Second Hand Guitars

Second Hand Guitars have always had a vibrant and active secondary market. If you know what to look for when you are buying a second hand guitar you can get much more for your than you could get by just going to your local Guitar center and buying a replica from their stock of vintage guitars. Here are 3 reasons that second hand guitars can be a better option when compared to new guitars. One: second hand guitars often sound better than new ones as the wood ages – especially true with vintage acoustic guitars. Two: Second hand guitars are often much cheaper than new ones. It is not uncommon to be able to purchase for 50% off. Three: Second hand guitars actually often increase in value when they become “vintage”. Old second hand guitars that are well taken care of are like fine aged wine. But whether you are looking for a used acoustic guitar or second hand guitars of the electric type. There are some important things to be on the look out for – especially if you are looking at second hand guitars for sale at an online guitar store.

Second Hand Guitars Tonewood

First of all, you have to know what tonewood you like and how it effects the different types of second hand guitars. Different woods have different sonic qualities. In a nutshell, when you are looking for second hand guitars with warm tonal sounds, you want to stick with Mahogony, Koa and Brazillian Rosewood. If you are looking for a bright ‘poppy’ sparkling sound, you will want to go for a spruce or maple wood.

If you are looking for electric second hand guitars, another consideration for sound is the type of pick up you use. Again, there are a lot factors in deciding what type of pick up to go with. But basically, if you like that lighter poppy sound, go with single coil. If you like a fatter ‘heavier’ sound go with a humbucker.

Necks For Second Hand Guitars

One of the areas you really want to inspect on second hand guitars is the neck. There are three basic types: Set Neck, Bolt-On Neck and Neck Through Body. Set necks are glued to the body and Gibson Les Pauls are a good example of this type of guitar neck. Also almost all used acoustic guitars will have this type of neck. Bolt On necks do just that, they ‘bolt on’ to the neck. Fender Stratocasters are a good example of this type of neck. Also many cheap guitars use this method. Also know that many guitarists believe that a set in neck has better sustain than a bolt on – especially in older second hand guitars.

Inspection Of Second Hand Guitars

The main things to check for when looking to buy second hand guitars is some type of wood cracking or warping. Inspect the guitar neck for bowing and cracking. Also make sure that there is no fretting out. Fretting out occurs on second hand guitars when the strings won’t really ring out when struck and fingered at certain frets but sound fine at other frets. Second hand guitars are famous for having issues like this. Also inspect the tuning machines and the bridge for missing or non-working parts. Check them all and make sure they all operate and that there isn’t any slippage once tuned.

Second Hand Guitars - Gibson ES 335

The Finish On Second Hand Guitars

Don’t worry as much about the finish when looking at second hand guitars. Unless there is some real terrible restoration or bad repaint job. A beat up finish can really add to second hand guitars uniqueness and value. This is especially true in the second hand guitars collector’s market. When it comes to vintage second hand guitars, don’t ever try to ‘restore’ the finish yourself.

Repairing Second Hand Guitars

Finally make sure that all electronics work. Check the pickups and the input jack. Input jacks are notorious for being bad or crackly in second hand guitars. Keep in mind even if you see a wrapped neck or bad input jack -sometimes these things are easy to fix by a professional. So if you think you can get a really good deal, just locate a guitar repair shop that specializes in second hand guitars and let them assess it for you. Just remember you don’t want to try to do it your self and ruin the value by being cheap. Many second hand guitars have been destroyed with good intentions.

Best Places To Get Second Hand Guitars

The best places to find used guitars for sale are private sellers via Craigslist and Ebay. You can also find some good deals at pawn shops, flea markets and yard sales. Finally the most expensive option will be a regular guitar store or online guitar store. Second hand guitars found there will have to be sold with a margin of profit for the store owners. So that is usually the worst option in terms of getting the best deal on second hand guitars. Once you find the guitar you want, use the resources below and the second hand guitars price guide to make sure that you are getting a good deal. If you do the proper research and a thorough inspection – buying second guitars can not only be a way to buy a cheap guitar – It can also be a solid investment.

Second Hand Guitars Resources

Book #1: “How to Buy a Guitar Like A Pro”(r): “Secrets of a Music Store Owner ™” by Kent Poling, Rod Berry and Dustin Everden

Book #2: Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide by Alan Greenwood and Gil Hembree

Second Hand Guitars General Info
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Bottom-line: Second hand guitars are often a smarter choice than buying a new guitar!

Even though it may take a bit more work and research, you’ll be glad you made the effort it takes to buy second hand guitars.