I think this has had a discussion thread before.  But, I can't find it.  I have a question:  What do I look for in a used guitar?

Reason:  I have a very nice Epiphone PR350E.  It may not be very expensive compared to other guitars, but to me it's very valuable.  My coach found it for me "used".  I find that I don't want to take it with me when I travel, so I want to find a decent used guitar as a "travel/banger".  I just got back from a 3-day layoff and find my fingers don't want to do what I want them to do after only 3 days.  So, I want to find a decent used guitar that I'm not afraid to take traveling to at least keep my fingers "in line".  Being my coach found this Epi for me, I'm not really in "tune" (pun intended) on what to look for in a used guitar?

Thanks,

Newbie

Hi Dean
  You dont haf to get a used guitar depending on how much u can spend. Indiana makes a real nice guitar that is not very exspensive but if used is the way u want to go then i suggest u hit the pawn shops and play the guitars u find till u find one you like.....

Hello Dean, Hoss' idea is a good one, so it might be hard to beat. Beater...get it? Ok, banger...anyway, you might look for a used Big Baby Taylor (not to be confused with the Baby Taylor). It's a little smaller than a full sized dreadnought, much lighter, and if you find one with a basic hardcase, you'll love how it travels. Beyond that and what i'm looking for just now, i'd consider a classical in a medium sized and for me i want a slightly narrower neck than is customary.

Th Big Baby can be played quietly, a classical even more so....as i'm remembering how i din't want anyone to hear my feeble attempts at chording and strumming early on...so i used my thumb and index instead of a pick or else i practiced fingerstyle all the time...quietly with close cut nails on both hands. Hope some of this helps you Dean.

Cheers,

GuitarZen

Thanks you guys.......  Living up in Northern Wisconsin, I don't have access to many pawn shops.  The deer and wolves don't bother pawning their stuff!!!  I've got daughters in Appleton, WI and Dubuque, IA.  The next time I visit them, I'll have to make the rounds of the pawn shops and Craigs List.  I've heard of "warped necks" among other problems with used stuff.  What else should I look for and how do I tell what the problem might be?

Thanks,

Dean

Hey Dean, I'll do what i can to make this easier for you...may i know what your price range is?

Cheers,

GuitarZen

I'd like to stay under $200.  Otherwise the "accountant" might get nervous.  I've seen on some sites, Epiphone and Gibson, where they are using $500 guitars as their "bangers".  But, their collections have $1800 to $3500 guitars.  As a "newbie", I'm not in that class and probably never will be.  I'm learning to play for ME and may never get out of my closet!

Dean

I said that too Dean...one was going to be plenty...turned around and had three, traded one for electrical work, bought an electric....need a classical now...then there's the tele...a must have....the SG...wow...then the amps...i need at least two more but have three now...and i have no idea how this happened in the space of just 5 years...

So you may want to aim a little higher since you din't pay much for your first git of recent...maybe have a look at something that cost 5 to 7 new but is going for 2 to 3 used and in great shape. They're out there !

GuitarZen

Newbie Dean wrote:

I'd like to stay under $200.  Otherwise the "accountant" might get nervous.  I've seen on some sites, Epiphone and Gibson, where they are using $500 guitars as their "bangers".  But, their collections have $1800 to $3500 guitars.  As a "newbie", I'm not in that class and probably never will be.  I'm learning to play for ME and may never get out of my closet!

Dean

Look on musicians friend dean they have some nice low budget guitars on there

guitar zen offers advice i am inclined to agree with. a classical guitar is an awesome insturment to have. they can be had for as little as a hundred bucks aka the model i have was about that much maybe 109. i know that washburn has one that is 250 and thier stuff is pretty good most will agree. in fact way better than my 100 dollar one. but anyway, you get the added advantage of having two different styles of guitar. classicals also fret very easily even cheap ones cause of the strings. travel well, weigh less, handle weather pretty well although northern ws may be rough.

There are a lot of guitars sittin in folks attic, Check yard sales,My friend found a g-50 gibson for 25.00 There are a lot of folks buy good guitars  for the kid, and then they go to college and it stays in the closet, Check the ads in the newspaper, there are all sorts of ways to find a guitar.

GZ............I think you may be right.  Being I got my Epi at such a good price, I may just use it as my "banger" and find something better as my "closet" guitar.  My coach just traded his mini-Martin in on a full size Martin (not sure of the model but it listed at $995) and got a great deal.  He said that right now there are a lot of good deals out there because of the economy.

Thanks you guys!!!

Dean

Hey Dean; Sorry, It's been a long time since I've been on this site but saw your inquiry and I, like you have an epiphone that's 40 years old and I have never travelled with it. It is still mint but with the aging process sounds far better today. If you want to check a good second guitar try Art & Luthier; these are handmade { as much as "handmade" can be today }, in Quebec Canada. I just purchased their sunburst 6 string cutaway acoustic/electric and I have to say it is a pleasure to play. It has a cedar top, cherrywood body and rosewood neck. Believe me, it is hard to put down. I, like you wanted a beater guitar and when I found this new and under $500 I was all over it. I think they sell cheaper in the States. Now I find I don't want to travel with this one either, a conundrum I think you will find yourself with no matter which guitar you buy. Good luck in your search because the hunt is the best part.
DEAN




http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/intro.htm

epi................  I just checked out the web site.  I am drawn to the Ami series.  Being the smaller "parlor" size would appeal to me for travel.  I see there are a number of dealers in the Milwaukee area.  I'm headed down that way from up here in Northern Wisconsin this weekend for a wedding.  I'll have to check them out.

Thanks,

Dean

Check out a Martin Back-packer- they are a perfect traveling  companion.