| How to Buy a Used Acoustic Guitar Posted: 13 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST Used acoustic guitars offer a lot of bang for the buck—as these wooden instruments age, the guitar develops beautiful overtones that just can't be found in a newer instrument. Before committing to a guitar, take some time to inspect the instrument in person. With a few tests, you can select a second-hand guitar that best meets your musical needs.[1] [Edit]Preliminary Inspection - Hold the guitar to see if it feels comfortable. Guitars come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Before making a purchase, physically hold the instrument and play a few notes and chords. Is the guitar comfortable to hold, or do your hands and fingers feel strained after a little while? If so, set that guitar aside and look for a different instrument.[2]
- Guitars can have different depths, plus the neck widths can differ. These are all deciding factors as you shop for a used acoustic guitar!
- Play the guitar and note how it sounds. Pluck all the strings and play chords on all the frets. Listen for any rattling or sounds of strings ringing. These sounds could mean that the strings have broken windings, or that the frets or bridge aren't set properly.[3]
- Getting a full refret for your guitar costs several hundred dollars. If you're just dealing with a few loose frets, you can get them re-glued for a small fee.[4]
- Check the price tag for seemingly good bargains. Your used guitar will probably need some type of repair, even if it's not that extensive. Be wary of used acoustic guitars with extraordinarily cheap price tags—chances are, if the deal seems too unbelievable, it isn't worth your time.[5] In general, decent-quality acoustic guitars cost at least $300.[6]
- A "cheap" guitar can quickly become expensive once you add up all the repairs.
- Search the instrument for cracks. If you find a crack, place both pointer fingers on either side of it. Then, press down with each finger, alternating pressure to see how much the crack shifts and moves around. If the crack is obviously lifting and warping, you'll need to get it repaired.[7]
- Some second-hand guitars might have cracks that are already repaired. Insert a small mirror inside the body of your guitar to see if the repairs look solid or not.
- Cracks don't have to be a dealbreaker! It really depends on how severe they are.
- Crack repairs can cost at least $40.[8]
- Look for rust along the instrument hardware. Rust on the metal fret bars and strings isn't a big deal, and can be fixed or repaired easily. Instead, check the guitar hardware secured to the pickups and strings. If these sections look rusted, set the guitar aside and shop for a different instrument.[9]
- Not all acoustic guitars will come with pickups.
- Slide a finger along the seams to feel for obvious gaps. Feel along the neck joint, or section where the neck of the guitar meets the body. Then, drag a fingernail beneath the binding along the guitar body. If these joints and seams have a significant gap, shop for a different instrument.[10]
- Taking off and repositioning a guitar neck can cost several hundred dollars, and might be more trouble than it's worth. Repairing acoustic guitar binding is also very pricey.
- Tap the guitar body to check for loose braces. Guitar braces are thin, structural pieces of wood secured within the body of a guitar. Listen as you tap the top and bottom of the guitar body—if you hear a rattling sound, some of these wooden braces are definitely loose. This isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but you'll have to pay to get the braces repaired.[11]
- Repair costs ultimately depend on the repair-person. Some people charge per hour of labor, while others charge per brace.
- Look for a truss rod along the guitar neck. A truss rod is a thin, metal rod going up the neck of a guitar, providing extra support. Tilt your guitar downward, so you can see directly beneath the fretboard. Scan for a small, metal circle beneath the center of the fretboard—this means that the guitar does have a truss rod.[12]
- Reinforced guitar necks aren't the end of the world, but truss rods are a better option for your potential instrument.
- Truss rod adjustments are pretty cheap, but replacing or fixing a truss rod can cost at least $750.[13]
[Edit]Neck and Fretboard - Hold the guitar at a slight angle and see if the neck is straight. Check that the neck is straight, and that it doesn't twist or warp along its length. Then, hold up a ruler and see if the frets point directly to the top of the bridge.[14]
- If you're shopping online, take a close look at the seller pictures to get a good look at the guitar neck.
