Which is better to buy: vintage guitars or new guitars? While it might seem obvious to some, you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses on an 8-point rubric. And when you walk it through these considerations, you might be shocked at the results.
Figuring our whether a vintage or new acoustic guitar is right for you can be as standardized as you want it to be. You can go by feel, you can do a pros and cons list, or you can borrow my 8-point guide to determine your direction.
I get asked all the time which is a better purchase: vintage or new. It truly depends on what you're looking for. There are some broad generalizations you can make, but if you like a guitar even though it's outside of your preconceived idea of what you should purchase, don't feel limited.
Vintage guitars have tons of strengths, some that, in your mind, may outweigh all of the strengths of buying a new guitar. Whichever decision you think is right is the important one. If you disagree with my rubric, that's totally fine. I invite you to share yours in the comments and let people know how your rubric worked for you! 
Featured in this episode...- Riddy Arman  - WesternAF  - Dust to Digital  - Sweetwater  - Mule Resophonic Guitars

Vintage vs. New Acoustic Guitars (No-brainer choice?) ★ Acoustic Tuesday 276

Guitar playing tips and inspiration to play guitar consistently, have more fun and see more progress with your guitar routine. Every week your host, Tony Polecastro (from tacguitar.com) shows you a new guitar lick and shares new guitar gear and acoustic guitar music he‘s recently found. Tune out the overwhelm of online guitar lesson noise and let Tony be your guide to focus, fun and progress every Tuesday at 10am.

Music

Your identity becomes clear when life happens. After 5 years of YouTube, I'm leaning into a new path.
If you're reading this, you're a steadfast supporter of the Acoustic Tuesday Show. I've released a weekly show focused on all things acoustic guitar for over five years. When people ask me what I do, I say I teach guitar and host a weekly show on YouTube. 
Needless to say, the Acoustic Tuesday Show is a big part of my identity. To let it go is absolutely terrifying. Any change to your identity is complicated. If you've retired or changed the kind of work you do, you know what I'm talking about.
But there's a reason why change happens. I'm fortunate enough to have a fantastic family that I know I want to spend more time with. Ending the Acoustic Tuesday show gives me more flexibility to focus on high-quality guitar content and spend time with my family in a way that will be more meaningful and impactful to both you and me. 
Acoustic Tuesday will end, but my time on YouTube is far from over. My goal is to become the best guitar guide on the internet. I want to create a place where you can be supported in mind, body, and spirit in your guitar journey. 
#acousticguitar 00:00 - Intro02:36 - Change is terrifying05:22 - Why Acoustic Tuesday is over10:00 - Better guitarists in mind, body, and spirit15:41 - How you helped me18:40 - Why we're here

This is the end...or the beginning? ★ Acoustic Tuesday 310

You know what happens when a sitcom does a clip show?
On today's episode of Acoustic Tuesday, we're going down memory lane. This particular memory lane is six years long, with endless bits of wisdom sprinkled all along the way. There truly is no shortage of things to learn from the Acoustic Tuesday catalog.
So, what's up with all the nostalgia?
There are some changes coming to the Acoustic Tuesday show. But before you go through a period of change, it's nice to take stock of where you've been and where you are right now.
Reflection is a practice in gratitude. It grounds you. It makes you remember why you do things in the first place. 
And when it comes to your guitar journey, reflection is most likely one of the best things you can do on a big-picture level. Because if you don't stop to smell the roses every once in a while, what are you gardening for?
Think of this 6-year clip show as a reminder to reflect on your guitar journey. I've focused so much of my guitar journey on helping others achieve fun, focus, and progress in their playing. I'm not stopping any time soon. Things just might look different moving forward. 
Hey, who said change is bad?
Featured in this episode...- @maneli

