There are dozens of online guitar stores that can provide players with gear delivered right to our doorsteps! The expanding world of eCommerce has retailers competing for your online business like never before. Some retailers clearly rise above the rest with their customer service, shipping, and return policies, as well as exclusive deals, found only online.
In fact, while many large retailers such as Guitar Center and Sam Ash still have brick and motor locations all over the country, other retailers were founded as online stores and do business strictly online. There are also great options to buy guitar gear from classified listings. Here’s a look at the ten best online guitar stores based on selection, customer service, return policies, and more.
Here Are the Best Online Guitar Stores
1. Sweetwater
| Store website | Visit the Sweetwater website here |
| Shipping policy | Free shipping with no minimum purchase |
| Overall rating | 10 out of 10 |
Ask any musician about their favorite online guitar store, and there’s a good chance the name Sweetwater will pop up. Sweetwater has been a fan-favorite for decades because of their incredible selection and unbeatable customer service.
Sweetwater was founded in 1979 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was originally a mobile recording studio based out of a VW bus, but it quickly turned into one of the largest online retailers for music equipment in the world.
Aside from the immense selection of gear, Sweetwater became so popular because of their dedication to customer service and education. They didn’t want to just sell you a product; they want you to have the knowledge to pick the perfect equipment to suit your needs. They actually started their website in 1995 strictly as an educational tool before diving into the world of online retail sales.
Selection
As far as online guitar stores go, it’s hard to beat Sweetwater’s selection. They offer just about every major (and minor) brand you can think of. Whether you want high-end, budget, or even hard-to-find gear, there’s a good chance Sweetwater has it in stock.
Here are just a few of the guitar brands you can find at Sweetwater:
- Gibson
- Fender
- PRS
- ESP
- Gretsch
- Ibanez
- Epiphone
- Rickenbacker
- Schecter
- Taylor
- Martin
- Takamine
- Yamaha
- And many more
In addition to their incredible guitar selection, Sweetwater also stocks plenty of pedals, effects, amps, PA equipment, and accessories. Basically, no matter what you need, Sweetwater has it!
The main downside to shopping for guitars online instead of in the store is shipping. Some guitars are heavy (looking at you Les Pauls), and shipping costs can quickly add up. At Sweetwater, you don’t have to worry about that. They offer FREE shipping, with no minimum purchase. There are a few exceptions that include special or oversized orders, but for the most part, any order from Sweetwater will have free shipping.
Sweetwater ships anywhere in United States (including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico), but there are some restrictions as to what they can ship to other countries.
Although Sweetwater’s prices are often the best online, sometimes you can’t help but ogle over that sweet guitar that’s slightly over your budget. To help out more budget-restrictive players, Sweetwater offers financing on orders up to $4,000. Typically, financing terms land somewhere between 48 and 60 months, depending on what you order.
Customer Service
When it comes to customer service, Sweetwater can’t be beaten! Their helpful “sales engineers” go through an intensive 13-week training program they call “Sweetwater University.” In their studies, sales associates learn about pro audio, live sound, studio recording, and, of course, guitars. Even if you’re not sure what equipment you need to get the sound you’re looking for, the pros at Sweetwater probably do!
Even after you make a purchase, Sweetwater doesn’t leave you high and dry. They continue to offer customer service long after your credit card goes through. Whether you need technical support, have questions about your purchase, or want to make a return, Sweetwater is always there to help out. They’ll even set up your guitar before shipping to make sure it plays like butter the minute you open the box.
If you don’t like talking to a real person, Sweetwater also offers tons of educational resources on their website to help you become a more knowledgeable guitar player.
To “sweeten” the deal, Sweetwater also sends customers a bag of candy with every purchase. They’re not called Sweetwater for nothing!
Return Policies
Since Sweetwater’s main focus is on the customer, they’re always happy to correct issues. According to their website: “The only policy we have is we’ll do whatever it takes to fix the problem and make you happy.”
They offer a 30-day “no hassle” return policy on all purchases. If you’re not happy with new products, you can return them for any reason within 30-days of the shipping date.
For used gear, that return window jumps up to 90-days if there’s a malfunction or failure, as long as the product hasn’t been misused. You won’t be able to pull a Jimi Hendrix, smash your guitar on stage, and expect a refund.
