If you're looking to buy a used guitar in Melbourne, you’ve got a few different options — from private sellers through to music stores.
Each has its pros and cons, and depending on what you’re looking for, one might suit you better than another.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of where to look, and what to watch out for. At our South Melbourne store we buy, sell and trade-in used guitars, so we've seen it all!
👉 You can browse our current range of used guitars here
If you're still working out what type of guitar is right for you, it’s worth starting with the basics. We’ve put together simple guides to help you choose:
👉 Electric Guitar Buyer’s Guide
👉 Acoustic Guitar Buyer’s Guide
Buying a Used Guitar Privately (Marketplace, Gumtree)
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree can be a great place to start.
You’ll often find:
- A wide range of guitars
- Competitive pricing
- The chance to pick up a bargain
But there are a few things to be aware of.
With private sales:
- The seller mostl likely wont offer a warranty or return option
- You’re relying on the seller’s description
- It can be difficult to assess condition if you’re not experienced
We regularly see guitars come through the shop that have been bought privately and need work — sometimes minor, sometimes more involved.
A common example is a guitar that looks fine at first glance, but has high action or neck issues that make it hard to play properly. These are fixable, but it’s not always obvious when you’re buying. If you have purchased something like this, you can always hit us up and chat about service and repairs.
That doesn’t mean you can’t find a great guitar this way — plenty of people do — but it helps to know what to look for.
Buying Online (eBay and Interstate Sellers)
Buying through platforms like eBay or other online sellers gives you access to a broader range of instruments.
This can be useful if you're chasing something specific.
However:
- You can’t try the guitar before buying
- Shipping can introduce risk
- Setups and condition can vary
Even when a guitar arrives as described, it may still need adjustment to feel right.
Buying from a Guitar Store
Buying from a store is a different experience altogether.
The main advantage is confidence — knowing the guitar has been checked, is playable, and you’ve got somewhere to go if you need help.
At Colemans Music in South Melbourne, just near South Melbourne Market, every used guitar that comes through the shop is:
- Carefully selected
- Checked over by our in-store tech
- Set up so it’s ready to play
We don’t just move gear through — we take the time to understand what we’re buying and selling, so we can help match the right guitar to the right player.
Try Before You Buy
One of the biggest advantages of buying from a store is being able to actually spend time with the instrument.
You can:
- Compare different guitars side by side
- Get a feel for what suits you
- Ask questions and get real advice
That’s something you simply don’t get when buying privately or online.
Warranty and Peace of Mind
All used guitars sold at Colemans Music are checked and set up before sale.
We also provide a 3-month store warranty for additional peace of mind.
This is in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Guitar
No matter where you’re buying from, it helps to know what to check.
A few key things:
- Neck straightness
- Fret wear
- Electronics (for electric guitars)
- Overall playability
If you're unsure, it’s always worth getting a second opinion before committing. If you're unsure what to look for in terms of build quality or setup, our buyer guides break this down in more detail:
👉 Electric Guitar Buyer’s Guide
👉 Acoustic Guitar Buyer’s Guide
So Where Should You Buy?
There’s no single “right” answer — it depends on your experience level, budget, and what you’re comfortable with.
Private sales can offer great value if you know what to look for.
Buying from a store offers more certainty, support, and a better overall experience — especially if you’re still figuring out what you want.
Browse Used Guitars in Melbourne
If you’re looking for used guitars in Melbourne, we’ve always got a changing range in-store and online, from affordable beginner options through to higher-end pieces.
Every used guitar we sell is checked and set up before it hits the floor, so you can spend time with it properly and know exactly what you’re getting.
👉 Browse our latest used guitars here
Or come in and have a look in person. We’re based in South Melbourne, just near the market, and there’s always something different on the wall.
