Learning how to play a guitar can be challenging. One must learn about notes and chords. You also have to know how to make your hands flexible until you finally master the coordination required to play. This can be difficult for some. Some people wish to play just for fun. Others envision themselves as future rock stars playing in front of millions of screaming fans. Whatever the reason, it is a good idea to start with a second hand guitar. It is better to ask someone with some knowledge of guitars to assist you when making a purchase. They are likely to know how to get a good deal and what to look for when choosing a second hand guitar.
One benefit of a used guitar is that it can save you a lot of money. Also, there are certain guitars whose sound quality actually improves with time, just as wine does. Getting such a guitar is a real find. Another reason is that there is no need spending so much money on a new guitar, and then later dropping the idea of playing it altogether. To get the best deal when buying a used guitar, one should consider the following:
Type of guitar
There are two main ones. Those that have a hollow body with a sound hole are known as acoustic guitars. These are high maintenance instruments and can be quite costly. Though they can be rough on fingers, they are portable.
The electric types have a solid body as they do not need a sound hole. They instead use amplifiers to magnify sound. The cost can fit almost any pocket and they can be used to play very many styles of music. They do not require much maintenance and one can use a pick to strum the strings. However, the fact that they have to be plugged to an amplifier makes them less portable and also adds on cost.
Purchase point
The internet has a very wide variety for one to choose from. The major disadvantage of shopping online is that you do not get to test the guitar before paying for it. Shipping also adds to the cost and one cannot ask for a price reduction.
Visiting a store gives you a chance to get a feel of the instrument before paying for it. There are no extra costs incurred on shipping and you may be lucky to get a reduced price.
The overall craftsmanship
It is easy to tell a good guitar, even one that has been used severally before. Those made by hand have the upper hand in terms of quality and durability.
Extras
Additional items like straps, cases and power cables can add a tidy sum to the overall cost. It is, therefore, important to check if these are included and if not, to negotiate accordingly.
Look Out For Damaged Parts
The instrument should be studied carefully for any damages. While some cracks are not a cause for worry, one should be concerned about large cracks. Knowing the price of a missing or spoilt part can help you negotiate the price downwards.
You may well end up with a gem if you know how to go about choosing a second hand guitar.
One benefit of a used guitar is that it can save you a lot of money. Also, there are certain guitars whose sound quality actually improves with time, just as wine does. Getting such a guitar is a real find. Another reason is that there is no need spending so much money on a new guitar, and then later dropping the idea of playing it altogether. To get the best deal when buying a used guitar, one should consider the following:
Type of guitar
There are two main ones. Those that have a hollow body with a sound hole are known as acoustic guitars. These are high maintenance instruments and can be quite costly. Though they can be rough on fingers, they are portable.
The electric types have a solid body as they do not need a sound hole. They instead use amplifiers to magnify sound. The cost can fit almost any pocket and they can be used to play very many styles of music. They do not require much maintenance and one can use a pick to strum the strings. However, the fact that they have to be plugged to an amplifier makes them less portable and also adds on cost.
Purchase point
The internet has a very wide variety for one to choose from. The major disadvantage of shopping online is that you do not get to test the guitar before paying for it. Shipping also adds to the cost and one cannot ask for a price reduction.
Visiting a store gives you a chance to get a feel of the instrument before paying for it. There are no extra costs incurred on shipping and you may be lucky to get a reduced price.
The overall craftsmanship
It is easy to tell a good guitar, even one that has been used severally before. Those made by hand have the upper hand in terms of quality and durability.
Extras
Additional items like straps, cases and power cables can add a tidy sum to the overall cost. It is, therefore, important to check if these are included and if not, to negotiate accordingly.
Look Out For Damaged Parts
The instrument should be studied carefully for any damages. While some cracks are not a cause for worry, one should be concerned about large cracks. Knowing the price of a missing or spoilt part can help you negotiate the price downwards.
You may well end up with a gem if you know how to go about choosing a second hand guitar.
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Looking for more info on how to get a super deal and what to look for in a second hand guitar ? Get the low down now in our Second Hand Bass Guitar overview.