6 years of legit guitar wisdom in 20 minutes ★ Acoustic Tuesday 309

Cut the gimmicks and tricks — it's time to sit down and LEARN.
On this episode of Acoustic Tuesday, I'm unveiling the secrets to learning a new song swiftly and effectively. Grab your guitars and notebooks because you won't want to miss this one!
In this episode, I'm breaking down the process into two fundamental parts to prevent you from feeling swamped or overwhelmed. Remember, understanding and mastering a song doesn't have to be a strenuous endeavor. Let's dive right into it!
Part 1: Mastering the Essential SkillsI'm going to walk you through breaking a song into five vital skills that are your stepping stones to mastering any tune:
Technique: Breaking a song down into its essential techniques helps focus on the essentials. If you can't do what the song requires, dial it back and practice specific techniques.Licks: These are moments of flourish or melodic expression that add style and memorability to any song. Isolating these moments and solely focusing on them during a playing session can help allocate your time.Improvising: Explore the art of personalizing the song, making it uniquely yours, and getting more comfortable expressing yourself.Rhythm: It's the heartbeat of the song, and I'll share tips on how to nail it every time.Chord Transitions: We’ll go through smooth transitions to ensure a melodious flow throughout.


How to learn songs on guitar (don’t do THIS) ★ Acoustic Tuesday 308

Make sure your strings last as long as possible without giving you trouble when you're playing — be the 20%.
On today's episode, we're unraveling the mysteries of guitar string changes, a crucial skill every guitarist needs in their toolkit! Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this guide is going to be your go-to. I'll walk you through the essential tools you'll need, pinpoint the right time to change those strings, and of course, step-by-step instructions to get it done. 
Busting myths is also on the agenda — I'll debunk the age-old myth that you can't take all the strings off at once. Spoiler alert: you totally can, with a few exceptions. 
Plus, I'll be bringing you tales from my recent adventure at the Fretboard Summit in Chicago. Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible builders I encountered and the unforgettable experiences that made the event a highlight of my year.
Don't miss out on this treasure trove of insights and stories!
Big shoutout to everyone I met at the Summit and I look forward to seeing everyone there next year!
Also featured on this episode...-  Dream Guitars  -  Noemi Guitars-  Stew Mac  -  Collings Guitars  -  Santa Cruz Guitar Co  
#guitarstrings #acousticguitar 01:09 - Tools & When to Change03:20 - How to Change Guitar Strings11:44 - Easy Trick for Bridge Pins14:20 - What 80% of Guitarists MISS16:34 - Which way to wind strings?25:42 - Do THIS immediately after tuning29:45 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 131:58 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge41:00 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

80% of String Changes Skip This Crucial Step ★ Acoustic Tuesday 307

Is this one of the best set-up guitars right out of the case I've ever played?
While many of you know I've often linked B&G Guitars with their electric wonders, they sent over their Caletta model for me to review, and WOW—it's an acoustic treat! 
Clear projection, feather-light build, and those rich overtones that'll leave every guitar lover swooning. Today, we’re focusing on the creme de la creme, the Private Build Caletta. With a snug body size (lower bout just over 14.5 inches) and an air-dried Sitka spruce top adorned with X bracing, it's an acoustic masterpiece. The tongue on the neck block is a genius touch, easing tension and ensuring a seamless play. And, oh, the mother-of-pearl inlay - it's the kind of sparkle that'll catch every eye.
Best part? With this beauty, you don’t have to dig in or get aggressive; even the softest touch brings forth a symphony. Dive in with me and discover why the Caletta is a game-changer!
B&G makes incredible guitars and their latest effort is no exception. One of the nicest parts of the Caletta model is how easy it is to play. With just the lightest touch and effort, the guitar truly sings. This allows me to play more complicated melodies and songs like ragtime stuff without fatiguing or losing the nuance of the genre.
Also featured in this episode...- B&G Handmade Guitars  - Oliver Anthony Music  - Mule Resonator Guitars- Fairbanks Guitar Company  - Sam Ash Music  - Gibson Guitar  - Reverb

Vintage vs. New Acoustic Guitars (No-brainer choice?) ★ Acoustic Tuesday 276

Download our free app to listen on your phone