Red flags and deal breakers when buying a used guitar

This page supports the guide How to buy a used guitar without getting burned.

Not every problem makes a used guitar a bad purchase. Many issues are normal, fixable, and expected. The real danger is not knowing which problems are minor and which ones should stop the purchase immediately.

This page separates true deal breakers from issues that simply affect price or expectations.

The most common mistake buyers make

The biggest mistake buyers make is assuming that all problems are equal.

They will:

• Panic over cosmetic flaws

• Ignore structural warnings

• Accept vague seller language

• Rationalize issues they do not fully understand

A calm, methodical approach prevents expensive regret.

True deal breakers (walk away)

These issues should stop the purchase unless the guitar is priced strictly as a project and you understand the risk.

Non-functional or maxed-out truss rod

If the truss rod:

• Does not turn

• Spins freely without effect

• Is already fully tightened or loosened with no adjustment left

You should walk away.

A guitar with no truss rod adjustment is not “vintage charm.” It is a structural liability.

Severe neck twist

A twisted neck is different from normal relief.

Red flags include:

• Bass side and treble side not matching

• One side playing clean while the other buzzes uncontrollably

• Visual twist when sighting down the neck edges

Neck twist is difficult, expensive, and often permanent.

Structural cracks that move under tension

Some cracks are cosmetic. Others are not.

Walk away if:

• A crack opens or closes when the guitar is tuned

• There is movement at the headstock or neck joint

• The seller cannot explain a repair clearly

Moving cracks are active failures, not cosmetic marks.

Bridge or tailpiece failures tied to the wood

This includes:

• Bridge posts pulling forward

• Studs leaning under tension

• Cracks radiating from bridge hardware

• Soft or crushed wood around mounting points

These problems often worsen over time and are rarely cheap fixes.

Tremolo systems with multiple worn components

One worn tremolo part can be repaired. Multiple worn components usually mean a system-level problem.

Be cautious if you see:

• Worn knife edges

• Ovaled pivot posts

• Saddles that no longer lock securely

• Inconsistent return to pitch even after setup

These systems require precision. Wear compounds quickly.

Seller behavior that is a red flag

Sometimes the biggest warning sign is not the guitar.

Be cautious if the seller:

• Avoids direct answers

• Changes explanations

• Uses vague phrases repeatedly

• Dismisses concerns instead of addressing them

• Refuses basic functional checks

Lack of clarity often signals lack of knowledge.

Issues that are not deal breakers (but affect price)

These problems are common and usually manageable if priced correctly.

Cosmetic wear

Normal examples include:

• Dings and chips

• Buckle rash

• Finish checking

• Yellowing or fading

Cosmetics do not affect function.

Electronics that need service

Scratchy pots, noisy switches, or outdated wiring are usually fixable.

These issues should:

• Lower the price

• Not kill the deal outright

Unless the guitar has rare or fragile electronics, this is manageable.

Moderate fret wear

Fret wear is expected on used guitars.

As long as:

• There is remaining fret height

• Buzz is not severe

• The neck is healthy

Fret work is part of normal ownership.

Non-original parts (context matters)

Replaced tuners, bridges, or pickups are not automatically bad.

The important questions are:

• Was the work done cleanly

• Are original parts included

• Does the modification affect function or value for your goals

Context determines importance.

The most dangerous phrase in used listings

“There’s nothing wrong with it, it just needs a setup.”

A setup cannot fix:

• Neck problems

• Fret wear

• Structural issues

• Hardware failure

When you see this phrase, slow down and verify everything.

How to use this page correctly

This page is not about fear. It is about clarity.

Use it to:

• Know when to walk away

• Avoid emotional decisions

• Ask better questions

• Protect your budget

There will always be another guitar.

Where to go next

Used guitar inspection checklist
What photos never tell you
Questions to ask any seller
When a setup claim is meaningless