Best Places to Buy Second Hand Guitars Online (2026 Guide)

The Best Online Places to Buy Used Guitars Without Getting Scammed

Buying a second hand guitar online can be one of the smartest decisions a guitarist makes. Whether you’re a beginner trying to save money, a collector hunting rare vintage models, or a working musician looking for premium gear at a lower price, the used guitar market offers incredible opportunities.

But there’s also a problem.

Not every seller is trustworthy. Some guitars are overpriced, poorly maintained, fake, or inaccurately described. And when you’re shopping online, you can’t physically inspect the instrument before buying.

That’s why choosing the right platform matters.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to buy second hand guitars online, how each platform works, their pros and cons, what to watch out for, and expert tips to avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy a Second Hand Guitar?

Before diving into the platforms, it’s worth understanding why used guitars are so popular.

You Get Better Value for Money

A used mid-range guitar often costs the same as a brand-new beginner guitar. That means you can access better woods, pickups, hardware, and craftsmanship for the same budget.

For example:

• A new entry-level guitar at $300 may feel basic.
• A used Mexican Fender or PRS SE in the same range can be dramatically better.

Used Guitars Are Often Already “Broken In”

Many players believe guitars sound and feel better after years of use. The wood settles, the neck stabilizes, and the instrument develops character.

Vintage and Discontinued Models

Some legendary guitars are no longer produced. The second hand market is often the only place to find:

• Vintage Japanese guitars
• Older Gibson models
• Discontinued Ibanez lines
• Rare signature models

Lower Depreciation

New guitars lose value quickly after purchase. Used guitars usually retain their value much better.

Best Places to Buy Second Hand Guitars Online

1. Reverb

Provided by Guitarmetrics

Best Overall Marketplace for Used Guitars

Reverb has become the go-to platform for musicians buying and selling used gear online.

It’s essentially the “eBay for musicians,” but much more specialized.

Why Reverb Is So Popular

• Massive inventory of guitars
• Strong buyer protection
• Detailed seller ratings
• Secure payment system
• Excellent search filters
• International listings

You can find:

• Beginner guitars
• Vintage collectibles
• Boutique instruments
• Rare custom shop models

Biggest Advantages

Detailed Listings

Most sellers upload:

• Multiple photos
• Serial numbers
• Condition descriptions
• Setup details
• Modifications

Price Transparency

Reverb shows historical price trends, helping buyers avoid overpaying.

Safer Than General Marketplaces

Because the platform is focused on musicians, scams are less common than on random classified sites.

Downsides

• Shipping costs can be high
• Some vintage listings are overpriced
• International taxes may apply

Best For

• Serious musicians
• Collectors
• Buyers seeking specific models

2. eBay

Best for Rare Finds and Bargains

eBay remains one of the largest used guitar marketplaces in the world.

You can find:

• Vintage guitars
• Estate sale instruments
• Budget beginner deals
• Rare discontinued models

Why Some Guitarists Love eBay

Auction Opportunities

Sometimes you can score amazing deals through auctions.

Huge Selection

Few platforms match eBay’s inventory size.

Buyer Protection

PayPal and eBay policies offer some protection if the item is significantly different from the listing.

Risks to Watch Out For

eBay requires more caution than Reverb.

Potential issues include:

• Fake guitars
• Misleading photos
• Hidden damage
• Poor packaging

Pro Tip

Always:

• Check seller ratings carefully
• Ask for serial numbers
• Request neck, fret, and headstock photos
• Avoid listings with blurry images

Best For

• Experienced buyers
• Vintage hunters
• Deal seekers

3. Facebook Marketplace

Best for Local Deals

Facebook Marketplace has exploded in popularity for used musical instruments.

One major advantage is local pickup.

That means:

• No shipping risk
• You can inspect the guitar in person
• You can negotiate face-to-face

Why It’s Great

Excellent Prices

Private sellers often list guitars cheaper than dedicated marketplaces.

Fast Communication

You can quickly message sellers and ask questions.

Local Testing

You may be able to plug in and test the guitar before paying.

Major Risks

Facebook Marketplace has a higher scam risk than specialized platforms.

Watch out for:

• Fake profiles
• Unrealistic prices
• Stolen photos
• “Too good to be true” deals

Safety Tips

• Meet in public places
• Bring a small amp if testing an electric guitar
• Check serial numbers
• Avoid wire transfers

Best For

• Local buyers
• Budget shoppers
• Beginners

4. Craigslist

Best for Old-School Local Bargains

Craigslist still has a loyal community of musicians.

You can occasionally find incredible deals from:

• Older musicians
• Parents selling unused instruments
• Local bands clearing gear

Benefits

• No platform fees
• Direct negotiation
• Potentially low prices

Drawbacks

• Very little buyer protection
• High scam potential
• Poor listing quality

Important Advice

Never buy expensive guitars from Craigslist without inspecting them personally.

