Guitar Center does buy used guitars, amps, and gear, but only through their Trade-In program or their used-gear buyers at select locations
Guitar Center will purchase your used equipment in two ways: through their Trade-In program (which gives you store credit toward a new purchase) or by selling it outright to their used-gear department at certain stores. The trade-in route is available at most locations. The outright purchase option exists but is less common and depends on whether your local store has an active used-gear buyer on staff that day.
Neither option is a quick cash transaction. Trade-ins are credited to your account when ready but only as store credit. Outright purchases, when available, take longer to process and the store will inspect your gear before making an offer. You cannot walk in, hand over a guitar, and leave with cash the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center's Trade-In program converts your used gear into store credit you can use the same day, but you cannot convert that credit back to cash.
- Some Guitar Center locations have used-gear buyers who will purchase equipment outright, but availability varies by store and staffing.
- The store inspects all gear before making an offer, and they will decline items that are damaged, heavily worn, or have missing parts.
- Trade-in values are typically 30 to 50 percent of the original retail price, depending on condition and demand for that model.
- You will get a higher price if you sell directly to another musician through Facebook Marketplace, Reverb, or eBay than you will through Guitar Center.
How the Trade-In Program Works
When you bring used gear to Guitar Center, you can trade it in for store credit on the spot. A staff member will inspect the item, check its condition, and offer you a credit amount based on what similar used items are selling for in their system. If you accept the offer, the credit appears in your account when ready and you can use it to buy anything in the store.
The trade-in value depends on the condition of the gear, how old the model is, and whether the store currently has demand for that type of item. A well-maintained guitar from a popular brand in good condition might fetch 40 to 50 percent of its original retail price. A guitar with visible wear, scratches, or a cracked finish will be valued lower. Items with missing parts, broken tuning pegs, or electronics that do not work will be declined.
One important limitation: store credit cannot be converted back to cash. If you trade in a guitar for $300 in credit and then change your mind, you cannot ask for a refund. You must spend the credit on merchandise. Some people use this to their advantage by trading in old gear and when ready buying something new, but if you need cash, the trade-in program will not help you.
Selling Outright to Guitar Center's Used Department
Some Guitar Center locations have a dedicated used-gear buyer or used-gear department. These stores will purchase your equipment outright for cash or store credit, rather than only accepting trades. However, this option is not available at every location, and even at stores that have it, the buyer may not be present every day.
If your local store has this service, you will need to call ahead or visit in person to ask. The process is similar to a trade-in: the buyer inspects the gear, checks its condition, and makes an offer. The difference is that you can negotiate and you receive payment rather than store credit. Payment may be offered as cash, a check, or store credit—ask what the store offers before you bring your gear in.
Outright purchases typically take longer than trade-ins because the store needs to verify the item works, photograph it for their used-inventory system, and process the transaction. You may be asked to leave the gear and return later, or to wait while they complete the inspection.
What Condition Your Gear Must Be In
Guitar Center will not accept gear that is broken, heavily damaged, or missing essential parts. A guitar with a cracked body, a neck that is warped or broken, or electronics that do not function will be declined. Tuning pegs must turn smoothly, frets must not be severely worn, and the finish should not have deep gouges or water damage.
Minor wear is acceptable. Scratches, small dents, faded finish, and light dust are normal for used gear and will not disqualify your item. The store expects used equipment to show signs of use. What they will not take is anything that affects playability, sound, or safety—a guitar with a cracked headstock, for example, or an amplifier that does not power on.
Bring all original parts and accessories if you have them: the case or gig bag, cables, power supply, foot pedal, or documentation. Missing accessories will lower the offer. If you are trading in a guitar without a case, expect the valuation to be noticeably lower than if you included one.
How Much You Will Get for Your Gear
Trade-in values at Guitar Center are typically 30 to 50 percent of the original retail price for items in good condition. A guitar that originally cost $500 might be valued at $150 to $250 in trade-in credit. The exact amount depends on the brand, the model's current popularity, how long ago it was manufactured, and the condition of your specific item.
Outright purchases usually offer slightly higher amounts than trade-ins because the store can resell the item for a profit. However, the difference is often small—perhaps 5 to 10 percent more. The store's goal is to buy low and resell at a margin, so do not expect to receive anywhere near what you originally paid.
If you want to compare offers, contact other local music shops or check what similar used items are selling for on Reverb or eBay. You will often find that private sales through those platforms bring in more money than Guitar Center offers, though they require more effort on your part and take longer to complete.
Alternatives to Selling at Guitar Center
If you want more money for your used gear, selling directly to another musician is usually more profitable. Reverb is an online marketplace specifically for musical instruments and gear, and items there often sell for 50 to 70 percent of original retail price. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you sell locally and avoid shipping costs. eBay reaches a wide audience but charges seller fees and requires you to handle shipping.
Local music shops other than Guitar Center may also buy used gear, and some offer better prices than Guitar Center because they have lower overhead. Call around to independent shops in your area and ask if they purchase used equipment. Pawn shops will buy guitars, but they typically offer the lowest prices because they serve a general audience, not musicians.
The trade-off is time and effort. Selling through Reverb or Facebook Marketplace means photographing the item, writing a description, answering questions from buyers, arranging payment, and shipping the gear. Guitar Center's trade-in program takes five minutes and you walk out with store credit the same day. Choose based on whether you value speed or money more.
What to Bring When You Visit
Bring the guitar or equipment itself, all original parts and accessories, and any documentation you have. If you have the original case, gig bag, cables, power supply, or foot pedal, bring those too. If you have the original receipt or paperwork showing the brand and model, bring that as well—it helps the staff verify what they are looking at.
Do not expect to receive an offer over the phone. The staff needs to inspect the item in person to assess its condition. Call ahead to confirm that your local store accepts trade-ins or has a used-gear buyer, but plan to visit in person with the gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cash instead of store credit from a trade-in?
No. Guitar Center's Trade-In program only offers store credit. If you need cash, you will need to find a location with a used-gear buyer who offers cash purchases, or sell your gear elsewhere. Call your local store to ask if they have an outright-purchase option.
How long does it take to get an offer on my gear?
Trade-in offers are usually ready within 10 to 15 minutes. The staff will inspect the item, check the condition, and tell you the credit amount. Outright purchases may take longer because the store needs to photograph the item and enter it into their system; you may be asked to return later.
What if I disagree with the offer Guitar Center gives me?
You can decline the offer and take your gear elsewhere. There is no obligation to accept. If you think the offer is too low, try selling on Reverb or Facebook Marketplace, or contact other local music shops for competing offers.
Will Guitar Center buy broken or damaged gear?
No. Gear must be in working condition and playable. Cracked bodies, broken necks, non-functioning electronics, and heavily worn frets will be declined. Minor cosmetic wear is acceptable.
Do I need to bring the original case with my guitar?
You do not need the original case, but including one will increase your offer. A guitar without a case will be valued lower than the same guitar with its case included.