The main places to buy instruments are music stores, online retailers, used marketplaces, and directly from makers
You can buy a guitar at a brick-and-mortar music store, an online retailer like Sweetwater or Thomann, a used marketplace like Reverb or eBay, or directly from a guitar maker's website. Each route has a different advantage: music stores let you play before you buy; online retailers often have lower prices and wider selection; used marketplaces give you access to vintage or discontinued models; and maker websites sometimes offer custom options or direct discounts.
The choice depends on what you need. If you are a beginner and want to hear how different guitars sound, a local music store is worth a trip. If you know exactly what you want and price matters most, an online retailer usually wins. If you are looking for a specific vintage model or want to save money, used is often the only option. If you want something custom-built, you will need to contact a maker directly.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play instruments before buying, which matters most if you are new to guitar or unsure what sound you want.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Musician's Friend usually have lower prices and ship quickly, but you cannot hear the instrument first.
- Used marketplaces like Reverb and eBay offer older or discontinued models and lower prices, but you need to inspect photos carefully and understand return policies.
- Maker websites and small builders offer custom options and sometimes direct pricing, but lead times can be weeks or months.
- Big-box retailers like Guitar Center and Sam Ash carry beginner instruments but often have higher prices than online competitors.
Local music stores and what to expect when you visit
A local music store is a room where you can pick up guitars, plug them in, and hear how they sound. The staff usually play and can answer questions about tone, comfort, and what a beginner actually needs. You will pay more than online, but you walk out with the instrument the same day and you know it works.
To get the most from a visit, go in with a budget and a rough idea of what you want — acoustic or electric, new or used, what price range. Tell the staff you are new if you are; they will often steer you toward instruments that are actually forgiving to learn on, not just the cheapest option. Ask to play a few different guitars in your price range so you can feel the difference. If the staff seem annoyed that you are not buying when ready, that is a sign to shop elsewhere.
Most music stores also repair guitars, so if you buy there and something goes wrong, you have a place to take it. Some offer lessons too, which can be useful if you want to start learning right away.
Online retailers and how to choose between them
Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, Musician's Friend, and B&H Photo sell new guitars at prices usually 10 to 20 percent lower than music stores. They ship fast — often within a few days — and they handle returns if the guitar arrives damaged or you change your mind. The catch is you cannot play it first, so you are relying on reviews, specs, and photos.
Sweetwater is known for detailed product descriptions and customer service by phone. Thomann ships internationally and has a huge selection. Musician's Friend often runs sales and bundles. B&H Photo is reliable for both guitars and recording gear. All of them have return windows, usually 30 days, so if the guitar does not feel right when it arrives, you can send it back.
Before you order, read the reviews on the retailer's site and on YouTube. Watch videos of the specific model being played so you hear what it sounds like. Check the return policy — some retailers charge a restocking fee if you return an opened guitar, and some do not. If you are buying a beginner guitar under $300, the difference in price between retailers is usually small, so pick the one with the best return policy.
Used marketplaces and what to watch for
Reverb is the largest online marketplace for used and vintage guitars. eBay also has a huge selection. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are local options where you can see the guitar in person before paying. Used guitars are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than new, and you can find models that are no longer made.
When you are looking at a used guitar online, examine the photos closely. Look at the neck for warping, the frets for wear, the body for cracks or deep scratches, and the tuning pegs for damage. Ask the seller how old the guitar is, how often it was played, and whether it has been repaired. A guitar that was played hard but well-maintained is often better than one that sat in a closet for years.
Reverb offers buyer protection — if the guitar arrives damaged or does not match the description, you can file a claim. eBay has a similar system. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist do not, so if you buy locally, inspect the guitar in person and test it before you hand over money. Never wire money to a stranger or pay through an untraceable method.
Buying directly from guitar makers and custom builders
Many guitar makers sell directly from their websites — Fender, Gibson, PRS, Ibanez, and hundreds of smaller builders. Buying direct sometimes means you can customize the guitar: pick the wood, the color, the pickups, or the hardware. Some makers offer direct pricing that is better than retail.
The downside is lead time. A custom guitar can take 8 to 16 weeks to build. You also cannot play it before you order, so you are betting on specs and reviews. If something goes wrong after it arrives, you deal with the maker directly, not a retailer with a return department.
Custom building makes sense if you know exactly what you want and you are willing to wait. For a first guitar, it is usually overkill. But if you have played for a few years and you want something specific — a particular wood, a specific pickup configuration, or a neck shape that fits your hands — a custom builder is worth exploring.
Big-box retailers and when they make sense
Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and Sweetwater (which also has physical stores) are large chains that carry beginner guitars, amps, and accessories. They have the advantage of being everywhere — you can walk in today and leave with a complete setup. They also have rental programs and trade-in options if you want to upgrade later.
The downside is price. Guitar Center and Sam Ash usually charge more than online retailers for the same guitar. The staff are sometimes less experienced than at a dedicated music store, and the selection of high-end or vintage guitars is limited. If you are a beginner and you want to buy everything in one place without shopping around, a big-box store is convenient. If you want the best price or a wider selection, you will do better elsewhere.
Comparing price, selection, and return policies
| Where to Buy | Price | Selection | Play Before Buying | Return Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local music store | Higher | Limited | Yes | Usually 30 days |
| Online retailer (Sweetwater, Thomann) | Lower | Very wide | No | Usually 30 days |
| Used marketplace (Reverb, eBay) | Lowest | Varies | No (unless local) | Varies by seller |
| Guitar maker website | Varies | Custom options | No | Usually 30 days |
| Big-box retailer (Guitar Center) | Higher | Moderate | Yes | Usually 30 days |
What to do if you are not sure where to start
If you are buying your first guitar, visit a local music store and play a few models in your budget. This takes an hour and teaches you what feels right in your hands. Once you know what you want, you can buy it there or search for the same model online to compare prices.
If you are upgrading or looking for something specific, search Reverb first to see what is available used. Then check Sweetwater or Thomann for new prices. If you find the same model at both, the used price will usually be lower, but the new guitar comes with a warranty and a full return window.
If you are buying a beginner guitar under $200, the difference between retailers is small enough that convenience matters more than price. Buy from whoever has it in stock and ships fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a used guitar online without playing it first?
It is safer on Reverb than on eBay or Facebook Marketplace because Reverb has buyer protection. Ask the seller detailed questions about the condition, request close-up photos of the neck and frets, and watch videos of the same model being played. If the price seems too low, it probably is.
Do I need to spend a lot of money on my first guitar?
No. A beginner guitar between $150 and $300 will sound and play well enough to learn on. Spending more does not make learning easier. Once you have played for a year or two, you will know what you want in a guitar and can upgrade then.
What is the difference between a music store and Guitar Center?
A local music store is usually independently owned, has fewer locations, and carries a curated selection. Guitar Center is a chain with hundreds of stores, carries more beginner gear, and often has higher prices. Local stores usually have more experienced staff.
Can I return a guitar if I change my mind?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed or barely played. Some charge a restocking fee of 10 to 20 percent. Check the return policy before you order. Used marketplaces vary — Reverb protects buyers, but private sellers on Facebook Marketplace usually do not.
Should I buy a guitar bundle or just the guitar?
Bundles usually include a cheap strap, cable, and picks that you will replace anyway. If the bundle price is only slightly higher than the guitar alone, take it. If it is significantly more, buy the guitar and add a decent strap and cable later — you will use those for years.