The main places to buy instruments are music specialty stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and used instrument dealers
You can buy musical instruments at music specialty shops in your area, chain retailers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater, online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and used instrument dealers or private sellers. Each route has different costs, return policies, and ways to inspect what you're buying before money changes hands. The right choice depends on whether you want to play an instrument before buying, need it quickly, or are looking for the lowest price.
Local music shops usually let you hold and play instruments before you buy, which matters if you're new to playing. Chain stores offer more selection and consistent pricing. Online retailers often have lower prices but require you to trust photos and descriptions. Used markets can save you 30 to 50 percent, but you need to know what to look for or bring someone who does.
Key Takeaways
- Local music shops let you play instruments before buying and offer information from staff who know the gear, but typically charge more than online retailers.
- Chain retailers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater have wide selection, price-match policies, and fast shipping, but less personal guidance than specialty shops.
- Online marketplaces and direct manufacturer websites often have the lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the instrument or return it easily if it arrives damaged.
- Used instruments from dealers, pawn shops, or private sellers cost significantly less but require you to inspect for damage, wear, and whether repairs are needed.
- Return policies vary widely — some retailers offer 30 days, others 60, and used instruments are often sold as-is with no returns.
Local music shops and what to expect there
A local music shop is usually your best first stop if you are new to an instrument or unsure what you want. Staff can show you the difference between a beginner guitar and an intermediate one, let you play several models in the same price range, and answer questions about setup and maintenance. Many shops also offer lessons, repairs, and trade-in programs.
Prices at local shops are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than online, because the shop pays rent and staff salaries. However, if you buy there, the shop is more likely to help you with problems later — a broken string, a setup issue, or a question about how to hold the instrument. Some shops will negotiate on price, especially if you buy multiple items or mention a competitor's quote.
To find a local shop, search "music store near me" or "guitar shop [your city]" and call ahead to confirm they have the type of instrument you want in stock. Ask whether they have a return window and whether they offer a setup service (adjusting the instrument so it plays well) before you take it home.
Chain retailers with wide selection and price matching
Guitar Center and Sweetwater are the largest music retailers in the United States. Both have physical locations in many cities and also sell online. Guitar Center has roughly 150 stores; Sweetwater operates online and by phone from Indiana. Both match competitor prices if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere, which means you can often get online prices in a physical store.
Guitar Center lets you walk in, play instruments, and take them home the same day. Sweetwater does not have walk-in locations, but you can call and speak to a salesperson who will answer technical questions and help you choose. Both offer a 30-day return window and will accept returns by mail if you bought online.
Prices at both retailers are usually lower than local shops but higher than smaller online-only sellers. If you know exactly what you want and want to inspect it before buying, Guitar Center is faster. If you want detailed information over the phone and do not mind waiting for shipping, Sweetwater is reliable.
Online marketplaces and direct sales from manufacturers
Amazon, eBay, Reverb, and manufacturer websites (like Fender.com or Yamaha.com) often have the lowest prices because they have lower overhead than physical stores. Reverb is a dedicated marketplace for musical instruments and has a strong reputation for buyer protection. Manufacturer websites sometimes offer sales or bundles that retailers do not.
The trade-off is that you cannot play the instrument before it arrives. You are relying on product photos, descriptions, and customer reviews. If the instrument arrives damaged, the return process can be slow — you may have to pay to ship it back, and refunds can take weeks. Some sellers offer no returns at all, so read the return policy before you buy.
Online prices are usually 5 to 15 percent lower than chain retailers. Shipping is often free on orders over a certain amount. If you know the exact model you want and have bought that type of instrument before, buying online can save money. If you are uncertain or buying your first instrument, the risk of receiving something that does not meet your needs is higher.
Used instruments from dealers, pawn shops, and private sellers
Used instruments cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones, and many are in good condition. You can find them at dedicated used instrument dealers, pawn shops, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. Reverb also has a used section with buyer protection similar to new instruments.
Buying used requires you to inspect the instrument in person or trust detailed photos and a seller's description. Look for cracks in the wood, rust on metal parts, worn frets (on guitars), sticking keys (on woodwinds), or dents that affect how the instrument sounds. If you do not know what to look for, bring someone who plays that instrument or ask the seller if they will let you have a local repair person inspect it before you pay.
Dealers typically offer some may provide or return window — often 7 to 14 days. Private sellers usually sell as-is with no returns. Pawn shops fall somewhere in between and vary by location. If you buy from a private seller and the instrument needs repairs, that cost comes out of your pocket. Factor repair costs into your budget when comparing used prices to new ones.
Comparing prices across retailers
The same guitar or keyboard can vary in price by $50 to $200 depending where you buy it. Before you decide, check the price at three places: a local shop, a chain retailer, and an online marketplace. Write down the exact model number — "Fender Stratocaster" is not specific enough; you need something like "Fender Player Stratocaster HSS in Buttercream."
Once you have three prices, factor in return policies and shipping. If a local shop is $30 more but offers free setup and a 60-day return window, that may be worth it. If an online retailer is $80 cheaper but charges $15 to ship and has a 14-day return window, the real savings is smaller. Add up the total cost including setup, shipping, and any restocking fees if you return it.
Many retailers will price-match if you show them a competitor's quote. Call or email before you visit, and have the link or receipt ready. Some will match online prices in-store; others will only match other physical locations.
What to check before you buy, whether new or used
For a new instrument, confirm the model number matches what you searched for — retailers sometimes list similar models under the same name. Check the return policy and how long you have to return it. Confirm shipping cost and whether it is insured. Read customer reviews, especially any that mention quality control issues or damage during shipping.
For a used instrument, ask how long the seller has owned it, why they are selling, and whether it has been repaired or modified. Request photos of the full instrument, close-ups of any damage, and a photo of it being played if possible. Ask whether the original case or accessories are included. If you are buying in person, play it yourself or have someone else play it while you listen.
For both new and used, know the return shipping address and cost before you commit. Some retailers make returns straightforward; others bury the return address in fine print and charge a restocking fee. A 30-day return window is standard; anything less than 14 days is tight if you need time to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy online or at a local shop?
Online is usually 5 to 20 percent cheaper, depending on the retailer. Local shops charge more because they pay for a physical location and staff. However, local shops often include setup, information, and a relationship for future repairs, which can offset the higher price if you value those things.
What is the difference between Reverb and eBay for buying used instruments?
Reverb is designed specifically for musical instruments and has stronger buyer protection — if an item does not match the description, Reverb is more likely to side with you. eBay is a general marketplace where instrument sellers vary in reliability. Both allow returns, but Reverb's process is faster and more instrument-focused.
Can I return an instrument if I change my mind?
Most retailers offer 30 days; some offer 60. Used instruments sold by private sellers are usually final sale. Check the return policy before you buy. Some retailers charge a restocking fee of 10 to 15 percent if you return an opened or played instrument.
Should I buy a bundle or starter pack?
Bundles often include an instrument, a case, a strap, and picks or strings. They are convenient and sometimes cheaper than buying each item separately, but the quality of included accessories is often low. If you are a beginner, a bundle is fine to start. As you improve, you will likely replace the case and accessories with better ones.
What should I do if an instrument arrives damaged?
Contact the seller or retailer when ready with photos of the damage. Most will replace it or refund you if you report damage within a few days of delivery. Keep the original packaging and do not attempt repairs yourself before reporting it — that can void your claim. If the retailer refuses, contact your credit card company or PayPal to dispute the charge.