Buying a guitar is an intensely personal decision, hinged on multiple factors like the build quality, sound quality, playability, and price. Amongst the variety of brands available, one stands out with a unique proposition: Furch Guitars.

Founded in 1981, this Czech Republic-based guitar manufacturer has been crafting unique and premium quality guitars for over four decades. Here, we list 3 reasons why you might want to consider buying a Furch guitar, especially over other recognized brands like Taylor and Martin.

#1 Unique Voice and Sound

We all know that Martin and Taylor are the biggest names in acoustic guitars. It's not surprising that so many brands try to imitate their designs and sound.

While Furch does have traditional body shapes, like dreadnoughts and OMs, their sound profile is quite different from what you'd expect from Taylor or Martin. At Heart's Home Acoustics, we all agree that they have their own signature sound.

Furch guitars have their own voice, which sets them apart from the rest. Rather than imitate, we feel that Furch Guitars are trying to set a new sound standard - and they seem to be doing it extremely well.

#2 Customization Options

One of the key differentiators of Furch Guitars is their commitment to personalization. Furch offers a Rainbow Series that allows players to customize their guitar down to minute details. This includes choosing the body shape, type of wood, finish, and other unique specifications. While Taylor and Martin do offer customization, Furch provides a much more extensive array of options. This level of personalization ensures that players can own a guitar that is truly one of a kind.

Wanna have a little fun building your dream Furch guitar? Try their online Guitar Configurator on their website.

#3 Affordability and Value

While Furch guitars are not cheap, they offer exceptional value for the money. When compared to premium models from brands like Taylor and Martin, Furch guitars often come at a more accessible price point for similar features offered in higher-priced models from other premium brands. Given the exceptional quality, superior sound, and extensive customization options, Furch guitars are a worthwhile investment for serious musicians who want a premium instrument without breaking the bank.

What Some of Our Staff Members Think of Furch Guitars

They're very well designed, well-thought out guitars without being another "big brand copy". Furch seems to be thinking as much about the future of guitar making as they are about the past.

Elijah Hawkins - Guitar Technician & Instructor

To my hands and ears, they seem to split the difference between Martin and Taylor. It's almost the sound of a Martin with the playability of a Taylor.

Joe Gonzalez - Guitar Instructor

In my opinion, Furch Guitars offer the best value in terms of price, playability and, most importantly, sound quality. If you've always wanted a nice-quality guitar but feel you don't quite have the budget for it, you should definitely give Furch Guitars a try.

Chaney Rutherfod - General Store Manager

I simply love their tone. They have this unique warmness and dimensional depth in them, specially in the low-mid range. Plus their playability is top-notch.

Angel Candelaria - Assistant Manager & Guitar Instructor

Coda

In conclusion, Furch Guitars stand firm as a compelling alternative to well-known brands like Taylor and Martin. Rather than thinking in terms of "which is better" and engaging in an endless Taylor vs. Furch, Martin vs. Furch, Furch vs. Guild, or Furch vs. [insert your favorite brand here] debate, we feel they are a unique voice in their own.

With highly innovative ideas like the Furch CNR System®, Furch Guitars offer a unique blend of craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, extensive customization, superior sound quality, and great value. Their unique approach to guitar design and sound profile has won the respect of many fans from other popular brands and makes Furch Guitars a worthy consideration for anyone in the market for a high-quality acoustic guitar.

Looking for Furch Guitars for Sale? We've got 'em!

Wanna give Furch a try? Hearts' Home Acoustics is proud to be an official Furch Guitars dealer. Take a look at our online inventory of Furch Guitars for sale:

Furch

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If you don't see what you're looking for, let us know. We can do a special order for any Furch guitar model you want.

Have you tried a Furch Guitar? Do you own one? If you do, can you share your experience? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below:

Both guitar professionals and enthusiasts know that keeping their beloved instrument in prime condition is crucial to maintaining its sound quality and longevity. A guitar that plays great will make your job as a musician easier, and even make you sound better when performing or recording.

One of the most commonly overlooked factors that can seriously damage a guitar is humidity. Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, can have a significant impact on the wood and structure of a guitar, leading to costly repairs or even making it unplayable. In this article, we will explore the negative effects of humidity on guitars and provide recommendations on how to protect your instrument from these harmful effects.

The Negative Effects of Humidity on Guitars

Wood Expansion and Contraction

Guitars are predominantly made of wood, which absorbs and releases moisture depending on the surrounding environment. High humidity can cause the wood to expand, while low humidity can lead to contraction. These fluctuations in size can result in the following issues:

• Warping: The neck of the guitar may warp or twist, leading to poor playability and intonation problems.
• Cracking: Extreme dryness can cause the wood to crack, particularly in more delicate parts such as the soundboard or body.
• Fret sprouting: When the wood contracts, the frets may protrude from the fretboard, causing discomfort while playing and potential damage to the strings.

