Where can I buy a guitar cheaply, and what sorts of things should I be looking out for?

Hi there - cheap is a subjective term, isn't it! I'd go for a Taylor baby guitar - great tone, easy to play, you might never have to upgrade it, plus it's brilliant for travel, even by air.

Cheers, Jon Green

You could find a cheap guitar on Gumtree.com (Notice you live in London). I've just done a quick search on Gumtree and they range from £25. One hasn't been used and its £45. So I think you'll be spoilt for choice.

Not sure what to look out for though but you could also check Gumtree for teachers who teach how to play the Guitar and ask them. I'm sure you'll find someone helpful.

Moon Daisy, I have owned many guitars in my life time and have found if one doesn't get a good instrument in the beginning frustrations with too high string action leads to soreness and often discouragement. Cheap guitars aore notorious for high action. There are however several nice guitars made by reputable companies. Martin has a new series, the D1 and the prices are decent.

If you have access to a local trade newspapeer such a iwanna, many times you can find a good used Martin or Gibson depending on how much your willing to invest. Musicians Friend is another option, They stock brand name instruments at very competitive prices.

Finally you can always shop Pawn shops. Look for Martin, Gibson, Washburn, Blue Ridge, Santa Cruez,or Collings guitars. these oftentimes are a bit more pricey but well worth it in the long run and best of all the resale value often appreciates.

Good luck in your search

Robert Ballard

Try pawn shops. You would be surprised at how many people pawn awesome, quality guitars when they are in a bind, and never return for them. The key is taking someone with you who knows a good guitar when they see and hear one. Rule of thumb: if it sounds like crap, don't buy it. Take a tuner with you if you can't tune using harmonics. Also, take into account that strings can be changed. Also, the action of the guitar (how high the strings sit from the fretboard) can be adjusted to suit your playing style. The best thing to do is check out what they have, play it (or have an experienced guitarist play it), go home and check out reviews on it, and then decide if the price is right.

Try looking on eBay. You can find cheap guitars there that are quite good quality.

Read this sticky topic @ Ultimate Guitar forums (electric guitar section).

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.ph

It explains pretty much everything you need to know.

You should easily be able to pick up a good used guitar at your local music store. The trick is to ignore the price tag they have on it and get them down to the real price they'll take.

I found really good page online about what to look for in a guitar: http://www.freeeasyguitar.com/beginners/how-to-buy

Do some research. I don't know how much you have to spend, but Fender Squires can run pretty inexpensive. Check out:

http://hubpages.com/hub/how-to-buy-an-awesome-used

Hi I want you to check this... I wrote this hub for your question.... http://hubpages.com/hub/Choosing-Your-Guitar

Most major manufacturers make economy lines for beginning players that you can get at Guitar Center or local music stores. I have seen inexpensive guitars at Costco and Walmart, usually around the holidays.

There are certain things to look out for. If possible, play the guitar. You don't have to know chords yet, just strum the open strings. Listen for buzzes or rattles. Next, press your index finger on a fret and move one note at a time, one string at a time up the neck as far as you can go. Each note should sound clean, again, no buzz or rattle. Usually inexpensive guitars have trouble in this area above the 12th fret for acoustic guitars and the 15th for electric. As long as the 1st through 12th frets sound cleanly and clearly you will have a good instrument to start with and will be able to play songs as transcribed in the popular chord books and web sites.

I hope this helps you.