The main places to buy an acoustic guitar
You can buy an acoustic guitar from a music store, a general retailer, online marketplaces, or a private seller. Each route has different prices, return policies, and chances to play the instrument before you buy. A music store lets you hold and play guitars in person; online retailers often have lower prices and wider selection; used marketplaces give you older or secondhand instruments at a fraction of the new price; and private sellers sometimes offer deals but carry more risk.
The choice depends on whether you want to hear the guitar first, how much you want to spend, and how quickly you need it. A beginner might start at a music store to feel different sizes and sounds. Someone upgrading might hunt used listings. A player who knows exactly what they want might order online and save money.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play guitars before buying and offer staff information, but usually charge more than online retailers.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Amazon have lower prices and fast shipping, but you cannot play the guitar first.
- Used marketplaces such as Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist offer lower prices on secondhand guitars, though condition varies and returns are limited.
- General retailers like Walmart and Target stock budget beginner models but have smaller selection and less knowledgeable staff than music stores.
- Private sellers through Facebook Marketplace or local classified ads may offer the lowest prices, but you bear all the risk if the guitar has hidden damage.
Music stores: play before you buy
A local music store is the best place to hold and play different acoustic guitars side by side. You can feel the neck width, test the action (how high the strings sit), and hear how each model sounds in the room. Staff can answer questions about wood types, brand reputation, and whether a guitar suits your hand size or playing style. Many stores also offer setup services, meaning they adjust the guitar to play better when you take it home.
Prices at music stores are usually 10 to 20 percent higher than online, because the store pays rent and staff wages. However, stores often match online prices if you ask, and some offer discounts for buying bundles (guitar plus case plus strings). Return policies vary: some allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed, while others do not accept returns on used floor models. Ask before you buy.
To find a music store near you, search "guitar shop near me" or check the websites of chains like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, or Sweetwater (which has physical locations in some cities). Independent stores often have smaller inventories but more personal service.
Online retailers: lower prices and wide selection
Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Thomann, and Amazon stock hundreds of acoustic models at prices 10 to 30 percent below music stores. They ship quickly—often within two to five business days—and many offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. You can read customer reviews, watch demo videos, and compare specs side by side without leaving home.
The main drawback is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. If it does not sound or feel right when it lands, you have to pay return shipping (sometimes $20 to $50) and wait for a refund. Some retailers like Sweetwater offer a 55-day return window, which is longer than most music stores. Others like Amazon have a 30-day return period. Check the return policy before you order.
Online retailers also sell guitars at every price point, from $100 beginner models to $3,000 professional instruments. This makes them useful for comparing brands and prices across a wide range. If you know what you want—a specific brand, size, or wood type—an online search often finds it faster than calling around to local stores.
Used marketplaces: lower cost, higher risk
Reverb is the largest online marketplace for used and vintage guitars. It connects buyers and sellers worldwide, handles payment, and offers buyer protection if the guitar does not match the listing. Prices are typically 30 to 50 percent below new. eBay also has a large used guitar section, though you deal directly with individual sellers and protection is less certain. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace let you buy locally, so you can inspect the guitar in person and avoid shipping costs.
When buying used, inspect the guitar for cracks in the wood, loose frets, warped neck, or damage to the headstock. Ask the seller how old the guitar is, whether it has been repaired, and why they are selling. If you buy online without seeing it first, ask for photos of the headstock, neck, body, and back. Request a video of the seller playing it so you hear how it sounds.
Used guitars are a good choice if you are a beginner testing whether you will stick with the instrument, or if you want a vintage model that is no longer made. They are riskier if you do not know how to spot damage or if the seller is unwilling to answer questions.
General retailers: budget options for beginners
Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock a small number of acoustic guitars, usually budget brands like Fender, Squier, or house brands. Prices range from $80 to $300. These guitars are adequate for a beginner learning basic chords, but they often have poor action, cheap tuning pegs, and wood that does not age well. Staff in these stores rarely know much about guitars and cannot help you choose based on sound or playability.
General retailers are useful if you need a guitar today and a music store is not nearby, or if you want to return it to a physical location without paying shipping. Their return policies are usually 30 to 90 days. However, if you plan to play seriously, you will likely outgrow a budget model within a year and want to upgrade.
Private sellers: lowest prices, no protection
Buying from a private seller through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local classified ads can save you 40 to 60 percent compared to new retail prices. You can inspect the guitar in person, negotiate the price, and avoid shipping. Many sellers are musicians upgrading to a better instrument and can tell you how they used it and what it needs.
The risk is that you have no recourse if the guitar has hidden damage or does not work as described. There is no return period, no buyer protection, and no warranty. If you discover a crack in the body after you get home, the seller is under no obligation to refund you. Only buy from a private seller if you know how to inspect a guitar for damage, or if you can bring someone who does.
Always meet in a public place, bring cash, and test the guitar thoroughly before handing over money. Ask why the seller is parting with it and whether they have the original case or any documentation.
Comparing price, selection, and risk
| Source | Price Range | Selection | Play Before Buying | Return Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music store | Higher (list price) | Moderate | Yes | 30 days (varies) |
| Online retailer | Lower (10–30% off) | Very large | No | 30–55 days |
| Used marketplace | Much lower (30–50% off) | Large | Sometimes (local pickup) | Varies by platform |
| General retailer | Lower (budget models) | Small | Yes | 30–90 days |
| Private seller | Lowest (40–60% off) | Varies | Yes | None |
How to decide which route to take
If you are a beginner and unsure what size or style you want, start at a music store. Spend an hour playing different guitars and talking to staff. You will learn what feels right in your hands and what sound you prefer. Once you know what you want, you can order it online or hunt for a used version to save money.
If you already play and know exactly which model you want, an online retailer is usually the fastest and cheapest option. You can order in the evening and have it in three to five days. If you are on a tight budget and willing to take on some risk, a used marketplace or private seller can cut the price in half.
If you live far from a music store or prefer not to travel, order online from a retailer with a long return window (Sweetwater's 55-day policy is the longest). This gives you time to play the guitar at home and return it if it does not suit you, though you will pay return shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a new or used acoustic guitar?
New guitars come with a warranty and are less likely to have hidden damage, but cost more. Used guitars are cheaper and often sound better (wood improves with age), but you cannot return them if something is wrong. Buy new if you are a beginner and want peace of mind. Buy used if you know how to inspect for damage or if you are upgrading from a cheaper model.
What is the difference between buying online and in a store?
In a store, you play the guitar before buying and get when ready help from staff. Online, you cannot play it first, but prices are lower and selection is larger. Online is faster if you know what you want. A store is better if you are unsure or want to feel different sizes.
Can I return a guitar if I do not like how it sounds?
Yes, if you buy from a retailer with a return policy. Music stores usually allow 30 days; online retailers like Sweetwater allow 55 days. Private sellers and used marketplaces rarely accept returns. Check the return policy before you buy, and keep the guitar in good condition in case you need to send it back.
Is it safe to buy from a private seller on Craigslist or Facebook?
It is safe if you meet in a public place, inspect the guitar carefully, and bring cash. The risk is that you have no protection if the guitar has damage you did not notice. Only buy from a private seller if you can judge the condition yourself or bring someone who can.
What should I look for when inspecting a used guitar?
Check for cracks in the wood, loose or bent frets, a warped neck, and damage to the headstock or tuning pegs. Play each string and listen for buzzing or dead notes. Ask the seller how old it is, whether it has been repaired, and why they are selling. Request photos or a video if you are buying online.