What is important to you when buying a used guitar?

[JimmerO]

For me it has to sound good to my ears tone-wise first and foremost. I can overlook a lot in a guitar if it has a lovely sound. I think I have a pretty good ear for that and I know what appeals to me.

Second it has to play well in my hands. Everyone's hands are different.

Third it has to have good intonation. It will drive me nuts if it doesn't

Fourth it should be a good value. I don't often buy and sell but I want a guitar that I can sell in a year for nearly what I paid. That way if it doesn't work out we can go our separate ways and I won't get hung up about whether or not to sell it and take a big loss. There are lots of fish in the sea and I can wait for a good value to come along.

Lastly are looks, but I do want a nice looking guitar. Don't need bling just something that's nice to look at.

I didn't mention condition since for me that's a given. It needs to be structurally sound and not a risk for falling apart.

[Rob W]

After many years of buying and selling, my first requirement for buyings any guitar is that it is, indeed, used.

After that, I deny no possibility, as long as I like it; the feel, the sound, the character, the mood.

And the older a guitar is, the more flexible I am with it's overall condition. I'm a fan of mystery misfits.

[j3ffr0]

For me it has been model and price in that order. Let me explain. I bought my Baritone 8 and 00-sp used online. Those are two guitars I couldn't either get,or play locally or afford new. I bought the bari first. I knew I was taking a bit of a chance with it, but Taylor's QC is great for a big brand. Reading what others posted about H&D and my own limited experience, I felt like it was less of a roll of the dice with that one, because those guys never put out a bad guitar.

So tone and playability? Sure, but if I know what I'm shopping for already it is primarily about model and price.

[Mr Bojangles]

It has to sound good and play well, but a real deal-breaker is any drilled holes or modifications.

[Irish Dave]

Sound
Quality/playability
Price
No cutaway
No barn doors/electronics
Sunburst finish

[tippy5]

First check saddle height, string height and then fret wear.
After that the physical specs. 2.25" saddle span is my widest that i consider and I miss so many great guitars because of that requirement.
I guess I am narrow minded.

[Everton FC]

Most important, if I like the sound;

Action at the 12th fret and saddle height. In other words; "Does it need a neck re-set."