How to Buy a Used Guitar

Hi I’m Bob and I’ll be posting about-what else, our favourite instrument. Stephen has asked me to say something about buying a used instrument.
I think there are 2 categories of used instruments (unless you are an expert). If the instrument plays well with no issues, and you know the price is fair, buy it.  The other category is instruments you should seek professional advice about. If the instrument has any issues, or is an expensive instrument (over $1000), get some expert advice.
What are “issues” and how do you know if the guitar you’re interested in has them? First play each of the strings open. Then play each note on each string from open up the neck to at least the 12th fret. Each string should sound clear with no buzzes or rattles. This is assuming that there are relatively new strings on the instrument.
Look over the guitar for any obvious damage;
cracks,
loose tuning machines,
loose binding,
damaged finish etc.
Any of these problems might only require minor work to fix or might be signs of more serious problems that would require a major expense. Sometimes the fix is obvious but it often takes an experienced luthier to tell if the fix is simple or expensive.
Used instruments are a great way of affording a better guitar that you can new, or affording another guitar for your collection. You can get an appraisal on an instrument from most luthiers for a few dollars (well maybe 20 or 30) which is far better than spending $200 on an instrument that will require a subsequent $300 worth of work and is money well spent if it helps you identify a $400 bargain.
Cheers,
Bob St Cry
KW Guitar Society

Posted in: THE K/W GUITAR SOCIETY

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Stephen Zurakowsky Classical Guitarist's avatar

Stephen Zurakowsky Classical Guitarist

Stephen Zurakowsky(www.anumi.ca) is a graduate from The University of Toronto. He has studied with Norbert Kraft, Eli Kasner, David Russell, Stepan Rak and Phil Nimmons. Recently he has been awarded an International CD Distribution grant from The SOCAN Foundation, which will oversee the airplay of "Four Trees In Winter" in 135 radio markets worldwide. Stephen has enjoyed substantial support from the Ukrainian arts community across Canada, having been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and radio programs. He performs chamber concerts as a soloist and has written works for electric classical guitar and choir. A Zurakowsky concert encompasses a sense of deep passion, as you feel invited to experience his love for composing and how his Ukrainian heritage has an influence on his creativity. His music has been featured on Canada's CBC and was reviewed in Toronto's The Wholenote Magazine as a favourable pick amongst classical independents.

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