What to check before buying a used electric guitar: a practical checklist

A cracked neck or a noisy jack can cost you more than the sticker price. Look for the hidden fixes before you hand over cash.

What’s going on

Used electric guitars are common at pawnshops and online. They can be great deals. But small problems add up fast. You want an instrument that plays well now and won’t need a stack of repairs tomorrow.

Why it matters

A warped neck or bad electronics can mean hours in the shop and a bill you didn’t plan for. You want to know the real condition, not just the shiny finish. A quick look and a few simple tests save time and money.

What to check, step by step

Start by looking and listening. Check the body for big dents, cracks, or repairs. Run your hand along the neck and feel for bumps. Tune the strings and strum an open chord. Tell if notes buzz or sound dead.

• Inspect the headstock for cracks and repaired breaks.

• Check the neck straightness: sight from the head down the fretboard.

• Press each fret to check for sharp fret ends or buzzing on all strings.

• Try the tuners: wind them and see if they slip or are stiff.

• Plug in and tap each pickup and the output jack for hiss or crackle.

• Test all switches and knobs; listen for scratchy sounds when you move them.

• Look under the pickguard or back plate if possible to spot wiring mods or corrosion.

Micro-moment

You meet a seller and test the guitar plugged into an amp. You play the same riff up and down the neck. If a note dies out or a switch crackles under your hand, that’s a real-time red flag.

Red flags and what they mean

A neck repair isn’t always a deal-breaker, but a messy glue job or visible gaps are. That can affect playability. Heavy fret wear means you might need a fret dress or refret. Corroded pots and a loose output jack often mean cheap parts or long neglect. Refinished instruments can hide cracks. Modified wiring or non-original pickups change tone and resale value.

How to judge cost vs value

Ask how long the seller owned it and why they’re selling. Compare that to what a repair would cost. A simple setup (trim, new strings, tune, intonation) is cheap and normal. A refret or neck reset is expensive. If the guitar needs only a setup and new strings, that’s a small price for a playable axe. If it needs a refinish, major neck work, or new electronics, add those repair costs before you offer.

Quick negotiation tips

Use the visible issues to justify your offer. Point out cracked plastic, sticky switches, rusted screws, or worn frets. Offer a fair price that lets you cover repairs and still get value. Bring cash in the right ballpark and be ready to walk away.

If it won’t stay in tune through a short play test, assume there’s a reason and negotiate from that risk.

Today’s takeaway: Check the neck, frets, tuners, electronics, and play the guitar plugged in before you buy so you know the real cost.