The only real downside to shopping at Sweetwater is that they don’t have any physical locations. That means if you need to return something, you’ll have to pay for shipping. You can’t just drop it off at the store. But, with all the resources and knowledgeable sales engineers helping you pick out your gear, you probably won’t need to return anything anyway!
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2. zZounds
| Store website | Visit the zZounds website here |
| Shipping policy | Free shipping with no minimum purchase |
| Overall rating | 9.5 out of 10 |
zZounds is all about two things: affordable prices and fast shipping on top-name gear. Since 1997, they’ve taken their dedication to these two things and created one of the best online guitar stores in the world. They offer an incredible selection of gear, unbeatable prices, super-fast shipping, and outstanding customer service that keeps guitar players coming back time and time again.
Selection
When it comes to selection, zZounds is right up there with other major brands like Guitar Center and Sweetwater. They offer tons of equipment to suit professionals, novices, and anyone in between. Whether you’re looking for rare collector’s items or a budget beater, there’s something for everyone at zZounds.
Here are just a few of the brands they offer:
- Gibson
- Epiphone
- Fender
- PRS
- Ibanez
- Washburn
- Yamaha
- Dean
- Gretsch
- Martin
- Taylor
- Guild
- Alvarez
- And more
In addition to their outstanding stock of guitars, zZounds also offers plenty of pedals, effects, amps, recording, and live sound equipment for any need. If you’re into Dean guitars, this is the place to get them (Sweetwater doesn’t carry Dean).
zZounds also offers some of the lowest prices on the internet. Not only do they price all gear as low as they possibly can, but they also offer a 45-day lowest price protection. That means if you find a lower price advertised within 45-days of your purchase, they’ll cut you a check for the difference.
Even if a guitar is a bit out of your price range, zZounds will help you out with available payment plans. Depending on how much you want to spend, their Play as You Pay plan lets you break the purchase price into as many as 12 payments!
Where zZounds really stands out from the competition is their shipping. They offer an incredible 1-2 day shipping on almost every order to the continental U.S.! If you need your gear now, zZounds is the online guitar store for you. If you live on the East Coast, there’s a good chance you’ll get your package the day after you order.
The best part is that every super-fast shipment from zZounds is completely free. There aren’t any order minimums or weight restrictions that will cost you a cent. Even if you order a 100-pound amp stack, it’s coming to you fast and free.
The only downside to zZounds’ awesome shipping policies is that they don’t ship internationally. They can ship to Canada and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam, but certain restrictions apply.
Customer Service
Musicians have nightmares about calling online guitar store customer service lines. There’s nothing worse than having to explain that your “Way Huge Swollen Pickle doesn’t have the sustain it used to” to an outsourced call center tech with no guitar pedal experience.
With zZounds, you can avoid that awkward conversation because all zZounds customer service employees are musicians themselves. Not only will they not laugh at your Swollen Pickle (okay, maybe a chuckle), but they’ll also assist you with the return and help you choose another fuzz pedal that fits your rig.
zZounds’ customer service is so good that they’ve won the “Platinum Circle of Excellence Award” for 13 years in a row from the BizRate Shopping Search Engine.
Return Policies
zZounds always wants musicians to have the best experience possible. To achieve that goal, they offer one of the best return policies in the industry. You can return gear for up to 45-days after the order is delivered, and they don’t even really care why.
You can return just about any product for either a different product or a complete cash refund. Unlike many other online guitar stores, you don’t even have to pay shipping or a restocking fee.
Like Sweetwater, the only real downside to zZounds’ return policy is that they don’t have an in-store location. You have to send your returns through the mail. But, since you don’t have to pay for shipping or restocking, it doesn’t really matter!
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3. Sam Ash
| Store website | Visit the Sam Ash website here |
| Shipping policy | Free shipping on most orders $49.99 or more |
| Overall rating | 9.0 out of 10 |
Sam Ash is one of the largest and oldest music retailers in the United States. It was founded in 1924 to expand the founder Sam Ash’s violin teaching business. Over the years, the brand developed to sell more Rock and Roll-forward instruments like guitars and drums. They were one of the first retailers in New York to carry major guitar brands like Gibson and Fender.
