How to Buy a Used Guitar

Find someone selling a used guitar., Ask them how old it is. , Try playing a few frets., Place the Head-stock in front of your eyes with the guitar body away from you and look down the neck to verify it is straight. , Ask the person that is selling...

25 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Find someone selling a used guitar.

    Start playing all frets from top to bottom string and listen for strings ringing/rattling.

    If you hear a noise, verify that it is a string with broken windings rattling.

    If it is not a string with broken windings, then it is a fret that improperly set.

    The fret is the metal lines going across the guitar neck.

    It can also be an improperly set bridge at the bottom end of the guitar, usually white and the strings sit over it. ,,, It can be because of a dented fretboard, or a bent one. ,,, Learn to tune the guitar too.

    Ask the seller if he can tune it for you too. , If the box-part is safe, no cracks, consider buying it. , Ask the person to wait for your response. , It's best if you go in person to see them. , Some guitars have very hard strings to press and they might hurt you.

    Some fret boards might be too large for you, and all this extra stretching might get you tendinitis.

    DON'T quit learning guitar for some lame sounding gear.

    Comfort is the key. ,,
  2. Step 2: Ask them how old it is.

  3. Step 3: Try playing a few frets.

  4. Step 4: Place the Head-stock in front of your eyes with the guitar body away from you and look down the neck to verify it is straight.

  5. Step 5: Ask the person that is selling the guitar to play something on it.

  6. Step 6: Check if you hear any odd noises.

  7. Step 7: Check if there is any rust on the fret bars

  8. Step 8: the strings and the knobs at the machine head.

  9. Step 9: If there is any rust

  10. Step 10: ask the person if he can replace it for you and then sell it for the same price.

  11. Step 11: Make damn well sure the strings play well.

  12. Step 12: Lastly

  13. Step 13: check for any scratches

  14. Step 14: cracks and chips coming off the guitar at any place.

  15. Step 15: Don't go all gung-ho on buying that same guitar now!

  16. Step 16: Spend an entire week searching for people selling used guitars.

  17. Step 17: make sure you feel comfortable with the size of the guitar

  18. Step 18: whether your fretting fingers are too strained

  19. Step 19: After you're done searching for guitars and have at least 3 options to choose from

  20. Step 20: choose wisely

  21. Step 21: and choose best according to sound quality

  22. Step 22: price and looks all in one.

  23. Step 23: Don't forget to ask for some guitar picks

  24. Step 24: spare strings

  25. Step 25: strap or a case if they can get you one.

Detailed Guide

Start playing all frets from top to bottom string and listen for strings ringing/rattling.

If you hear a noise, verify that it is a string with broken windings rattling.

If it is not a string with broken windings, then it is a fret that improperly set.

The fret is the metal lines going across the guitar neck.

It can also be an improperly set bridge at the bottom end of the guitar, usually white and the strings sit over it. ,,, It can be because of a dented fretboard, or a bent one. ,,, Learn to tune the guitar too.

Ask the seller if he can tune it for you too. , If the box-part is safe, no cracks, consider buying it. , Ask the person to wait for your response. , It's best if you go in person to see them. , Some guitars have very hard strings to press and they might hurt you.

Some fret boards might be too large for you, and all this extra stretching might get you tendinitis.

DON'T quit learning guitar for some lame sounding gear.

Comfort is the key. ,,

About the Author

L

Lauren Clark

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