How To Buy A Used Guitar

29 Jan

Many of my students buy used guitars as a way to get a particular brand or model of electric guitar at a bargain price. You might even want to start a collection of second-hand electric guitars, so you can practise playing different brands and models.

Whatever your reason to buy second-hand electric guitars, it's important to know what to look for when buying a used guitar. You'll also need to know where to buy used guitars and the pros and cons of different marketplaces - so let's take a look at some of the best ways to buy used electric guitars.

In this guide, I'll run through what to look for when buying a used electric guitar from the physical condition of the guitar itself, through to getting the best guitar for your budget. Once you know what you're looking for, you'll be in great shape to find a guitar that will not only see you through your guitar lessons in Leeds, but should become a faithful companion for future travels too.

Condition

The physical condition is top of the list of what to look for when buying a used guitar. The best beginner guitars are not necessarily top of the range, but can be workhorse instruments in good condition.

Some of the best beginner guitar amps come bundled with guitars and may be offered as part of a second-hand deal when you buy used guitars too, so make sure you check the condition of everything included in the sale.

Headstock

The headstock is under a lot of tension when all the strings are properly tightened, so check for signs of damage and make sure the tuning pegs are securely in place. If they're loose, your guitar will not stay correctly tuned for very long, so just a small amount of attention upfront will help you to practise guitar for longer without needing to stop to retune.

Body

If you're relatively new to the instrument, read my guide to the different types of electric guitars. Most electric guitars have a solid body, and superficial surface scuffs and scratches are not much of a concern - you might even like the used aesthetic on a classic model. Cracks and splits are more of a worry, especially where the neck joins the body, and if you're considering a hollow body guitar, any damage to the wood should be carefully checked.

Bridge

Electric guitar bridges are usually pretty strong, but look for anything unusual, like an incorrectly replaced or repaired bridge, screws gone missing, splits and cracks where it's screwed to the body etc. As I said, the bridge is usually not a problem when you buy used electric guitars, but it's always worth taking a close look at it.

Frets

Damage to the frets - those raised ridges at intervals along the fingerboard - can directly affect the playability of the guitar, as you need the strings to be able to slide properly over the frets in order to pick out different notes. This is not an easy home repair, so unless you're buying a highly prized make or model with a plan to restore it, it's usually not worth buying a second-hand beginner guitar with fret damage.

Features

Again, make sure you're familiar with the different types of guitars including acoustic vs electric guitars and the different styles of each. This will help you to know what to look for when buying a used electric guitar, and especially any features that are unique to electric guitars, which you might otherwise miss when making the move over from playing acoustic.

Style

Different styles of guitar are better suited to the different styles of music I teach. Some electric guitars produce a crisp, clear tone, while others have a warmer, more acoustic sound, and both have their benefits depending on your chosen genre. If you're not sure what style of electric guitar to buy, just ask and I'll be happy to help you decide. Being versatile is a big advantage and reason to learn electric guitar!

Pickups

Pickups are an important part of what makes the sound on an electric guitar, so test them thoroughly. Use the pickup selector to isolate each pickup in turn and listen for noises or humming as you increase the gain. It takes a bit of experience to know exactly what to listen for, but if you're a beginner, just try to spot anything that sounds unusual.

Budget

Budget obviously plays a huge role in the decision-making process when you buy second-hand electric guitars, so try to make sure your expectations match the amount you're willing to spend.

Brand and models

The big brands like Fender and Gibson will always command a premium price over less familiar equivalents, and you should be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as the guitar may have hidden damage or could even be a forgery. Also be aware of budget brands like Fender Squier and Gibson Epiphone, which are produced more cheaply in the Far East.

Resale value

Paying more for a second-hand guitar can be an indication that it holds its resale value, which is good news if you're likely to sell the guitar on the used market at a later date. Again, the big brands in good condition will hold their value better than a cheap-brand model that's been knocked about, so take good care of your instrument to protect your investment.

How it plays and sounds

If possible, play the guitar before you buy it. I'll say that again: Always try before you buy! It's the best way to know what you're getting for your money.

Tone

Decide if you like the tone produced by the guitar. Remember different tones suit different genres, but also there's an element of personal preference involved, so even if you find a used guitar in great condition, if you don't love the sound it makes, trust your gut.

Playability

Always, always, if you can, play the guitar yourself before you commit to buying it. Ideally hook it up to an amp, but if that's not possible, play it unplugged and you should still get a feel for the condition of the frets, fingerboard, headstock, bridge and pickup. If anything feels loose or out of condition and you're not confident about DIY repairs, it's probably best to keep looking for a guitar you can trust.

FAQs

Where to buy used guitars?

Knowing where to buy used guitars puts you on the path to finding the best deal. Most towns have at least one music shop, or you can try the charity shops and pawn shops if you feel comfortable about spotting forgeries and disguised damage. Online, places like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are good options for pre-owned electric guitars, again just be careful to read the description and check the photos for signs of damage, and try to get a video of the guitar being played if possible.

Is it worth it to buy a used guitar?

There are always pros and cons of brand new vs used guitars but in general, the short answer is yes, it can definitely be worth buying a used guitar. A well-made guitar should sound great for many years - some of the most famous rock and blues guitarists are proof of that - so 'one careful owner' shouldn't be off-putting if you're looking for a bargain.

Just follow my golden rules for buying a used electric guitar:

Know the type of electric guitar you want to buy (and your budget)
Inspect visually for any signs of damage that's more than skin-deep
Always hold and play the guitar yourself if possible to feel and hear it

Finally, trust your gut instinct. You don't have to buy anything you don't want to - so don't feel pressured into a purchase. The right guitar for you is out there somewhere, just waiting for you to find it.

Read more blogs about guitars, music, and learning.

https://www.bryanguitar.co.uk/blog

Get in touch for some advice and recommendations

https://www.bryanguitar.co.uk/contact