Best places to find that first guitar
Are you in the market for that first guitar (or reasonably priced 2nd)? Retail shops do not need to be your first destination. Why purchase the same guitar that everyone else has? For as many "Guitar Centrals" that exist, there are other options available to you at more affordable prices and more unique models.
Before you drive over to the big box store, check out these alternatives. You just may find a jem, and come away with much more bang for your buck!
1. OfferUp
Craigslist (the online classifieds giant) replaced newspaper-based ads years ago...and their website also looks like it was created years ago. 2 startups are getting major investment, and may be giving Craig a run for his money. The first I will mention, and likely the one with the best interface, is OfferUp. You can easily manage this from your phone by downloading the free app. In minutes, you'll be texting bids back and forth, rather than trying to use Craigslist's encumbered email system. It will even find your location, so you can quickly see what guitars are in your neighborhood.
2. LetGo
LetGo is the second noteworthy startup. It is similar to OfferUp, and you can also grab a free app on GooglePlay or iPhone's app store. I just found some guitars for as low as $20. However, it does not seem to quite have the range of OfferUp, as I could find no guitars in my area.
3. Craigslist
For sheer volume, it is still hard to beat Craigslist. If you don't mind navigating their interface, you can still find some jems!
4. Ebay Classifieds
Just put your zip code in, and start searching for guitars! There is a musical instrument category you can start in.
5. Garage sales
Summer is a great time to browse around your neighborhood garage sales to see if anyone is parting with a dusty old relic, just waiting to be revived by you! Sometimes, the contents of these sales will even be itemized in online ads or sell sheets.
6. Fellow guitar players
Have you ever known a guitar playing who wasn't searching for another guitar? The more you play, the more you define what you like and, consequently, what you want next. Most are on a budget, however, so they are often ready to offload an older guitar to buy a new one. Check with your friends, guitar teachers, band mates, etc. to see if they are ready to sell.
Before you drive over to the big box store, check out these alternatives. You just may find a jem, and come away with much more bang for your buck!
1. OfferUp
Craigslist (the online classifieds giant) replaced newspaper-based ads years ago...and their website also looks like it was created years ago. 2 startups are getting major investment, and may be giving Craig a run for his money. The first I will mention, and likely the one with the best interface, is OfferUp. You can easily manage this from your phone by downloading the free app. In minutes, you'll be texting bids back and forth, rather than trying to use Craigslist's encumbered email system. It will even find your location, so you can quickly see what guitars are in your neighborhood.
2. LetGo
LetGo is the second noteworthy startup. It is similar to OfferUp, and you can also grab a free app on GooglePlay or iPhone's app store. I just found some guitars for as low as $20. However, it does not seem to quite have the range of OfferUp, as I could find no guitars in my area.
3. Craigslist
For sheer volume, it is still hard to beat Craigslist. If you don't mind navigating their interface, you can still find some jems!
4. Ebay Classifieds
Just put your zip code in, and start searching for guitars! There is a musical instrument category you can start in.
5. Garage sales
Summer is a great time to browse around your neighborhood garage sales to see if anyone is parting with a dusty old relic, just waiting to be revived by you! Sometimes, the contents of these sales will even be itemized in online ads or sell sheets.
6. Fellow guitar players
Have you ever known a guitar playing who wasn't searching for another guitar? The more you play, the more you define what you like and, consequently, what you want next. Most are on a budget, however, so they are often ready to offload an older guitar to buy a new one. Check with your friends, guitar teachers, band mates, etc. to see if they are ready to sell.
Image courtesy of khunaspix at FreeDigitalPhotos.net