Buying a Second Hand Guitar in the UK

There are many things to consider when buying a second hand guitar. From the actual guitar you want, to the condition it’s been kept in and how it feels to play. For a full breakdown of how to go about buying a second hand guitar, follow the link to our blog below explaining in depth the process. 

[See our guide to buying second-hand here]

Be sure to check out OUR competitions here to win a dream guitar for a fraction of its price! We test and clean all instruments that we raffle off on our site giving you confidence in our products!

This blog post is made just to help you find dealers you can trust. 

There are several reputable used guitar sellers in the UK. Here are a few options to consider:

Image screenshot taken from guitar guitar website

(Screenshot taken from GuitarGuitar’s website)

GuitarGuitar have an absolutely monstrous selection of guitars at a range of prices, from the low hundreds into the thousands! Every used guitar, bass, folk instrument, pedal and amplifier they take in is checked over, cleaned and tested! 

Andertons Logo

(Screenshot taken from Andertons website)

Andertons too have an absolutely huge collection of second-hand guitars that is updated weekly! Be sure to keep your eyes on the website regularly when searching so you don’t miss out on a perfect deal!

GAK GuitarsGAK is a musical instrument store based in Brighton, England. They specialize in discounted new and secondhand guitars, keyboards and equipment. GAK has a wide selection of guitars to choose from, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, and classical guitars. They also have a large selection of amps, pedals, and other accessories. GAK is a great place to find a good deal on a guitar or other musical instrument. They offer a wide variety of products at competitive prices. GAK also has a team of experienced staff who can help you find the perfect instrument for your needs.

GAK also offers a 28-day warranty and have been extensively tested on giving you a sense of security when buying from GAK.

richtonemusic – Rich Tone Music is a specialist online guitar and music equipment retailer based in Sheffield, England. They have been trading since 1979 and have a wide range of new and used guitars, amps, pedals, and other accessories. Rich Tone Music also offers a range of services, including guitar repairs, lessons, and hire.

Welcome to our famous collection of Second Hand Guitars and Musical Equipment! We are well known for our love of Second Hand bargains. We update this section on a daily basis with all the new gear we have had traded in, all pre-loved and ready for a new owner. Quite often a good second hand instrument is the only way to afford a dream guitar, or grab a limited model that crops up out of the blue. Now and again, an outright bargain second hand guitar might turn up – happy hunting! All our 2nd Hand Used Guitars, Amps and FX are available to view and buy in our or simply buy online with Next Day Delivery to most parts of the UK.”

Fair Deal Music The guitar industry goes through some drastic changes from time to time, and every guitar player has a preference on make and model. When a new guitar range is launched that you must have, you can sell your older guitars to raise some money to buy the latest and greatest. Therefore, the used guitar market is constantly littered with a large swath of guitars that allow budget conscious players to get a great deal from used electric guitars, to second hand bass guitars! We like to look at the used electric guitars for sale through our website as “preloved”.

Fair Deal Music has a fantastic pre-owned range of instruments and it’s for sure worth a look over when you are searching for your next guitar! Fair Deal also has a very impressive range of effects pedals, amps and gear!

Peach Guitars – Located in Essex, Peach Guitars has a large selection of high-end used guitars from brands such as PRS, Suhr, and Tom Anderson. They also offer a part-exchange program, allowing you to trade in your old gear for credit towards a new purchase.

Peach Guitars have got a much smaller range of pre-owned guitars than some of the other places discussed here, but it carries some much more high end stock – so if that’s your thing check it out!

Check out our current competitions to see what guitars you could win for a fraction of the price!

Should I Buy a Used Guitar?

Buying a guitar is an exciting experience for musicians of all skill levels. For some, the appeal of owning a new, shiny guitar is irresistible. However, others may find themselves drawn to the idea of buying a used guitar instead. While there are benefits to both options, this post will focus on the question of should I buy a used guitar.

On the one hand, buying a used guitar can often be more affordable than purchasing a brand-new instrument. This is especially true if you’re in the market for a high-end guitar, which can cost thousands of dollars when new. Additionally, some musicians prefer the vintage appeal of older instruments, which can have a unique sound and character that can’t be replicated by modern guitars.

However, there are also drawbacks to buying a used guitar. The condition of the instrument may be a concern, as it’s possible that the previous owner didn’t take good care of it. Additionally, buying used may mean sacrificing the protection of a warranty that comes with a new guitar. Finally, finding a quality used guitar can be a challenge, as it requires knowing what to look for and where to look.

In this post, we’ll explore these pros and cons in more detail, as well as provide tips for buying a used guitar. Whether you’re a beginner on a tight budget or a seasoned musician looking for a unique addition to your collection, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of buying used can help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next guitar.

