The main places to buy instruments are music stores, online retailers, secondhand marketplaces, and directly from makers
When you're ready to buy a guitar or other instrument, you have four broad routes: a local music shop, a large online retailer, a secondhand platform like Facebook Marketplace or Reverb, or a builder or maker selling directly. Each has different advantages depending on whether you want to play an instrument the same day, try before you buy, save money, or get something rare. A music store lets you hold the instrument and hear it. Online retailers usually have lower prices and wider selection. Secondhand markets offer the lowest cost. Direct from a maker gives you something custom or hard to find elsewhere.
The choice often comes down to what matters most to you right now: speed, price, selection, or the ability to test the instrument first. Most people end up using more than one route over time—buying their first guitar from a store, then shopping online for accessories, then browsing secondhand sites when they want something specific.
Key Takeaways
- Local music stores let you play the instrument before buying and offer information from staff who know guitars, but usually charge more than online retailers.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Amazon have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot hear or feel the instrument until it arrives.
- Secondhand platforms such as Reverb, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace can save you 30 to 50 percent, but require you to inspect listings carefully and understand what "good condition" actually means.
- Buying directly from a luthier or small maker takes longer but gives you a custom instrument or access to brands not sold elsewhere.
- Shipping costs, return policies, and warranty coverage vary widely, so comparing these details matters as much as comparing price.
Music stores: trying before you buy
A local music shop is the only place where you can pick up a guitar, play it, and hear how it sounds in the room with you. Staff can answer questions about setup, maintenance, and whether a particular model suits your playing style. If you are new to guitar, this hands-on feedback is valuable—you might discover that a guitar you thought you wanted feels wrong in your hands, or that a cheaper model sounds better than you expected.
The trade-off is price. Music stores typically charge 10 to 20 percent more than online retailers for the same model, because they have rent, staff, and inventory costs. They also may have a smaller selection than what you can find online. Many stores now offer price matching if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere, so it is worth asking. Some also run rental programs, which is useful if you want to try an instrument for a month before committing to a purchase.
To find a music store near you, search "guitar shop near me" or "music store [your city]." Call ahead to confirm they have the type of guitar you are interested in, because stock varies widely. Stores that specialize in one type of instrument (classical, electric, acoustic) often have deeper knowledge about that category.
Online retailers: lower prices and wider selection
Large online music retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, B&H Photo, and Musician's Friend stock thousands of models and usually undercut local stores by 10 to 25 percent. They also often have items in stock that local shops cannot order. If you know exactly what you want—a specific model, brand, and color—online is usually faster and cheaper.
The main limitation is that you cannot play the instrument before it arrives. You are relying on product descriptions, photos, and reviews from other buyers. Most reputable online retailers offer a return window of 30 to 60 days, so if the guitar does not meet your expectations, you can send it back. Shipping costs vary: some retailers offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount, while others charge a flat fee or calculate it by weight. A guitar typically costs $15 to $50 to ship, depending on the retailer and your location.
Read the reviews on the retailer's site and on independent review sites before ordering. Look for comments about setup quality (whether the guitar arrived ready to play or needed adjustment), finish condition, and whether the sound matched the description. Check the return policy in writing before you buy—some retailers charge a restocking fee if you return an opened item.
Secondhand platforms: the lowest cost option
Reverb, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Letgo are where you find used guitars at the lowest prices. You might pay 30 to 50 percent less than a new instrument, especially for older models or brands that hold their value well. Secondhand buying also means less environmental impact, since you are extending the life of an instrument already made.
The risk is condition and authenticity. A guitar described as "good condition" might have a cracked neck, dead frets, or cosmetic damage that affects playability. Always ask the seller for photos of the headstock, neck, frets, and back. If you are buying locally (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace), meet in person and play the guitar before handing over money. If you are buying online (Reverb, eBay), use a platform with buyer protection so you can dispute the sale if the item does not match the description.
Reverb is the largest dedicated secondhand music marketplace and has a rating system for sellers, so you can see their history. eBay also has seller ratings and buyer protection. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are cheaper but riskier—there is no built-in dispute process, so you rely on the seller's honesty. Never wire money or use payment methods you cannot reverse. Use PayPal, a credit card, or a platform's built-in payment system so you have recourse if something goes wrong.
