Buying a Guitar and Guitar Accessories

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Playing the Guitar

A solo classical guitarist, a slide guitar bluesman and a heavy metal lead guitarist may play wildly different types of music, but they share a common instrument: the good old guitar. The resources in this guide can help you learn how to play guitar, find guitar news and magazines, buy guitars and guitar gear, find guitar festivals and conferences, and get connected with the vibrant guitar community online.

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Learn to Play Guitar

John (Cougar) Mellencamp said it best: “You may find a cushy job and I hope that you go far / ... read more »

Guitar News and Magazines

Reading about guitars and guitar-related gear is almost as much fun as playing the guitar. Use the ... read more »

Buying a Guitar and Guitar Accessories

Finding a guitar that suits your tastes and your budget can be a challenge, but shopping online can help. Use the sites below to find buying guides and reviews to help you narrow the choices, and then compare features and prices at several online stores from the comfort of your home. You’ll be strumming the strings in no time.

Dulcinea's Insight

Buying a guitar can be an expensive endeavor. Be sure to shop around and check out stores in your neighborhood; you may be able to save more money by avoiding shipping charges.

The online stores featured below offer customer reviews of their guitars. Take a look at the reviews to see what other people have to say about a particular model; unbiased opinions from others can help you make a more informed decision.

If you're looking for music recording equipment, browse the sources in the findingDulcinea Music Recording Web Guide.

Dulcinea's Picks

For buying guides …

The Essential Guitar Guide offers “A Buyers Guide for Beginners” with advice like “Trust your instincts” and “Get a good amp with reverb.”

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Sweetwater has more detailed buying guides for electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars and tons of gear and accessories.

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For online stores …

Guitar Center , a guitar vendor chain, also has an online store. Get good deals on a wide selection of guitars, basses, amplifiers and accessories. Save even more by browsing the “Used Gear” section. If you like to see before you buy, search by state or enter your zip code to find a Guitar Center store near you.

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Musician’s Friend has a huge selection of guitars and allows you to trade in your old gear for cash or store credit. Don’t miss the “Clearance” section to find price cuts and special discounts on “scratch’n’dent” items and factory seconds.

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zZounds.com boasts product reviews from more than 300,000 customers, and has real musicians available by toll-free number, e-mail or live chat to answer questions. The site also promises a lowest price guarantee, and free shipping on most items.

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For online auctions and classified ads …

eBay Musical Instruments is the site to visit if you’re looking for a really great deal or a unique vintage guitar. Scroll down to the “Guitar” section to start browsing all types of guitars, amplifiers, parts and more.

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Craigslist is one of the largest sites out there for free classified ads. Choose your city, go to “for sale,” then click the link for “music instr.”

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Who knew?

When architect Frank Gehry designed the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, Washington, he drew inspiration from cutting several electric guitars into pieces. The pieces served as the building blocks for an early model of the museum.