- Neck resets can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the type of instrument you have.[15]
- Nudge the neck in different directions to see if it's firm. See if the guitar neck shifts vertically or horizontally. If it moves around some, you'll need to get it fixed.[16]
- Inspect the fretboard joints for any gaps. Examine where the fretboard connects to the top of the guitar. On a sturdy, good-quality guitar, the fretboard will fit flush with the guitar top without any gaps. If the fretboard doesn't look secure, continue shopping for a different guitar.[17]
- Check the frets to see if they're in good shape without signs of wear. Look along the guitar neck to see if any of the frets are uneven. Additionally, inspect the first few frets along the end of the guitar neck—some older guitar frets may have pitting.[18]
- If the seller had the guitar neck adjusted in the past, then the frets were probably replaced, too.
- Play notes on each fret. Pluck each string along every fret—each note should sound unique. Watch for signs of "fretting out," where certain frets are positioned higher than others. If the notes don't sound quite right, you'll likely need to repair the guitar in the future.[19] As you play, watch out for divots or dents along the fretboard.[20]
- If your guitar frets out, you might need to repair the frets or reset the neck completely, which can be pricey.
- Measure the guitar action to see if the guitar's neck angle is balanced. The guitar action is a fancy term for how far the guitar strings are from the frets. Find the 12th fret along the fretboard, measuring beneath the 3rd and 4th strings. If it's less than or more than , you'll need to readjust the guitar's neck angle.[21]
- This isn't a dealbreaker if the guitar has a bolt-on neck—you can get it repaired with a simple set-up at your local repair shop. However, the repair is very pricey if the acoustic guitar is built with a dovetail neck joint, and can cost anywhere from $300 to $600.
- Set-up costs depend on the repair place, but are typically a good bargain compared to other repairs. During a set-up, a repair professional will inspect and tweak your instrument so it's in great playing condition.[22]
[Edit]Bridge and Headstock - Reset the guitar neck if the bridge and saddle heights are too low. The bridge is the long, wooden piece that secures the string along the base of the guitar, while the saddle is the white section on top of the bridge that's directly beneath the strings. Take a close look: could you lower the bridge or saddle closer to the surface of the guitar? If both pieces are already low, you might need to reset the guitar neck.[23]
- As a quick test, slide a business card beneath the bridge and saddle.[24]
- Bridge repairs typically cost at least $100.[25]
- Inspect the bridge for bulging and sinking. See if the space behind the bridge looks bulged, or if the front looks sunken in. If you notice either of these factors, don't bother buying the guitar.[26]
- Look over the headstock for past damage. Inspect the headstock for signs of wrinkles or ridges—this means that the headstock was repaired in the past. In general, guitars with previously damaged headstocks aren't worth as much as unblemished guitars.[27]
- Headstock repairs are pretty pricey, can cost at least $150, depending on the damage.[28]
- Try to shop for high-quality, well-trusted guitar brands like Fylde, Grammer, Epiphone, Guild, or something similar.[29]
- If you're shopping for an electric-acoustic guitar, plug it into an amp and give it a test run before buying it.[30]
- Wooden and synthetic tops are both viable options for a new guitar. Wooden guitar tops can offer a more complex sound overall, while synthetic tops aren't as affected by climate changes. Ask the seller or store clerk about what material the guitar is made with.[31]
[Edit]References |
| How to Identify Allergies Posted: 13 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST Having an allergic reaction can be scary, especially if you don't know what's causing it. We're here to answer some of your most commonly-asked questions about allergies, including what the symptoms are and what might be causing them. To be 100% sure what's going on, though, make an appointment with an allergist for allergy testing. However, if you're having symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, like you're having trouble breathing, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. [Edit]What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? - Allergies can present with a lot of different symptoms. This mostly depends on what type of allergic reaction you're having, although similar allergies can present differently for different people. There are a few common, symptoms, though. These might include:
- An itchy or tingling feeling in your mouth[1]
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes[2]
- Sneezing or an itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
- Wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, or tightness in your chest
- Itchy skin, raised welts (called hives), or eczema
- Swelling in your lips, tongue, face, eyes, or throat
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Get emergency help if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Sometimes, an allergy can lead to a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. If this happens, you need to get emergency medical care right away, or it could lead to coma or even death. If you've already been prescribed an epinephrine injection, give it to yourself as quickly as possible, but still get to the emergency room in case the symptoms return.[3] Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:[4]
- A swollen throat or constriction of your airways
- The feeling of a lump in your throat
- Shock
- Sudden drastic drop in blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
[Edit]How do you know if you have allergies or a cold? - You can usually tell by checking your mucus, cough, and temperature. Ok, this doesn't sound like much fun, that's true. However, these things can give you some big clues as to whether you're experiencing allergies or if you might have a cold or another illness. Specifically, check these things:[5]
- The color of your mucus: If you have allergies, it should stay clear. If you have a cold, it will get thicker, cloudy, and yellow.
