Guitar shops, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces all sell guitars, but they differ in price, selection, and whether you can play before you buy
Your best option depends on whether you want to hear and feel the instrument first, how much you want to spend, and whether you need informed information. A local music store lets you play multiple guitars in one afternoon and talk to someone who knows the difference between a dreadnought and a concert body. A big-box retailer like Costco or Walmart stocks fewer models but often at lower prices. Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Amazon offer the widest selection and sometimes the best deals, but you cannot touch the guitar until it arrives. Used marketplaces like Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist can save you 30 to 50 percent, though you take on more risk.
Key Takeaways
- Local music stores let you play guitars before buying and offer staff information, but typically charge more than online retailers.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater and Thomann have larger inventories and lower prices, but you cannot inspect the instrument until delivery.
- Used marketplaces like Reverb and eBay offer significant discounts, but require you to assess condition from photos and descriptions.
- Big-box retailers stock entry-level guitars at competitive prices but carry a limited range of brands and models.
- Return policies vary widely — some retailers offer 30 days, others 60, and used sales are often final, so check before you buy.
Local Music Stores: Play Before You Buy
A local music store is the only place where you can pick up five guitars, play them for ten minutes each, and decide which one feels right in your hands. Staff can answer questions about action height, neck width, and whether a particular model suits your playing style. They also handle setup and repairs, which matters if something goes wrong after you buy.
The trade-off is price. Local stores typically mark up guitars 20 to 40 percent more than online retailers, because they pay rent, staff, and inventory costs. A guitar that costs $300 online might be $400 in a local shop. Some stores will negotiate on price, especially if you buy a case, strap, or strings at the same time. Ask whether they offer a setup service included with the purchase — many do, and that can save you $50 to $100 if you were planning to have it done anyway.
To find a local store, search "guitar shop near me" or check the websites of major brands like Fender, Gibson, or Yamaha, which list authorized dealers by zip code. Call ahead to confirm they have guitars in stock and what brands they carry.
Online Retailers: Largest Selection and Lowest Prices
Sweetwater, Thomann, Musician's Friend, and B&H Photo are the largest online guitar retailers in North America. They stock thousands of models from entry-level to professional grade, and prices are typically 10 to 25 percent lower than local stores. Sweetwater and Musician's Friend both offer free shipping on most guitars and accept returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed and in original condition.
The main risk is that you cannot inspect the guitar before it arrives. Photos and descriptions tell you the color and specs, but not whether the neck is straight, the frets are level, or the finish has any flaws. Read customer reviews carefully — they often mention setup quality and whether the guitar arrived in good condition. Some retailers like Sweetwater include a basic setup (intonation check, string height adjustment) before shipping, which reduces the chance of problems.
Amazon also sells guitars, often at competitive prices, but quality control is less consistent because third-party sellers handle fulfillment. Check the seller's rating and return policy before ordering. Amazon's standard 30-day return window applies to most guitar sales.
Used Marketplaces: Steep Discounts With More Risk
Reverb.com is the largest online used guitar marketplace. You can filter by brand, price, condition, and location, and most sellers ship within the US. Reverb holds the payment until you confirm the guitar arrived in the condition described, which protects you if the seller misrepresented damage. Return policies vary by seller — some offer 14 days, others do not accept returns at all, so check before you bid.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace have lower prices because there is no middleman, but you have less protection. On eBay, you can open a dispute if the guitar does not match the listing, but the process takes time. On Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you are buying from a stranger with no recourse if something is wrong. If you go this route, meet in person if possible, bring someone who plays guitar, and inspect the instrument carefully before handing over money.
Used guitars are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than new ones, but factor in the cost of a setup ($50 to $150) if the previous owner did not maintain it well. A guitar with a cracked body, a warped neck, or worn frets may not be worth the discount.
Big-Box Retailers: Budget-Friendly Entry-Level Options
Costco, Walmart, and Target stock a small selection of beginner guitars, usually from brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez. Prices are competitive — you might find a Fender Squier Stratocaster for $150 to $200, compared to $180 to $220 online. These retailers also carry guitar bundles that include a case, strap, and picks, which can be a good value if you are starting out.
The downside is limited selection. You cannot compare 20 different models; you get what is on the shelf. Staff knowledge varies — some employees can answer basic questions, but most cannot tell you whether a particular guitar is right for your needs. Return policies are generous (usually 30 to 90 days), so if the guitar does not work out, you can bring it back.
Big-box retailers are best if you want a specific entry-level model and want to see it in person before buying. If you are looking for something less common or higher-end, you will need to go elsewhere.
Specialty Online Retailers for Specific Brands
Some guitar makers sell directly through their own websites. Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, and PRS all have online shops where you can buy new guitars. Prices are usually the same as authorized retailers, but you may find exclusive colors or limited editions. Direct sales often come with the manufacturer's warranty and sometimes a longer return window.
Brand websites are also useful for finding authorized dealers near you. If you want to buy a specific model and compare prices, search the brand name plus "where to buy" to see all the retailers that stock it.
What to Check Before You Buy
Regardless of where you shop, confirm the return policy before checkout. Most retailers offer 30 days, but some used sellers do not accept returns at all. Check whether the price includes shipping — online retailers often advertise a low price and then charge $20 to $50 for delivery.
Look at the warranty. New guitars from authorized retailers usually come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Used guitars may have a shorter warranty or none at all. If you are buying used, ask the seller whether any warranty remains.
Read reviews from people who bought the same model. They will tell you whether the guitar arrived in good condition, whether it needed setup work, and whether it sounds and plays as described. Pay attention to reviews that mention specific problems — a common complaint about fret buzz or a warped neck is a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy online or at a local store?
Online retailers are typically 10 to 25 percent cheaper because they have lower overhead costs. A guitar that costs $400 at a local shop might be $300 to $350 online. Local stores charge more, but you get the ability to play the guitar first and access to setup and repair services.
Can I return a guitar if I change my mind?
Most new guitar retailers offer 30-day returns if the guitar is unplayed and in original condition. Some offer 60 days. Used guitars sold on Reverb may have a return window depending on the seller, but many used sales are final. Always check the return policy before you buy.
What should I look for in reviews of a used guitar?
Look for mentions of condition, setup quality, and whether the guitar arrived as described. Pay attention to complaints about fret buzz, neck warping, or finish damage. If multiple reviews mention the same problem, that model may have a known issue.
Do I need to pay for setup after I buy a guitar?
Most new guitars benefit from a professional setup, which costs $50 to $150. Some online retailers include a basic setup before shipping. Used guitars may need more work depending on how well the previous owner maintained them. Budget for setup if you are buying used or from a retailer that does not include it.
What is the difference between buying from Sweetwater and buying from Amazon?
Sweetwater is a specialized guitar retailer with knowledgeable staff and consistent quality control. Amazon has lower prices but less consistent seller quality. Sweetwater includes a setup check before shipping; Amazon does not. Both offer 30-day returns on most guitars.