Dangers of Buying Used Guitars

Last year Chris purchased a used ES-335 that had some issues. It is a common problem with used guitars that sometimes you don't know what you are getting into. What repairs are needed and can you do them yourself or do you have to pay a tech? Which issues are ok and which ones are big deals that may lead one to avoid a purchase? Cooper and Chris discuss his potential mistake and give some guidance to would be shoppers of used gear. Know what you are getting into.
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0:00 Intro
1:40 ES-335 issues
6:34 Hidden costs
10:06 Things to watch out for
14:00 Acoustic specific issues
18:21 Final Thoughts
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[@user-hu5bp4lv6s]

Sometimes you get lucky. I bought a used cherry Gibson 335 at GC in 2006 because it played great and I loved the neck profile. After getting home and opening the case I found all the original tags and booklets. It ended up being a 59 fat neck. I’ve had it ever since!

[@jgordonanderson]

I only buy used gear. The new stuff is just waaay too expensive. Especially Gibson. I’m lucky to have some great stores where I live. Used is definitely the way to go.

[@fluffytoaster427]

A lot of research is necessary before picking up used guitars, but it’s almost always worth it. Hell, I’d wager most of my gear is used (1991 LP Studio, 2006 LP Baritone, 2022 Taylor 326ce, 2019 PRS SE277, 2022 PRS MH SVN) As long as you know what you’re supposed to get vs what’s being sold, you can usually negotiate price down to a good level. Patience for the right item and right seller is also super important.

[@charlesbranch4120]

Thanks, Chris and Cooper (and a tip of the Stetson to Tex). I recently nabbed a 2022 Cole Clark Angel out of Colorado as the owner had bought it in Melbourne, flew back to the States with it, and was selling it to "thin the herd." The case took the damage from baggage handlers, scraping the tweed covering on the edges. Unlike the 2021 (with the older 3-way amplification system), this Angel shipped in five days, during spring so it arrived at the same humidity it boarded the truck with (rather than the 105 degrees of north Idaho's summer when the earlier Angel wound up on I-40 east to west across Texas and Arid-zona before going north to Portland, Oregon and east to Spokane (Spoke-ann) over ten days. Both are humidified and in great shape. I could not resist the figuring in the Australian Blackwood back & sides, and the full heartwood top, and the new PG3 amplification system ($400 upgrade for the previous system). The first was considered a screaming deal by my kids, $334 more than the latest lightly played Angel. Shipping has become faster as shippers are receiving less freight, and laying off employees.

[@tenniswilliam]

All my guitars are used. They are great including a Gibson 335. It was great and had gone up in value by $1000

[@mikethompson8855]

Some good information here! Thanks

[@christinepratt4656]

Thanks, guys. This was really interesting. Ive been thinking about looking around for a beaten-up Tele or semi-hollow electric and fixing it up as a project/learning experience. Could be fun.

[@robertdievendorf3312]

Great episode. I see lot’s of posts in guitar owner threads on social media in which people post a half dozen photos and trust other members to tell them what the guitar is worth. Even worse, what is the best guitar for them to buy. My usual comment is “it depends” and encourage them to contact a respected dealer who will ask appropriate questions before giving advice or making suggestions.

[@bighes100]

I quite liked this video it's informative, knowing what's ok/bad/repairable when looking at used guitars is helpful

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@pepmasters-999]

I have bought a couple of used guitars and they both came with a couple of dings, but otherwise in good shape. At the same time, I've also had a couple of brand new guitars that I had to send back because of issues. I don't mind buying second hand; you usually get the value that way. I have a set list of questions for the seller now that tend to winnow out the obvious issues. Always worth asking, because in my experience when they say "mint" they usually gloss over non-mint issues. By asking about specific elements, you can naturally start a discussion on a price compromise when any non-disclosed issues turn up.

[@texhaines9957]

And the questions are?

[@BaktaBak3]

Enjoyed the video. 🎸🎸

[@stevegray5548]

8:33 you have a collapsing bridge just replace it and hold onto the og

[@tonilindgren5002]

It could be a collapsed bridge that needs replacing, not too uncommon.

[@Fawkes1978]

Dead on about the bridge. Common problem with the tune-o-matic, and the best fix is to just replace it and keep the old one in the case...

[@TommySG1]

This was my initial thought as well 🤙

[@jeffreyhughes9162]

My used 335 did not need repairs, but it did take many years for it to season and start staying in tune. It seemed like the neck and body were so spongey. New tuners, nut, bridge, and neck pickup later…Now I would never let it go. It is a magnet guitar.