- Type of cough: If you have a nagging, dry cough, chances are, it's just allergies. On the other hand, if you're coughing up mucus, it's likely a cold, although it could also be a virus like the flu or COVID-19.
- Sore throat: If you're sick with something like a cold or the flu, you'll often get a sore throat, but that's uncommon with allergies.
- Fever: Severe allergies can sometimes lead to a fever, but it's pretty rare, and you'll likely have other severe allergy symptoms. Fever is much more common with illnesses like a cold or the flu.
[Edit]How do you know what you're allergic to? - Track your symptoms at home to narrow down your triggers. Every time you experience allergy symptoms, write them down in a notebook or an app on your phone. Note anything you ate or drank, whether you touched any animals, any lotions, soaps, or cosmetics you used, and anything else you can think of that might be relevant. You might even write down what you were wearing—you could be allergic to a certain fabric or laundry detergent.[6]
- In addition, write down where you were—like whether you were indoors or outdoors.
- Try to think back for at least a couple of hours before your symptoms occurred. Allergies symptoms usually show up pretty quickly after exposure to your allergen, but they can sometimes take a while to develop.[7]
- See an allergist for testing to know for sure. Although it's fine to discuss your allergy concerns with your primary care provider, it's best to see an allergist for further testing and treatment. At your first appointment, go over your allergy diary with your allergist. They'll also likely talk to you about your family history, and they may do a physical exam.[8]
- Your allergist will likely recommend testing to determine exactly what's triggering your allergies. A skin prick test is the most common type of allergy test, although they may suggest other tests, as well.
[Edit]What does an allergy test consist of? - Skin prick tests are the most common type of allergy test. During this test, a drop of an allergen will be placed on your skin (usually your arm or back), then the allergist will prick your skin gently. They'll usually test several different substances at once. If the location of the prick turns red, you're likely allergic to that substance. This can be a little uncomfortable, but don't worry—it's not painful.[9]
- If the results of your skin prick test aren't clear, the allergist might do a second test where the allergens are injected under the first few layers of your skin. This is called an intradermal test.[10]
- They might also draw blood for a lab test if a skin test isn't a good option, like if you have very sensitive skin, you've had a severe allergic reaction in the past, or you take a medication that would affect the test results.[11]
[Edit]What are the most common types of allergies? - There are four major types of allergies. Typically, people are allergic to something in their environment, food, insect stings, or medications. You may be allergic to one or more items within these categories, as well.
- Environmental allergies can include seasonal allergies to pollen, perennial allergies to things like mold and pet dander, and contact allergies that lead to skin irritation.[12]
- Food allergies can occur when you eat a certain food, although if they're severe, they might be triggered when you simply touch or breathe in that item.
- Insect allergies typically only occur when you are bitten or stung by the insect you're allergic to.
- Medication allergies can occur with both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, but they are not the same as side effects from taking medication.[13]
[Edit]What is allergic rhinitis? - Allergic rhinitis is the sneezing, sniffling type of allergies. If you have allergic rhinitis, it might only show up during certain seasons, although it can also occur year-round, depending on your trigger. Typical symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery, or swollen eyes.[14]
- If your allergies tend to occur in the spring or fall, you likely have seasonal allergies, or hay fever. This is triggered by pollen in the air.
