Tips for Buying a Guitar

Thinking about buying a new or used guitar? Here are some tips to help you in your quest for the perfect instrument.

Do your homework	Research makes and models online. Ask your friends about brands, woods, vintages, and specifications.
Have a favorite artist?	Do you have favorite guitar players in Bluegrass? Find out what kind guitar they play. You might not be able to afford the exact guitar they have, but you can at least figure out the general type.
Be patient	Go to as many music stores as you can and try different makes and models so you can zero in on what you like.
Go to a reputable dealer	Shop at a reputable dealer with a knowledgeable staff who will stand behind the sale. Do they have a fair return or exchange policy? Ask other players who they would recommend in your area. You can also check out our Dealer Links page.
Take a friend	If you're a novice guitar player, take someone with you who is knowledgeable when you go shopping.
Have someone else play it.	Besides playing the guitars yourself, have someone else play them so you can hear how they sound out front.
Imagine it in a band setting	When you're evaluating the sound of an instrument, consider how it will sound in a jam. Will it have the cutting power needed to be heard?
Does it grab you?	If the sound of a particular guitar doesn't grab you, then you won't probably won't want to play it.
Is it comfortable?	How comfortable is the guitar to play? You won't play a guitar that is difficult to play because of poor setup.
Each guitar is unique	Remember: acoustic guitars are NOT commodities - each one is unique. Don't assume that a guitar bought via mail order or the Internet will look or sound indentical to one you saw in a local store.
Consider a used one	Don't overlook used instruments - they are often an excellent value, and are already broken in.