it set up and intonated. Ask them to put some new strings on it, as well.

Getting a guitar set up means that the tech will check the action and make sure the strings aren't too high off the fretboard, but also not so low as to cause fret buzz. Getting a guitar intonated means that they will adjust the guitar to make sure that your guitar is in tune all the way up the neck. Some things can affect intonation - changing string gauge, an improper set up, temperature/humidity changes, etc - so it's a good idea to establish that your guitar is in tune and sounds right anywhere on the neck to start.

They'll also notice if the neck is warped or if there are any structural defects that you may not notice. That way you can return the guitar within the warranty period, right?

I strongly recommend getting Elixir acoustic strings. They're very expensive, for strings, usually starting no less than 12$ a pack. The benefit is that they're nickel wound, which means a slightly mellower tone than your normal steel string, and they're coated, which means your strings will sound nicer for longer before finger gunk and skin oil corrode them.

I strongly recommend picking up either Guitar Honey or (my personal favorite) GHS Fast Fret. Put either one before you play - it'll lube your fingers a bit and make it easier to slide around on your strings. They'll also help protect your strings to a certain degree. I strongly urge you to wipe your strings off after every time you play - a cotton cloth or old (clean) ripped t-shirt work just fine. This removes the gunk and oil that corrode your strings, and greatly extend string life. I usually run some Fast Fret over my strings after I wipe them down, too. I don't know if it helps, I just do it. =)

The set-up/intonation can cost you anywhere from 20 to 60 dollars. I know it's a big chunk of money, but the benefits are huge - you'll know your guitar is free (or not free!) of structural defects, your action will be where it needs to be (nothing more frustrating than super high or buzzy low action!), your guitar will be in tune all the way up and down the neck, and you won't have to worry about changing strings for a while. =)

There isn't much more you can do, really, with an acoustic. Keep it in a stable environment - be aware that when it's environment changes temperature and/or humidity it will go out of tune, and over time may start to warp. It's okay to take it out and play with it at the beach or whatever, of course ... but don't leave it in the garage overnight, okay? Keep it the same place where you would feel comfortable keeping a hamster. (Weird thought, but it works)

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your new guitar!

PS If you ever want to tune down, or get into altered tunings, or just want a better tuner, I highly recommend the Korg CA-20.

Saul

well it all depends on how its built...i have a squier and it had a couple of buzz frets (they don't work) so check for that, and see if the strings are nylon or brass (brass is better) and you want to change the strings every 2 months....ummmm make shure its in tune cuz if u don't it will sound horrable

you can use different pedals like a boss chorus to make it sound fuller. plus a better amp cant hurt. this is my guitar that i only spen $200 on and i think it sounds good. i just use a boss chorus like i said. and yse light gage string would make it sound good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAEuu0Gh0...

Just make sure to use High quality Strings. Sometimes manufactures or shop distributors use low end string on the unit that's why it sometimes sounds like crap when you first try playing the guitar. Branded Strings are a bit expensive but it's well worth it if you are conscious about your sound. Second make sure you have a decent guitar tuner at you side to keep your recitals in perfect tune. ROTOSOUND strings are a good-sounding inexpensive set of strings, they average around 8$ or 9$ a set compared to the GHS or Martin's.