See our blog post “What guitar should I buy?”

[SEE OUR LIST OF TRUSTED USED GUITARS SELLERS IN THE UK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE]

The Pros of Buying a Used Guitar:

Buying a used guitar can be a wise decision for several reasons. In this section, we’ll explore the pros of buying a used guitar in more detail.

Firstly, the affordability of used guitars is a major advantage. A new guitar can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on the make and model. Used guitars, on the other hand, can be found at significantly lower prices, often for the same quality and condition as a new one. For beginners or hobbyists on a budget, buying used can be a smart way to save money while still acquiring a high-quality instrument.

Secondly, used guitars can have a unique vintage appeal. Vintage guitars have a unique sound and character that can’t be replicated by modern instruments. If you’re looking for a guitar with a certain sound or style, buying a used guitar may be the best way to find it. Although vintage, used guitars can very much cost the same (sometimes more) than a newer, less sought-after instrument. 

Finally, buying a used guitar can offer the potential for customization. If you’re interested in modifying or upgrading your guitar, a used instrument can provide an affordable starting point. With the money saved from buying used, you can invest in new pickups, hardware, or other accessories to create a truly customized instrument that suits your playing style and preferences.

In conclusion, buying a used guitar offers several advantages over purchasing a new one. It can be a budget-friendly option, provide a unique vintage appeal, and offer the potential for customization. Whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or professional musician, buying a used guitar is worth considering as an alternative to buying new.

See our high-end vintage guitar demo No Talking Guitar Demo – Gibson Custom Shop Historic Murphy Aged 1957 Reissue Les Paul Standard

The Cons of Buying a Used Guitar:

While buying a used guitar can have its benefits, there are also some cons to consider before making your purchase. In this section, we’ll explore the drawbacks of buying a used guitar in more detail.

Firstly, the condition of a used guitar can be a concern. The previous owner may not have taken good care of the instrument, which can lead to scratches, dents, or other damage. Even if the guitar looks good on the surface, there may be hidden issues that could affect its playability or sound quality. Therefore, it’s important to inspect the guitar thoroughly before making your purchase.

Secondly, buying used may mean sacrificing the protection of a warranty that comes with a new guitar. If something goes wrong with your used guitar shortly after purchase, you may not have any recourse for repairs or replacements. This can be especially problematic if you’re investing in a high-end guitar that requires specialized care.

Finding a quality used guitar can be a challenge. While there are many reputable sources for used guitars, such as music stores, second-hand shops, and online marketplaces, it can be difficult to know what you’re getting. It’s important to research the seller or store and to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Where should I buy a used guitar?

When thinking about buying a used guitar, these are some of the top websites that you should look at to see what’s on offer! These are all very reputable and should be considered when looking into if you should buy a used guitar.

[See why we trust these second-hand sellers here]

In conclusion, buying a used guitar comes with some cons that you should consider before making your purchase. These include the potential for wear and tear or damage, the lack of warranty protection, and the difficulty of finding a quality instrument. However, with careful research and inspection, you can minimize these risks and find a used guitar that meets your needs and budget.

Tips When You Buy a Used Guitar

If you’ve decided to buy a used guitar, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure you get a high-quality instrument that meets your needs. 

Firstly, research the seller or store where you plan to buy the guitar. Look for reviews, ratings, and customer feedback to get an idea of their reputation and customer service. If possible, visit the store in person to inspect the guitar before making your purchase.

Secondly, inspect the guitar carefully before buying it. Check for any scratches, dents, or other damage that could affect its playability or sound quality. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as worn frets or loose hardware. If you’re not confident in your ability to assess the guitar’s condition, bring a friend or a professional to help you.

Thirdly, test the guitar’s sound quality and playability. Bring your own amp and cables if possible, or use the store’s equipment to test the guitar’s sound. Play different styles of music to get a sense of the guitar’s versatility and tonal range. Check the guitar’s action (the distance between the strings and fretboard) and intonation (how well the guitar stays in tune).

Okay, Now It’s Time to buy a Used Guitar

Finally, negotiate the price if possible. Used guitars are often priced higher than they should be, so don’t be afraid to haggle with the seller. If you’ve done your research and found similar guitars at lower prices, use that as leverage to get a better deal.

Make sure you have played that guitar before buying it! Go to your nearest music shop to see if they have it in, also watch YouTube reviews and demos to see if you like the tone of that guitar!

In conclusion, buying a used guitar can be a great way to save money and acquire a unique instrument. However, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure you get a high-quality guitar that meets your needs. By researching the seller or store, inspecting the guitar carefully, testing its sound quality and playability, and negotiating the price, you can find a used guitar that you’ll love playing for years to come.

View our competitions page to see what guitars you could win for a fraction of the price!