Guitar Shop 101: Tips for Buying a Used Electric

During the 25 years I’ve worked on guitars, I’ve had many clients bring in a recently purchased used electric for a setup, only to discover that the axe has serious underlying problems that were not disclosed by the seller. Most guitars you find in a reputable music store have been checked out by the shop’s in-house repair team and are sold at a fair price. But in many cases, instruments acquired from online auctions, pawnshops, or flea markets are not always the “killer deal” they appear to be.

To help you avoid buying a used electric guitar that would cost more to repair than it’s worth, let’s look at some critical things you need to check before making a purchase. These are common problems that can get overlooked when you’re smitten by a flashy paint job or a cool design.

Fit and finish. The first thing most players notice on an electric guitar is the finish. Normal finish checking doesn’t detract from a used instrument’s value, but stains and discolorations do, so it’s important to inspect the paint or lacquer, which can get damaged by synthetic guitar straps or chemicals (Photo 1). Unfortunately, you can’t simply polish away such flaws if they’ve penetrated the finish. Read For More Information – https://bit.ly/2O7JIFo

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