- If your allergies last all year, you might be allergic to something like animal dander, dust mites, mold, or debris left by cockroaches.[15]
[Edit]What are contact allergies? - Contact allergies are skin-related. If your skin is itchy, red, or flaky, there's a chance that something you're touching is causing an allergic reaction. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in laundry detergent and fabric softener, so if you've recently changed brands (or your favorite brand has changed their formula), that's a good place to start. Other skin-related allergens might include:[16]
- Cosmetics, soaps, or lotions
- Certain fabrics or dyes
- Latex or rubber
- Topical medications
- Irritants like poison oak or sumac
- Nickel or other metals
[Edit]How can you tell if you have a food allergy? - Your symptoms will appear shortly after you eat your trigger food. You might have tingling in your mouth; swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat; hives; or an anaphylactic reaction after you eat. Since allergies can be triggered by a hidden ingredient in your food, it's important to see an allergist to determine exactly what you need to avoid. Common foods that trigger allergies include:[17]
- Shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab)
- Fish
- Peanuts or tree nuts (pecans, walnuts)
- Cow's milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Certain raw foods
- Try an elimination diet if your allergist suspects food allergies. This involves cutting any foods completely out of your diet that you might be allergic to for about 1-2 weeks. Then, you'll introduce them back in one at a time, waiting a few days each time to see if you have any reaction to them.[18]
- This won't always give you precise results—an elimination diet can't tell you if you're sensitive to a food as opposed to being truly allergic to it, for instance.[19]
- Only do an elimination diet under the guidance of an allergist. If you've ever had a severe food reaction, it's probably not safe to do an elimination diet at all.
- Your allergist might also recommend an oral food challenge, where you'll eat small amounts of a trigger food to see if you have a reaction. Because you could have a life-threatening allergic reaction, this should only ever be done in your allergist's office or a hospital setting, and only under direct medical supervision.[20]
[Edit]Can you be allergic to insect bites? - Yes, some people are allergic to things like bee or wasp stings. This can occur even if you aren't allergic to anything else, and the reactions can sometimes be pretty severe. Typically, you'll notice a quick reaction when you're bitten or stung, and there will likely be significant swelling at the site of the sting. Other symptoms might include:[21]
- Itching or hives
- Tightness of the chest
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Anaphylaxis
[Edit]Can people be allergic to medicine? - Yes, talk to your doctor right away if you think this is the case. Although it's important to take all of your medication as directed by your healthcare provider, if you think you're having an allergic reaction to something you've taken, stop using it right away and call the doctor. They'll work with you to determine if that's the cause of your symptoms, and if so, what else you might take instead. Some of the symptoms of a medication allergy might include:[22]
- Hives, itching, or a rash
- Swelling of your face
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis
- Certain medications and conditions may make allergies more likely. You might be more likely to experience a drug allergy if you take medications like penicillin, certain pain relievers, chemotherapy drugs, or medicines that treat autoimmune diseases. Other things that might increase your risk include:[23]
- Having other allergies, like hay fever
- Taking the drug for a long time or at high doses
- Having certain illnesses like HIV
- Having a history or family history of allergies to other medicines.
- Allergies can be short-lived or they might linger for weeks or months, depending on what's triggering them and how you're being exposed to that substance.[24]
- A food intolerance isn't the same as a food allergy, although they may have some of the same signs. See a doctor to determine which you're experiencing.[25]
- If you do have allergies, work with your allergist to develop a treatment plan.[26]
[Edit]Warnings - If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, see your doctor. If the reaction is severe, get emergency medical assistance right away.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Posted: 13 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST If you want to control the flavors and ingredients in spaghetti sauce, create your own! For a quick tomato and olive oil sauce that tastes fresh, simmer canned tomatoes in garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. You can also make a meat spaghetti sauce that uses classic herbs and cooks until the meat is tender. Marinara sauce is also easy to make at a moment's notice. Just sauté a little onion and garlic in olive oil before you add red wine and tomatoes. Then cook the sauce until the tomatoes soften and lose their shape. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Quick Tomato and Olive Oil Sauce - 6 cloves garlic
- extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole plum tomatoes packed in tomato juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 basil leaves
Makes 2 cups (450 g) of sauce [Edit]Classic Spaghetti Sauce with Meat - olive oil
- lean ground beef
- 1 cup (150 g) diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) minced garlic
- 6 ounces (170 g) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons (3 g) dried basil
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) dry thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) fennel seed, lightly crushed
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- beef broth
- 2 teaspoons (8 g) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (½ g) crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, optional
Makes 8 servings [Edit]Simple Marinara Sauce - olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (4.5 g) minced garlic
- red wine
- 1 28-ounce (794 g) can of crushed or chopped tomatoes in puree
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
Makes 6 servings [Edit]Quick Tomato and Olive Oil Sauce - Crush 6 cloves of garlic with the back of a knife. Peel 6 cloves of garlic and set them on a cutting board. Use the flat blade of a chef's knife to press down firmly on each clove of garlic.[1]
- The pressure will crush the garlic and release flavor.
