So you’ve just seen a guitar on eBay or other online marketplace, and have no idea how to distinguish whether or not it’s good quality. It can be difficult to tell what a decent guitar brand is worth from the pictures, and you might be wondering: are there any indicators as to the quality of this instrument? These tips apply for all types of guitars and brands – new acoustic electrics, new electric guitars and new acoustic guitars.
Contents
Check Guitar Reviews
The best thing to do is check out what other guitar players say about the guitar you are considering. There will always be at least one review of the instrument, and you can gain insight into the instrument’s quality from this. If a member of a band or notable guitarist uses a certain guitar, it’s probably worth checking out. A better guitar will not only be more durable, but also be able to produce better sound.
Look for Damaged Cases/Gig Bags
If the instrument comes in a case or gig bag, take a look at it. If there are flaws or dents, this could be an indicator of how well the instrument was cared for by previous owners. If there is a large amount of damage to the case, it’s possible that the guitar inside endured similar treatment. Signs of previous damage include a ripped strap, torn plastic, and exposed wiring. If there are any exposed screws or other hardware on the outside of the case it is likely that the instrument inside has suffered some trauma.
If you see a guitar in a nice gig bag with only one dent in it, you know that whoever is selling it has taken good care of it. It’s unlikely that this person would have damaged the case in such an obvious manner unless they wanted to sell the guitar quickly. A guitar in a gig bag is more likely to have been gently used, and this will be reflected in the price.
Watch Youtube Videos About The Guitar
Other guitar players on Youtube or other online media will also reveal some information about the instrument. They will often talk about how well the instrument played, how it sounded, and what it was like to play along with the guitar. They may also mention other details that lead you to believe that they have been around this particular guitar for a while. For example, these amazing guitars are only Luthiers who care about quality first and foremost will put any music on YouTube as proof of their workmanship.
Check For a Good Fit and Finish
If you’re buying a guitar online, it’s important to be able to tell whether or not it is well made. Take a close look at the instrument and examine it thoroughly. If there are any rough edges, scratches, or other anomalies associated with poor quality workmanship then you should think twice before considering this guitar. All the details on the instrument should be carefully polished and the paint job should be even.
Look at Neck and Fretboard
The neck and fretboard should be perfectly straight, polished, and smooth. The fretboard should have no signs of scratches or other damage. Look for the top molding of the instrument on the headstock to be tidy and accurately centered to the body. If there are any gaps between the strings you will notice that there is too much tension on one string as well as a bent or warped neck. If this is the case, you should think twice before buying the instrument.
Now Your Are Ready To Buy Or Pass On The Guitar
These are just some of the things to look for when buying a guitar online. While it’s always best to try out an instrument in person, this isn’t always possible. If you’re on the lookout for a new guitar or are simply thinking about upgrading your current one, take these tips into account when making your decision.