Electric Guitars Shopping

Photo 1

During 25 many years I’ve labored on guitars, I’ve had many clients bring in a recently purchased used electric for a setup, simply to find that the axe has severe underlying conditions that weren't revealed by the seller. Most guitars you discover in an established songs store have now been examined because of the shop’s in-house restoration staff consequently they are offered at a good cost. But in many cases, devices acquired from online auctions, pawnshops, or flea areas aren't constantly the “killer package” they look like.

To assist you prevent purchasing an utilized electric guitar that could cost more to repair than it is well worth, let’s glance at some critical issues must check always before you make an acquisition. They are typical problems that could possibly get overlooked when you are smitten by a flashy paint task or a very good design. (prior to going searching for a used acoustic, read “Tips for purchasing a Used Flattop.”)

Many utilized electric guitars are going to need some repairs or a setup, and purchasing a guitar that needs just a little work isn’t necessarily a negative bargain, if you turn out ahead once you add bench some time parts towards selling price.

Fit and finish. The first thing most players notice on an electric guitar may be the finish. Regular finish checking does not detract from an utilized instrument’s price, but spots and discolorations do, so that it’s important to inspect the paint or lacquer, which can get harmed by synthetic guitar straps or chemicals (Photo 1). Regrettably, you can’t just polish away such flaws if they’ve penetrated the final.

Refinishing a guitar can be quite high priced as well as lowers its worth. Most electric guitars are in fact really worth even more “stock and ugly” than “refinished and pretty.” A “refin” electric guitar is only well worth about 50 % of just one with a stock finish—even in the event that initial finish is scraped or worn.

Be on the lookout for cracks that go through finish right down to the wood. A deep break inside finish can be an indication of separating seams in your body, whether or not it’s an excellent, semi-hollow, or hollow instrument. It’s extremely expensive to correct such architectural harm.

Photo 2

Constantly completely examine the headstock! The region in which the throat changes in to the headstock is susceptible to damage, and Photo 2 reveals so what can occur if the guitar is fallen or takes a hit of this type. Seek wrinkles or ridges on and round the headstock—telltale signs of a headstock repair. Even if perfectly repaired, a guitar with a broken headstock is only worth half of one which has never been damaged. This is a game-changer whenever choosing to purchase a used electric.

Picture 3

Fretboard problems. Carefully inspect the frets. Dents or divots cause by sequence use (Photo 3), is costly to repair or replace. Many expert luthiers fee about $150 for a fret amount. A complete refret can cost $300 to $600, with respect to the problem regarding the fretboard.