In most cases when you purchase a used guitar it is in relatively good condition. However, one must err on the side of caution and look for these details that can be expensive to fix once you realize they are present.
1) Make Sure The Neck Of The Guitar Is NOT Bent, Warped Or Cracked(Even Though It May Look Cool)
Have a look to see if it is warped by holding the bridge of the guitar up to your eye looking down to the headstock. If the the neck seems to bend down or to the left or right, obviously there is some warping going on. Best to stay way from that one! Turn the guitar over so you can see the back of the guitar and look for any cracking, dents or major repairs to the body especially near the neck area. Anything more than a small scratch here could be trouble again.
2) Do The Tuning Heads Move Smoothly?
Chances are they do, but if one of them sticks or makes noise, it will need replacing asap. Best to ask for a discount.
3) Check The Knobs And Output Jacks
Goes without saying on electric guitars to check the knobs, but on acoustic guitars this can be over looked easily. You may thin they work but you never know. If it is an acoustic guitar with electronics inside, make sure you bring a battery to test it out. Check that the knows turn smoothly and that you can hear a difference in volume and tone(if tone knobs are present). Check the eq/notch filter/whammy bar while you are at it too!
4) Play It
Make sure it is in tune. If not, tune it up and play for a while. Does it stay in tune? Bend a few strings - how well does it keep its tuning? Do you notice any frets buzzing excessively? Is the action right for you? Does it sound nice. Ask the owner to play it so you can hear how it sounds as a listener. Is it a pleasant tone?
5) Negotiate
Now that you 've had a chance to try it out, do you think the guitar is worth what they are asking? Have you done any research as to what a guitar like this is selling for on ebay. Why are they selling it? If they are moving or sy they need the money, you may be able to bargain down the price but don't push your luck with being too aggressive.
So that is it for the moment. It should be anough practical information to get you a new axe for cheap locally and either enjoy its company or make some cash posting it here. The choice is your my friend.
1) Make Sure The Neck Of The Guitar Is NOT Bent, Warped Or Cracked(Even Though It May Look Cool)
Have a look to see if it is warped by holding the bridge of the guitar up to your eye looking down to the headstock. If the the neck seems to bend down or to the left or right, obviously there is some warping going on. Best to stay way from that one! Turn the guitar over so you can see the back of the guitar and look for any cracking, dents or major repairs to the body especially near the neck area. Anything more than a small scratch here could be trouble again.
2) Do The Tuning Heads Move Smoothly?
Chances are they do, but if one of them sticks or makes noise, it will need replacing asap. Best to ask for a discount.
3) Check The Knobs And Output Jacks
Goes without saying on electric guitars to check the knobs, but on acoustic guitars this can be over looked easily. You may thin they work but you never know. If it is an acoustic guitar with electronics inside, make sure you bring a battery to test it out. Check that the knows turn smoothly and that you can hear a difference in volume and tone(if tone knobs are present). Check the eq/notch filter/whammy bar while you are at it too!
4) Play It
Make sure it is in tune. If not, tune it up and play for a while. Does it stay in tune? Bend a few strings - how well does it keep its tuning? Do you notice any frets buzzing excessively? Is the action right for you? Does it sound nice. Ask the owner to play it so you can hear how it sounds as a listener. Is it a pleasant tone?
5) Negotiate
Now that you 've had a chance to try it out, do you think the guitar is worth what they are asking? Have you done any research as to what a guitar like this is selling for on ebay. Why are they selling it? If they are moving or sy they need the money, you may be able to bargain down the price but don't push your luck with being too aggressive.
So that is it for the moment. It should be anough practical information to get you a new axe for cheap locally and either enjoy its company or make some cash posting it here. The choice is your my friend.
