Buying Used

Summary

Buying used is one of the best ways to get a better instrument at a beginner-friendly price, especially for bass. The used market is full of stable, proven instruments that often just need basic inspection and a setup. This page explains what to check, what issues are normal, and what problems should make you walk away, with bass as the primary lens and electric guitar covered in parallel.

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What “Used” Really Means

Used does not automatically mean risky. It means the instrument has history.

For bass, used instruments often have an advantage because neck stability matters and many basses have already settled over time. For electric guitar, buying used usually means better value per dollar, with cosmetic wear that does not affect playability.

The key is separating cosmetic issues from functional ones. Scratches and small dings are common. Neck problems, truss rod failure, and serious structural cracks are the reasons to walk away.

The Checks That Matter Most

For bass, focus on neck straightness, truss rod function, tuning stability, even response across strings, and reliable output from the jack and controls.

For electric guitar, check neck and truss rod function, fret wear in common chord areas, tuning machines and nut stability, electronics noise, switching reliability, and bridge condition. Many used instruments are simply neglected and need a setup rather than major repair.