[@texhaines9957]

I bought a used 2015 Martin CEO-7. They didn't tell me the binding was coming off. I plan to get it fixed shortly, but finding someone other than Martin to do it has been that challenge. Luckily the wives negotiated the price, so there is room to do it.

[@panthersoul]

Great way to learn how to fix a guitar. I've had to do just about everything except refret my own neck when buying used. Just make sure you ask enough questions so you are not surprised.

[@anthonyb2334]

80% of my collection is used. I even purchased my J45 used from Alamo Music. It takes time but it’s easy to research what you want and the value of used verses new. If you want something without any blemishes or wear, definitely go new. My used 2000 Martin D15m has an amazing sound with a few dings which for me was worth the trade off. But there’s nothing like the unboxing and playing of a new guitar. But a used acoustic can sound better. Thank you

[@sublyme2157]

Has that old TV always been in the background? How cool is that! :)

[@AlamoMusic]

It is a fairly recent addition. Shout out to Joshua Barrera, the "man behind the camera", aka, Lothar of the Hill People, aka Mansquatch to the awesome set design. - Chris

[@mikepj1025]

I’ve bought,played and loved 4 different Gibsons with headstock repairs. 1 SG Standard, 2 Les Paul Standards and a Les Paul tribute with P90s. Every one of them were absolute gems. If it is repaired correctly, I have zero concerns. The one I’ve had the longest is the SG. About 7 years now and still plays like butter. The Les Pauls are all about 4 or 5 years old and also play beautifully. I never shy away from headstock repairs anymore. And the bonus is, I’ve payed less than Epiphone prices for all of them.

[@hdan1455]

Ive bought both new and used. It depends where you purchase! The owners at Great southern music here in cypress texas is awesome! They definetly have great used guitars that they take care of! Check them out it always depends on who you buy it from!

[@magnus7439]

Bought an old Ibanez Bass a few months ago. I've had some issues with the saddles that has since been remedied with epoxy glue (the bridge hasn't been produced for 25+ years, so it was either a new bridge or MacGyver what's broken), other than that it has served me incredibly well. The condition is player grade, but the neck is straight, the trussrod works and the frets are in good condition. Probably the best money I've ever spent on a musical instrument.

[@ektalon1]

I bought a used Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro that was pretty and played very well and fast. The prior owner probably had it set up. I was dealing with a torn rotator cuff at the time and had trouble lifting it, so I returned it. It remained unsold for a while. After months of Physical Therapy, my shoulder got better and I went back to buy it again, but it was gone. I'm still looking for another good one.

[@petertiffany8096]

I had a 1995 ES-335 that I just never could get quite right. I did too much to it to try to get it to work for me - new frets, pickups. Ultimately, I sold it and now have a 2020 that is awesome and I will never part with. It is heads and shoulders a better guitar, at least for me, than that 1995 model was. The weight (7.5 pounds), the neck and stock pickups on the 2020 are perfect for me. Others have played it and been astounded with it. I think I found one of the magical ones. I truly believe that Gibson still makes some wonderful instruments. My only nit with the 2020 is the hard case is the heaviest hard case I have ever carried. Pretty sure it could protect me from an artillery round. Also, I am curious on your 1995 model, do the strings tend to slip off the fret board edges? On mine it was a real problem, before and a little better after, the fret job. I don't have that problem at all on the 2020. There was just something not right for my style with the fret board or neck shape or something.

[@dasninjastix]

Yeah so kinda of learned this the hard way but thankfully early into my guitar hobby. I came by a beautiful G&L s500 tribute that was a store demo, the one in blue sassafras, and while the body and fretboard are in perfect condition, the neck is crooked or the neck pocket wasn't correctly set so the high e string is very close to the edge of the board. While I have a setup tech I like and trust, he wasn't able to fix it, just make it a bit better. So I definitely learned my lesson that you roll the dice buying used especially online and as a novice. You research the obvious stuff and find out what you don't know soon enough.

[@karenanthony7957]

Hello.! Lansing MI. I have used Elderly Insterments to fix My Martin . they do A1 Job .

[@jimmycollette9209]

I bought a used 2009 Martin hd-28 from a friend in the band. I had played it and knew so there was no issues. So far so good.

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks Chris and Cooper. How about a new acoustic guitar from the manufacturer, that you tell to add humidipacks when shipping. He doesn't. The guitar takes 10 days to get here, the last 5 with outdoor temperatures never below 90F. Outside of the box was 115F (infra red thermometer). A day later when the box cooled to room temp, guitar humidity was 12%, and the bridge was pulling up from Butte bottom. It took 2-3. Weeks to get the humidity stable and it got sent back with humidipacks.

