Buying a Guitar: The Purchase Tips

Okay so now you already have a clear idea on that motorcycle guitar, or whatever guitar you may have chosen. Now it’s time to find the best price of it. If it turns out to be one of the kind piece like the motorcycle guitar, well it is most likely that you have to pay whatever price the seller is asking.

But if you buy mass production guitars you have the chance to play the market and see what’s available there. Well let’s say you already decided to buy a Fender Stratocaster with Lightning Strike Burst finishing, there are several ways to get one:

1. You can simply go to your local music shop and buy it.

The advantage of this method is that you will have the chance to see the products live and real. You will be able to touch it and try it to see if it fits your hands. Now about the price. Always remember that local music shop rarely sell anything “at cost”Â. So if you say something like, “I think I could get a cheaper price on this one somewhere (which is usually true), can you get me a cut price on this?”Â

Very frequently they will be able to take something off from price; or at least give you some free picks or free set of strings or at discount. You never know, but remember that it never, ever, hurt to ask. Also check out a lower advertised price on same item at a local competitor. Many of them will beat the price to get your deal.

2. Check out online retailers like ZZounds or Musician’s Friend.
Compared to local music shop, usually you will find better prices and better selections when you browse through these online retailers. Plus, you get the chance of reading the user reviews that we talked about earlier.

Pros:

Better Price, Better Selection
Many accessories available. You need picks, strings, cases, or fretboard cleaner, or perhaps an instructional video? You can have them here also.
Free shipping, although you may have to spend on certain amount to meet the requirements or purchase a case to qualify.

Cons:

Shipping charge applied if you don’t reach the minimum or buy any certain items as required.
You can’t see the products until it arrives at home. If possible, I suggest that you played it before to get the feel of how it handles.

3. Check Craigslist and Ebay for Second-hand deals

In case you don’t know yet, Craigslist is a worldwide classifieds list from which you can find almost any merchandise imaginable (such as guitars!) for sale by individuals.

Pros:

Wide selection of guitars and gears.
Lower asking prices. Let me give you illustration on this. Supposed I want to sell my guitar on some local music shop, which then re-sell it to you as a consumer, I will get some money on it, but would be not as much as if I sell it directly to you. So as long as the guitar offered on craigslist is cheaper than you can get from your local music shop, then it’s a great deal for you (and the seller).
You may don’t have to pay anything for it. No I’m not saying that it would be free at all, but sometimes people on craigslist are willing to accept trade for gears. A barter as you can say. I found a guy on my area who wanted to trade his 76 Chevy truck for original BB King series Les Paul guitar. Well you never know what people may be willing to trade for.

Cons:

Beware! Especially if you play the buyer part. Since you don’t know the people you are buying from, so I suggest that you exercise due diligence before making any purchase. This is an online transaction, you won’t be able to see the products offered until it arrives, and you probably won’t be able to return it if later on you finds out that it wasn’t what you expected. If you have any doubts or something that seems too good to be true, don’t do it!

While ebay of course; is probably the world’s no 1 online auctioneer. Looking items in here will expand your search range to anywhere in the world. Supposed if you can’t find the one you’re looking for in here it may not be for sale. Buying a guitar here would probably doesn’t put you in your comfort zone but the deals you get here can be well worth it.

Pros:

Selection is Unprecedented
If you use Paypal for payment, there will be protection if there was some misrepresented, etc.

Cons:

Since this is an auction, there is possibility that you would be outbid on the last second.
Until the guitar falls in your hands after you’ve pay it, you will never know what’s the seller means with “a few small scratches”. Sure there are pics when you make the bid, but pics are definitely not the substitute for guitar you are holding and stare at it directly.
Is there any savings if you buying from here? Well you have to at least pay for the shipping price, unless if it happens that you live near the seller location and they allow local pick up.

Buying a guitar especially if this is your first time, can be tricky, just take your time, ask a lot to your guitar player friends, and follow this simple guide, then you have a good chance everything’s went right. Good luck on finding your special one, and when you do be sure to browse back the lesson section to get you started.

Guitar Reference:

Ultimate Beginner DJ's Guide to Scratching (DVD)###############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################