Buying Vintage & Used Guitars

Buying a vintage or used guitar can be one of the most rewarding ways to find an instrument with real character, strong value and a story of its own. Whether you are chasing a premium second-hand electric, a discontinued finish, a rare limited-run model or simply a guitar that feels broken in and inspiring, this guide will help you understand what to look for when shopping Vintage & Used at Colemans Music.

There is something different about a great vintage or used guitar. Sometimes it is the feel of a neck that has already settled in beautifully. Sometimes it is a discontinued finish, a rare spec or a model that is no longer easy to find new. And sometimes it is simply the chance to step into a better guitar for less.

At Colemans Music, our Vintage & Used collection is for players who want more than just another guitar off the wall. It is for musicians chasing value, collectors looking for something harder to find, and players who know that some instruments just have a little more soul. Our collection is always changing, with pre-loved guitars from major names and standout individual pieces appearing as new arrivals come through.

Why Buy a Vintage or Used Guitar?

Buying used can be a smart move for a few different reasons.

First, there is value. A quality pre-loved guitar can give you access to better specifications, premium hardware, upgraded pickups or a higher-tier model at a lower price than buying new. That makes the used market especially appealing for players who want more guitar for their money.

Second, there is character. Many players find that older or well-played guitars feel more resonant, more settled and more comfortable in the hands. A good used instrument can already have the kind of feel that new guitars sometimes take years to develop.

Third, there is individuality. Vintage and used guitars can open the door to discontinued colours, special runs, artist models, unusual pickup combinations and production details that are no longer available in current catalogues.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Guitar

Overall Condition

Start with the big picture. Look at the guitar’s finish, fret wear, hardware condition and any visible marks from use. A used guitar does not need to be perfect to be a great buy, but it should match your expectations for its condition and price.

Playability

A good used guitar should feel right when you pick it up. Pay attention to neck feel, fret condition, action and overall comfort. Cosmetic wear is one thing, but a guitar still needs to be structurally sound and enjoyable to play.

Originality and Modifications

Some buyers want complete originality. Others are perfectly happy with smart upgrades. Neither is automatically better, but it is important to know what has been changed and how that affects the guitar’s appeal, collectability and value.

Included Case and Accessories

Original hard cases, case candy and accessories can add to the appeal of a used guitar, especially on higher-end or collectible models. In some cases, included extras help confirm how well the instrument has been looked after.

Rarity and Demand

Some used guitars are desirable because of brand, year, finish, limited edition status or discontinued specs. Others are simply fantastic instruments at a great price. Both kinds can be worth chasing, but it helps to understand what makes a guitar special.

Can Used Guitars Hold Their Value?

No guitar should be viewed as a guaranteed investment, but some used and rare models can hold their value extremely well and may even rise over time. That usually comes down to a mix of strong brand appeal, limited availability, original features, clean condition and ongoing demand from players or collectors. Discontinued models, special editions and well-preserved instruments from respected makers often attract the most attention.

The Appeal of Rare, Discontinued and Limited-Run Models

One of the biggest advantages of shopping Vintage & Used is the chance to find guitars that simply are not available in the current market. That might mean a discontinued Fender finish, a Gibson with a now-unavailable spec, a collectible PRS, an Ibanez cult favourite, a Gretsch with distinctive styling, or a Rickenbacker that rarely appears for sale. Colemans Music’s current collection highlights exactly this kind of appeal, with current or recent availability across major brands including Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Schecter, PRS, Gretsch and Rickenbacker depending on what comes in. 

How Colemans Music Grades Pre-Loved Guitars

Colemans Music uses internal condition standards to help customers understand what to expect from each pre-loved instrument. The live grading scale runs from Mint and Excellent through to Very Good, Good and Player Grade. 

Mint

As-new condition, with no visible wear, dents or chips, no noticeable fret wear, fully functioning hardware and electronics, plus the original case in excellent condition. Modified guitars are not graded Mint.

Excellent

Extremely clean, with only minor signs of use such as very light swirl marks or small dings, minimal fret wear and fully functional hardware and electronics.

Very Good

Clearly played but well maintained and structurally sound, with visible play wear or small finish marks, moderate fret wear and possible cosmetic hardware wear.

Good

Fully functional, but with more obvious cosmetic wear from regular use, such as chips, dents, heavier buckle rash, more noticeable fret wear or replaced hardware.

Player Grade

A working instrument intended more for players than collectors. These may show significant cosmetic wear, heavier fret wear, modified hardware or electronics, and a neck repair automatically places a guitar in Player Grade. They must still be structurally sound and fully playable.

Why Buy Vintage & Used from Colemans Music?

Confidence matters when buying second hand. At Colemans Music all pre-loved guitars are checked by our Guitar Techs, with instruments assessed for overall condition, playability and quality before sale. That gives buyers more peace of mind than taking a gamble on an unknown private sale.

The collection also changes regularly, which is part of the appeal. If you are searching for a premium second-hand electric guitar, a discontinued finish, a collectible limited edition or just a great guitar at a strong price, it is worth checking in often because the right instrument may not stay around for long.

Vintage & Used Guitars at Colemans Music

If you love the idea of owning a guitar with history, individuality and real-world value, the Vintage & Used collection at Colemans Music is the place to explore. From rare finds and collectible pieces to honest player-grade workhorses, buying used can open the door to instruments that feel more personal, more distinctive and sometimes simply better suited to you than buying new.

Browse our collection, keep an eye on new arrivals, and when the right guitar speaks to you, move quickly. Special instruments rarely wait around.

FAQ Section

Are used guitars worth buying?

Yes. A quality used guitar can be excellent value, often giving you access to 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. It depends on the build quality, condition and setup of the instrument.

What brands of used guitars does Colemans Music stock?

At Colemans Music our range can include pre-loved guitars from brands such as Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Schecter, PRS, Gretsch and Rickenbacker, depending on availability.

How does Colemans Music grade used guitars?

Colemans Music uses a grading system that includes Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Player Grade, based on condition, playability and structural integrity.

Are pre-loved guitars checked before sale?

Yes. At Colemans Music, all pre-loved guitars are checked by our Guitar Techs before sale. 

Can vintage or limited-edition guitars increase in value?

Some can hold value strongly and may increase over time if they are rare, desirable and well preserved, but value growth is never guaranteed