Vintage, Rare & Used Guitars

Looking for something with character, history and real value? At Colemans Music, our Vintage, Rare & Used Guitars collection brings together quality pre-loved instruments for players, collectors and anyone searching for a guitar with a story to tell.

From well-kept second hand guitars to rare limited-run models, this collection is filled with instruments that offer something new guitars often cannot — individuality, discontinued specs, unique finishes and the kind of feel that only comes with time. Whether you are chasing a vintage-inspired tone machine, a hard-to-find colour, or a premium model at a more accessible price, our used and rare guitar range is worth exploring.

Why Buy a Quality Second Hand Guitar?

Buying a quality second hand guitar can be one of the smartest ways to get more for your money. A pre-loved instrument often gives players access to higher-end craftsmanship, better tonewoods, upgraded pickups and premium hardware at a lower price than buying new.

For many musicians, it is also about finding a guitar that already feels broken in and comfortable to play. A well-made used guitar can feel more resonant, more settled and more inspiring in the hands, especially when it has been properly cared for over the years.

There is also the advantage of reduced depreciation. Many new instruments lose value the moment they leave the shop floor, but a used guitar has often already gone through that early drop. That can make buying second hand a more confident and more practical long-term choice.

Discover Rare Guitars You Can’t Buy New

One of the most exciting parts of shopping vintage, rare and used guitars is finding models that are no longer available in current catalogues. We regularly see instruments from respected brands such as Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Schecter, PRS, Gretsch and Rickenbacker, including guitars from limited runs, discontinued series and special editions that are difficult to find again.

These guitars can feature details that have disappeared from modern production, including:

• discontinued colours and finishes

• unique pickup combinations

• special neck profiles

• older factory hardware

• limited edition specs

• anniversary or artist-related releases

For players who want something beyond the standard current range, pre-loved guitars open the door to instruments with personality and rarity that simply cannot be replaced with a new equivalent.

Discontinued Colours, Limited Editions & Unique Specs

Some guitars become desirable because of what made them different in the first place. That might be a finish that is no longer produced, a short-lived run from Fender or Gibson, a distinctive Gretsch aesthetic, a collectible PRS model, a cult-favourite Ibanez, or a Rickenbacker that rarely comes onto the market.

These details matter. Certain colours, hardware combinations and production-year specifications can make a guitar stand out to both players and collectors. If you have ever regretted missing a limited edition release, the used market can be one of the only places to find it again.

Can Used Guitars Hold or Increase in Value?

While no guitar should be treated as a guaranteed investment, some rare and desirable models can hold their value extremely well and may even rise over time. This can happen when a guitar has strong brand appeal, limited availability, original features, clean condition and ongoing demand from players or collectors.

Discontinued models, special editions, artist models and well-preserved instruments from major brands often attract particular attention. For that reason, buying a quality used guitar can sometimes be more than a musical decision — it can also be a smart buying decision.

The Character and Feel of a Pre-Loved Guitar

A pre-loved guitar often brings something that cannot be manufactured overnight: character. The neck may feel smoother, the body may feel more alive, and the instrument may simply have a vibe that connects with you instantly.

For some players, that is the real appeal of buying used. It is not just about saving money or finding a rare finish. It is about discovering an instrument with identity — a guitar that already feels like it has earned its place in your collection.

Quality Checked by Colemans Music Guitar Techs

Confidence matters when buying a second hand guitar. That is why all pre-loved guitars at Colemans Music are checked by our Guitar Techs to help assure quality instruments are available for sale.

Our team carefully assesses each pre-loved instrument for overall condition, playability and quality, giving you greater peace of mind when shopping for a used, rare or vintage guitar. We know that when you buy second hand, trust is everything — and we take that seriously.

How Do You Grade Your Pre-Loved and Used Guitars?

Every second-hand guitar at Colemans Music is carefully inspected and graded according to our internal condition standards. Our grading reflects the overall condition, playability and structural integrity of the instrument, rather than simply whether parts are original.

This helps ensure customers know exactly what to expect when buying a used or pre-loved guitar from us.

Mint

A Mint guitar is essentially in as-new condition. There is no visible wear, dents or chips, and the finish remains clean with no checking. The frets show no noticeable wear and all hardware and electronics function perfectly. To qualify as Mint, the guitar must also include its original case in excellent condition. Modified guitars cannot be graded Mint.

Excellent

An Excellent condition guitar is extremely clean and shows only minor signs of use. Small surface dings or very light swirl marks may be present, and there may be minimal fret wear from light playing. Light nitro finish checking may also be present, which would prevent a guitar from being graded Mint. Hardware and electronics are fully functional, and the guitar remains in outstanding overall condition.

Very Good

A Very Good guitar has clearly been played but remains well maintained and structurally sound. There may be small finish chips, visible play wear or light buckle rash. Frets may show moderate wear but still have plenty of life remaining. Nitro checking may be present, and hardware may show cosmetic wear while still functioning correctly. The case may be non-original or show some wear.

Good

A Good condition guitar is fully functional but shows more noticeable cosmetic wear from regular use. This may include multiple finish chips, dents, heavier buckle rash or visible play wear. Frets may show more noticeable wear but remain playable, and some hardware components may have been replaced over time. Cases at this level may be non-original or more heavily worn.

Player Grade

Player Grade guitars are working instruments intended primarily for players rather than collectors.  These guitars may show significant cosmetic wear, heavier fret wear or modified hardware and electronics. A neck repair automatically places a guitar in Player Grade, even if the repair has been professionally carried out. Despite the cosmetic wear, Player Grade guitars must still be structurally sound and fully playable.

Why Shop Vintage, Rare & Used Guitars at Colemans Music?

At Colemans Music, we understand what players are looking for when they shop beyond the ordinary. Our Vintage, Rare & Used collection is for those who want more than just another guitar off the wall. It is for musicians chasing value, collectors searching for hard-to-find pieces, and players who know that some instruments just have a little more soul.

Whether you are after a premium second hand electric guitar, a discontinued finish, a collectible limited edition or simply a great guitar at a great price, our collection is always changing with exciting new arrivals.

FAQs

Are used guitars worth buying?

Yes, a quality used guitar can be excellent value. You can often access better specifications, premium materials and higher-end models for less than the cost of buying new.

Do used guitars sound better than new guitars?

Not always, but many players find that older or well-played guitars can feel more resonant, more settled and more comfortable. Much depends on the build quality, condition and setup of the instrument.

What brands of used guitars does Colemans Music stock?

Our range can include pre-loved guitars from major brands such as Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Schecter, PRS, Gretsch and Rickenbacker, as well as other sought-after makers depending on availability.

Why are some used guitars more valuable than others?

Value often depends on factors like brand, model, condition, originality, rarity, production year, discontinued specs, limited edition status and collector demand.

Can vintage or limited edition guitars increase in value?

Some models can hold their value strongly and may increase over time, especially if they are rare, desirable and well preserved. However, value growth is never guaranteed.

Are your pre-loved guitars checked before sale?

Yes. All pre-loved guitars at Colemans Music are checked by our Guitar Techs to help ensure quality products are available for sale.

What makes a used guitar special?

Used guitars can offer unique character, discontinued colours, rare specifications, older craftsmanship and the chance to own a model that is no longer available new.

Is buying a used guitar better than buying new?

It depends on what you want. Buying used can offer better value, more unique options and access to rare or discontinued guitars, while buying new may suit players who want the latest model and full factory-fresh condition.