Today, Sam Ash is still owned by the original family, making it the largest family-owned music store in the United States. They carry most major brands and have developed a strong reputation for being knowledgeable and reliable.
What sets Sam Ash apart from many other online retailers is that they have physical store locations. You can go into one of their 44 stores nationwide to try out gear before you buy. That way, you can be absolutely sure it’s the guitar for you before throwing down your credit card.
Selection
Sam Ash became known for their incredible selection back in the 1960s, and nothing has changed over the years. They still have one of the largest inventories of any online guitar store, including most major brands.
Here are a few brands carried by Sam Ash:
- Gibson
- Fender
- Ibanez
- Martin
- PRS
- Takamine
- Taylor
- Yamaha
- Alvarez
- Dean
- Gretsch
- Guild
- Jackson
- PRS
- Schecter
- And more
In addition to their massive selection of guitars, Sam Ash also carries tons of amps, effects, pedals, and accessories. They also have one of the largest selections of live sound and PA equipment. Because they have store locations, Sam Ash can even help with setups and repairs for all your musical gear.
Sam Ash also buys and sells used gear, so you might be able to find the guitar of your dreams at a discounted price by keeping an eye on the used section on the website. If “cheap” is still too expensive for you, Sam Ash also does regular giveaways and contests where you can get free gear!
However, if the guitar you need is a bit too expensive for your budget at the moment, they offer 0% interest financing for 24 months through the Sam Ash credit card. Just make sure you read the fine print. Financing is only available on certain products and price points. You can also trade in your old gear in-store to knock off some of the cost of a new guitar.
When you place an order, it should get to you within two or three days. Although Sam Ash has only four distribution centers in the U.S., they’re strategically placed to be able to reach everyone in the lower 49 quickly. While they don’t offer free shipping, most orders over $49.99 ship free, even if they’re heavy or oversized. And really, what musical equipment purchase isn’t over $50…?
Even after your purchase, Sam Ash is dedicated to giving musicians the very lowest prices on gear. They offer an industry-best 60-day price protection guarantee. If you find a better price in a store, catalog, or website from an authorized retailer, Sam Ash will send you a check for the difference 60 days after your purchase.
Customer Service
Sam Ash is known for its great customer service. All its associates are trained about the various departments and many of whom are musicians themselves. They’ll be able to answer any questions and help you choose the right gear for your needs. Because it’s a family-owned business, they still care about providing high-quality service.
Return Policies
Sam Ash understands that you can’t try out an instrument online before you buy. That’s why they offer one of the best return policies of any online guitar store. If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund or store credit within 45 days of purchase.
You can either make returns in person at one of their various store locations, or you can ship the item back. If you choose to ship the item, you will have to pay for the shipping and handling costs.
Overall, Sam Ash is a great online guitar store with tons of inventory and friendly, knowledgeable associates ready to help you out. If you want all the perks of an online shopping experience with the backing of physical store locations, Sam Ash might be for you!
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4. Guitar Center
| Store website | Visit the Guitar Center website here |
| Shipping policy | Free shipping on most items. Some exclusions apply. |
| Overall rating | 8.8 out of 10 |
Guitar Center is the largest music retailer in the United States. It started way back in 1959 as The Organ Center, selling electric organs. As the years progressed and Rock and Roll took over the music scene, it changed into the major guitar store it is today.
What separates Guitar Center from many of the other online guitar stores is that it’s a real store! Not only do they have a killer online presence, but they also have over 294 locations nationwide.
With their immense buying power and longevity, they stock many major, minor, and even obscure brands. They also buy and sell used gear, meaning they have one of the largest inventories of vintage gear of any online retailer.
Selection
Because they’ve been a major player in the music industry for so long, Guitar Center is able to carry just about any brand you could imagine. From major manufacturers to smaller brands, if you want it, Guitar Center probably has it.
Here are just a few of the brands carried by Guitar Center:
- Gibson
- Fender
- B.C. Rich
- Dean
- Epiphone
- ESP
- Gretsch
- Guild
- Ibanez
- Jackson
- Martin
- Taylor
- PRS
- Schecter
- Takamine
- Washburn
- Yamaha
- And more
Not only does Guitar Center carry brand-new guitars, effects, amps, accessories, and live sound equipment, but they also have one of the largest inventories of used and vintage equipment, too. Since they constantly buy and sell gear in all their store locations, you never know what you might find on the website.
