Buy used guitars with confidence.
A collection of tips on what to check when you're buying a second-hand instrument.
Guitar or bass, electric or acoustic, the used-instrument market is a great way to get the guitar you've always wanted. But guitars can go through a lot of hardship and even well-cared-for examples can be hiding potential problems.
As a guitar repairer, I’ve seen these problems and have had to give buyers the repair bill to put them right. Instead of coming to me after you buy, here are the things to check before you hand over your cash.
These tips explain the issues I check for when I'm assessing a guitar. Learn the potential hardware and repair problems that exist and understand what to look for in a used or vintage instrument.
Buy with confidence and avoid the lemons.
What you’ll learn
Learn the tricks to assess guitar hardware for any problems. From visual checks for all the parts and hardware, to evaluating necks for relief or reset issues, to checking the internals of acoustic guitars. Buying Used Guitars gives you a list (a long list) of checks to make sure that used instrument isn't harbouring any problems.
Find out what to check and get an idea of how to check it.
Who is this for?
When a dealer is buying a guitar, they check a lot of stuff to make sure they don't end up with something that loses them money.
This book is for anyone who wants to have some of that confidence.
If you're shopping for a used or second-hand instrument, this book will give you the knowledge you need.
Buying Used Guitars in paperback
If you like your books the old-fashioned way, Buying Used Guitars is also available in print form. You can order the paperback book directly from Amazon. Buy at the links below:
Buying Used Guitars on Amazon US | UK | DE
Buyers from Ireland, use EU-based Amazon (DE linked above). For other Amazon territories search ‘Buying Used Guitars’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying FAQ - Buying from this site
The PDF version is the immediate digital download sold via this site. Clicking the buy button (above) will bring up a popover window where you can buy the book.
Q. Is buying these safe and secure?
A. Sure is. I sell the PDF version through Gumroad. They take care of all of the nerdy security and encryption stuff. Your purchase will be completely secure. More info on security…
Q. How can I pay for Buying Used Guitars?
A. Gumroad handles all of the payments for the PDF version and will accept the usual credit cards as well as PayPal and Apple Pay. As much as it pains me to say so, please don't send cash or beer. More info…
Q. Tax got added to the price.
A. Yeah. That sucks. Sorry. It’s something you’ll have to take up with your government, though. I wish I didn’t have to pay tax too, so you’ve got my vote if you run for office.
Q. Where is my download?
A. As soon as you purchase, you should see a successful purchase notification on screen. there will be a big button labelled ‘View Content’. Click on that and you can download or view the book.
You’ll also receive an email receipt from Gumroad. This email contains the same big button labelled ‘View Content’. Check in your spam folder if you don’t see this email in your inbox.
Q. How do I read these guides?
A. The guides are in PDF format and can be read on any computer, tablet or smartphone that can read PDFs (that’s pretty much all of them).
Apple iPhones and iPads should have support built in. If your Android device can’t open Sketchy Setups, Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader (Play Store Link) is the—more or less—default app (but there are others if you search).
On the desktop side, again Apple computers will open these natively. Windows 10 should also open PDF files without extra apps and you can get Adobe Acrobat Reader for older versions of Windows.
A final note: There are alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Reader for most operating systems. Google is your friend if Adobe gives you any grief.
Buying FAQ - Buying a print copy
If you're buying the print copy (or the Kindle version), you'll be dealing directly with Amazon. You'll be out of my hands but they’ve had a lot of practise dealing with this stuff so you should be pretty safe.
Clicking the relevant links will take you to Amazon’s web site. The links to Amazon use my affiliate ID. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Q. What if I have a problem with paperback version from Amazon?
A. You'll need to contact Amazon’s support team. When you buy from them, you have to deal with them directly and I can't really help. Sorry.
Q. What if I don’t receive the book from Amazon?
A. Continuing the trend, I’m afraid I have to refer you to Amazon. They do all the work on the print version (and the Kindle version). That’s why they keep their commission so, if you’ve any problem, you’ll need to make them work for that money. 😉
Sorry for being a bit flippant and for, essentially washing my hands of support, but I’m pretty powerless to help personally with anything bought through Amazon.