tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

Hi everyone,

Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.

I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
already set up with a nice low action. The only drawback to going
this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.

I'm facing two problems::

1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
sync.

Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
guitar book:

at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
about 1/8th at the 12th fret

2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
at the pawnshops.

As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
pawnshops.

I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
savings.

So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
listed price by default.


thanks

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

The only tip I can give is don't buy a guitar at a pawnshop. I've NEVER
seen one I'd even think about taking home for various reasons including
price, brand, setup problems, structural defects, etc.

Ed Maier
(YMMV, but I seriously doubt it.)

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

I talked to a guy yesterday who showed me an Am Tele he got at a
pawnshop for $400+. It was almost mint.

He also got a 69 Fender amp (can't recall which) for a couple
hundred. He said it looked like hell, had a subwoofer speaker.

He put in a new speaker, sounds incredible.

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

Ed Maier expounded in news:gYYWj.2131$hJ5.996@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc . com :

> The only tip I can give is don't buy a guitar at a pawnshop. I've NEVER
> seen one I'd even think about taking home for various reasons including
> price, brand, setup problems, structural defects, etc.
>
> Ed Maier
> (YMMV, but I seriously doubt it.)

There probably will be exceptions, but I would
generally agree. With everyting on ebay now, the
only instruments I see in pawn shops are the
ugly bent-up warped only-as-a-last-resort type
type of offerings. If it is anything more than
that, expect it to be overpriced.

If you're lucky, you might find a pawnshop that
doesn't use computers (hence no ebay). But I think
that is unlikely unless they're an old ma 'n pop
shop.

Used instruments at a music store is probably a
better bet. Or buy direct from your local ads
(maybe through ebay's kijiji or whatever that is).

As for the instrument, I'd only be concerned that
it _can_ be setup the way you want it. Finding
something close to what you want should be enough,
if you then get it setup later. I wouldn't skimp
on the setup.

Snark.
** Posted from * w w w .teranews . com **

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

On Thu, 15 May 2008 10:49:33 -0500, Ed Maier <evmaiertakethisout@sbcglobal . net >
wrote:

>The only tip I can give is don't buy a guitar at a pawnshop. I've NEVER
>seen one I'd even think about taking home for various reasons including
>price, brand, setup problems, structural defects, etc.
>
>Ed Maier


Remember there are pawnshops and then there are "pawnshops". In my city of 1
million there is exactly one pawnshop where it is still possible to buy a $65
guitar that, with a little work, can be brought up to the standard of, oh, say,
a $200 guitar. OTOH a "pawnshop" will sell that same guitar for $300....maybe a
little cleaner, but no better. They're the ones who advertise, have big signs
and are located in more acceptable parts of town. You shouldn't go near those.

I bought a half-broken 70's Peavey amp at the pawnshop for $70, spent 1/2 hour
undoing a previous genius' work, replaced the unmatched power tubes with a pair
of my old ones and sold it on Ebay for $180. No big deal but I saw the same
model amp in a "pawnshop" with a $400 tag on it and it was missing a speaker!

Try to understand what can be fixed or adjusted and what can't. Crooked neck -
pass. Missing pots - easy, and a great dickering point.

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

tysteel wrote:
> ...so if anyone could offer some important
> general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already
> set up with a nice, low action...


You're about to become yet another casualty
in the war of "I never knew how great my
guitar played because I never spent $50
to have an expert set it up".


Lumpy

In Your Ears for 40 Years
w w w .LumpyMusic . com

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

On Thu, 15 May 2008 08:38:25 -0700 (PDT), tysteel
<tysteel3000@aol . com > wrote:

>Hi everyone,
>
>Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
>the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.
>
>I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
>that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
>weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
>about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
>already set up with a nice low action.

This shouldn't be a big factor. Action is adjustable so you might
pass on a good guitar because the action seems high to you or worse,
buy a crappy guitar that happens to have low action.

I don't like pawnshops. By nature, they are looking for people like
you who can be taken in. I live in a medium size market & via the
various forsale sites available, there are 1/2 dozen or more guitars
available in your league at any given time.

