Buying a Used Guitar Online from Guitar Center

For as long as I’ve been strumming six strings, Guitar Center has been a mainstay on my musical journey. It’s where I bought my very first guitar - cash in hand - after countless visits to drool over the rows of instruments on display. Over time, I’ve snagged plenty of used gear from their online store (amps, pedals, and more), but I’ve always insisted on buying guitars in person. Let’s face it: you can’t beat the hands-on experience of playing a guitar before handing over your money.

That said, sometimes convenience wins out. I decided it was time to add a Telecaster to my collection, specifically an out-of-production Fender model, and stumbled upon Guitar Center’s used listings. “Why not?” I thought. It was time to see what Guitar Center online guitar hunting was all about.

The Hunt for the Perfect Telecaster

The Telecaster is a guitar icon, so my heart was set on finding the right one. After nerding out over various specs, I kept coming back to the Fender American Original ‘50s Telecaster. Ash body? Check. Nitro butterscotch blonde finish? Check. U-shaped neck and 9.5-inch fretboard radius? Check and check. On paper, it was a dream.

My first stop was Reverb, but either the guitars were out of my price range or they had been modded to the point of no return. Next up: Guitar Center’s used section. I found a listing that looked promising - though the details were skimpy. The photos were... let’s just say less than flattering. I couldn’t see fret condition or finish wear, so the best I had to go on was a single line in their “Condition Report” that said “Used - Excellent.”

Despite the uncertainty, Guitar Center’s return policy gave me some peace of mind. If the guitar turned out to be a dud, I could return it.

For kicks, I emailed their team to ask about the guitar’s weight and any hidden quirks. Radio silence. A few days later, I tried live chat. They dodged my questions but sweetened the deal with some freebies: picks, strings, and a sub-$40 strap. Good enough for me. I placed my order and hoped for the best.

The Arrival

Much to my shock, the guitar appeared on my doorstep the very next day. (It must’ve been shipped from a store in my state - score!) Cracking open the box, I was immediately greeted by a pleasant surprise: a Fender tweed case, complete with case candy and a Sweetwater tag. The listing only said “comes with case,” so I was expecting something generic. Sure, it had some random blue paint stains, but that hardly mattered. There was also a Fender leather pouch and an ashtray bridge cover nestled inside - bonus points for unexpected extras.

As for the Tele itself, it was practically flawless - no dings, no fretwear, and barely any signs of use. It even sounded killer right out of the box. I still took it to Austin Vintage Guitars for a quick setup to get the action exactly where I like it, and from there, it was pure Tele twang bliss. Given what I saw on Reverb and local Facebook Marketplace, I doubt I could’ve found a better deal.

The Experience: A Mixed Bag

Thrilled as I was to land a great Tele, the buying process left room for improvement. Guitar Center’s grainy photos and vague descriptions definitely don’t highlight the true potential of their used inventory. And it’s not just this one listing - poor listing quality seems to be a theme. A little extra effort would go a long way: clearer photos, detailed specs, and timely responses could transform a gamble into a no-brainer.

However, credit where it’s due: their return policy is awesome. Being able to send the guitar back if it didn’t match the description was a major factor in me taking the leap. Their customer service even followed up later to confirm everything arrived safely, which I appreciated.

Should You Buy Used Gear Online from Guitar Center?

If you’re near a Guitar Center, go for it. Their used section can hide some absolute treasures if you’re willing to roll the dice. Worst case, returning it isn’t a hassle. Best case, you end up with a near-mint Telecaster - and a cool story to boot. In my case, it was a definite win, and I’m over the moon about my new (used) Fender.

It might not be the most straightforward online shopping experience, but it sure can pay off if you’re up for a bit of adventure.