Buying A Used Guitar -Never Buy Brand New!

In this video I will discuss why I only buy my guitars used and never brand new. I go over the merits of new vs used guitars and share tips on what to look for when buying a used guitar so that you can make sure you avoid any issues. This video is catered more toward buying used acoustic guitars but can be applied to electric guitars as well. New vs used guitar? My vote is almost always to go for used.

[@craigpierce7996]

Good story: I was checking out a new, GPGC-28 Martin acoustic at GC some years back. It was an amplified version with Roland electronics. It had a beautiful finish on it, but the setup/action on it sucked! They wanted $2400 for it. I put it back on the rack and went on with my life.. I went back some 6 months later to get some strings, and there it still was. GC techs did nothing to it (surprising) and now it had a price of $1500. I offered $1200 and they took it. Took it home, strings off after a couple of tunes and checking the electronics and string action. Adjusted the neck relief, put in bone pins and slotted the bridge. Took about 2/16" off the saddle, under 0.005" at the nut (big E, G and B). The intonation of the saddle was spot on from the factory. It sounds like a $3000 Martin now! I get asked about its clean sound all the time. Be patient, do the work and you'll end up with a great, unique guitar and the knowledge to keep it that way!

[@FrankPersico]

That’s a great story. Patience lol. I gotta take you guitar shopping with me. Thanks for sharing with us

[@johnny79309]

There’s some great information here, that I ‘ve not encountered on any other youtube site. It’s no doubt due to a lot of real world experience in doing what this guy loves. Please keep sharing your knowledge!

[@FrankPersico]

Thank you for the positive comment.

[@MrSh8ky]

I heard that Keith Richard’s will give any new guitar he acquires to a friend and ask for it back in 10-15 years. Love all your videos Frank, learning a great deal. Cheers Marty from Melbourne 🇦🇺

[@FrankPersico]

I’m very happy to hear that you are getting something from the vids! Cheers

[@johnwalterbrabant7567]

Great advice, I like especially the advice about buying a used stable guitar.

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LanceEads]

Just got myself a rebuilt 1962 Harmony acoustic. It sounds great, plays great, and I'm acquainting myself with it now to start using it at gigs.

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow exciting.

[@hankd18]

I agree 100%. Bought 2 used guitars in the last 5 years with horrible action. A 1/2 turn on the truss rod and bingo, both play great. Most people are afraid of doing that.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s fantastic. I always am telling people to bring along a person who knows a bit about guitar setup with them to buy a guitar.

[@robertgrimsted877]

Really helpful 😀🎸

[@FrankPersico]

Rock on!

[@a.twilson9935]

Very good info! I like all your videos, very informative. I've been farting around with playing, and repairing old guitars. I hate to see one go in land fill so people have brought me their old broken stuff. Yes you have to weigh your time? Either way I tend to buy used as well. Especially if your just starting out. Some really good deals online but yes, take this man's advice. 👍

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment. Wish you the best in your playing.

[@FASFatherandSon]

Great video! I would just be afraid of bed bugs being in the guitar but I guess if it's in a store like Sam Ash, it will be okay.

[@FrankPersico]

Good call!

[@nickworley1000]

I aslo have a 1973 D35 bought second hand in 1980 still have it wonderful.

[@FrankPersico]

Sweet! I love love love my D35!!:)

[@iamanovercomer3253]

Sadly use electric guitar is very close to new . Example: fender player is around $800 and used one goes for $700 .... so for an extra hundred dollars, I go new I saw on Facebook 2016 professional telecaster, hardly played for $600 and I asked if it was still available and I was 2 others were going to look at it. Next day I was invited to come check out the guitar.... I love the price, BUT that guitar goes for around $1200 ... so I didn't go....it sounds too good to be honest ‼️

[@FrankPersico]

Wow that does sound too good to be true. Best of luck

[@user-lj6er9ij6c]

What is your opinion on carbon fiber guitars. THANKS!!

[@FrankPersico]

Hi. I don’t have too much experience with carbon fiber guitar. I did have a Martin years ago that was some sort of non wood material but I don’t know if it was carbon fiber. It wasn’t very good and I sold it but it could have just been that guitar. I tried to look up the model for you but couldn’t find what it was.

[@hankd18]

On a side note,which looper would you recommend?

[@FrankPersico]

I am actually in the process of working on a series of vids addressing looping. I personally like the ditto x4

[@chriss1492]

Most of my guitars are used. Saving money is important but also in some cases, the build quality is just better. I bought an 80’s made-in-Japan, higher-end Ibanez Roadstar II for $150 in 2004. Best neck out of all my guitars including American Fenders. Today I saw one on Reverb for $900.

[@FrankPersico]

Those roadsters are great. Remember a time long ago when people thought Japanese guitars were inferior ?!? lol

[@blackhawk460]

Here's my new guitar story: About 1972 I had FINALLY saved up enough money to add to an IRS refund to buy a brand new Martin D28. I'm only an "at home" player but I really, really wanted that guitar. I bought it from a small shop owned by an excellent luthier. Back then (dollars were different) it cost $450 BRAND NEW. The luthier also offered a used D28 from 1969. Same price. But, no, I wanted the very shiny new one. I did well with it and eventually sold it for about $2800 BUT, had I bought the used 69 instead, I would have had one of the last ones made with Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Worth a little more these days? I think so.

[@FrankPersico]

Oh yeahhhh wow great story thanks for sharing

[@johnny79309]

A expensive guitar that sounds good is expected. A cheap guitar that sounds great is unbelievable!

[@FrankPersico]

Agreed!

[@EveyoneCallsMeTheDude]

Don’t buy online from guitar center, new or used, unless you’re ok with going though all the bullshit that goes with sending it back. Every guitar I’ve bought from them, new or used, has been damaged. Some it was minor and I could live with some were unplayable.

[@FrankPersico]

I’ve never bought a guitar sight unseen. Thank you for sharing your experience. It could help someone else avoid the problem in the future.

[@Santaheckler]

People pay thousands for vintage, also known as REALLY USED… Guitars sound better as they age anyway.

[@FrankPersico]

lol love it “really used”

[@breakfastbuddy5]

i dont like full acustic guitars

[@FrankPersico]

👍

[@jimross9429]

I almost always buy used guitars, as the saying goes you can’t play the blues on a new guitar.

[@FrankPersico]

Love it!

[@hankhank5370]

If you really want to save money, stop buying those expensive big name legacy brand guitars, new or used. These days, guitars made in Asia play and sound every bit as good as the legacy guitars. Oh, yes do know what I am talking about, I have played guitar since 1963.

[@FrankPersico]

Great advice. I did just that when it was time to buy a nylon. I absolutely fell in love with a Chinese made cordoba which was better than the one made in portugal

[@hankhank5370]

@@FrankPersico When it came time to start playing bass again, I hadn't played bass since 1970, I wanted a Hofner. I purchased the Chines made Hofner Ignition that at the time of purchase was $379.00 if I remember right. I love the way it plays and sounds. To my ears it sounds every bit as good as a #3000.00 German made Hofner.