What city are you in or near? I'd be happy to take a look around &
let you know what I find. Email me if you prefer.

tony

>The only drawback to going
>this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
>value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
>general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
>I'm facing two problems::
>
>1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
>While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
>about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
>at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
>sync.
>
>Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
>guitar book:
>
>at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
>about 1/8th at the 12th fret
>
>2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
>the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
>not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
>particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
>sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
>at the pawnshops.
>
>As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
>as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
>thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
>and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
>pawnshops.
>
>I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
>used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
>already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
>savings.
>
>So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
>listed price by default.
>
>
>thanks

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

tysteel expressed precisely :
> Hi everyone,
>
> Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
> the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.
>
> I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
> that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
> weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
> about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
> already set up with a nice low action. The only drawback to going
> this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
> value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
> general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
> While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
> about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
> at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
> sync.
>
> Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
> guitar book:
>
> at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
> about 1/8th at the 12th fret
>
> 2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
> the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
> not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
> particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
> sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
> at the pawnshops.
>
> As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
> as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
> thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
> and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
> pawnshops.
>
> I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
> used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
> already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
> savings.
>
> So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
> listed price by default.
>
>
> thanks

If you're having that much trouble with your acoustic, maybe you might
want to consider swaping it in for an electric. You can pick up a new
strat copy for 200-300 dollars. All you need is a 2nd hand practice amp
to start, I have one in my office that I paid a whopping 50 dollars for
on ebay and I couldn't even tell if had ever been used.

One big advantage with a solid body electric over an acoustic in no one
hears your mistakes but you if you use headphones :)

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

Once you find something you like...

Buy with a right of return, even if it's only a week. Take the guitar to a
luthier (fancy term for luthier, although traditionally a luthier BUILT
guitars). Ask him/her to take a glance at the guitar to see if they can spot
any problems. If you get a thumbs down, RETURN IT.

tysteel wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
> the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.
>
> I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
> that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
> weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
> about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
> already set up with a nice low action. The only drawback to going
> this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
> value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
> general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
> While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
> about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
> at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
> sync.
>
> Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
> guitar book:
>
> at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
> about 1/8th at the 12th fret
>
> 2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
> the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
> not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
> particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
> sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
> at the pawnshops.
>
> As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
> as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
> thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
> and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
> pawnshops.
>
> I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
> used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
> already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
> savings.
>
> So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
> listed price by default.
>
>
> thanks

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops


"tysteel" <tysteel3000@aol . com > wrote in message
news:a4ac6c5a-7643-463a-abb4-dc9465ce5df0@z24g2000prf.googlegroups . com ...
> Hi everyone,
>
> Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
> the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.
>
> I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
> that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
> weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
> about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
> already set up with a nice low action. The only drawback to going
> this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
> value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
> general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
> While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
> about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
> at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
> sync.
>
> Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
> guitar book:
>
> at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
> about 1/8th at the 12th fret
>
> 2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
> the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
> not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
> particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
> sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
> at the pawnshops.
>
> As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
> as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
> thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
> and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
> pawnshops.
>
> I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
> used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
> already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
> savings.
>
> So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
> listed price by default.
>
>
> thanks

Don't buy a used guitar from a "grey" source unless you know how check for
existing and potential problems. Also, don't buy a guitar for its set up,
either learn to do it yourself or be prepared to pay someone else to do it.

Tony D

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops


> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
> While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
> about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
> at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
> sync.
>
> Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
> guitar book:
>
> at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
> about 1/8th at the 12th fret

The string height at the nut is based on the height of the frets. Most new
guitars are a bit high, and it's not a big deal to drop the height with the
right tools. Should be just above the fret height. Low action is as low as
you can get it based on the guitar and a lot of factors which are all
adjustable. Best measured by playing, as it's possible to go so low you get
no buzz but it's very difficult to bend notes.
>
> 2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
> the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
> not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
> particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
> sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
> at the pawnshops.