Of course, the biggest differentiator is that Guitar Center has physical locations and lots of them! Unlike other online guitar stores, you can try instruments out before you buy. If you see a guitar you like online, you can have it shipped to the nearest Guitar Center. Then, just go in and try it out. If you like it, take it to the register. If you don’t, leave it on the shelf and keep shopping. You can try just about any guitar or piece of equipment without risk!
When you do find that perfect guitar, Guitar Center offers financing to break payments into more manageable chunks. However, financing is only available through the Guitar Center Gear Card, and it’s restricted to specific brands.
They also offer a 45-day price-match guarantee. If you find a retailer with a lower price, Guitar Center will reimburse you the difference up to 45 days after your purchase. However, the guarantee section of their website states that price matching only applies to brick-and-mortar retailers, not online guitar stores.
Customer Service
Although they have music “pros” available to answer questions, Guitar Center isn’t known for its great customer service. There are plenty of online reviews stating the troubles buyers have gone through regarding uncertain shipping times and lackluster customer service, to say the least.
Return Policies
Despite their customer service shortcomings, Guitar Center does offer one of the longest return periods of any retailer. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can return it within 45-days for a full refund, including shipping and handling charges.
There are some stipulations on the return policy. Vintage instruments must be returned within three days of purchase for a refund. If you order online, it basically means no returns at all, since shipping would likely take more than three days.
In the end, Guitar Center does have its shortcomings, but the benefit of having brick-and-mortar locations to try out equipment and get repair work is definitely a positive that many online guitar stores can’t offer. Overall, it’s easily one of the best online music stores out there.
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5. Reverb
| Store website | Visit the Reverb website here |
| Shipping policy | Shipping rates are set by the seller. |
| Overall rating | 8.8 out of 10 |
If you’re looking for used, rare, or vintage gear, Reverb is the place to go. For over three decades, Reverb has been the leading online marketplace for musicians looking to buy and sell gear. Think of it like eBay but specifically for musical instruments.
Because their focus is on music, Reverb maintains high standards for every instrument uploaded to their site. According to online reviews, most guitars show up in better condition than described!
Selection
The guitars on Reverb come from all over, so there’s no limit to what you might find. Everything from extremely rare rockstar-owned gear and high-end models to modded secondhand guitars and used beater makes their way across the platform. You can find guitars anywhere from $100,000+ to $30. Many of the online guitar stores from this list even use Reverb to sell gear.
You can find more than just guitars on Reverb. They also sell amps, pedals, straps, picks, parts, pickups, and anything else you could ever need. Most orders come with free shipping and arrive within two days, though it largely depends on the seller.
The main downside to using a marketplace to find your gear is that there’s a chance they might not have something. Reverb doesn’t carry an inventory; it all depends on who’s selling what. So, if you want that super specific guitar, there’s a chance they won’t have it—or it’ll be hard to find. But with over 100,000 guitars available at any time, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Another downside is the lack of standard pricing. Sellers can price their gear however they see fit. It’s easy to overpay if you don’t do your research first. Especially keep an eye out if someone is selling “vintage” gear at a super high price. Make absolutely sure it’s the real deal before buying.
Customer Service
Since Reverb is an online marketplace, they don’t really have a customer support line that can handle every issue. Their website answers general questions about buying, selling, and shipping, but they can’t answer questions about specific gear. For that, you’ll need to contact the seller themself.
Unfortunately, not every seller provides the same level of customer service. You might get the mean old grump who doesn’t really want to help, or you could find a guitar master who knows everything there is to know and can help you find the perfect gear. It all depends on the seller.
Return Policies
Similar to customer service, the return policy depends on the seller. Some sellers have phenomenal return policies, while others might not offer one at all. Before you buy anything on Reverb, take a look at the seller’s profile to make sure you understand the “fine print.”
However, Reverb does offer buyer protection to make sure everyone has a positive experience. If your gear shows up and it’s not what you ordered or it’s not what was described, contact Reverb within seven days, and they’ll help you sort out the issue with the seller. If that 1959 Gibson Les Paul you just bought turns out to be a recent model with some aged stickers, Reverb has your back.