Buying directly from makers and luthiers
A luthier is a person who builds or repairs guitars. Some luthiers sell custom-made instruments directly to players, either through their own website or through platforms like Etsy. Buying directly from a maker means you can specify details—wood type, finish color, pickup configuration—and get an instrument tailored to your needs. It also supports a small business instead of a large retailer.
The drawbacks are time and cost. A custom guitar typically takes 2 to 6 months to build and costs more than a factory-made equivalent, sometimes significantly more. You also cannot play it before ordering, so you are trusting the maker's reputation and your own research. Look for makers with a portfolio of finished instruments, customer reviews, and a clear return or modification policy in case the finished guitar does not meet expectations.
To find luthiers, search "[your region] guitar maker" or browse Etsy's handmade instruments section. Check whether they offer a trial period or modification may provide. Some makers will let you return a custom guitar within a set window if it does not work for you; others do not, so clarify this before you order.
Comparing price, shipping, and warranty across retailers
The same guitar model can vary in price by $100 or more depending on where you buy it. Before you decide, compare the total cost including shipping and any applicable taxes. A guitar that is $50 cheaper online might cost $30 more once shipping is added. Some retailers charge sales tax based on your state; others do not. Use a spreadsheet or a notes app to track the final price from three or four sources.
Warranty coverage also differs. Most new guitars come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship, usually for one to three years. Some retailers extend this with their own warranty or offer accidental damage coverage for an extra fee. Secondhand guitars typically have no warranty unless the seller explicitly states otherwise. If warranty matters to you—especially if you are buying an expensive instrument—factor this into your decision.
Return policies are equally important. A retailer with a 60-day return window and free return shipping is more forgiving than one with 30 days and a restocking fee. Read the fine print: some retailers only accept returns on unopened items, while others allow returns on used instruments as long as they are in resalable condition.
What to check before you buy, no matter where
Whether you are buying new or used, in a store or online, inspect or ask about these details: the condition of the neck (sight down it from the headstock to check for warping), the fret condition (run your finger along them to feel for divots or high spots), the tuning machines (do they turn smoothly), and the bridge (is it glued securely and not cracked). Ask whether the guitar has been set up—that is, whether the action (string height), intonation, and truss rod have been adjusted for playability.
For online purchases, request photos of any damage, even small cosmetic marks. For secondhand purchases, ask about the guitar's history: how long has the seller owned it, has it been repaired, and why are they selling it. A guitar that was well maintained and played regularly is usually a better buy than one that sat in a closet for years, because the wood has stabilized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy online or secondhand?
Secondhand is usually cheaper overall, but online new guitars are cheaper than music stores. A used guitar might cost 30 to 50 percent less than new, while an online new guitar costs 10 to 25 percent less than a store. The best price depends on the specific model and condition.
Can I return a guitar if it does not sound the way I expected?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 60 days if the guitar is in resalable condition, but some charge a restocking fee. Secondhand sellers usually do not accept returns. Always check the return policy before you buy, because expectations about sound are subjective and may not may have access to as a defect.
What does "setup" mean and should I pay for it?
Setup is adjusting the neck, bridge, and string height so the guitar plays comfortably and stays in tune. New guitars from stores usually arrive set up. Online retailers sometimes offer free setup or charge $20 to $50. If a guitar arrives unset up and you are not comfortable doing it yourself, a local repair shop charges $50 to $150.
Is buying from a big retailer safer than buying from a private seller?
Yes. Big retailers have return policies, buyer protection, and accountability. Private sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace have no obligation to take returns. If you buy from a private seller, meet in person, inspect the guitar thoroughly, and use a reversible payment method.
How do I know if a secondhand guitar is a good deal?
Check the current price of that model new, then subtract 30 to 50 percent depending on age and condition. Search completed sales on Reverb or eBay to see what similar guitars actually sold for. If the asking price is close to the new price, it is not a good deal unless the guitar is rare or in exceptional condition.