Yes, Guitar Center buys used guitars, but the offer depends on condition and demand
Guitar Center does accept used guitars for purchase at most of their locations. They evaluate instruments in-store and make an offer on the spot if they decide to buy. The amount you receive depends on the guitar's condition, brand, model, how recently it was made, and whether it is currently in demand. A guitar in excellent condition from a popular brand will fetch more than a worn instrument or an obscure model.
The process is straightforward: bring your guitar to any Guitar Center store, ask to speak with someone in the used gear department, and they will inspect it. They may ask about its history, whether it has been repaired, and if you have the original case or documentation. If they make an offer and you accept, you walk out with cash or store credit that day.
However, Guitar Center will not buy every guitar that walks through the door. If the instrument is heavily damaged, the brand is not one they stock, or they already have too many similar models in inventory, they will decline. Knowing what to expect before you go in saves you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center buys used guitars at most locations, but the offer is based on condition, brand, model age, and current demand for that instrument.
- Bring your guitar in its case if you have one, and be prepared to answer questions about repairs, modifications, and how long you have owned it.
- You will receive an offer on the same day, paid in cash or as store credit, with no waiting period.
- Guitar Center may decline to buy your guitar if it is heavily damaged, from an uncommon brand, or if they already have similar models in stock.
- You can also sell through other routes — online marketplaces, local music shops, or direct to buyers — if Guitar Center's offer is too low or they decline.
What condition your guitar needs to be in
Guitar Center looks at playability first. The guitar must be in working order: the neck should be straight or nearly straight, the frets should not be severely worn or dead, and the tuning machines should hold pitch. Electronics must work if the guitar has them. A small amount of fret wear is normal and expected on a used instrument, but deep divots or flat spots will lower the offer significantly.
Cosmetic damage matters less than structural or functional damage, but it still affects price. Scratches, dings, and finish checking are acceptable. Cracks in the body, headstock breaks that have been glued, or water damage will either tank the offer or result in a decline. If the guitar has been dropped or heavily abused, the store may not want it at all.
The case or gig bag you bring it in does not have to be original, but having one shows you took care of the instrument. A guitar that arrives in a case will be offered more than one that does not, all else equal. If the original case is still with the guitar, mention it — some buyers specifically want that.
How much money you can expect
Guitar Center typically offers 30 to 50 percent of the new retail price for a used guitar in good condition. A guitar that originally sold for $400 might bring $120 to $200. A $1,000 instrument in excellent shape might fetch $300 to $500. These are rough ranges; the actual offer depends on the specific model, how old it is, and what the store currently has in inventory.
Vintage or rare guitars sometimes command higher percentages because they hold value better and attract serious buyers. A 1980s Fender Stratocaster in good condition might sell for 50 to 60 percent of its original price. A budget-brand acoustic from five years ago might only bring 25 to 35 percent. The store's buyer will know the resale market for your specific model.
If you want a ballpark before you go in, search for your exact model on Guitar Center's website and note the new price, then check eBay's sold listings for the same model to see what used ones have actually sold for recently. That gives you a realistic range. Guitar Center's offer will usually be lower than what you might get selling privately, because the store needs margin to resell it.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring the guitar itself, the case or gig bag if you have one, and any original documentation — the receipt, warranty card, or certificate of authenticity if it came with one. These are not required, but they help. If the guitar has been modified or repaired, have that information ready. The buyer will ask whether the neck has been reset, whether the frets have been crowned, or whether any electronics have been replaced.
Clean the guitar before you go in, but do not refinish it or attempt major repairs. A clean instrument shows respect and makes a better impression than a dirty one, but a fresh coat of polish will not change the offer. If there is a real problem — a loose fret, a cracked nut, or a broken tuning machine — the store will see it anyway, and attempting to hide it will only hurt your credibility.
Call ahead if you want to confirm that the location you plan to visit is currently buying used guitars. Most stores do, but some smaller locations or those in certain regions may not. A quick phone call to the used gear department saves you a wasted trip.
When Guitar Center will decline your guitar
Guitar Center will not buy a guitar if the neck is severely bowed or twisted, if the body has deep cracks, or if the electronics are completely dead and expensive to repair. They also decline guitars from brands they do not stock or that have no resale market — obscure house brands, very old student models, or instruments with no name recognition.
If the store already has five similar models sitting on the shelf, they may decline another one even if it is in good condition. Inventory management is part of their decision. A common Fender or Yamaha in good shape will almost always be accepted; a less common brand or model is more of a gamble.
Damage from water, fire, or extreme neglect is usually a dealbreaker. If the fretboard is separating from the neck, if the finish is bubbling, or if the instrument smells of mold, the store will decline. These are signs of structural failure that would be expensive to fix.
Other ways to sell if Guitar Center is not the right fit
If Guitar Center declines your guitar or the offer is too low, you have other options. Local music shops often buy used guitars and may offer more than a chain store because they have lower overhead and can take on instruments that need minor work. Call a few shops in your area and ask if they buy used guitars.
Online marketplaces like eBay, Reverb, and Facebook Marketplace let you sell directly to buyers and often yield higher prices because you cut out the middleman. Reverb is specifically designed for musical instruments and has a large audience of serious buyers. The trade-off is that you handle shipping, answer questions, and wait for a buyer — it is not when ready cash like Guitar Center.
Pawn shops will also buy guitars, though their offers are usually lower than music stores because they serve a general audience and may not know the instrument's true value. Use pawn shops as a last resort if you need cash when ready and other options have fallen through.
What happens after you sell
Once Guitar Center makes an offer and you accept, the transaction is complete. You receive cash or store credit when ready — no waiting, no paperwork beyond a straightforward receipt. The store takes possession of the guitar, and you are done. There is no return period or buyer's remorse clause; the sale is final.
If you take store credit instead of cash, you can use it toward any purchase at Guitar Center — another guitar, amplifier, strings, or accessories. Store credit is sometimes worth slightly more than cash because the store prefers you to spend it there, but the difference is usually small.
The guitar will be inspected by the store's technician, cleaned, and priced for resale. It will appear on their website and in-store within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how busy they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my original case or receipt?
No, but having them helps. The original case can add 10 to 20 dollars to the offer because buyers prefer original packaging. A receipt or proof of purchase is not required, but it helps establish the guitar's age and authenticity if it is a higher-end model.
Will Guitar Center buy a guitar with a cracked headstock?
It depends on the repair. A headstock that was professionally glued and reinforced may be acceptable, especially if it is a valuable guitar. A fresh break or a repair that looks amateur will likely result in a lower offer or a decline. Bring it in and let the buyer assess it.
Can I sell a guitar that has been heavily modified?
Yes, but modifications lower the value. If you have replaced the pickups, added a new bridge, or modified the electronics, the store will see it as a non-original instrument. Some buyers seek modified guitars, but most prefer stock versions. Be honest about what you have changed.
How long does the inspection take?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes. The buyer will plug it in, play it, check the neck, inspect the frets and body, and test the electronics. You will wait while they do this, and they will give you an offer before you leave.
What if I disagree with the offer?
You can decline and take the guitar elsewhere. Guitar Center's offer is not negotiable — they give you a number, and you either accept or walk. If you think the offer is too low, try another music shop or sell online. You are not obligated to accept.