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6. Gear4music
| Store website | Visit the Gear4music website here |
| Shipping policy | Shipping cost is calculated based on the weight and size of your order. |
| Overall rating | 8.4 out of 10 |
Gear4music is a European music retailer that does business all over the world. They started selling musical instruments back in 1994 and have built an excellent reputation for high-quality service and a large selection of brands.
They’re a go-to for international orders since they can ship to almost anywhere in the world in 5-10 business days.
Selection
Gear4music stocks guitars from most major manufacturers to suit just about any style. According to their website, they carry over 60,000 products from 934 manufacturers!
Here are just a few of the brands you can find on Gear4music’s website:
- Gibson
- Fender
- Yamaha
- Epiphone
- Ibanez
- Jackson
- Schecter
- Dean
- Martin
- Taylor
- Takamine
- ESP
- Gretsch
- PRS
- B.C. Rich
- Rickenbacker
In addition to their large inventory of guitars, Gear4music also stocks plenty of pedals, effects, amps, and accessories. They also offer their own low-priced Gear4music brand guitars and gear to help musicians on a budget.
Many items on Gear4music’s website come with free shipping, but not all of them. Depending on what you buy, shipping could cost anywhere from $0.99 to around $15.
But no matter where you live, your order will arrive quickly. Gear4music boasts some of the fastest international shipping times. Most orders arrive within 5-10 business days, regardless of the country, and they ship to over 190 countries worldwide!
Customer Service
Generally, Gear4music customer service is reviewed highly by its customers. They have knowledgeable reps ready to answer questions by phone, email, or chat. Just be aware that customer service hours are listed in UK time. If you live in the U.S., you might have to do some math before calling.
Return Policies
Gear4music offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its products. If you’re not satisfied with the order, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. They’ll even pay for the shipping—which is a big deal for international charges!
As if that wasn’t good enough, Gear4music also offers a 2-year warranty standard on all new equipment to make sure you can enjoy your new guitar for years to come.
For international guitar sales, it’s hard to beat Gear4music. They offer fast shipping of high-quality gear to almost every country in the world.
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7. Musician’s Friend
| Store website | Visit the Musician’s Friend website here |
| Shipping policy | Free shipping within the 48 contiguous U.S. states & District of Columbia. Some exclusions apply. |
| Overall rating | 8.2 out of 10 |
Musician’s Friend started in 1983 as a catalog-based guitar retailer. That’s right, they were an “online guitar store” before online even existed! Instead of ordering through a website, guitarists all over the United States would browse through their catalogs and place orders over the phone or through the mail.
As technology advanced, Musician’s Friend headed to the interwebs. They started taking online orders and quickly became one of the biggest online musical equipment retailers in the world. In 2000, Musician’s Friend was bought out by Guitar Center, merging the two powerful brands under one roof.
Today, Musician’s Friend, backed by the buying power of Guitar Center, features one of the largest selections of musical gear you can find. Not only do they carry household names like Gibson and Fender, but you can also find specialty brands like Brian May Guitars and even vintage finds like Teiscos.
The great selection coupled with outstanding customer service and unbeatable deals makes Musician’s Friend a favorite for guitar players all over the world.
Selection
Musician’s Friend has one of the largest selections of musical equipment of any online retailer. Because they’re owned by Guitar Center, a major player in the world of music, they have access to just about any product line. According to their website, they have over 1.7 million items in stock and ready to ship at a moment’s notice!
Here are a few of the brands offered by Musician’s Friend:
- Gibson
- Fender
- Gretsch
- Ibanez
- PRS
- Jackson
- Schecter
- B.C. Rich
- Dean
- Epiphone
- Taylor
- Martin
- Yamaha
- Takamine
- Guild
- And more
At Musician’s Friend, you can also find premium guitars, basses, and amps from high-end manufacturers like Gibson Custom and the Fender Custom Shop, used bargains, vintage finds, and even obscure brands. If you want it, there’s a good chance Musician’s Friend has it.