[@AlamoMusic]

Yikes, Taylor and Martin started shipping them with the cases wrapped in sealed plastic bags to keep the humidity in. Seems like an easy solution. - Chris

[@texhaines9957]

@AlamoMusic my guess is the guitar was 120+F in the last couple days. There us no AC in Montana UPS shipping depots. No plastic bag in the box. I suspect it would have stayed intact if hide glue was used.

[@gettyshiloh]

Try not to buy "sight unseen" (blind on Ebay). You're usually buying someone else's problems. I've bought 2 twelve strings online, a Taylor and a Breedlove... both had fretboards that tilted upwards toward the soundhole. BOTH have had to have the frets pulled, sanded and leveled; at least the Breedlove was a new purchase and was covered by warranty, Taylor was 2nd owner and was not. But, both were purchased online. If possible, don't buy anything unseen, you're just asking for trouble.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Not a horror story: Epi Sheraton pro ii purchased at a GC that was there on consignment. It was kind of rough with tarnished hardware and scratchy pots. But it sounded great. It was also cheap. Had to wait on it to make sure it wasn't stolen. GC cleaned it up and it looked fantastic!. Shined like a diamond. After playing it for a few months took to a tech (Sweetwater) where it was set up with a new bone nut and frets polish etc. Still less than $500 in it. It has been a great guitar and plays like butter. My first Ebay purchase was a Ric 660/12 that was only 2 years old and not played. It had truss rod(s) issues but a tech got it fixed for very little money. Also a great player. Last month purchased an American Deluxe Tele form a collector. Sweet guitar. All the above were bought used. I will be using them and a Martin D10E in an upcoming musical. I've been really pretty blessed with my used purchases. I'm sure if I keep adding to my collection I'll find a lemon. So far..... so good. All needed some work (even the D10E new). Been a farmer all my life. Guitars and machinery have something in common. They all need attention. If you use them or let them set in the shed (case). Time and use will take it's toll. But I bought them all to play or work with not just, to look at them, Great vid like really good! Sorry for the long epistle.

[@markb3758]

I bought a used Gibson Les Paul Tribute for $700 in very good shape (per the buyer and IMO it's excellent). I wanted a Gibson Les Paul Standard, but as a relatively inexperienced player, $2799- $3199 retail is just ridiculous. Even $1299 for a Tribute is a lot. But $700 for a Gibson Les Paul Tribute is great. It was only 2 years old and barely played. Buying used is not always a mistake. Sometimes you find a diamond in the rouflgh for a great price.

[@TropicalLatitude]

I've bought a lot of used guitars sight unseen from GC and others. They all play great after $100 worth of work by an experienced tech. Many new guitars have needed that as well. And by far the worst have been expensive Gibson acoustics bought new that soon needed neck resets, reverse neck resets, twisting neck etc.

[@jonmurphy776]

My recently acquired GL ASAT Nashville honey ale 2012 excellent / mint $1150 is… hee,,hee,hee!🎉🎸

[@A_Noid]

Gee I wonder why you guys aren’t so hot on used guitars lol. It’s clearly the best way to go for a lot of brands/guitars, especially in a softening used guitar market like now.

[@user-qc5pw6tr4p]

Bad experience with a used Gibson 335 from GC. Glued fretboard close to the headstock and been told over the phone that the guitar only had buckle scratches.

[@CameraLaw]

I’ve purchased both new and used. The key for both was finding a top notch luthier who has improved every guitar and is willing to help me make used purchases by looking at the Reverb listing for potential problems. Overall, my used purchases have been stellar in price and quality. Honest sellers are listing Mint, Excellent, and Very Good instruments and, to get the best price, I’d suggest finding a Very Good guitar with a few surface scratches that was posted maybe 6 months ago. That seller will deal. My latest purchase, which I tip my hat to Chris for educating me about on this channel, is a 1993 Taylor 555 (spruce/mahogany jumbo) 12 string that was listed 3 months prior and was referred to as Excellent. This is a phenomenal guitar. First year of the El Cajon factory, original style neck, absolute top grade tonewoods, with hand made inlays, and marbled tortoise shell binding. I nabbed it for $1250. Compare that to similar vintage Martins or Gibsons. It played nicely with a set of old strings on it, which was a good sign. But … I called my luthier in to bring the fretboard and frets up to snuff, lower the action as low as possible (this is my first 12 string), and put on the lightest gauge flatwound strings (Thomastik-Infeld AC210 from Amazon UK). The setup was $225. Now, it is an absolute first rate “Catch” as Taylor calls them … hand signed by Bob Taylor on a sticker on the neck joint like in the Lemon Grove days. And now she plays as easy as a six string. And has a voice that is pure Leo Kottke or Neil Young (check out the video somewhere around here of him playing one in the movie Rust Never Sleeps on the song Sugar Mountain). Honestly … there are some amazing used deals out there. Warning: it’s addictive.

