The five main places to buy a guitar
You can buy a guitar from a music store, an online retailer, a pawn shop, a secondhand marketplace, or directly from 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, but costs more. Online retailers offer lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot test the guitar first. Pawn shops and secondhand marketplaces fall somewhere in between—lower prices, sometimes playable in person, but less warranty protection.
The best choice depends on whether you want new or used, whether you need to hear it first, and how much you want to spend. A beginner often benefits from a music store visit to find a comfortable size and feel, even if they buy elsewhere later. Someone replacing a stolen guitar might prefer the speed and selection of an online order.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores cost 10 to 20 percent more than online retailers but let you play before buying and offer in-person information.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Amazon have lower prices and wider selection, but no return window at some sites and no chance to test the sound.
- Used guitars from pawn shops, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Reverb cost less but may have hidden damage and usually come with no warranty.
- Playing a guitar in person before buying matters more for beginners than for experienced players, because comfort and fit affect how long you will practice.
- Return policies vary widely—some music stores offer 30 days, some online retailers offer none, and used sales are almost always final.
Music stores: higher price, hands-on testing
A local music store is the only place where you can pick up multiple guitars, play them side by side, and ask a staff member questions in real time. Staff can show you how to hold the instrument, explain the difference between body styles, and help you find a size that fits your hands. For a beginner, this matters: a guitar that feels too big or too heavy discourages practice, and a staff member can spot that in five minutes.
Prices at music stores run 10 to 20 percent higher than online, because the store pays rent and staff wages. Most music stores offer a return window of 14 to 30 days if you change your mind, though some charge a restocking fee. They also often include setup—adjusting the strings and neck so the guitar plays smoothly—which costs $50 to $100 if you buy online and have to pay for it separately.
To find a music store near you, search "guitar store near me" or look for chains like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, or Sweetwater's physical locations if one exists in your area. Call ahead to confirm they have guitars in stock and ask whether staff can spend time with a beginner.
Online retailers: lower prices, wider selection, no testing
Online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Thomann, and Amazon stock hundreds of models and usually undercut music store prices by 10 to 20 percent. You can read reviews from other buyers, compare specs side by side, and often find guitars that are not in stock locally. Shipping is usually free on orders over a certain amount, and delivery takes 3 to 10 business days depending on the retailer and your location.
The trade-off is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. You are betting on reviews, photos, and the retailer's description. Some online retailers like Sweetwater and Musician's Friend offer a 45-day return window if the guitar does not meet your expectations, but others like Amazon Marketplace sellers may offer no returns at all. Read the return policy before you buy—it is usually listed near the price.
Setup is sometimes included with online orders from major retailers, but not always. Check the product page or call customer service to ask. If setup is not included, budget another $50 to $100 to have a local music store or repair shop adjust the guitar when it arrives.
Used guitars: lower cost, higher risk, no warranty
Buying used can cut the price in half or more, especially if you are willing to buy from a private seller rather than a shop. The main sources are Reverb (an online marketplace for musical instruments), Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local pawn shops, and OfferUp. Reverb offers some buyer protection and handles payment, so it is safer than meeting a stranger on Craigslist. Pawn shops inspect guitars and often offer a short warranty, usually 30 days.
The risk is hidden damage. A used guitar may have a crack in the wood, a warped neck, or worn frets that affect how it plays and costs $200 to $500 to repair. If you buy in person, play the guitar for at least five minutes, check the neck by sighting down it from the headstock, and ask the seller why they are selling. If you buy online without seeing it, ask for photos of the headstock, neck, body, and back, and ask the seller directly about any damage.
Most used sales are final—the seller will not take it back. Reverb offers some protection if the guitar arrives damaged or does not match the listing, but private sellers do not. Never send money to someone you have not verified, and meet in a public place if you are buying locally.
Pawn shops: quick access, variable quality
Pawn shops stock used guitars at lower prices than music stores, and you can play them before you buy. The inventory changes constantly, so you may find a good deal one week and nothing the next. Most pawn shops offer a short warranty, usually 30 days, which is more protection than a private seller offers but less than a music store.
Quality varies widely because pawn shops buy whatever customers bring in. Some guitars are barely used; others have been played hard and not maintained. Ask the staff how long they have had the guitar, whether it has been serviced, and what the warranty covers. If the price seems very low, ask why—it may be because the guitar needs repair.
Pawn shops are worth visiting if you have one nearby and you are comfortable negotiating price. They are not a reliable source if you need a specific model or brand.
Secondhand marketplaces: direct sales, buyer beware
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp connect you directly with private sellers in your area. Prices are often lower than pawn shops because there is no middleman, and you can sometimes negotiate. You can also see the guitar in person and play it before you decide.
The downside is that there is no protection if the seller misrepresents the guitar or it breaks the day after you buy it. You have no warranty, no return window, and no recourse if you discover damage later. Verify the seller's identity, meet in a public place, and bring someone with you. If you are not confident in your ability to spot damage, bring a friend who plays guitar or ask the seller to meet you at a music store so staff can look it over.
New versus used: cost and risk trade-off
A new guitar costs more but comes with a manufacturer's warranty, usually one to three years, that covers defects. If the neck warps or a fret fails, the manufacturer will repair or replace it. New guitars are also set up at the factory, so they are ready to play when they arrive.
A used guitar costs less but has no warranty unless you buy from a pawn shop or retailer that offers one. You are responsible for any repairs. However, a used guitar that has been well maintained plays just as well as a new one, and the lower price means you can afford a better brand or model than you could new.
For a beginner, a new guitar from a music store or a reputable online retailer removes the risk of buying a damaged instrument. For someone who already plays and knows what they want, used is often the better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between buying in a store and buying online?
A store lets you play the guitar and get information from staff, but costs more and has less selection. Online is cheaper and has more models to choose from, but you cannot test it first and may pay for shipping or setup. Most beginners benefit from visiting a store at least once to understand what feels right, even if they buy online later.
Should I buy new or used as a beginner?
New is safer because it comes with a warranty and is already set up. Used is cheaper and can be just as good if you inspect it carefully or buy from a pawn shop that offers a short warranty. If you are unsure whether you will stick with guitar, used lets you spend less money while you decide.
What should I look for when buying a used guitar?
Play it for at least five minutes to check how it feels and sounds. Sight down the neck from the headstock to see if it is straight. Ask about any visible damage, cracks, or repairs. If you are buying online, ask for detailed photos of the headstock, neck, body, and back. Never buy from someone who will not answer questions or let you inspect the guitar.
Do I need to pay for setup after I buy online?
Some online retailers include setup, but many do not. Check the product page or call before you buy. If setup is not included, budget $50 to $100 to have a local music store adjust the strings and neck when the guitar arrives. Setup makes a big difference in how the guitar plays and feels.
Is Reverb safer than Craigslist for buying used?
Yes. Reverb handles payment, holds the money until you confirm the guitar arrived as described, and offers refunds if the listing was misleading. Craigslist is direct between buyer and seller with no protection. If you buy on Craigslist, meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and inspect the guitar carefully before you hand over money.