All orders come with free shipping to the continental United States and 45-day price matching. That means if you buy a guitar (or anything, really) and find it advertised for cheaper anywhere else on the internet, Musician’s Friend will pay you the difference up to 45-days after the purchase. They even offer a 2-year warranty on all new guitars that covers all parts and labor if your gear needs repairs.
Keep an eye on their website, because Musician’s Friend is always running “Hot Deals.” The deals change regularly, but they’re a great way to pick up the gear you want without blowing your budget.
If you do find that special guitar you just can’t live without, Musician’s Friend does offer some great financing deals up to 48 months on qualifying orders, but only if you purchase using their credit card. Financing is also conditional, so your rate and term depend on what you buy.
Customer Service
If you have a question or need advice on what gear to get, Musician’s Friends’ helpful Gear Advisers are happy to help. They’re all knowledgeable with guitars and musical equipment, so they’ll be able to point you in the right direction to suit your needs.
While their customer service is generally pretty good, it is the weakest part of buying gear from Musician’s Friend. There are stories online of being transferred to call centers overseas and trouble processing orders over the phone.
Return Policies
If you’re not completely happy with your order, you can return it hassle-free for up to 45-days from the time of purchase, with very few limitations. Two of those limitations, however, are on purchases over $1,999 and any vintage instruments.
If you purchase a high-end guitar that’s more than $1,999 and you’re not entirely satisfied, you have only ten days from the shipment date to return it. If shipping takes four or five days, you have even less time to send it back. This can be a problem since some guitar brands aren’t cheap! Vintage instruments have an even shorter return period of only three days after receipt.
Despite a few limitations, Musician’s Friends’ outstanding inventory and low prices still make them one of the best online guitar stores.
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8. Amazon
| Store website | Visit the Amazon website here |
| Shipping policy | Free shipping for Prime members as well as orders $25 or more for non-Prime members. |
| Overall rating | 7.5 out of 10 |
Of course, Amazon is going to make any “best online store” list. They’re the single largest retailer in the world—period. It doesn’t matter what it is, Amazon has it, including guitars!
Selection
Although Amazon isn’t a dedicated online guitar store, they have a surprising selection of guitars and musical equipment.
Here’s a list of the guitar brands sold on Amazon:
- Fender
- Ibanez
- Martin
- Jackson
- Gretsch
- ESP
- Seagull
- PRS
- Guild
- Dean
- Ernie Ball Music Man
- Rickenbacker
Although they don’t have quite the selection of other dedicated online guitar stores, Amazon has a decent amount of gear, including some professional-grade guitars. Where Amazon really shines is with beginner-level guitars. There are tons of kits complete with guitar, case, capo, picks, strings, a tuner, and a strap for around $50!
One of the best parts of buying from Amazon is the shipping. If you’re a Prime member (which, let’s be real, everyone is), you’ll get free two-day shipping on any qualified order. Even if you buy a big heavy guitar, it’s coming to you fast and free.
Customer Service
Everyone knows that Amazon has incredible customer service. Whenever there’s a problem, they almost always side with the buyer. They’ll usually refund your money, no questions asked. There are some perks to buying from one of the largest corporations in the world!
The only downside to Amazon’s customer service is that they’re not guitar experts. Although the call center employees will likely be super friendly, don’t expect them to be able to answer questions about specifications or provide knowledgeable advice.
Return Policies
Most items bought on Amazon can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the delivery. There are some stipulations on what can be returned, so make sure you understand the rules before buying. But, even if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase and can’t return it, you can sell the item on Amazon without a listing fee to get your money back.
While they might not have the greatest selection, Amazon shouldn’t be overlooked as one of the best online guitar stores. They offer quality products at low prices with fast free shipping and outstanding customer service. What’s not to like!?
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9. eBay
| Store website | Visit the eBay website here |
| Shipping policy | Shipping rates are set by the seller. |
| Overall rating | 7 out of 10 |
If you’re looking for great deals on used gear, eBay is the place for you. They have an immense selection of musical instruments anywhere from high-end professional gear and custom builds to vintage guitars and used beaters.
The best part about eBay is that people put items up for sale when they need some extra cash, which means guitars are typically priced lower than other retailers. You’re more likely to find a killer deal on eBay than almost any other online guitar store—as long as you’re willing to search for them.
