Where Can I Buy a Guitar?

You essentially have two options for where you can purchase a guitar: locally and online. Both options have pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase.

Buying a Guitar Locally

There are several possibilities for purchasing a guitar locally:

• 1. Music stores
• 2. Pawn shops
• 3. Classifieds

Purchasing locally gives you the opportunity to play the guitar before you buy it. However, local shops often have higher prices than online stores. This may not be as much of a factor if you are buying something used. Some stores will negotiate on the price, but may not be willing to match the prices of online retailers.

Buying Online

Online Music Stores

Below is a list of some of the largest online music retailers. These retailers have a good reputation and generally low prices.

• 1. Musician's Friend
• 2. Zzounds
• 3. Sam Ash
• 4. Guitar Center

Most of these stores have a low price guarantee, so you may be able to get a better deal by comparing prices at several sites and using the guarantee at one of the higher priced stores.

Ebay

ebay.com is another online source for instruments. There are thousands of new and used guitars being sold on ebay at any given time, so it might be worth a look. You may occasionally find a good deal, but prices on new instruments are often at or above the price for the same instruments at other online retailers. Auctions for some used guitars may end with a price near the retail price of a new instrument. Spending a little more to get a new instrument is probably a good idea in that situation. If you are considering buying a guitar from ebay, you may want to follow a few auctions on the model you want to buy before you actually bid. This will give you an idea of the general pricing trends for that model.

Return Policies

Check the return policy if you are buying online. Some stores may have a return policy that varies depending on the item. Make sure you know what the policy is before ordering, so you don't get stuck with something you don't want.

Buying Online vs. Buying Locally

The chart below lists pros and cons of buying a guitar online versus buying locally. Note that these are only generalizations and may not apply in all situations.

	Pros	Cons
Online	Much larger selection of guitars. More options (color, wood, pickups, etc.). Lower prices. Low price guarantees may result in an even lower price. Most companies have good return policies.	Can't try before you buy. Returning an unwanted instrument is a hassle. May not be set up properly. Local stores might set up the instrument for free if you purchase it from them. Prices generally aren't negotiable unless you take advantage of a low price guarantee.
Locally	Try before you buy. Most stores will set up the instrument for you. Easier to return an instrument. Possible to negotiate on price.	Higher prices. Smaller selection of instruments. Some stores may not carry certain models or brands of guitars. Fewer options for color, pickups, etc.