There are many sources to find a used electric guitar. Because so many people have the urge to learn to play a guitar at some point in their lives, there are a

great number of used instruments around, many of which have scarcely been played.

You can start by checking around locally, since it is always best to inspect a used guitar before buying. Pawn shops can be an excellent place to find inexpensive used electric guitars, however few pawnbrokers are musicians. Therefore, they may not know how much repairs would cost, and if they are tone deaf they may be unable to tell if it has a good tone or not. Furthermore, you may not be able to try it before you buy it, since the shop may or may not have an amp available.

You may be able to find your best value on a used electric guitar at a musical instrument shop. Typically, all repairs will have been done to the items before they are offered for sale. It also gives you a good chance to compare the price of a used electric guitar to a comparable new one. They will also have a variety of amplifiers on hand so you can test the sound of the guitar with the type of amp you have or plan to buy.

The local newspaper may also have classified ads from individuals interested in selling a used electric guitar. When you call to respond to the ad, be sure and ask if they have an amp you can use to test the sound quality. Also ask how long they have owned the guitar and how much actual playing time it saw. If they indicate that they have had the used electric guitar for several years and played in for only a brief period when they first bought it, ask whether it has been stored indoors in a controlled climate or stored in a garage or attic. Many otherwise excellent used electric guitars have suffered some warping when they are exposed to temperature extremes for a long period of time.

When you are examining a used guitar, make sure that there is no warping or bowing of the neck. You can usually tell this quite easily if you just sight down the neck. If the neck is warped, it can be replaced, but you would need to factor in the cost to determine whether you are getting a good deal or not. Usually, unless the used electric guitar is a true classic worth a considerable amount of money and you can acquire it for little or nothing, you are better off to walk away and keep looking.

Many people list their used electric guitar online at auction sites. You can frequently find an excellent buy this way, but remember you will most likely have to pay shipping, so factor that cost in as well. Also make the purchase contingent upon physical examination and testing. You will have to pay first, of course, and then return the item for a refund. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will ever receive a refund even if one is promised, so make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller before buying a used electric guitar this way.

Online instrument stores are typically more reliable sellers than individuals. They usually have a much better idea of what a used electric guitar is worth, so their prices are normally higher than most individual sellers. However, their reputation is easier to verify and you are more likely to be satisfied with your used electric guitar purchase.