For your guitar purchases - prefer new, used, or no preference?

[nightchef]

Originally Posted by brencat

Frankly, I'm shocked at the % of responders who prefer to buy New, especially with the depreciation hit you take on a resale (particularly for boutiques). I thought "prefer to buy Used" would run away with this poll.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't usually consider resale value much when I buy, because I always buy with the intention of keeping the guitar forever, though it doesn't always work out that way. I don't buy all that many guitars, and I sell even fewer. When I sell a guitar it's generally because I fell in love with it too quickly and then fell back out; with a new guitar, if it's from a place with a reasonably long trial period, I can usually play it enough before the trial period is over to know that I'm happy with it.

Also, I really like that trial period, and dislike the way a used purchase forces me to make a snap judgment. It often takes me a while to know for certain how I feel about an instrument.

[stephenT]

The model of the guitar is more important to me on whether it's new or used.

If it's something I want I'll happily buy new and take the "depreciation hit". New guitars come w/ a warranty which can be useful and of value.

But used is fine,..

[guitar george]

I have bought new and used over the years. It depends on my desire, available funds and availability of what I am looking for. Sound and appearance are also very important.

[wguitar]

Originally Posted by mercy

Used guitars have character and developed sound. I like em

I agree 100% and love the "developed sound" description.

[AH Acoustic]

Edited by member.