Buying an electric guitar, especially a Fender, can be an exciting venture. You might be considering a used model to get more value for your money. It’s understandable to wonder if a particular used electric guitar is a good deal, especially if it seems to be lingering on the market. You’re likely looking for a sound investment, ensuring you’re not overpaying for an instrument that might have hidden issues or be misrepresented.
While assessing the physical condition of a used guitar is crucial – checking the neck, electronics, and hardware – this article focuses on the financial aspect: determining if a used electric guitar, specifically a Fender, is a good purchase from a value perspective, assuming it’s in good condition after your thorough inspection.
Generally, in the USA, a used guitar, even from reputable brands like Fender or Gibson, is typically considered a good buy when priced around half of its new retail price. This is based on the assumption that the guitar has been well-maintained and is in good working order, free from significant damage or defects. Music stores often price used instruments between 60% and 70% of the original new price. The slightly higher price from a retailer like Guitar Center can be justified by the peace of mind offered through return policies, allowing you time to evaluate the instrument at home.
Private sellers, however, can set prices anywhere between the average used price and the new price. This doesn’t always reflect the guitar’s condition or inherent value. Sometimes, a Fender electric guitar remains unsold simply because the seller is aiming for a higher price than the current market rate for that specific model and condition.
However, when considering a used electric guitar, particularly a Fender, there are vital factors to consider to ensure you’re making a good and safe purchase.
Avoiding Potential Pitfalls When Buying Used Electric Guitars
One significant concern when buying any used item, especially a Fender electric guitar, is the risk of purchasing stolen property. While this might be less of a concern if you know the seller personally, it’s a crucial consideration for broader online marketplaces. For anyone buying used instruments online, be aware that stolen instruments might be sold through temporary channels to avoid pawn shops and traceable transactions.
Another major issue, particularly with brands like Fender and Gibson, is the prevalence of counterfeit guitars. Sellers themselves might be unaware they are selling a fake, having acquired it second-hand. The market is saturated with counterfeit Fender and Gibson guitars. Buying one unknowingly can lead to paying the price of a genuine instrument for a fake, which is definitely not a good outcome.
To help identify a fake, Fender offers valuable resources, such as this article from their official forums: How to spot a fake Fender Guitar. Consulting such guides is a good practice before committing to a purchase.
When dealing with an unknown seller, requesting the serial number is a prudent step. Explain that you need it to research the guitar’s value, age, and model – information necessary to assess if it’s a good deal. A seller’s refusal to provide the serial number should raise red flags, potentially indicating that the guitar is either stolen or counterfeit.
Verifying Value and Condition for a Good Electric Guitar Purchase
Once you’ve addressed concerns about theft and authenticity, and you’ve inspected the guitar’s playability, hardware, electronics, neck, tuners, and truss rod as advised in other resources, you can delve deeper into evaluating its market value. Resources like the Blue Book of Guitar Values Blue Book of Guitar Values are invaluable for this purpose.
Personal experience in buying used instruments, often from trusted individuals or retailers with return policies, emphasizes the importance of fair pricing. A good approach is to research comparable used electric guitars of the same make, model, and year on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Guitar Center’s used inventory. Knowing the year of manufacture is vital, as specifications and consequently values can fluctuate year-to-year. Sometimes, older models are more valuable, and sometimes newer versions hold greater appeal – understanding these nuances is key to a good purchase.
A Practical Approach to Securing a Good Deal
If you’re considering buying an electric guitar, especially from a private seller and you’re not entirely confident about its value, a practical strategy is to propose a joint valuation at a reputable music store. After inspecting the guitar and expressing interest, you could suggest visiting a store like Guitar Center or Music Go Round together to get an appraisal. You might say, “I really like this guitar, but I want to be sure about the price. Would you be open to going to [Music Store] to see what they would offer for it and what they would price it at for resale? I’m happy to pay you more than their buy price, but if your price is close to their selling price, I’ll feel confident it’s a good deal.”
This approach allows you to leverage the expertise of professionals who regularly evaluate used instruments and have access to pricing guides. It provides an impartial assessment, especially helpful when spending a significant amount on an electric guitar from an unfamiliar seller. Alternatively, suggesting a professional guitar technician or luthier inspect the instrument can also provide valuable insights into its condition and value. Many repair professionals also have access to guitar valuation resources.
With thorough due diligence, including inspection, research, and perhaps a bit of negotiation, acquiring a used electric guitar can indeed be a good way to expand your collection at a satisfying price. Remember to proceed cautiously, research thoroughly, and with a bit of luck, you’ll find a good electric guitar that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Good luck in your guitar hunting endeavors!
