Your decision to purchase an acoustic guitar online can be very rewarding. Here are some suggestions for making the process go smoothly: Know the size of the acoustic guitar you are looking for. If you are tall and thin, you should be able to play a dreadnought style guitar, such as the solid top Dean Tradition S , or even a jumbo, such as the Alvarez AJ60SC. If you are on the shorter side or you think you might have trouble getting your arms around a bigger instrument, go with a folk guitar, such as the Alvarez RF8.   Know your budget. Most guitar lines have a wide range of models in various price ranges. For example, Alvarez Guitars start out with the very affordable Alvarez RD8 and go up to the luxurious Alvarez Yairi guitars, including the Alvarez Yairi DY62C. Guild offers the affordable Guild Acoustic Design Series GAD25 and the high end Guild D55.   Decide whether you want a steel string guitar or a nylon classical guitar, such as the Guild GAD-C2 Classical Guitar, which is perfect for Spanish-style guitar music.   Consider whether you will need a case or a gig bag. You will save considerably on shipping costs by having the guitar shipped with its case. Keep in mind that UPS Ground Shipping is based on dimensional weight, so an empty guitar case can be very expensive to ship even though it doesn't weigh very much.   Check out the Harmony-Central  reviews for the guitar you are considering.   Consider the reputation of the retailer. Look for some kind of independent assurance about the retailer you are considering, such as a store featuring the Better Business Bureau seal.   Ask questions before making your purchase. Shipping and handling can be very expensive, so it helps both you and the retailer if you settle all your doubts beforehand. At Steve's Music Center, we try to make guitar playing accessible to everyone by carrying a fine selection of affordable, well-crafted acoustic guitars by Alvarez, Dean, Hohner, and Oscar Schmidt. We also cater to the accomplished player by offering  handcrafted instruments by Guild, Tacoma, and Yairi. If you are in the Sullivan County Catskills or if you are just browing online, please visit our shop, Steve's Music Center, 248 Rock Hill Drive, Rock Hill, NY, 12775. You can also e-mail Steve at steve@stevesmusiccenter.com. And remember, Steve's also carries a great selection of electric guitars . Steve says, "Stop wishing . . . Start playing ! ! !"™