What I look for when buying a cheap used acoustic guitar

When I go to Hard Off or a used musical instrument store, I find myself heading toward the guitar section.

There are guitars ranging from 3,000 yen to several tens of thousands of yen, but I rarely jump at one just because it's cheap.

Conversely, there are times when I come across one that makes me think, 'I'd be happy to buy this at this price.'

I make that judgment based on my own criteria.

First, I look at the parts that are difficult to repair.

The first thing I check is whether there is any major damage.

For example,

• Are there any cracks in the top board?

• Are there any cracks on the sides or back?

• Are there any signs of neck repair?

• Are there any cracks in the neck heel?

• Is the bridge lifting or peeling off?

• Are the glued parts peeling due to wood shrinkage?

These areas tend to be expensive to repair.

If you buy it cheap but the repair costs are high, it can end up being an expensive purchase.

Next, I look at playability.

I care more about how easy it is to play than how it looks.

• Can I grip an F chord and press it down without strain?

• Is the string action too high?

• When I grip the neck, is there any discomfort, like the edge of the neck digging into the first joint of my index finger?

• Does the sound feel choked or muffled?

• Are the frets worn down too much?

• Do the fret ends stick out and catch on my hand?

Even a slight discomfort can become bothersome once you start playing every day.

Small details are surprisingly important too.

I also look at even finer details.

• Is there any rattling in the tuning pegs?

• Is there a large amount of dust or debris inside the soundhole?

• Are there signs of heavy playing around the soundhole?

• Are there any major cracks or peeling on the binding?

Playing marks around the soundhole are also proof that it has been played a lot.

Of course, that alone doesn't make it a good guitar, but it serves as material to imagine whether it has been taken care of.

Finally, the sound

Even if the strings are rusty, I don't judge it based on that.

In fact, a guitar that sounds good even with rusty strings often has potential.

This is because it has the potential to sound even better once you put on a new set of strings.

Ultimately, it's about the balance with the price.

Unlike new guitars, every used guitar is in a different condition.

That's why I don't focus on whether it's a 'good guitar' or not,

but rather, can I be satisfied with this price for this condition?

That is what I value the most.

I am not looking for the perfect instrument.

If the price and condition are balanced, and I feel like, 'I want to play with this guitar,' then that is the right time for me to buy.

Choosing a used guitar is a bit like a treasure hunt.

Perhaps that is why I never get tired of going to Hard Off.