How to Buy Your First Guitar and Save Money

Buying one's first guitar can be very challenging. Learn how you can save big dollars on your first guitar!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Don't buy new!! While you might think buying a new guitar is the way to go, YOU ARE WRONG! Hate to break it you, but a used instrument is the way to go. Nice instruments age like fine wine.

2. Search the classifieds and craigslist.com. Search places where the cost to sell a guitar is low. Think about it. The more expensive it is to sell the guitar, then the more YOU have to pay for it.

3. Read articles on how to negotiate. On a new instrument you can save up to 20%, but on an old instrument I've gotten as much as 60% off.

4. Don't worry how well the guitar plays. Focus on the craftsmanship. A good guitar tech at the local music store and adjust a bad guitar to play well, and it only costs about $25-$50.

Tips & Warnings

• find a FRIEND to pick a guitar out for you.
• Ask a guitar teacher (not employed by the store) to find you one.
• Never get one with a bad neck or neck problems. While some experts can fix these problems they are not suited for beginning to moderate players.

[wordminer]

on 3/23/2009 Great ideas and suggestions! You might add pawn shops if you live near major music centers like NYC, LA or Nashville.

[ccarruthers]

on 1/20/2009 Good advice. I hate paying full price!

[woodsusa]

on 1/19/2009 Great tips! My husband wants a guitar, I think I'll get him one for his birthday, and this article was really helpful!

[WolfTech]

on 1/18/2009 Good tips!

[staysik]

on 1/9/2009 great advice! I found a wonderful bass with a hard-shell case for $50!!! What a deal