How To Buy A Guitar

Most guitar shops sell both used and new guitars.  New guitars usually offer warranties and sometimes a guitar shop will set up (tune and intonate) the guitar for you before you leave the shop.  Usually, the American made guitars tend to be more expensive than the foreign made ones.   There is a perception that USA made guitars are of better quality than foreign models as well.  While the perception is changing a bit in some circles, this still seems to be the case.  American made guitars tend to be more expensive as well.  For Example, a Gibson Les Paul Standard (American Made) could run you thousands of dollars, while its foreign counterpart the Epiphone Les Paul (Owned by Gibson) may cost in the hundreds.  Also, Some guitars appreciate over time as well.  Check out the Blue Book Of Electric Guitars to see some blue book values of vintage guitars. 

Of course Ebay has used and new guitars as well.  Some guitar models get discontinued and you may only be able to find them used.  For Example (Peavey Wolfgang, Fender Roadhouse, and the G&L Rampage).  So if your a more experienced guitarist and know a specific guitar you want may be discontinued etc. you will either have to luck into one at a used guitar shop or find it on ebay or guitar trader etc. The moral of the story is to look around and find the best price for the guitar.  Check online music instrument store prices, ebay, and your local guitar shops.  You may find deals on new or used guitars.  Guitars can run from cheaper starter guitars in the hundreds of dollars, to the insanely expensive guitars in the thousands.  Alot of what you want to spend on a guitar depends on how long you have been playing and what type of sound you need for your music.  Again, do a lot of comparison shopping because prices tend to fluctuate from place to place.  Also, feel free to haggle a bit when your shopping for guitars at a guitar shop.  Some guitar shops will negotiate prices on music equipment.  It can't hurt to ask for a better price. Check out some Ebay auctions below.

Fret size is a matter of preference to most guitarists.  Generally, a beginner would enjoy smaller frets because it's easier to learn and finger guitar chords.  More experience players may lean towards bigger fret sizes for a few reasons.  Bigger frets allow you to bend your notes more easily, and feel better to some guitarists.  Smaller frets may fret out as they call it when bending a note.  Basically it means you can only go so far when bending a note with smaller frets. 

Guitar neck size is also a matter of preference to the guitarist.  The thicker or more meaty the neck is, the harder it may be for a beginner to finger chords or play notes.  Some people lead towards thicker guitar necks as they mature in their music careers.  It's a matter of feel and preference.  Guitar necks can range from Thin, Thick, C Shape, V Shape, Boat Shape, and more.  Check the guitars description on the neck when looking to buy a guitar and play the guitar to see if the guitar feels right to you. 

If you are a beginning guitarist, a starter kit should get you what you need to play an electric guitar.  When buying an electric guitar you will need some or all of these options:

1. Beginners Guitar Kit Find Fender beginners guitar kits.
2. Guitar Cord The guitar cord hooks the guitar to the amp.
3. Guitar Strap The Strap hooks onto the guitar and goes over the shoulder of the guitarist.
4. Guitar Strings Most guitars come with strings but you should buy some extra packs because strings can and will break.  Ask your guitar shop what gauge of strings are on the guitar.  You may need lighter gauge strings for a less experienced guitarists.  Try 8's or 9's for more bend on the strings for beginners.  10's or higher for more experience guitarists who want a heavier string sound.
5. Starter Guitar Amplifier Guitar Amplifiers come in many sizes and wattage.  Starter amps come in smaller wattages For Ex:  10W o 15 W.  While, if you will be playing shows with your amp, you may need 100W amp or higher to fill the room with sound.  It just depends on the need of the amp.
6. Guitar Picks Guitar picks come in different thicknesses as well.  An acoustic player or starter may want a thinner pick.  You will need a thicker pick for larger stings especially on bass guitars.
7. Guitar Tuner It's a good idea to pick up a guitar tuner.  Most run on batteries and make it a lot easier for a beginner to tune their guitar.
8. Guitar Case or Gig Bag Cases and Gig Bags protect the guitar in transportation.
9. Guitar Stand - A guitar stand holds the guitar when you not playing it, while on stage or at home.   

Above are a few questions to ask yourself when thinking about purchasing a new or used guitar.  Hopefully, these tips will help in your new or used guitar search.