- Sauté the garlic in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Put the crushed garlic into a non-reactive saucepan and pour in of the extra-virgin olive oil. Turn the burner to medium and heat the garlic until it becomes golden brown.[2]
- Stir the garlic occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- Stir in the tomatoes with their juice and season with salt and pepper. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole plum tomatoes and stir the tomatoes with their juice into the saucepan. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.[3]
- Stir and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn the burner up to medium-high so the sauce begins to bubble steadily. Stir the sauce occasionally as it cooks and thickens.[4]
- The tomato juice should evaporate as the sauce cooks.
- Stir in the rest of the olive oil and crush the tomatoes with a spoon. Turn the burner to high and stir in the remaining of olive oil. Use the back of a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes.[5]
- Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes and turn off the burner. Continue to simmer the sauce until the oil turns red. Then turn off the burner and serve the sauce.[6]
- Stir in fresh basil and serve the sauce over pasta. Add 10 fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. You can leave the basil whole or chop it. Spoon the sauce over cooked pasta and serve it immediately.[7]
- Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
[Edit]Classic Spaghetti Sauce with Meat - Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes. Pour of olive oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven and turn the burner to medium. Stir in of lean ground beef, 1 cup (150 g) of diced yellow onion, and 2 teaspoons (6 g) of minced garlic. Stir and cook the meat mixture until the beef is browned and crumbly.[8]
- Since you're using lean ground beef, there shouldn't be much grease to drain off. If the meat is very greasy, drain off excess grease before finishing the sauce.
- Add the tomato paste, basil, oregano, thyme, fennel, and optional crushed pepper. Scoop 6 ounces (170 g) of tomato paste into the skillet and add the herbs. Stir well to combine the ingredients and cook the sauce over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.[9]
- Add the tomatoes, broth, and sugar and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole or crushed San Marzano tomatoes and pour it into the skillet. Stir in of beef broth and 2 teaspoons (8 g) of sugar. Turn the burner to medium-high so the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the temperature to low and let the sauce bubble gently for 30 minutes.[10]
- Keep the lid off of the sauce so some of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens.
- Simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours for a more flavorful and tender sauce.
- Adjust the flavorings and add the butter if the sauce is too acidic. Taste the sauce and add more herbs or salt and pepper according to your taste. If the sauce tastes too harsh or bitter, stir in the optional 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter.[11]
- Turn off the burner and serve the classic meat sauce. Spoon the meat sauce over cooked pasta or use it as a filler for homemade lasagna. You can also flavor the meat sauce with freshly grated parmesan cheese.[12]
- Refrigerate the leftover sauce in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
[Edit]Simple Marinara Sauce - Sauté the onion in olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour of olive oil into a large skillet and turn the burner to medium. Once the oil shimmers, stir in 1 chopped yellow onion. Cook and stir the onion occasionally until it's clear.[13]
- Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 minute. Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons (4.5 g) of minced garlic into the skillet and cook it until it becomes fragrant. Stir it constantly to prevent it from burning.[14]
- Pour in the wine and cook the sauce for 3 minutes. Turn the burner to high and pour in of red wine. Stir the bottom of the skillet well to deglaze the pan. Cook the sauce until the wine evaporates.[15]
- You can use any good table wine such as burgundy, chianti, or pinot noir.
- If you'd like to leave out the wine, substitute chicken, beef, or vegetable stock.
- Add the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of crushed or chopped tomatoes in puree and add it to the sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon (4 g) of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper.[16]
- Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce bubble gently. Stir it occasionally as the flavors develop and the sauce thickens a little.[17]
- Serve the marinara sauce. Turn off the burner and immediately spoon the marinara over cooked pasta. You can also use the marinara as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or bread sticks.[18]
- Store the leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
- Try doubling or tripling a batch of spaghetti sauce. Store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 6 months.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Quick Tomato and Olive Oil Sauce - Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
[Edit]Classic Spaghetti Sauce with Meat - Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
[Edit]Simple Marinara Sauce - Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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