We’ve all heard the stories, but those days are over thanks to the internet. Wherever you’re shopping, you’ll want to know how to inspect a used or vintage guitar, and I’ll talk more about that process in the next installment.īrave New World: A Guide to Navigating Online Guitar Auctionsīy the way, you can pretty much count on not getting a one-off, insanely good deal. The internet is a great resource, and you’ll find lots for sale on eBay, Reverb, and the like, but you’ll want to make sure that the seller has good communication skills and allows for returns if the guitar is not as promised or if you simply don’t like it. For instance, two 1965 Martin D-18s won’t feel or sound exactly the same. This will give you a chance to see whether you really like it, and whether it’s a good example of its model. Of course, getting a guitar in your hands and playing it is ideal. Where should you look for used guitars? You can visit a vintage guitar dealer, try to find a private sale, or bid in an auction. You’ll learn a lot just by checking around and seeing what’s out there-and if needed, adjusting your idea of what you’re shopping for.

This will help you know what feels natural in your hands-and pleasing to your ears-as well as what you can expect to pay. So, how do you decide what you’re shopping for? Well, what are you interested in? Are you a rank beginner whose only requirement is an instrument that’s playable? Or do you have a crush on a specific guitar, like a 1940s Gibson J-45 with a banner headstock? I would suggest starting with an idea of what you would love to find, and playing as many instruments as possible. In this three-part series, I’ll give you some perspective on how to decide what you’re looking for, how to find it, and how to feel good about the money you’ll spend. With a few tricks, you can feel confident heading out into the world of used-guitar shopping.

And, of course, if you’re in the market for a vintage sound and look, there’s no substitute for the real thing. If you’re shopping for value, you stand to get more for your money in the category of used. W hen shopping for your next guitar, there are plenty of reasons to consider buying something pre-owned.

Bill Evans NovemFrom the January 2018 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY MAMIE MINCH

Used acoustic guitars for sale