The main places to buy a guitar

You can buy a guitar from a music store, an online retailer, a pawn shop, a private seller, or a rental company. Each route has different prices, return policies, and ways to inspect the instrument before you commit. A music store lets you play before you buy and get information from staff. Online retailers often have lower prices and wider selection but you cannot touch the guitar first. Used marketplaces and pawn shops are cheapest but require you to spot damage or wear yourself. Rental companies work best if you are not sure you will stick with playing.

The choice depends on your budget, how soon you need the guitar, and whether you want to try it out first. A beginner who is uncertain should rent or buy used from a local seller. Someone who knows what they want and has a budget can order online. A player upgrading to a better instrument might visit a music store to compare models side by side.

Key Takeaways

  • Music stores let you play the guitar before buying and offer staff information, but charge higher prices than online retailers.
  • Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Amazon have lower prices and larger selection, but you cannot inspect the guitar or play it first.
  • Used guitars from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Reverb, and local pawn shops cost 30 to 50 percent less than new but require you to check for damage yourself.
  • Rental companies through music stores or services like Rent-A-Center let you try playing without a large upfront cost, with the option to buy later.
  • Private sellers and pawn shops are fastest if you need a guitar today, but you have no return window if the instrument has hidden problems.

Music stores and their advantages

A local music store is the best place to start if you are new to guitar or upgrading. You can hold and play multiple models, hear the difference between them, and ask staff about setup, maintenance, and what suits your playing style. Staff can also adjust the action (string height) and intonation before you leave, so the guitar is ready to play.

The downside is price. Music stores mark up guitars 20 to 40 percent above what you would pay online. They also have smaller inventory than online retailers, so if you want a specific model or color, they may not have it in stock. Some stores offer a return window of 30 days if you change your mind, but read the policy before you buy — some charge a restocking fee.

Chain stores like Guitar Center exist in most cities and carry hundreds of models. Independent music stores often have more knowledgeable staff and may negotiate on price, especially if you buy strings, a strap, or a case at the same time.

Online retailers and what to expect

Online stores like Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb, and Amazon have the lowest prices and the widest selection. You can compare dozens of models, read reviews from other buyers, and often find used or refurbished guitars at steep discounts. Shipping is usually free on orders over a certain amount, and most retailers ship within one to three business days.

The main risk is that you cannot play the guitar or inspect it in person. If it arrives damaged, has a manufacturing defect, or does not sound the way you hoped, you will need to return it. Most online retailers offer a 30-day return window, but you pay for return shipping unless the guitar was damaged on arrival. Some retailers like Sweetwater have a 55-day return period and cover return shipping, which reduces the risk.

Reverb is a marketplace where both retailers and private sellers list guitars, so prices vary widely. Check the seller's rating and read the description carefully — used guitars listed on Reverb often come with photos of damage or wear. Amazon has a similar return policy to other retailers, but quality control varies by seller.

Used guitars from marketplaces and pawn shops

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local pawn shops are the cheapest options. A used guitar in good condition typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than a new one. You can inspect the guitar in person, play it, and negotiate the price. If you buy from a private seller, there is no return window — the sale is final once you hand over money.

Before you meet a seller, ask for photos of the front, back, headstock, and fretboard. Look for cracks in the wood, rust on the tuning pegs or bridge, worn frets, or a warped neck. Play it to check that all strings ring clearly, the action is not too high, and there are no buzzes or dead spots. If you are not confident inspecting a guitar yourself, bring someone who plays or ask the seller if you can take it to a music store for a quick check.

Pawn shops move inventory quickly, so selection changes daily. Prices are negotiable, and you can walk out the same day. The downside is that pawn shops often do not service guitars before selling them, so you may need to pay a technician to adjust the action or replace worn strings.

Rental options if you are not sure yet

If you are a beginner or unsure whether you will stick with playing, renting is a low-risk way to start. Most music stores rent acoustic and electric guitars for $15 to $40 per month. Rent-A-Center and Aaron's rent guitars month to month with the option to buy — if you decide to keep it, your rental payments count toward the purchase price.

Rental makes sense if you want to try different styles of guitar before buying, or if you are teaching a child and do not want to spend $200 on an instrument they might abandon. The downside is that after 12 to 18 months of rental, you will have paid as much as a new guitar costs. If you plan to play long-term, buying used is cheaper.

Some rental agreements include a damage waiver for a small monthly fee, which covers accidental damage. Read the fine print to see whether normal wear and tear is covered and what happens if the guitar is stolen.

Price comparison across different sources

A beginner acoustic guitar typically costs $150 to $300 new from a music store, $100 to $250 online, and $50 to $150 used. An entry-level electric guitar and amp bundle runs $300 to $500 new in a store, $200 to $400 online, and $100 to $250 used. A mid-range acoustic or electric guitar costs $500 to $1,500 new, $400 to $1,200 online, and $250 to $800 used.

Online retailers are consistently 15 to 30 percent cheaper than music stores on the same model. Used guitars from private sellers are the cheapest, but you take on the risk of hidden damage. Rental costs $15 to $40 per month, so after one year you have paid $180 to $480 — roughly the cost of a used beginner guitar.

If you are buying a specific brand and model, search the price across Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb, and your local music store before deciding. Some stores price-match online retailers, so ask before you leave.

What to check before you buy or rent

Whether you buy new, used, or rent, inspect the guitar for cracks, warping, rust, and worn frets. Play each string open and fretted to listen for buzzes or dead spots. Check that the tuning pegs turn smoothly and the bridge is glued down tight. On an electric guitar, test every switch and knob to make sure they work.

Ask about the warranty. New guitars usually come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects, but not damage from dropping or spilling liquid. Used guitars sold by retailers may have a 30-day warranty; private sales have no warranty. Rental agreements usually include a damage waiver for an extra fee.

If you are buying online, check the return policy before checkout. Make sure you understand who pays for return shipping and whether you get a refund or store credit. For used guitars on Reverb or Craigslist, ask the seller how long they have owned it and why they are selling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy new or used?

Used is cheaper if you know what to look for and do not mind cosmetic wear. New is better if you want a warranty, do not want to inspect for damage, or cannot find the exact model you want used. A beginner should buy used or rent to avoid spending too much on an instrument they might not stick with.

Can I return a guitar if I buy it in person at a music store?

Most music stores offer a 30-day return window, but some charge a restocking fee of 10 to 15 percent. A few stores have longer windows like 60 days. Ask about the return policy before you buy, and keep your receipt. Online retailers usually have longer return windows than in-store purchases.

What should I look for when buying used?

Check for cracks in the wood, rust on metal parts, a warped neck, and worn frets. Play all the strings to listen for buzzes or dead spots. Ask the seller how long they owned it and why they are selling. If you are not confident, bring someone who plays or ask a music store staff member to inspect it.

Is renting a guitar a good idea?

Renting works if you are a beginner, want to try different styles, or are teaching a child. After 12 to 18 months, you will have paid as much as a used guitar costs, so buying is cheaper if you plan to play long-term. Some rental agreements let your payments count toward a purchase.

Where can I find the best price on a specific guitar?

Search the model on Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb, Amazon, and your local music store. Online retailers are usually 15 to 30 percent cheaper. Some music stores will price-match online prices if you ask. Check the return policy and shipping cost before comparing prices.