When purchasing a second-hand guitar, it's important to be thorough in your inspection to ensure you're getting a good instrument for your money. Here are the key things to look for when buying a used guitar:
1. General Condition
Cosmetic wear: Check for scratches, dings, and dents. While some wear is expected, deep gouges, cracks, or significant finish wear could affect the guitar’s value and longevity.
Neck and body condition: Look for any obvious warping or damage on the neck and body. Small dents in the body or minor wear on the neck may be normal, but anything that looks out of the ordinary might be a red flag.
2.Neck
Neck warping or twisting: Look down the neck from the headstock to the body to check for any visible warping or twisting. A warped neck can make the guitar harder to play and expensive to fix.
Truss rod condition: Check if the truss rod is functional by adjusting the neck relief (if possible). If the truss rod is broken or stuck, it may be costly to repair, or the guitar may be unplayable.
Neck joint: Inspect the neck joint where it meets the body. Cracks or shifting at the joint can affect playability and sound quality.
3.Fretboard and Frets
Fret wear: Look closely at the frets for signs of wear, such as grooves or flattening. Significant fret wear can cause buzzing or difficulty playing in certain positions.
Fretboard condition: Check for cracks or deep grooves on the fretboard itself, which could indicate abuse or neglect. A dry or cracked fretboard can often be restored with conditioning.
4. Action and Playability
String action: Check how high the strings are from the fretboard. High action could indicate an issue with the neck or bridge, and low action could lead to buzzing. Action can usually be adjusted, but it's good to check if any major work is needed.
Intonation: Make sure the guitar stays in tune up and down the neck. Check tuning at the open position and higher frets (like the 12th fret). If the guitar is out of tune higher on the neck, it may need adjustment or repair.
Neck relief: Check the neck relief by pressing down on the first and last frets of each string. If there is too much relief (a large gap in the middle of the neck), the truss rod might need adjustment.
5. Electronics (For Electric Guitars)
Pickups: Test the pickups by playing in both the neck and bridge positions. Make sure the switch works properly, and listen for any buzzing, hum, or loss of signal.
Knobs and switches: Check the volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, and any other electronics for smooth operation. Static noise, crackling, or loss of signal could indicate a problem with the wiring or pots.
Jack and connections: Plug in the guitar and check the output jack for loose connections or any crackling sound when moving the cable.
6. Hardware
Tuning machines: Check the tuners for smooth operation. If they feel loose, are hard to turn, or slip out of tune easily, they might need to be replaced.
Bridge and saddles: Inspect the bridge for any cracks, loose parts, or unusual wear. The saddles (on an electric or acoustic guitar) should be firmly seated and free of noticeable grooves.
Nut and nut slots: Check the nut for wear, cracks, or loose parts. The slots should be deep enough for the strings but not too deep or shallow. Uneven nut slots can cause tuning issues or string buzzing.
7. Sound Quality
Tone and resonance: Play the guitar and listen for its tone. An acoustic guitar should ring clearly, while an electric should have a full, clean sound. If it sounds muffled, muddy, or has weak sustain, it might have structural or electronic issues.
Testing unplugged: For acoustic or hollow-body guitars, listen for how the guitar sounds when played unplugged. Dull or lifeless tones can suggest issues with the wood, construction, or finish.
Amplified sound: For electric guitars, test the guitar plugged into an amp and check for any feedback, hum, or inconsistencies in tone.
8. Brand and Model
Reputation: Consider the reputation of the guitar’s brand and model. Well-known brands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and PRS tend to hold value better than lesser-known brands, and they may be easier to resell if you choose to do so later.
Specific issue: Some models may have known issues (e.g., certain Gibson necks are prone to breaking, or certain Fender bridges might have tuning stability problems), so it’s worth researching the particular model you're looking at.
9. Price and Value
Market value: Check the market price for similar models in similar condition. If the price seems too high or too low, ask why. A low price might indicate hidden problems, while an inflated price might not reflect the guitar’s actual worth.
Included accessories: Consider whether the guitar comes with a case, gig bag, or additional accessories like a strap, extra strings, or original paperwork. These can add value to the purchase.
10. Seller Reputation and Return Policy
Buying from a reputable source: If you're buying from a shop, check the shop's return policy, warranty, and reputation. If buying privately, ask the seller for any additional information, such as the guitar's history (was it refurbished, damaged, or repaired?).
Testing before purchase: If possible, play the guitar before committing to the purchase. If buying online, look for guarantees or a return policy in case the guitar doesn’t meet your expectations once you receive it.
Final Tip:
If you’re new to buying used guitars or unsure about certain aspects, it may be helpful to bring along a knowledgeable friend, a guitar technician, or a luthier to inspect the guitar for you. This way, you can avoid potential problems that might not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye.
By carefully examining these areas, you can increase your chances of finding a great second-hand guitar that will provide years of enjoyment.
Author:
Adam Evans