Glue Failure

High humidity can weaken the glue joints that hold the various components of a guitar together. In extreme cases, this can lead to parts separating or even the guitar falling apart.

Metal Corrosion

Excess moisture can also corrode the metal parts of a guitar, such as the strings, frets, and hardware. This corrosion can negatively impact the guitar's sound, playability, and overall aesthetics.

Protecting Your Guitar from Humidity

Now that we understand the potential damage humidity can cause, it's essential to take steps to protect your guitar from these harmful effects. Here are some recommendations:

Monitor and Control Humidity Levels

The first step is to monitor the humidity levels in the room where your guitar is stored. Ideally, you should aim to maintain a relative humidity of 45-55%. You can use a guitar hygrometer to measure the humidity levels and take appropriate action if needed:

• If the humidity is too high, consider using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to remove excess moisture from the air.
• If the humidity is too low, use a humidifier to add moisture to the environment. You can also get a guitar humidifier, which usually is inserted in the soundhole of the guitar.

Store Your Guitar in a Case

A hardshell case with a good seal can help regulate humidity levels and protect your guitar from rapid changes in the surrounding environment. Additionally, using a case humidifier can help maintain optimal moisture levels inside the case.

Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes

Sudden changes in temperature can also contribute to humidity-related issues. Avoid placing your guitar near heating or cooling vents, radiators, or drafty windows. Additionally, when traveling with your guitar, allow it to acclimate to the new environment gradually. Do not remove it from its case immediately upon entering a different climate.

Use a Humidity-Controlled Room

If you have the resources, consider creating a humidity-controlled room or closet for your guitar storage. By maintaining a consistent humidity level in this dedicated space, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your instruments.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly inspect your guitar for signs of humidity-related damage, such as warping, cracking, or corrosion. If you notice any issues, consult a professional luthier to assess and repair the damage. Additionally, make sure to change your strings regularly, as old strings can accumulate moisture and contribute to corrosion.

Coda

Humidity can have severe consequences for your guitar. However, taking the necessary precautions to protect your instrument can save you from having to invest both time and money in costly repairs, or even having to buy a new guitar because the damages are irreparable.

In the fight against humidity, prevention is the key. In our guitar repair shop, we've seen humidity-related damages on beautiful, great-sounding high-end guitars that could have been avoided by taking some preventive measures.

And now, over to you. Has any of your guitars had problems due to humidity? What did you do to solve it? Or, on the contrary, what preventive measures do you have in place to minimize the effects of humidity on your guitars?

Let's continue the conversation in the comments below 👇.

Download music here.

Download guitar tab for The Holly and the Ivy

Download the guitar tab for We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Download the tenor banjo tab for We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Download the 5-string banjo tab for We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Download the mandolin tab for We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Download the ukulele tab for We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Download the notes-only version of We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Download the guitar tab for Angels We Have Heard on High

Download the tenor banjo tab for Angels We Have Heard on High

Download the 5-string banjo tab for Angels We Have Heard on High

Download the mandolin tab for Angels We Have Heard on High

Download the ukulele tab for Angels We Have Heard on High

Download the notes-only version of Angels We Have Heard on High

The duets have been tabbed separately for guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, tenor guitar/banjo, and 5-string banjo. There is also a concert version with notes only, no tab, for those who prefer that format.

All versions of the duets are in the same keys, so you can mix and match instruments: Uke & guitar duo; mandolin & tenor guitar; or one gigantic string-band orchestra! (Please send us a picture if you do the giant orchestra thing.)

Download the guitar tab for Christmas Duets

Download the tenor banjo tab for Christmas Duets

Download the 5-string banjo tab for Christmas Duets

Download the mandolin tab for Christmas Duets

Download the ukulele tab for Christmas Duets

Download the notes-only version of Christmas Duets

There is a an amusing storyline that goes along with the music.

During the introduction: The Marionette is broken; it has died in a duel.

Minor section: There are murmurs of regret from the troupe and the funeral procession begins.

Major section: The troupe stops to take refreshments.

Minor section: The troupe finishes the procession and returns to the house.

The original composition is in D Minor; this arrangement for Tenor Ukulele is transposed to A Minor. It is a bit challenging but very fun to play.

Download the ukulele tab for Funeral March of a Marionette

Download the guitar tab for Ja-Da

Download the mandolin tab for Ja-Da

Download the ukulele tab for Ja-Da

Here is a Carterish style solo for guitar from one of Joe’s students. Thanks Roger!

Download the Cater-style guitar tab for Careless Love

This version features a country blues solo break which is a mash-up of licks culled from versions by Ray Charles, Eric Clapton & Jerry Reed. String bends ensue.

Download the guitar break tab for Careless Love