10 Tips For Buying Second Hand Guitars - How to Spot Fakes & Bad Deals

Dagan shows us what to look for when buying second hand guitars and the things you need to know before buying a used guitar.

In this video we find out Dagan's top 10 tips for buying used guitars, including what to look for on the neck, the electronics and the playability of the guitar.

In addition to showing us how to buy a used guitar, Dagan shows you some signs to look for that may indicate a guitar may be a fake, may have been kept in poor condition and when to walk away from a deal that is too good to be true.

Whether you're looking for a second hand Gibson Les Paul, a second hand Fender custom shop or any other type of guitar, this is the checklist you need to be aware of before you hand over any money!

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[charlotteice]

Do your research
1) does it look good?
-> check for nicks, chips etc
2) is it legit? (Unoriginal parts cause lower price)
3) check neck
-> is truss rod straight (look from side)
-> look from bottom and top for twists etc
4) check frets (must not have dents under strings)
5) test pickups
6) check hardware (saddles/tuners)
7) check electronics
8) check neck pocket fit
9) check for hairline cracks (esp ends of neck)
10) check for enjoyment

[silverstone]

the dude is chill and very informative

[mickp]

Speaking as an old git who's been playing 50 years - Well done Dagan - informative and entertaining and very well presented. Wish we'd had someone like you to avoid the monsters we had to play "back in the day!" Well done son, keep it up!

[JoeTheLion]

I picked up a Stratlike at a pawn shop. It had Starcaster on the head stock and they wanted $80 for it. I just wanted a cheap guitar mostly to mess with the electronics, but it was too high a price, but my friend told me to check it out. I really didn't know how to play, but we plugged it into an amp and all we got was buzzing. The guy knocked it down to $40. SOLD!

Got it home and took it apart. Found that the hot lead to the jack was wired to the ground from the body. Fixed it in 5 min.

Other interesting thing, that kinda proves all your points, when I completely tore it down, I found the pick board was from a Squire, the neck from a Starcaster and the body from who knows where, but the pocket had to be chiseled out to get the neck in. Still, a good little learner.

[stringsandthetruth]

Number 10 is so important. I always wanted a White Falcon, tried one out in the Shop, really didn’t like it that much but still bought it. 15 years later I’ve played that thing about 5 times.

[leoeriksson]

I think Strats are more sexy wen they are worn

[lucasgodsk]

Eric Clapton said in an interview:
“What i would always look for on a strat, was maple neck that had been worn out, it’ like a resturant, if there is lot’s of people there it’s got to be good food.” Wich is true, and not just with strats.

[eberronbruce]

Bought an Ibanez guitar online. Unfortunately it can be really difficult going through Ebay, but it was the right guitar when it arrived. It had a problem with the selector switch as it would not always fully connect. So, I open the back up, looked at the switch, order the same one and replaced it myself. If you are buying online used guitars, it helps to be a little handy with working on them. I suggest every guitarist learn some basic guitar repair and maintenance skills. It will serve you well.

[elbowsout]

Great video I wish I had of seen it a couple weeks ago. Bought a used guitar on a whim figured I'd learn something new. Paid $100 CND only to get it home and find the 5 point switch had some corrosion on it, there was a small crack in the head next to the top string tuner and the guitar is only $150 new. Arrrg lesson learned.

[jland]

Do I get brand new one or get a good second-hand name brand and should I listen to someone who looks like Russell Brand?

[totaltwit]

hmm.. so I can pop into a PMT store with my screwdrivers and start dismantling guitars to perfrom the checks?.. yeh rite, I'd get thrown out. Just think how many heavy handed people would munch up screwheads and strip the woodthreads.
Talk to the guitar shop sales person for advice, that would probably be the LAST person to ask. Over the many years of that experience only a VERY few know their stuff, their attitude is generally "it's a great guitar, just buy the thing".
I do take your point on knowing what to look for as there are so many made up guitars. But then Fender quality changes so much a parts-caster can be better than the real thing. As point #10 says, I saved up in 1979 for a real Fender Strat, got one, it was poo, I soon sold it for a non Fender Strat that was just a lot better! I agree with the do research, I recently bought a cheap £35 Strat locally, I read-up on the internet first to get the background. I went to buy and it was as described on the internet but needed setting up, once I did all that, for the money it's great!

[davidwitte]

Can’t wait for my next trip to guitar center. Bringing my multitool and going through this list.

[HarryAzcrac]

Bought a second hand but barely used squier affinity strat with plans to mod, so exciting to have a first project guitar. Btw love the videos

[zarcheev]

Very good tips that was a good vidéo ^^

[darkphotographer]

wold like to come in your shop with a screwdriver, , and start disassemble a 2000$ used guitar and see the face of the sale man, ,

[w.rustylane]

Always check the nut mainly to see if it is broken or has been repaired. Check the saddle and make sure has moveable parts so the guitar can be intonated.

[TheFrankHuda]

Lol *gives quick nervous look and second thought*
“It was MY Kramer....” Sure....

[cheesyburps]

I bought a used Washburn acoustic from PMT Southend but didn't check the frets. Within a few weeks it started to buzz like mad and sounds tinny as hell cause the frets are dented all over. The nut also slipped off when I first restrung it. I wish this video had been released a year or so ago so I wouldn't have to pay to get it fixed :(

[pablocalvo]

7:00 False. in many cases luthiers can level, crown and polish the frets to fix wear dents and unwanted buzz without needing to replace them at all which is a much bigger job.

[vocalist-qwlj]

you forget the nut ! and what type roller or plastic or bone or tusk if it was cut right!