6 Tips on How to Buy a Used Guitar

Buying a used guitar has many perks besides costing less

. Used guitars have had a chance to age, the wood has dried out and the instruments sound has matured.

In this article I'm going to be talking about buying a used acoustic guitar, but many of these points are the same for a used electric guitar. After reading this you should be able to go into any used instrument shop and pick out the gems from the racks.

1 How's it Look?

While looks aren't everything it's important that you like it. Also you'll want to spot any serious nicks, dings or cracks (See #5 below).

2 How's it Sound?

Keep in mind the strings on this used guitar are likely quite old, so they're not going to chime out like a brand new set will. It could be worth buying a set to put on the instrument if you're really keen on buying it but just aren't sure if it's the old strings causing the sound to be a bit below par for your liking.

3 Check the Neck

A neck reset is the most frequent maintenance item done to newly purchased used guitars. Look to see the neck is straight and not warped. Check the action of the strings, is it too high? Too low? Check to see that the neck has a truss rod to keep it straight and true.

4 Check the Bridge

You should look at the bridge to see if it's pulling away from the body at the back. Often times this can be repaired, but too much tension can cause a serious repair.

5 Cracks?

As mentioned in #1 above, bad cracks should probably be avoided but small ones can usually be repaired for under $100. Use your own judgement here, but if a guitar looks really beat up, it probably was, so unless this is a diamond in the rough pass on it.

6 Push Test

Push on the top, not too hard but hard enough that you can feel any soft spots. Some times reinforcements inside let go. These can be repaired, but it's always good to know what you're getting into before you for over any money.

If you take your time when shopping you can find a great deal on a used acoustic guitar, just be logical about it and try not to let any one thing such as a the look of the guitar make your decision for you.

6 Tips on How to Buy a Used Guitar

By: Ian Fraser

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