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Used acoustic guitars that have been gently treated can actually be better to own than brand new ones. They can save you money and are often better built than the newer models. But you should be careful when buying and know what to look for.
A word about older guitars
The term “used” can raise red flags when you’re buying any item. But when it comes to acoustic guitars, the older ones are ofttimes better constructed, made from better material, and worth more in the long run.
Many older guitars were hand-built with high quality aged wood. There’s a good chance that new acoustic guitars were factory-built using cheaper timber, because cured wood is quite expensive. And some of the lumber (like Brazilian rosewood) is very scarce today.
That’s not to say that you can’t get a good quality new acoustic guitar. But I recommend that you research used ones first.
The price
Generally, used acoustic guitars will cost a lot less than new ones, although you’ll find some vintage acoustics that sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Another reason to buy a good used guitar: they often grow in value.
Used acoustic guitars run the gamut when it comes to price. I would suggest that you stay away from anything less that $100, though it’s possible to find a bargain below that price. But that’s rare; usually the really cheap guitars are just that; they’re hard to play and fall apart quickly. You don’t want to put out any money for a piece of junk.
If you’re a beginner, there are decent used acoustics in the $100-$300 range. Of course, the higher your budget, the better quality instrument you’ll find. If you have a hundred grand burning a hole in your pocket, there are used acoustic guitars available for that and more. They can be a good long-term investment.
A checklist
There are lots of things to check out when purchasing a used acoustic guitar.
- The age of the guitar. The older ones will gain value more than the “newer used” ones, and are often better instruments.
- The sound. Tonal quality is important unless you’re just looking for a toy.
- The general appearance. How has it been treated? If the wood is peeling and there are deep scratches, you may want to avoid buying it. However, it should be noted that some scuffed-up used acoustics still play well and can be repaired, often inexpensively.
- The ease of play. If the “action” (distance of the strings from the fret board) is too high the guitar will be difficult to play and your fingers may end up bleeding a bit.
- Technical considerations. These include neck, soundboard, fret board, bridge and saddle, action, string intonation, tuning knobs, truss rod, and more. I always strongly suggest that you have the guitar examined by a pro unless you’re already a guitar expert yourself.
A final tip
Don’t buy a guitar that you haven’t played and examined. Catalog and internet pictures are pretty, but they tell you nothing about the sound and playing quality of the guitar. If you buy at a distance, make sure you have an agreement with the seller that the sale isn’t complete until you’ve seen and tested the instrument.
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