Where to buy a skull guitar

A skull guitar is a solid-body electric guitar with skull imagery on the body, headstock, or pickguard. You can find them through music retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty shops. The most common sources are Reverb.com (a used and new instrument marketplace), eBay, Amazon, and local music stores that stock alternative or metal-themed gear.

Major guitar manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, and Schecter have made skull-design models at different times, so checking their official websites or authorized dealers can turn up current or discontinued stock. Smaller boutique builders also create custom skull guitars, though these cost more and take longer to receive.

Price ranges vary widely. A mass-produced skull guitar from a major brand typically costs $300 to $800 new. Used models on Reverb or eBay run $200 to $600 depending on condition and age. Custom or limited-edition skull guitars can exceed $1,500.

Key Takeaways

  • Reverb.com, eBay, and local music stores carry both new and used skull guitars from established brands and custom builders.
  • Mass-produced skull guitars from major manufacturers usually cost $300 to $800 new, while used models range from $200 to $600.
  • Fender, Gibson, and Schecter have released skull-design models, so checking their official sites or authorized dealers may find current inventory.
  • Custom skull guitars from boutique builders take 4 to 12 weeks and cost $1,000 or more, but let you specify exact design details.

New skull guitars from major brands

Fender has produced skull-themed Stratocasters and Telecasters in limited runs. Gibson has offered skull graphics on Les Paul and SG models. Schecter, known for metal and alternative designs, regularly stocks skull guitars in their standard lineup. Check the official websites of these brands first to see current models and authorized retailers near you.

If a specific model is out of stock, authorized dealers can sometimes special-order it, though this may take 4 to 8 weeks and may not be possible for discontinued designs. Call or email the dealer to ask whether they can source the guitar you want.

Used skull guitars on online marketplaces

Reverb.com is the largest marketplace for used guitars and has a dedicated search filter for body style and design. You can search "skull guitar" directly or browse by brand and filter for skull imagery. The site shows condition ratings (mint, excellent, good, fair) and lets you message sellers with questions about wear, electronics, or playability before you buy.

eBay also lists used skull guitars, though listings vary in detail and seller reliability. Always check seller ratings, ask for close-up photos of the body and headstock, and confirm the return policy before committing. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist may have local options that let you inspect the guitar in person and avoid shipping costs.

Custom skull guitar builders

If you want a specific design—a particular skull style, custom colors, or a certain body shape—boutique builders can create one for you. Search "custom skull guitar builder" or look for luthiers in your region who take commissions. Many have portfolios on Instagram or their own websites showing past work.

Custom builds typically cost $1,200 to $3,000 and take 8 to 16 weeks from order to delivery. You will need to discuss design details, wood choice, electronics, and hardware with the builder. Get a written quote and timeline before you pay a deposit, which is usually 50 percent of the total cost.

What to check before you buy

Whether you are buying new or used, inspect the neck for straightness by sighting down it from the headstock end—a twisted or bowed neck is expensive to fix. Check that all frets are level and that the action (string height) feels comfortable for your playing style. Test every tuning machine, switch, and knob to make sure they work smoothly.

For used guitars, ask the seller how often it was played, whether it was stored in a case, and whether it has any repairs or modifications. A guitar that lived in a case in a climate-controlled home is usually in better shape than one that sat in a garage or was gigged regularly. Request photos of the back of the headstock and the electronics cavity so you can see the full condition.

Shipping and setup considerations

If you buy online, the guitar will arrive in a hard case or cardboard box. Inspect it when ready for damage during transit—dents, cracks, or loose hardware should be documented with photos before you contact the seller about a return or refund. A neck crack or deep body crack usually means the guitar is not worth keeping.

After arrival, let the guitar sit for 24 hours in your home so the wood adjusts to the local humidity and temperature. Then take it to a local repair technician for a setup—they will adjust the truss rod, bridge, and nut so the action is playable and the intonation is accurate. Setup typically costs $50 to $150 and is worth the investment, especially for used guitars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are skull guitars good for beginners?

A skull guitar is just a design choice—the playability depends on the brand, body shape, and setup, not the graphics. A beginner should focus on whether the neck feels comfortable, the action is not too high, and the electronics work reliably. Many affordable skull guitars from Schecter or Fender are solid beginner instruments.

Can I get a skull design added to my existing guitar?

Yes. A local guitar tech or luthier can paint or inlay a skull design on your body, though this costs $200 to $600 depending on complexity and whether you want a straightforward painted design or detailed inlay work. Get a quote and see examples of their work before you commit.

What is the difference between a skull guitar and a regular electric guitar?

The only difference is the visual design on the body or headstock. The electronics, pickups, and playability are the same as any other solid-body electric guitar. You are paying for aesthetics, not a different instrument.

Do skull guitars hold their value?

Like most guitars, they depreciate 20 to 40 percent in the first year and then hold value more steadily if kept in good condition. Limited-edition or discontinued models sometimes appreciate if demand rises, but this is not predictable. Buy a skull guitar because you want to play it, not as an investment.

Where can I find vintage skull guitars?

Reverb.com has a vintage filter and often lists older skull models from the 1980s and 1990s. Specialty vintage guitar shops and high-end auction sites like Catawiki also carry rare pieces. Expect to pay a premium for vintage condition and rarity.