Best For

• Local bargain hunters
• Experienced guitar buyers

5. Guitar Center Used Gear

Provided by Guitarmetrics

Best for Safer Used Purchases

Many people forget Guitar Center has a huge used gear section online.

Why It’s Reliable

Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, you’re buying from a retailer.

That means:

• Return policies
• Standardized inspections
• Customer support
• Financing options

Advantages

Safer Transactions

There’s generally less risk compared to buying from individuals.

Nationwide Inventory

You can browse used inventory from stores across the country.

Downsides

• Prices can be slightly higher
• Less room for negotiation

Best For

• Beginners
• Buyers wanting lower risk
• People uncomfortable with private sellers

6. Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Best for Trusted Community Sellers

Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange is newer but gaining popularity.

Why Musicians Like It

Sweetwater already has a strong reputation in the music industry.

The marketplace benefits from:

• Better seller accountability
• Cleaner listings
• Music-focused buyers and sellers

Great Features

• Lower fees than some competitors
• Integrated shipping options
• Better trust factor

Best For

• Intermediate and advanced players
• Buyers wanting a modern alternative to Reverb

7. Local Music Store Websites

Most Underrated Option

Many local guitar shops now sell used inventory online.

This can be one of the safest ways to buy second hand guitars.

Why It’s Worth Checking

Local stores often:

• Inspect instruments professionally
• Perform setups
• Offer warranties
• Provide honest condition reports

Hidden Advantage

Some local stores underprice vintage gear because they focus on quick turnover rather than collector pricing.

Best For

• Players wanting professionally checked instruments
• Vintage enthusiasts

How to Avoid Getting Scammed When Buying Used Guitars Online

Even on trusted platforms, you need to stay careful.

Always Ask for the Serial Number

The serial number helps:

• Verify authenticity
• Confirm manufacturing year
• Detect stolen guitars

Check the Neck Carefully

Neck problems can be expensive.

Ask for photos showing:

• Neck straightness
• Fret wear
• Headstock condition
• Truss rod access

Watch for Fake Gibsons and Fenders

Counterfeit guitars are increasingly common.

Common red flags:

• Crooked logos
• Incorrect serial fonts
• Cheap hardware
• Unrealistically low prices

Ask About Repairs and Modifications

Not all modifications are bad, but you should know:

• Pickup changes
• Neck repairs
• Refinished bodies
• Replaced bridges

Factor in Shipping Damage

Poor packaging destroys guitars every year.

Ask sellers:

• How they pack guitars
• Whether they loosen strings
• If they use hard cases

Best Used Guitar Brands to Buy Online

Some brands hold up especially well in the used market.

Fender

Excellent resale value and huge parts availability.

Yamaha

Reliable quality even in affordable models.

Ibanez

Great value for rock and metal players.

PRS SE

Often incredible bargains used.

Epiphone

Modern Epiphone models are much better than older generations.

Gibson

Premium instruments, but buyers should be careful about counterfeits.

Should Beginners Buy Used Guitars?

Absolutely.

In fact, many beginners make the mistake of buying cheap new guitars instead of quality used ones.

A good used guitar:

• Plays better
• Sounds better
• Stays in tune better
• Encourages practice

A poorly made beginner guitar can actually slow learning progress.

Final Thoughts

Buying a second hand guitar online can save you money, help you access higher-quality instruments, and even lead you to rare guitars you’d never find locally.

But the key is choosing the right platform and knowing how to inspect listings carefully.

If you want the safest overall experience, Reverb is usually the best choice.

If you love hunting bargains, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can be goldmines.

And if you want peace of mind, Guitar Center’s used section or local music stores are excellent options.

The best used guitar deals often go to patient buyers who research thoroughly and ask smart questions.

FAQ: Buying Second Hand Guitars Online

Is it safe to buy a used guitar online?

Yes, if you use trusted platforms and verify the seller carefully. Always check seller ratings, ask for detailed photos, and use secure payment methods.

Which website is best for used guitars?

Reverb is widely considered the best overall platform because it specializes in musical instruments and offers strong buyer protection.

Are used guitars worth buying?

Absolutely. Used guitars often offer much better value than new guitars and may already be professionally set up or “broken in.”

What should I check before buying a second hand guitar?

Important things to inspect include:

• Neck straightness
• Fret wear
• Electronics
• Serial number
• Cracks or repairs
• Authenticity

Can beginners buy second hand guitars?

Yes. Beginners can often get a much higher-quality instrument by buying used instead of new.

How do I know if a used guitar is fake?

Check the serial number, compare logos and hardware to official models, and research common counterfeit signs for that brand.

Is Reverb better than eBay for guitars?

Generally yes. Reverb is more specialized, has better music-focused search filters, and tends to have more knowledgeable sellers.

What is the best budget used guitar brand?

Yamaha, Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez are excellent value-for-money brands in the used market.

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