Buying a pre-loved guitar should feel exciting — not risky.
At Colemans Music, we’ve put a clear grading system in place so you know exactly what you’re getting. No guesswork, no surprises — just honest descriptions and instruments that are ready to be played.
Whether you’re buying your first used guitar or adding something special to your collection, our goal is simple: you should feel confident the moment you open the case.
Why a Grading System Matters
One of the biggest concerns when buying second-hand gear is uncertainty.
Questions like:
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What condition is it really in?
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Will it play properly?
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Is anything wrong with it?
That’s exactly why we use a structured grading system — to make everything clear upfront. Every pre-loved guitar we sell is:
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inspected by our team
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checked for playability and function
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described honestly, including any cosmetic wear
Our Guitar Grading System
We use five clear categories to describe condition, based on real-world use and what players actually care about.
🎸 Mint
Essentially as-new condition.
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No visible wear, dings or chips
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No finish checking
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No modifications
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Frets show no noticeable wear
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Includes original case in excellent condition
👉 This is as close as it gets to buying new.
🎸 Excellent
Extremely clean with only minor signs of use.
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Small surface marks may be present
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Very light fret wear
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Minor polish swirls or light checking
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Hardware fully functional
👉 A great option if you want near-new without paying full new price.
🎸 Very Good
Clearly used, but well maintained.
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Small finish chips or light wear
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Visible signs of playing
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Moderate fret wear
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Hardware shows wear but works perfectly
👉 This is where a lot of great value sits — honest wear, great function.
🎸 Good
Fully functional with noticeable cosmetic wear.
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Multiple chips, dents or finish wear
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Heavier play wear
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Noticeable fret wear (still playable)
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Possible replaced hardware
👉 A solid choice for players who care more about function than appearance.
🎸 Player Grade
Built to be played.
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Heavy cosmetic wear
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Possible modifications
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Significant fret wear
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Neck repairs fall into this category
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Must still be structurally sound and playable
👉 These guitars are all about feel and tone — not looks.
What This Means for You
This system isn’t about making guitars sound better than they are — it’s about making sure you know exactly what you’re buying.
We want you to:
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understand the condition clearly
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feel confident in your purchase
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know there are no hidden surprises
Every Guitar Is Checked Before It Hits the Floor
Before any used guitar goes up for sale, it’s looked over by our team.
That includes:
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playability
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structural integrity
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electronics and hardware
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overall condition
If it’s not right, it doesn’t go out.
Why Players Choose Pre-Loved
Buying pre-loved gear can be one of the smartest moves you make.
You often get:
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better value for money
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access to higher-end instruments
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guitars that already feel “played in”
And with a clear grading system, you get that value without the risk.
A Place for Players — New, Used, Traded, Upgraded
Pre-loved gear is a big part of what we do at Colemans Music. We’re not just selling guitars, we’re helping them find their next player.
If you’re thinking about buying, trading or consigning, come in and have a chat with the team. We’ll walk you through it properly.
