How to Check Guitar (New or Used) — What to Look For Before You Buy

Buying a guitar can be exciting, but it’s easy to end up with an instrument that looks great and plays terribly. Whether you’re shopping used or new, here are a few simple checks anyone can do to avoid headaches later.

1. Check the Frets

Move the strings aside—especially the three thinnest—and look closely at the frets, particularly the first half dozen. If you see grooves or dents under the strings, skip that guitar. Worn frets are expensive to replace and often indicate heavy use.

2. Check the Neck Relief

Hold the thickest string down at both the first and last frets, and then tap the string over the 7th fret.
You should see a small gap about the thickness of a sheet of paper.

• No gap means the neck is too straight or back-bowed.
• A gap wider than a business card means it’s bowed too much.
  Either way, it needs adjustment.

3. Check the Nut

Press each string down at the 3rd fret, then tap the string just over the 1st fret.
Again, look for a gap about as thick as a sheet of paper.
If the gap is too small (or too large), the nut slots need work—a common $100 fix, but one that’s best done by a skilled tech.

4. Check the String Height (Action)

At the 12th fret, measure the distance from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string.

• Electric guitars: around 1/16 inch.
• Acoustics: around 3/32 inch.
  Higher than that can make the guitar hard to play; lower than that can cause fret buzz.

5. Check the Neck and Headstock Joint

Run your fingernail along the back of the neck where it meets the headstock.
If you see or feel a crack—or signs of a repair—move on. Even a small fracture here can lead to big trouble later.

Look for cracks between the fretboard and neck, up near the nut. Check both sides of the neck.

6. Test the Electronics (if electric or acoustic-electric)

Plug it into an amp and test every switch, knob, and jack. Scratchy controls, intermittent output, or dead pickups often mean dirty or failing components. Expect $50–$120 for cleaning or replacement.

7. Check the Intonation

Tune the guitar accurately, then compare each open string to the 12th-fret note (one octave higher). They should match.
If they don’t, intonation adjustment is needed—usually simple on electrics, sometimes costly or even impossible on acoustics.

8. Acoustic Guitars: Bridge & Top Checks

Look closely at the back edge of the bridge. Can you slide a sheet of paper under it? If so, it’s separating—walk away.
Lay an 18″ straight edge along the top, touching the bridge. If the far end sits ½” or more above the top edge of the soundboard, the guitar’s top is warped.

9. Above All—Play It

Does it feel good in your hands? Does it sound good? Do you want to keep playing it?
A guitar that doesn’t inspire you won’t get played much, and you’ll progress more slowly no matter how nice it looks.

10. Even New Guitars Need a Setup

Almost every new guitar—even from big brands—needs a professional setup to play its best. High frets, nut issues, and poor intonation are common right out of the box. A good setup by a qualified tech is always worth it.

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Hank’s Guitar Shop – Clearwater, FL
Expert setups, repairs, and carefully selected pre-played guitars — all professionally adjusted and backed by a 90-day warranty.
📍 25008 US-19, Clearwater
📞 (727) 228-0125
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