The Top 10 Things Guitar Players Should Look for When Buying a Guitar (Especially Online)
Whether you're eyeing a vintage Strat, a boutique hollowbody, or a modern shred machine, buying a guitar—especially online—can be an overwhelming process. And if you're a tone-chasing, spec-loving guitar nerd, you're probably not just looking for any guitar... you're looking for the one.
At BUYFROMTY, we specialize in helping players find guitars they actually connect with—not just ones that look good in a listing. So let’s break down the top 10 things you should always look for before you hit “buy.”
1. Tonewood Combination
Tonewood matters. A lot.
Is it a mahogany body with a maple top for warmth and bite? A swamp ash and maple combo for that classic snap and sparkle?
Pro tip: Don’t just look at body wood—check the neck and fretboard too. Maple vs. rosewood can drastically shift your attack and response.
2. Neck Profile & Feel
The neck is where the magic (or frustration) happens.
Whether it’s a chunky ‘50s C, a modern slim D, or a soft V, this is one of the most make-or-break specs—and you’d be surprised how many listings skip it entirely.
At our shop, every guitar comes with a profile description like:
".83 at the first fret, soft V with slight shoulders—think early ‘60s Strat."
3. Frets & Setup
Look for fret condition, size, and leveling. Medium-jumbos will play differently than vintage wire. And if the frets are flat or grooved? That’s money out of your pocket after the purchase.
Also important: Is the action set up for fast lead playing or vintage rhythm work? Has the guitar been intonated?
4. Pickup Specs & Output
Not all humbuckers are created equal. Is it vintage-voiced Alnico II, or high-output ceramic? Single coils or P90s?
And more importantly—how do they sound in this specific guitar?
We include tone descriptions like:
“Bright and snappy neck with sweet midrange scoop. Bridge pickup has tight low end and glassy presence—no ice pick.”
5. Weight
Let’s be real: a 10-lb Les Paul might sound great but won’t feel great on stage for two hours.
We weigh every guitar, so you know exactly what you’re working with.
6. Condition & Wear
We document all wear clearly: buckle rash, fret sprout, finish checking, or dings. You deserve honest, clear info—not “Excellent Condition” with surprise cracks.
"Light swirl marks, one touched-up nick near input jack, no structural issues."
7. Hardware Quality
Are the tuners locking or vintage-style? Has the bridge been swapped or upgraded?
These details affect tuning stability, sustain, and tone—and can easily get overlooked in vague listings.
8. Playability
Not all guitars are ready to go right out of the case.
We make sure every guitar we list is cleaned, set up, intonated, and ready to play—with setup specs included in the listing.
9. Trustworthy Seller
This might be the most important thing on this list.
Can you trust the person selling it? Do they:
Provide detailed photos and specs?
Offer video demos or packing process transparency?
Use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services?
Respond to questions like an actual human who plays guitar?
If not—you might want to keep scrolling.
10. Does It Inspire You?
At the end of the day, it’s not just about specs—it’s about connection.
If the look, story, sound, and vibe of the guitar don’t pull you in, it’s probably not the one.
When we list a guitar, we ask ourselves:
“Would I be excited to gig this tonight?”
If the answer’s no, it doesn’t go on the site.
Buying a guitar online doesn’t have to be a gamble.
When you're equipped with knowledge—and buy from a shop that actually gets you—you can skip the sketchy listings and find something that makes you want to play more.
Whether you’re a Strat fanatic, a PAF purist, or a collector with a soft spot for oddballs, we’ve got something for you.
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