Should I buy my instrument second-hand?

The debate of whether to buy something new versus old really depends on what you’re talking about. Old bread doesn’t sound appealing, but an aged bottle of wine can get pricey.

Luckily there’s a lot to be said about second-hand musical instruments. There are some common misconceptions on used instruments – whether it be that old must not be as good as brand new, or that it should only be for beginners looking to get started in music. Here are a handful of reasons why that isn’t so and why you should consider picking up a pre-loved instrument over a new one.

The older the instrument, the better the quality

It sounds counterintuitive, but instruments can get better with age. Playing an instrument over time helps the materials that were used to make the instrument mature.

A combination of wood, metal, and glue along with different temperatures over time can distinctively shift and change, and with it, the sound of the instrument.

It’s hard to gauge what an acoustic guitar would sound like brand new and how it would sound 10 years later but what is certain is that the sound will be unique.

What makes second-hand instrument shopping so exciting is trying them out and being surprised at what you hear – you might just find ‘that’ sound you’ve been looking for.

Second-hand instruments are cheaper

Buying brand new musical instruments might seem like the best option to get the instrument at the peak of its performance, but buying a musical instrument that’s been pre-loved is generally cheaper than the new price. This might be because there are slight visual marks or that particular model of instrument wasn’t released that year.

Well-made older instruments can also hold their value for a long time so if you consider selling the instrument later on, you might be surprised what you get back.

If you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve got some tips on what to check when buying second-hand instruments – this should help give you the confidence on what to look for when trying to buy.

Your favourite musicians do it

There’s almost a rite of passage for musicians to find that second or third guitar that’s second-hand. It could be seeking out sounds that no one’s heard before or needing a replacement guitar while on tour that becomes their new favourite, but there are a lot of well-known musicians who rely on second-hand instruments to create those iconic songs you love.

Guitar World listed 18 musicians who use “cheap” guitars – and it shows how you can’t rely on new to make something sound better.

Prince’s Hohner Madcat Telecaster was bought from the back of a car for 30 dollars. Beck’s Silvertone 1448 that has contributed to his iconic sound of songs like ‘Think I’m In Love’ was just 60 dollars from a Sears catalogue as an entry level guitar.

Jack White can pick up any guitar and make it sing, though he’s not using his Kay K6533 Value Leader for a B-side – that’s where we got ‘Seven Nation Army’ from. Don’t discount the discount.

Aesthetically and historically cool

There’s something about seeing a weathered electric guitar that makes you wonder where else it’s been during its lifetime. What stages has that instrument seen over the many years it must have been around?

Scratched guitar pickguards, faded wood colours and models that aren’t being made anymore can give you extra points for standing out when on stage.

You can throw down a lot of money to get the shiniest new guitar, but you can’t buy the history of a Fender Stratocaster with a design that hasn’t been sold in a decade.

You could find a rare or unique piece

Being in the right place at the right time is its own reward if you’re savvy enough to know what might be a limited edition or rare model.

There are TV shows dedicated to finding rarities, but not everyone knows the worth of that violin or bass guitar in their garage they would rather have out of their hands – and potentially into yours.

You’re part of the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ movement now

An incredibly important part of reducing waste is by trying to keep to those three R’s. In this instance, reducing the amount of new instruments to buy not only lessens the amount of resources, energy, and time taken to make a new instrument but it also saves you money – and gives a little bit of good karma back in the process.

If anything can be reused or recycled, it means throwing out less garbage and making a difference to the environment. The added bonus of getting an incredible deal and a great-sounding instrument is knowing you’re also part of keeping wastage in the world down. That’s a win-win!

If you’re unsure where to buy second-hand guitars, keyboards or violins and don’t like the idea of having to rely on online message boards or Facebook groups, we have a wide range of second-hand instruments for you to have a look at in one of our stores or  online if you’d prefer to browse the range on your phone or laptop.

If there’s an unused instrument in the house that you’re willing to part with, you can sell second-hand guitars, keyboards, or violins as well as a wide range of other instruments and accessories. Head in-store or get a quote online.

The information contained in this blog is general advice only and does not take your specific circumstance into consideration. You should assess your own financial position, objectives, and requirements before making any financial decisions. 

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