Guitar Buying Basics

First, be patient- plan on doing a lot of research on guitars, brands, and types before you buy.  Learn what the guitar you want generally goes for in terms of price so you can spot a good deal.  Second, don’t jump the gun.  Don’t let a pushy salesman or a “one day only” deal convince you to buy something you may later regret.  Third, even if you buy online, try out your instrument at the store to find out if it’s the right fit for you before you purchase.

That being said, going to the music store can be a slightly intimidating trip for many people.  Much like the gym, you will encounter people at the music store that have a need to make you feel inferior by playing the most complicated riffs they can think of.  You will also see opinionated “experts” who may try to talk you out of something you want based on their own preferences.  When you get to the store and spot a model you like, find a comfy seat and be sure to bring your own pick (if you have one).  If you are buying an electric guitar, then be sure you are plugged into a similar amp to the one that you will be using, as a very expensive amp can make any guitar sound like a million bucks. 

When playing in the music store, you need to be sure you are using the guitar the way you plan to use it at home.  If you feel intimidated playing in a store, move on to another store where you feel comfortable.  To find the guitar you are looking for, you will need to hear how the instrument really sounds, and you can’t do that by gently plucking the strings.  Put the guitar through its paces, play each fret on the neck, listen for intonation, and make sure the instrument feels right to you.  Don’t get your heart set on the first model you try either.  Ask questions, and if possible, bring a notepad to take notes on.  Make notes about what you love and what you dislike about each guitar, and find out what makes each particular guitar different. 

Once you have decided on a guitar you love, it’s time to start negotiating.  First, walk out of the music store.  No matter how much you love the instrument and how much you want it, walk away.  Then, go home and research that model of guitar for the rest of the evening.  Find out what the best prices you can find on the same guitar are, and print out the webpage that has them.  Check out what other guitarists have to say about the guitar, and pay serious attention to a pattern of complaints about a particular brand or model.  When you are sure of the guitar you want, you have a couple of choices.  Often, purchasing online can provide you with substantial savings.  If you are determined to buy the instrument you played at the store, take the printouts of lower priced guitars back to the store and see if the owner is willing to negotiate (in most cases, they will).  When you have finally purchased the guitar you love, bring it home and start rocking!