Where to find guitars for purchase
You can buy a guitar from a music store, a general retailer, an online marketplace, a pawn shop, or a private seller. Each route has different prices, return policies, and chances to play the instrument before you buy. A music store lets you test the guitar and get information from staff who know the instrument. Online marketplaces and big retailers offer wider selection and often lower prices, but you cannot hear or feel the guitar first. Used guitars from pawn shops or private sellers cost less but may have hidden damage.
The best choice depends on whether you want new or used, how much you want to spend, and whether you need to hear the guitar before committing. A beginner often benefits from trying a few guitars in a store to understand what feels right. Someone replacing a stolen guitar or buying a gift might prefer the speed and selection of an online order.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play before you buy and offer staff guidance, but charge more than online retailers for the same model.
- Online marketplaces and big retailers ship quickly and have lower prices, but you cannot test the guitar or return it easily if it arrives damaged.
- Used guitars from pawn shops or private sellers cost significantly less but may have cracks, worn frets, or hardware problems that are not obvious in photos.
- A new guitar from a reputable brand usually comes with a warranty; used guitars rarely do, so inspect carefully or ask a musician to check it first.
- Local music stores often price-match online retailers if you ask, combining the benefit of testing the guitar with a competitive price.
Music stores and specialty retailers
A local music store is the most common place to buy a guitar new. You can hold the instrument, play it, and hear how it sounds. Staff can answer questions about action (how high the strings sit), neck shape, and whether the guitar suits your skill level. They can also adjust the guitar before you leave — tightening the truss rod, adjusting the bridge, or replacing strings — so it plays well out of the box.
Music stores typically stock guitars in the $150 to $2,000 range, with some carrying higher-end models. Prices are usually higher than online, sometimes by $50 to $200 for the same model. Many stores will price-match a competitor's advertised price if you ask, which can close the gap. They also handle returns and repairs more easily than online sellers — if something is wrong, you walk in and they fix it.
The downside is limited selection. A small store might carry only a few brands and models. Larger chains like Guitar Center have more inventory but less personalized help. If you know exactly what you want and the store does not stock it, they can often order it for you, though this takes one to two weeks.
Online retailers and marketplaces
Online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Amazon, and eBay offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices. You can compare dozens of models side by side, read customer reviews, and sometimes watch videos of the guitar being played. Shipping is usually fast — two to five business days for in-stock items. Many online retailers offer a return window of 30 to 60 days if you are not satisfied.
The catch is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. You are relying on photos, descriptions, and reviews from other buyers. If the guitar arrives damaged or does not sound the way you expected, returning it means packing it up, paying return shipping (often $15 to $40), and waiting for a refund. Some retailers cover return shipping; others do not, so check the policy before you order.
Sweetwater and Musician's Friend are known for good customer service and straightforward returns. Amazon's return policy varies by seller. eBay puts the burden on the buyer to inspect and return within a short window. For a beginner buying a budget guitar under $300, the risk is lower. For a $1,000 guitar, buying in person is usually safer.
Used guitars from pawn shops and resellers
Pawn shops, used music stores, and resale sites like Reverb and OfferUp sell used guitars at 30 to 50 percent below new price. A guitar that costs $600 new might sell used for $300 to $400. If you are on a tight budget or want to try the instrument before investing in a new one, used is a practical choice.
The risk is condition. A used guitar may have a crack in the body, worn frets that buzz when you play, a warped neck, or hardware that does not work smoothly. Photos online do not always show these problems. Pawn shops rarely offer warranties or returns. Reverb and OfferUp offer some buyer protection, but the process of disputing a purchase takes time.
Before buying a used guitar in person, play it and listen for buzzing, cracks, and stiffness in the tuning pegs. If you cannot judge condition yourself, bring someone who plays guitar. If buying online, ask the seller detailed questions: Has it been repaired? Are there cracks? How are the frets? Request photos of the headstock, back, and sides. Reverb sellers with high ratings and many sales are generally safer than unknown private sellers.
Private sellers and classified ads
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classified ads connect you with people selling guitars they no longer play. Prices are often the lowest because there is no middleman. You can negotiate, inspect the guitar in person, and sometimes learn its history from the owner.
The downside is no protection. There is no return policy, no warranty, and no recourse if the guitar is damaged or misrepresented. You are also responsible for arranging pickup or shipping. If you buy online without seeing it first, you have no way to verify condition before paying.
If you use Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, meet in a public place, bring cash, and inspect the guitar carefully. Ask why the seller is parting with it. Ask about repairs, accidents, or damage. Play it if you can. If the price seems too low, ask yourself why — it might be a good deal, or it might be hiding a problem. Never send money before seeing the guitar in person.
Big-box retailers
Walmart, Target, and Best Buy carry beginner guitars, usually budget models under $300. These are convenient if you are nearby and want to pick up the guitar the same day. Return policies are straightforward — most allow returns within 30 days.
The downside is limited selection and staff who may not know guitars well. The guitars are often entry-level quality, and you may not get the setup or adjustment that a music store provides. For a first guitar or a gift, this route works. For anything beyond a beginner model, a music store or online retailer is a better choice.
What to check before you buy
Whether you buy new or used, in person or online, check these things: Does the guitar stay in tune? Do the strings buzz against the frets? Is the neck straight or warped? Do the tuning pegs turn smoothly? Are there cracks in the body or headstock? Does the action feel comfortable — not too high or too low? If you are buying online and cannot check these yourself, ask the seller or read reviews from people who have played that specific model.
For a new guitar, check the warranty. Most brands offer one to two years of coverage for defects in materials or workmanship. Used guitars rarely come with a warranty, so condition at the time of purchase is what you get. If you are spending more than $500, consider having a repair technician inspect it before you finalize the purchase — this costs $30 to $50 but can save you hundreds if the guitar has hidden damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a guitar online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper by $50 to $200 for the same new model. Music stores have higher overhead. However, many stores will price-match if you ask, and you avoid return shipping costs if something is wrong. For used guitars, private sellers and Craigslist are typically cheapest, followed by pawn shops and resale sites like Reverb.
Can I return a guitar if I buy it online?
Most online retailers offer a 30 to 60 day return window, but you pay return shipping unless the guitar arrived damaged. Sweetwater and Musician's Friend cover return shipping. Amazon's policy varies by seller. eBay puts the burden on the buyer. Always check the return policy before you order.
Should I buy a used guitar or a new one?
A new guitar comes with a warranty and is may provide to be in working condition. A used guitar costs less but may have damage you cannot see in photos. For a beginner, a new budget model ($150 to $300) is safer. If you are experienced and know what to look for, used can be a good value.
What is the safest way to buy a guitar on Craigslist?
Meet in a public place, bring someone who plays guitar if you can, and inspect the instrument carefully before handing over money. Ask the seller about repairs, accidents, and why they are selling. Never send money before seeing the guitar in person or agree to ship it without a deposit held in escrow.
Do I need to try a guitar before I buy it?
It helps, especially if you are new to guitar. Trying different models teaches you what neck shape and action feel right. If you know exactly what you want and trust the seller's description, buying online is fine. For anything over $500, playing it first reduces the risk of buyer's remorse.