Never found a bargain guitar, or a bargain anything at a pawn shop. Only
deals I've seen are new guns, assuming the pawn shop is a gun dealer.
You're probably better off buying a new MIM Fender at Musicians Friend.
Shipping is often free, and they have a generous return policy. You'll get
a reasonably priced solid guitar that will probably need a professional
setup, as with any new guitar. I bought a Squire Tele from them for around
$150. Incredible out of the box action and playability and butterscotch
blonde to boot.

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops


"tysteel" <tysteel3000@aol . com > wrote in message
news:a4ac6c5a-7643-463a-abb4-dc9465ce5df0@z24g2000prf.googlegroups . com ...

Reminds me....I was reading an article (i believe about Slash) and he said
when he was young he would go into pawn shops and find a guitar he'd like
and break the high e string and then tell the guy "This plays like crap" and
the guy would have no idea and assume it was bad and sell it to him cheap
:-)

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops

"tysteel" <tysteel3000@aol . com > wrote in message
news:a4ac6c5a-7643-463a-abb4-dc9465ce5df0@z24g2000prf.googlegroups . com ...
> Hi everyone,
>
> Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
> the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.
>
> I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
> that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
> weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
> about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
> already set up with a nice low action. The only drawback to going
> this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
> value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
> general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
> While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
> about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
> at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
> sync.
>
> Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
> guitar book:
>
> at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
> about 1/8th at the 12th fret
>
> 2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
> the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
> not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
> particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
> sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
> at the pawnshops.
>
> As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
> as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
> thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
> and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
> pawnshops.
>
> I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
> used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
> already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
> savings.
>
> So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
> listed price by default.
>
>
> thanks

Tysteel,
Most pawn shops around here only drop the price a few dollars and you get no
warranty recourse. The retail shops will bargain ~ haggle with you, you just
gotta have the stones to state your price and walk if it's not happening for
you their is other shops.

MB

Re: tips on buying used guitar at pawnshops


"tysteel" <tysteel3000@aol . com > wrote in message
news:a4ac6c5a-7643-463a-abb4-dc9465ce5df0@z24g2000prf.googlegroups . com ...
> Hi everyone,
>
> Thank you to those individuals who have chimed in helpful responses to
> the other topics I've started in the past couple of weeks.
>
> I've decided that instead of re-working the cheap guitar I have now
> that I'd rather seek out a new, used electric guitar over the
> weekend. I already have a good practice amp so I don't need to worry
> about that. What I'm seeking is a good quality guitar that is
> already set up with a nice low action. The only drawback to going
> this route is that I'm still relatively inexperienced in knowing the
> value of most guitar gear -- so if anyone could offer some important
> general tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
>
> I'm facing two problems::
>
> 1) finding a decent guitar already set up with a nice, low action.
> While I obviously plan on test playing before purchase, I've thought
> about bringing a ruler with me in order to measure the string height
> at the nut and at the 12th fret just to ensure that everything is in
> sync.
>
> Would the following measurements be OK to rely on? Found these in a
> guitar book:
>
> at the nut the strings should be about 1/16
> about 1/8th at the 12th fret
>
> 2) I realize that a lot of the pawnshops in the area have jacked up
> the price of used gear to the point that it almost costs as much, if
> not more, that what it did when it retailed as brand new. I
> particularly noticed this when comparing the price of guitar packages
> sold at best buy or circuit city to the same thing being sold "used"
> at the pawnshops.
>
> As mentioned earlier, I may not the easitest time haggling on prices
> as I'm not familiar with the value of most gear, although I think one
> thing I should do is go to the local guitar center again this saturday
> and see what the new guitars are actually going for before I hit the
> pawnshops.
>
> I don't think I should offer to pay the pawshop their listed price on
> used guitar gear unless if they are offering it for a steal of a deal
> already....the whole reason of going in the first place is to get a
> savings.
>
> So, I'm thinking that, if in doubt, offer them $20 less than their
> listed price by default.
>
>
> thanks

Is it possible to buy porn at a guitarshop?

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