Buying a new electric guitar is not always in the budget for aspiring musicians, but that shouldn’t be a hindrance, there are plenty of options to explore when looking for a quality used instrument. Before you can move forward and buy any guitar, make sure that you adhere to a few tips and tricks of the trade. Understand some simple mechanics, set aside a decent budget, and find a lightly used option. Be careful though, there are a lot of “too good to be true” sales, so make sure if it just seems too splendid, walk away. There’s no harm in walking away, so make sure you’re not afraid to do so.
Guitar Cost..
Before you sift through the options, make sure that you price new guitars. Have a good understanding of what a new electric guitar would cost. If you’re looking for a professional model, make sure you note the price of a new and refurbished option. A good rule of thumb is to write the price down on a small piece of paper, so that if you don’t remember when you’re shopping, you can easily reference the price you saw. Don’t just look at professional options, look at beginner items and get a good handle on prices, so that you’re not swindled when you’re purchasing a used item.
Know the sound…
The second tip to use when on the hunt for a used electric guitar is to ask the previous owner about the instrument. Ask some simple questions and do your best to find out any problems that the user might have had with the item. Getting a personal history of the instrument will help you determine whether or not it’s still usable. If possible test the item you’re looking at with a live amp. Test out several different tones, and volumes, and play a couple of notes. If you’re not familiar with playing, then have the owner utilize it in a variety of ways, just to see if it has any audible problems.
Feel it..
After you’ve listened to the sound, and have an idea of the history of the instrument, touch and feel the guitar. Look at the neck, make sure it’s secure, look at the fret board and make sure it’s not too scratched. Look for signs of abuse, scratches, dings, and any marks or nicks that might help you get a lower price. This is going to be crucial, because if you’re not careful you might end up with a mark or blemish that can affect the sound.
Vintage Factor..
There are some interesting things to note when you look for a quality used electric guitar and that’s the “vintage” factor. If a guitar is vintage and has wear and tear, that might not be a bad thing. For instance, a classic Fender Stratocaster from decades past, will not look pristine, but will sound amazing. The price on vintage guitars are not cheap, so if you find someone giving you a bargain on a proposed “vintage” guitar, don’t do it.
Know your need..
Lastly, assess your skills and purchase a guitar that is right for your needs. If you’re no a professional or are not experienced, don’t spend thousands on a used electric guitar. Get a quality option from a reputable brand, and you’ll fair well. Take your time, shop around, do some research, and you’ll be playing in no time.