[@maxmolina6519]

Hey if the middle strings on the bridge are too low, it probably means the bridge is sinking in the middle! Common with tom style bridges. Check that.

[@seanzinger]

Thanks for talking me out of ever buying a 335 😂 I have bought quite a few used guitars. If the seller is trustworthy then it’s fine. I haven’t had any bad experiences out of 5-6 guitars. I’ve had worse experiences buying new actually 😅

[@Somenite]

I've bought several used guitars in my lifetime and never an issue. To me it is the far better way to go than new as there are always deals to be had if you look around. The key is being able to see/play it before buying or knowing you can return it if you get it and there is an issue. I love used from GC for that reason. Amps are another story. I've bought two used amps in my life and both had problems. I won't do another one of those.

[@gthomson8065]

I’ve bought about 300 used guitars in the past few years. Never bought a new one in that time. Had very, very few issues that couldn’t easily be fixed. I’ve done pretty much every repair that can be done, but honestly there are very few issues that aren’t simple and inexpensive.

[@user-do1cc7mo7m]

I would advise research and know your product. Manufacturers of 'premium' guitars have had their ups and downs in terms of the quality of instruments they were producing during certain periods. For instance, I wouldn't purchase a Gibson acoustic from the early mid 1970s to the early mid 1990s without trying it, similarly for Martins. That's not to say that all their guitars from this period were extremely average or the tonal equivalent of bricks, I have a 1973 D-35 which is a stellar instrument. And you can acquire some wonderful instruments if you take a chance. Last year I found a Ramirez classical online, being sold by a dealer in second hand musical instruments. I made enquiries about what model and whether it came with a case. They responded that the label was smudged, and that it came with a soft/hard case. So some confusion and possible red flags, but from the photos it seemed to have Brazilian rosewood back and sides so I bought it for $1345. On arrival, it turned out to be a 1968 Ramirez 1a concert classical worth usually about $10,000 second hand in my country. And the cheap case? It turned out to be a top quality German case that retails for $370 in Germany. So sometimes it's worth taking a risk on remote purchases even if you don't have the opportunity to try it prior to purchase. But better if you can try before you purchase, and most importantly, like Chris and Cooper, know your product!

[@BaktaBak3]

Very nerve wracking buying guitars online. You pray for the best outcome. I was lucky with the couple I did purchase online. Seller was honest and transparent. 🎸🎸🎸

[@TommySG1]

I’ve never purchased a guitar with a broken headstock however it wouldn’t stop me as long as it wasn’t a real bad type of break ( like when it’s going deep into the truss rod tunneling for example ), you can certainly score a great deal on one if you are thrifty and good with your hands.

[@ralphashford9022]

My '74 SG has a repaired headstock. Presents no problem at all. :)

[@douglasaxtell]

I’m guessing someone took the bridge saddles out and put them back in the wrong locations. Might want to mic them before you get out the files.

[@Richard_Lush]

I’ve bought lots of used guitars and had no issues so far. Just remember when you buy new and walk out the door you just lost at least 1k on a good guitar. Dealerships have to make their margins. I would not buy a guitar with a broken headstock good repair or not. Oh hey guitars are supposed to look used not new. If they look new and they’re old then they’re probably not great (or the owner stopped playing) as they didn’t get played IMO. A set up and new tuners and some cosmic wear and a bit of bridge fix (it’s an older guitar) cleaning. Not too much. Oh always ask for pics of the pots etc.

[@MattSwain1]

I stay out of the 2nd hand market because I’m not knowledgeable enough and couldn’t fix anything beyond the most minor of issues myself. Only a matter of time before I’d buy a proper lemon. Fortunately I just want something I can play, there’s never likely to be the day when I decide randomly that I fancy a 1970s whatever.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Well, the danger of buying off ebay or whatever is that it can cost more than the thing is worth for the repairs, which might be fine if it's the thing you are looking for, I guess.

[@dalejr183]

Bought a 91 Epiphone Explorer white on EBay for 500 dollars in 2006. It says it was rewired by Gibson and was a great guitar for 5 years then I had electric and feedback issues big time.

[@dalejr183]

I still have it it looks exactly like the 84 cream color white Gibson Explorer but I gave up on fixing the wiring.

[@artrogers3985]

She is a beauty Chris 🎸

[@stevelandress]

I bought a used PRS CE 24 several years ago.and haven't had any problems with it. Maybe I just got lucky.