Selection
There’s no limit to eBay’s selection. At any time, they have well over 200,000 guitars, effects, amps, and accessories for sale. You can easily find just about any brand or manufacturer, no matter how small or obscure.
Many eBay sellers put their gear for sale because they want to upgrade to a newer model. That means it’s the perfect place to find inexpensive guitars that might be a couple year models old. There’s no better place to find used gear.
Just be aware that many items on eBay require bidding. If there’s a guitar you really want, be prepared to sit by the computer or on your phone to make sure you’re not outbid at the last second!
Customer Service
eBay is very buyer-focused. If you run into problems with your order, there’s a good chance eBay will give you a complete refund. Their customer service experts are waiting around the clock to resolve any and all issues.
However, similar to Amazon, eBay customer service reps aren’t guitar experts. They won’t be able to give you details on model specifications or offer helpful advice. They’ll fix any problem with your order, but that’s about it.
Return Policies
To protect buyers, eBay offers a money-back guarantee that covers almost any purchase. If you don’t receive an item, if it arrives damaged, or if the item doesn’t match the seller’s description, you can return it for a complete refund from eBay.
Unlike Reverb that leaves returns to the individual sellers, eBay handles returns itself. They’ll refund your money and then work with the seller to resolve the issue. You don’t have to do a thing!
However, if you want to return a product because you’re unhappy with it or it doesn’t perform as you expect, returns are up to the seller. Make sure you read the seller’s terms before buying anything from eBay.
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10. Facebook Marketplace
| Store website | Visit the Facebook Marketplace website here |
| Shipping policy | Shipping rates are set by the seller. |
| Overall rating | 7 out of 10 |
Another great spot to find deals on used gear is Facebook Marketplace. Similar to eBay, anyone can post items for sale, which means there’s an unlimited selection to choose from! The main difference between eBay and Facebook Marketplace is the ability to shop locally.
Selection
Because anyone can post items for sale, Facebook Marketplace has the potential for an unlimited selection of guitars and gear to choose from. The reason for the word “potential” is because it doesn’t have every brand available all the time. You might have to do some thorough searching or even waiting to find the exact model you’re looking for.
Despite the inconsistency of the inventory, most people post to Marketplace when they don’t need something or they just want some extra cash. Either way, you’re very likely to find incredible deals!
Just be aware that pricing is up to the seller. Some sellers might price certain items like high-end or vintage gear higher than it’s actually worth. Do your research to make sure prices are fair before buying. The flip side, though, is that some sellers might not know what they have and ask for a much lower price than they should. Keep an eye out for that diamond in the rough!
Customer Service
The Facebook Marketplace is a completely free market. Sellers can manage their stores basically any way they want, as long as they follow Facebook’s rules. That means there’s not really any customer service beyond messaging the seller directly. If they don’t respond, you might be out of luck.
To help limit problems, Facebook allows buyers to rate sellers. If you find a seller with a low star rating, it’s best to keep looking.
Return Policies
Most items bought from Facebook Marketplace can be returned for up to 30 days after delivery. If you buy from an individual seller, the return policy is completely up to them.
When buying from Marketplace, it’s best to do your research to make sure the purchase is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also a good idea to buy locally and inspect the item before buying anything. That way, you won’t have to worry about a return policy at all! Overall, the return policy here is pretty good and I’d say the Facebook Marketplace is definitely one of the best places to buy guitars online.
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Wrap Up:
Let us know what you think of our rankings in the comments below or if there is an online instrument store that you feel should be added to this list.
My name is Chris and I’ve had a passion for music and guitars for as long as I can remember. I started this website with some of my friends who are musicians, music teachers, gear heads, and music enthusiasts so we could provide high-quality guitar and music-related content.
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 13 years old and am an avid collector. Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio, and recording gear, I love it all.
I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. My background is in Electrical Engineering, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University. With my engineering experience, I’ve developed as a designer of guitar amplifiers and effects. A true passion of mine, I’ve designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. Here at the Guitar Lobby, our aim is to share our passion for Music and gear with the rest of the music community.
Sweetwater has a huge store west of Fort Wayne Indiana.
You are correct! Guitar Center and Sam Ash also have numerous brick and mortar store locations across the United States, yet are ranked on this list as they all have excellent online stores which is arguably their primary business.