The main places to buy a guitar
You can buy a guitar from a music store in your town, from an online retailer that ships to your address, from a used marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or from a pawn shop. Each route has different advantages: a local shop lets you hold the instrument and get information from staff before you pay, while online retailers often have lower prices and wider selection. Used markets let you spend less money upfront, but you take on the risk of buying something with hidden damage.
The choice depends on your budget, how soon you need the guitar, and whether you want to inspect it in person first. A beginner who has never held a guitar should probably start at a local music store, even if the price is higher. Someone replacing a stolen instrument and who already knows what they want might save money buying online.
Key Takeaways
- Local music stores let you play the guitar before buying and get staff information, but usually charge more than online retailers.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Amazon have lower prices and ship nationwide, but you cannot inspect the guitar until it arrives.
- Used guitars from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Reverb cost less but may have damage you cannot see in photos, so inspect in person before paying.
- Pawn shops and secondhand music stores sometimes have good deals, but selection is unpredictable and you need to know what to look for.
- Big-box retailers like Guitar Center have both new and used stock, moderate prices, and a return window if the guitar arrives damaged.
Local music stores and what to expect
A local music store is a shop in your town that sells guitars, strings, and other instruments. Staff can show you different models, let you play them, and answer questions about how to hold the guitar or what type suits a beginner. They also handle repairs and sometimes offer lessons, so you can build a relationship with someone who knows your instrument.
Prices at local shops are usually 10 to 20 percent higher than online, because the store pays rent and staff wages. However, you walk out with the guitar the same day, and if something is wrong with it you can return it when ready. Many local shops also offer a trade-in credit if you upgrade later, which online retailers do not.
To find a music store near you, search "guitar shop near me" or "music store [your town]" in a search engine. Call ahead to confirm they have the type of guitar you want in stock, because smaller shops may not carry every brand.
Online retailers and shipping considerations
Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Reverb, and Amazon are the largest online guitar retailers in the United States. Sweetwater and Musician's Friend specialize in instruments and offer phone support before you buy. Reverb is a marketplace where individual sellers list used and new guitars. Amazon carries beginner models and budget brands but has less music-specific informed.
Online prices are typically 10 to 30 percent lower than local shops because retailers have lower overhead. Shipping usually takes three to seven business days, and most retailers insure the package against damage in transit. If the guitar arrives broken, you can return it for a refund or replacement, though the process takes another week or two.
The main drawback is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. Read customer reviews and watch video demos on YouTube to get a sense of the sound and build quality. If you are a beginner, order from a retailer with a clear return policy in case the guitar does not feel right when it arrives.
Used guitars from online marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Reverb all have used guitar listings from private sellers. Prices are often 30 to 50 percent below new, especially for older models or guitars with cosmetic damage. You can message the seller, ask questions, and arrange to see the guitar in person before paying.
The risk is that you are buying from someone who may not know the instrument well or may not disclose damage. Always inspect the guitar in person: look for cracks in the wood, bent necks, worn frets, and missing tuning pegs. Play it to check that all strings ring clearly and the action (string height) is not too high. If you are not confident judging these things, bring someone who plays guitar or ask the seller to meet you at a local music store where staff can look it over.
Reverb offers some buyer protection through its platform, so disputes can be resolved through Reverb's support team. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist do not, so you are relying on the seller's honesty and your own judgment. Never send money before seeing the guitar in person, and meet in a public place during daylight.
Pawn shops and secondhand music stores
Pawn shops and used music stores buy guitars from people who need cash quickly, so inventory changes constantly. You might find a high-quality guitar at a steep discount, or you might find nothing worth buying on a given day. Prices are usually lower than Reverb or Facebook Marketplace because the shop needs to move inventory fast.
The downside is that staff at pawn shops often know less about guitars than music store employees. Ask to play the guitar, check the neck for straightness by sighting down it like a pool cue, and listen for buzzing or dead notes. If the shop will not let you play it or inspect it closely, walk out — a legitimate seller has nothing to hide.
Secondhand music stores are more reliable because the staff understand instruments and usually inspect guitars before taking them in. They charge more than pawn shops but less than new retailers, and they often offer a short warranty or return window.
Big-box retailers like Guitar Center
Guitar Center has locations in most U.S. cities and carries new and used guitars from budget to professional brands. Prices fall between local shops and online retailers. You can play the guitars in-store, and staff can answer basic questions, though informed varies by location.
Guitar Center offers a 45-day return window on new guitars and a 30-day window on used ones, which is longer than most retailers. They also have a trade-in program and sometimes run sales on specific brands. The downside is that stores can be crowded and staff may be busy, so you might not get much one-on-one attention.
If you buy online from Guitar Center's website, you can pick up the guitar at a local store instead of waiting for shipping, which saves time and lets you inspect it before leaving.
What to compare across sellers
Before you buy, compare the guitar model, the price, the return policy, and the shipping cost (if ordering online). A guitar that costs $200 at a local shop might cost $160 online, but if shipping is $25 and you have to pay return shipping if it does not work out, the real difference is smaller.
Check the warranty: new guitars usually come with a one-year manufacturer warranty, but used guitars often have none. If you are buying used, factor in the cost of a setup (adjusting the neck, bridge, and action) at a local shop, which typically costs $50 to $100.
Read reviews from other buyers, especially on Reverb and Amazon, where you can see photos and comments from people who own the same model. Watch demo videos on YouTube to hear how the guitar sounds. If you are torn between two models at similar prices, the one with more positive reviews is usually the safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a guitar in person or online?
In person is better if you are a beginner or unsure what you want, because you can play it and get information. Online is better if you know exactly which model you want and you want to save money. Many people do both: they try guitars at a local shop to figure out what they like, then buy online for the lower price.
What should I look for when inspecting a used guitar?
Check the neck by sighting down it to see if it is straight. Look for cracks in the wood, especially around the headstock. Play each string to make sure it rings clearly without buzzing. Check that the tuning pegs turn smoothly and the bridge is not cracked. If you are not sure, ask the seller to meet you at a music store where staff can inspect it.
Do I need to pay for shipping if I buy online?
Most online retailers offer free shipping on guitars, or the shipping cost is included in the advertised price. Always check the product page before buying. Some retailers offer free shipping only on orders over a certain amount, so read the fine print.
Can I return a guitar if I change my mind?
Most online retailers and big-box stores have a 30 to 45-day return window for new guitars. Local shops vary — some allow returns within 14 days, others do not. Ask the return policy before you buy. Used guitars from private sellers usually cannot be returned, so inspect carefully before paying.
What is the difference between a new and used guitar at the same price?
A used guitar at the same price as a new one may have cosmetic damage, worn frets, or a neck that needs adjustment. A new guitar comes with a warranty and is may provide to be in factory condition. If the prices are the same, buy new unless the used guitar is a higher-end model that has been well maintained.