Yes, Guitar Center buys used guitars directly from customers
Guitar Center operates a used instrument buying program at most of its stores. You can walk in with your guitar, have a staff member evaluate it, and receive an offer on the spot. The store pays cash or store credit, depending on the location and your preference. Not every guitar will be accepted — the condition, brand, and current demand all factor into whether they make an offer.
The process is straightforward but the offer you receive depends entirely on what you bring in. A well-maintained 2015 Fender Stratocaster will get a serious look. A heavily damaged instrument with a cracked neck or missing tuning pegs will likely be declined. Guitar Center is selective because they resell these instruments, so they need stock that will move.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center buys used guitars at most store locations, but you must bring the instrument in person for evaluation.
- The offer depends on the guitar's condition, brand reputation, age, and current market demand for that model.
- You can choose to receive payment as cash or store credit, though some locations may have limits on cash payouts.
- Bringing documentation like the original receipt or proof of ownership can help, though it is not always required.
- If Guitar Center declines your guitar, local music shops, online marketplaces, and consignment stores are alternative routes.
What condition your guitar needs to be in
Guitar Center will not buy instruments that are structurally damaged or unsafe to play. A cracked headstock, a warped neck, or a broken truss rod are automatic rejections. Frets that are worn flat, electronics that do not work, or hardware that is rusted or missing will also disqualify most guitars.
Minor cosmetic damage — small dings, scratches, or faded finish — does not usually prevent a sale, but it lowers the offer. A guitar with a clean neck, functioning tuning machines, working pickups, and playable frets has a much better chance of being accepted and at a higher price. The staff member will plug in electric guitars and test the electronics. For acoustics, they listen for cracks in the body and check the bridge.
Bring the guitar as clean as possible. Wipe down the body and neck, and clean the fretboard. A guitar that looks like it was cared for gets a better evaluation than one covered in dust and grime, even if the underlying condition is the same.
How the evaluation and offer process works
When you arrive at a Guitar Center store, ask to speak with someone in the used instrument department. They will take your guitar to a back area or counter and spend 5 to 15 minutes examining it. They will check the neck for straightness, test all the frets, inspect the body for cracks or damage, and test any electronics.
The staff member will then make an offer based on what they see. This offer is not negotiable in most cases — Guitar Center uses internal pricing guidelines tied to the instrument's condition, brand, and current inventory. If you accept, you can choose cash or store credit. Store credit is sometimes worth slightly more because the store prefers to keep money in-house. Cash payouts may be limited depending on the location; some stores have a daily cash limit for used purchases.
The entire transaction takes 20 to 30 minutes if they accept the guitar. If they decline, they will tell you why — usually because of structural damage or lack of market demand for that particular model. You walk out with your guitar and can explore other options.
What to bring with you to the store
Bring the guitar itself and nothing else is strictly required. However, having the original receipt, proof of purchase, or documentation of the brand and model can help the staff member verify authenticity, especially for high-end instruments. If you have the original case or gig bag, bring it — a guitar in good condition but without a case may receive a lower offer because the buyer will need to source one.
Do not bring multiple guitars unless you are prepared to wait longer. Guitar Center evaluates one instrument at a time, and the staff member may need to consult with a manager if the guitar is high-value or unusual. If you are selling several instruments, call ahead and ask whether the store can handle multiple evaluations in one visit.
Payment options and what to expect
Guitar Center offers two payment methods: cash or store credit. Store credit is typically worth 5 to 10 percent more than the cash offer because the store benefits from keeping the money in their ecosystem. If you plan to buy something else at Guitar Center soon, store credit makes sense. If you need cash when ready, take the cash offer.
The amount you receive will be significantly less than the original retail price of the guitar, even if it is in excellent condition. A guitar that cost $800 new might fetch $300 to $400 used, depending on age, brand, and demand. Vintage or rare instruments sometimes hold value better, but common models depreciate quickly. Do not expect to recover more than 30 to 50 percent of what you originally paid.
Payment is processed on the spot. If you choose cash, you receive it when ready. If you choose store credit, you get a receipt or card that you can use for any purchase at Guitar Center or its sister stores.
When Guitar Center will decline your guitar
Guitar Center declines guitars for three main reasons: structural damage, lack of market demand, or overstocked inventory. A guitar with a cracked body, a broken neck, or non-functional electronics will be rejected. Some brands or models that do not sell well in that particular store's market may also be declined, even if the guitar is in good condition.
If the store is already overstocked on a particular model — say, they have five used Fender Stratocasters on the shelf — they may decline another one until inventory moves. This is not about the quality of your guitar; it is about what the store can realistically sell. Call ahead if you have a common model and ask whether they are currently buying that type of instrument.
If your guitar is declined, you have other options. Local independent music shops often buy used instruments and may offer different terms. Online marketplaces like Reverb, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace let you set your own price and reach a wider audience. Consignment shops will sell your guitar on your behalf and take a percentage of the sale, which usually takes longer but may net you more money.
Alternatives if Guitar Center is not an option
If Guitar Center declines your guitar or the offer is too low, several other routes exist. Local music shops often have more flexibility and may pay more for certain brands or vintage instruments because they have different customer bases and inventory needs. They may also offer consignment, where they sell the guitar and you split the proceeds.
Online platforms like Reverb have a large audience of buyers and let you control the price, but you handle shipping and deal with returns. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are free and fast if you are willing to meet buyers locally. Consignment shops take longer — typically 30 to 90 days — but require no effort on your part beyond dropping off the guitar.
Pawn shops will also buy guitars, though they typically offer less than music-focused retailers because they serve a general audience. The advantage is speed and simplicity; the disadvantage is a lower payout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment to sell my guitar to Guitar Center?
No appointment is required at most Guitar Center locations. You can walk in during business hours and ask to speak with someone in the used instrument department. However, calling ahead is a good idea if you have a high-value guitar or want to confirm that the store is currently buying instruments.
What if my guitar has a serial number that does not match the model?
Bring any documentation you have — the original receipt, proof of purchase, or photos from when you bought it. If the serial number raises questions about authenticity, the staff member may decline the guitar or offer significantly less. Counterfeit or heavily modified instruments are harder to resell, so Guitar Center is cautious.
Can I sell a guitar that I do not have the original case for?
Yes, but the offer will be lower. A guitar without a case is less attractive to buyers because they will need to purchase one separately. If you have a generic gig bag or case that fits, bring it along to improve the offer.
How long does it take to get paid after I sell my guitar?
Payment is when ready. If you choose cash, you receive it on the spot. If you choose store credit, you get a receipt or card right away that you can use for purchases.
What if I disagree with the offer Guitar Center makes?
The offer is based on Guitar Center's internal pricing and is not negotiable. If you believe the offer is too low, you can decline and explore other options like local shops, online marketplaces, or consignment. Getting multiple evaluations from different buyers will give you a sense of the market value.