The main places to buy an acoustic guitar
You can buy an acoustic guitar from a music store (chain or independent), a general retailer like Walmart or Target, online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, used marketplaces like Reverb or Craigslist, pawn shops, or directly from a luthier (a guitar maker). Each route has different prices, return policies, and chances to play the instrument before you buy.
The best choice depends on whether you want to play before buying, how much you want to spend, and whether you need the guitar right away. A music store lets you test the sound and feel. Online shopping offers wider selection and sometimes lower prices. Used marketplaces let you save money but require more caution about condition.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores (both chains and independent shops) let you play multiple guitars before buying and often include setup or a warranty, but prices are usually higher than online.
- Online retailers and marketplaces have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot hear or feel the guitar, and shipping costs and return policies vary widely.
- Used marketplaces like Reverb, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace offer the lowest prices but require you to inspect the instrument yourself or pay for a pre-purchase inspection.
- Pawn shops and general retailers stock fewer models and may not have staff who know guitars, so you need to know what you are looking for.
- Budget for setup costs (usually $50 to $150) if you buy used or from an unfamiliar seller, since the guitar may need adjustments to play well.
Music stores: playing before you buy
A local music store or chain like Guitar Center, Sweetwater, or Sam Ash lets you hold and play guitars in person. You can compare how different models feel in your hands, hear the sound in the room, and ask staff questions about construction, strings, or maintenance. Many stores offer a warranty (usually 30 to 90 days) and will set up the guitar for you before you take it home.
Prices at music stores are typically 10 to 30 percent higher than online, because the store covers rent, staff, and the cost of keeping inventory on hand. However, if you are new to guitar, the chance to play before buying and get information from someone in person is worth the extra cost. Independent shops often have lower prices than chains and staff who know the instruments better.
Before you go, decide on a budget and a style (dreadnought, concert, classical, etc.). Bring a friend if you want a second opinion. Ask about the return window and whether setup is included in the price.
Online retailers: lower prices and wider choice
Websites like Amazon, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Thomann stock hundreds of models and usually price them 10 to 25 percent lower than brick-and-mortar stores. You can read customer reviews, compare specs side by side, and often find guitars that are not in stock locally. Shipping is usually free or low-cost for orders over a certain amount.
The main drawback is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. You are relying on reviews, photos, and the seller's description. Return policies vary: some retailers offer 30 days, others 60, and some charge a restocking fee if you return an opened item. Check the return policy before you buy.
Reputable online retailers include Sweetwater (known for customer service), Musician's Friend (part of the Guitar Center family), Thomann (ships worldwide), and Reverb (which also sells used). Avoid sellers with no reviews or suspiciously low prices. Budget for setup costs after the guitar arrives, since online sellers do not always set up the instrument.
Used marketplaces: the lowest prices
Reverb, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and eBay have used acoustic guitars at 30 to 60 percent below new prices. You can find vintage models, discontinued brands, and deals from people upgrading to a better guitar. Reverb has buyer protection and handles payment, so it is safer than Craigslist, where you meet the seller in person and exchange cash.
Buying used means you take on the risk of hidden damage, wear, or repairs that affect sound. Before you commit, ask the seller for photos of the headstock, neck, body, and back. Look for cracks, warping, loose braces, or signs of water damage. If you cannot inspect the guitar in person, some sellers offer a return window or will cover a pre-purchase inspection (usually $50 to $100) by a local technician.
Reverb's buyer protection covers items not as described, so you can return a guitar if it does not match the listing. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace have no protection, so meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and test the guitar thoroughly before handing over money. Budget for setup and any repairs once you own it.
Pawn shops and general retailers
Pawn shops and big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock acoustic guitars, usually at mid-range prices. Selection is limited, and staff may not know much about guitars. These are good options if you want to buy today and do not have a music store nearby, but do not expect informed information or a warranty.
Pawn shop guitars are often used and may have unknown history. Inspect the instrument carefully for damage, and ask how long the return window is. General retailers usually carry beginner models from brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez, which are reliable but not always the best value for the price.
Buying directly from a luthier or maker
Some guitar makers sell directly to customers, either from a workshop or through their website. You can order a custom guitar built to your specifications, or buy a finished instrument. Prices vary widely depending on the maker's reputation and the level of customization.
Direct purchases often take longer (weeks to months for custom orders) but give you a unique instrument and a direct relationship with the maker. Many luthiers offer a warranty and will adjust the guitar for you. Search for local luthiers in your area or look at makers' websites to see if they sell direct.
What to look for when comparing prices and options
Before you buy, compare the same model across different sellers. A guitar that costs $300 at one store might be $250 online and $200 used. Factor in shipping, setup costs, and the return window. A slightly higher price at a music store might be worth it if you get free setup and a 90-day warranty.
Check whether the price includes a case or gig bag. A hardshell case adds $50 to $150 to the cost but protects the guitar during transport and storage. Some retailers include a case; others charge extra. Also ask whether the guitar comes with strings, a strap, or a tuner.
Read reviews on multiple sites, not just the seller's page. Look for comments about sound quality, build, and how the guitar arrived. Be skeptical of reviews that sound generic or overly positive. If many reviewers mention the same problem (like a high action or buzzing frets), that is a real issue to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a guitar on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace?
It is safe if you take precautions. Meet in a public place during daylight, bring someone with you, and test the guitar thoroughly before paying. Ask the seller questions about the guitar's history and why they are selling. If the price seems too low or the seller is evasive, walk away. Reverb is safer because the platform handles payment and offers buyer protection.
Should I buy new or used?
New guitars come with a warranty and are usually set up by the seller. Used guitars cost less but may need repairs or setup. If you are a beginner, a new guitar from a music store or online retailer is simpler because you know the condition and have recourse if something is wrong. If you know guitars and want to save money, used is a good option if you inspect it carefully or pay for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I look for when inspecting a used acoustic guitar?
Check the neck for straightness by sighting down it from the headstock. Look for cracks in the body, back, or sides. Press on the top to feel if any braces are loose. Play each string to listen for buzzing or dead spots. Ask about the guitar's history: how old it is, whether it has been repaired, and how it was stored. If you are not sure, hire a technician to inspect it before you buy.
Do I need to budget for setup after I buy?
Music stores usually set up new guitars before you take them home. Online retailers sometimes do, but not always—check the listing. Used guitars almost always need setup, which costs $50 to $150 depending on what needs adjusting. Setup includes adjusting the action (string height), intonation, and truss rod, and replacing strings if needed. It is worth the cost because a poorly set up guitar is hard to play.
What is the difference between a hardshell case and a gig bag?
A hardshell case offers maximum protection and is best for travel or storage. A gig bag is lighter and easier to carry but offers less protection. Most acoustic guitars come with a gig bag or no case at all. If you plan to transport the guitar often or store it in a basement or attic, a hardshell case is worth the extra cost. If you keep the guitar at home and play it there, a gig bag is fine.