New vs. Used

A good used guitar can be an excellent value. Many people buy instruments and thendiscover that they simply lack the time or capability to play them. You can sometimes pickup a real bargain by scanning the local want-ads.

Here’s a checklist for evaluating a used guitar:

1. Make sure the tuning machines all work and turn easily.
2. Check the body for cracks. Any crack, no matter how small, is a bad sign.
3. Check the neck for warping. Press a string down at each end of the fingerboard. Itshould touch all the frets.
4. Try playing a few notes and chords; see if the guitar responds easily.
5. Ask the owner if he/she is the original owner. Determine if the instrument has everbeen repaired.

Tags: guitar, owner, easily, check