[@CraftyGhost90]

Maaaan I was all distraught and in a weird headspace after my sister died and I fell for the “my brother died and I just want someone to enjoy his guitar” lie when I threw 800$ away on a Chibson….met in the parking lot. Got home plugged it in and knew right away….. And then the visual ques became obvious.

[@AlamoMusic]

Bummer, sorry for your loss and woe the people taking advantage.

[@Somenite]

That sucks. Drives me crazy when I hear people hyping up the Chibsons and driving the market. Having all of them coming into the country just leads to more stories like yours. It used to be easy to spot them, but they have gotten better and with some guys swapping out all the parts, it's not as simple as it once was for people not overly familiar with Gibson so I'm sure more people than ever are getting tricked.

[@Thejohnnylove69]

Never buy a guitar with a head stock repair. Huge red flag. All of my usa 🇺🇸 guitars were lightly used. The only real way to find a good deal.

[@jbbourbon178]

335s are the most finicky guitars period. I bought a used one and love the sound but I fight it every day as far as intonation and tuning. I think it’s a Gibson issue vs the fact that it was used

[@herewegoagain7403]

I only buy used. Bought new once, never again. not worth it

[@jimjim7008]

I had 6 guitars, 3 bought online (used) and 3 from new (tried in person)... Ended up with the 3 new guitars I tried from the guitar shop ... Ebony Gibson regular custom, Gibson explorer and Mexican charvel San dimas. Three different neck types and a Floyd rose... Don't have the urge to buy any more guitars happy as a kite. I would never buy used guitars online from now on. The used guitars were a 90s Gibson Les Paul classic from 1991, a '97 Gibson Les standard and MIJ fender strat from 1989. If anyone talks about current Gibson QC or not sounding great you are absolutely wrong and pretty much trolling.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

I would never by used unless I extensively got to play it for a few hrs.

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

I’ve only bought used once, and it came with a twisted neck. Never again.

[@stockholm1752]

6:33 - “$150 to $200” for a set up? 🤣

[@A_Noid]

That’s pricey af. For that kind of money there would have to be serious work on the frets.

[@stockholm1752]

@@A_Noid Yeah, that’s like ‘90s prices, when no one really understood what a setup was.

[@TommySG1]

Set up prices vary where you happen to live too, here in New York they’ll as for anywhere from 150 all the way up to 350 depending on who you have doing it…

[@stockholm1752]

@@TommySG1 That’s crazy. Are we talking setting the action, intonation, etc.? Or is a “set up” something more these days?

[@TommySG1]

I'm talking a 'set up', intonation, string height, nut filing ( should it need it obviously ) saddle height adjustments etc.... Also, should your guitar need any fret work that would be extra. It's crazy depending on where you're located I suppose too... Rent in Manhattan can cost you many thousands of dollars for a 1 room hole in the wall too.@@stockholm1752

[@fredrickriffel5845]

Gibson had quality control issues around 2008,2010. I looked at several guitars and was surprised at how bad they were. I did buy a 335 2014 and have been very happy. Gibson is way over priced. Ibanez has much better quality and price.

[@BombusMonticola]

Buying a new one online is even worse

[@maxkraus9614]

Every time I consider buying used I weigh the value of spending a bit more and getting a good warranty. Usually I end up going that route

[@JMichaelThurman]

Ahh… surgical tubing or thread on the pot shafts lest they fall into the abyss!

[@victorbennett5414]

Bridge is collapsed.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Used is always used, worn is always worn, no matter what brand.

[@jasondorsey7110]

Worn in or worn out?

[@redmed10]

Buying used is always a risk if you dont know what you are doing. Plus I've always had the view if somebody is selling a guitar there must be something wrong with it. I dont believe excuses like i really just need the money

[@RoadKing-ky2bs]

I agree. I grew up with the notion that when you buy a used car, you are "buying their problem(s)." The same thing can be said of used musical instruments: why are they selling it? The first thing that comes to mind is that there must be a problem. I know this is not the case of every sale because people sell for other reasons as well not related to any problem.

[@ingekvam324]

Buying a Gibson is always a mistake.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Not true I have a great Les Paul Gold top best guitar I ever bought...

[@CenterThePendulum]

Not if you have hands and ears that can tell good from bad. PRS consistently puts out 9s but no 10s. Gibson puts out of a lot of 8s nowadays but also gives you 10s if patient. I have three “10” Gibsons because I know when I’m holding one.

[@justinstew]

No man you just don’t get it. Nonexistent QC, broken headstocks, and a 3k price tag are part of the charm man cause I got a good one

[@fpsgamer357]

Terrible take. Opinion dismissed.

[@Richard_Lush]

A rather general statement 🤔