Electric Guitar purchasing for Dummies?

Question:So Im thinking af buying a new elactric guitar...

I have noticed that on a lot of the online sites that the guitars are being sold for really cheap. Like 50% of the Listing price.

Now I have found a couple guitars I like and I want to see of they are at my local guitar shop... Will the guitar shop sell them at the prices online, or the Listing price? or will that sell them at a price in between that?

Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: So Im thinking af buying a new elactric guitar...

I have noticed that on a lot of the online sites that the guitars are being sold for really cheap. Like 50% of the Listing price.

Now I have found a couple guitars I like and I want to see of they are at my local guitar shop... Will the guitar shop sell them at the prices online, or the Listing price? or will that sell them at a price in between that?

Thanks!

The 50% of the list price thing is because musical instruments are usually at least 100% markup. The stores pay half or less than the retail price. So a large retailer like Guitar Center can sell equipment at 30-50% off of the list price because they can make it up in volume. And also they can do the loss leader thing where you get one component for a good price and then buy an amp, cords, music books, stomp boxes or an effects pedal and etc at a bigger profit margin. There's also the NOS (new old stock) which is like last year's fashions. Items are sold at lower prices to get them off the floor and stockrooms to make room for the new models. Nobody pays actual list price.

The guitar shop should sell them at the online prices or better because of the reasons I stated above. If it's a small Mom and Pop place, they will have to charge more because they have less overall sales. So it won't be as good a price as online. I have no problem buying gear online. I've bought a lot of gear on eBay and one of my best guitars my wife bought for me. I'm happy with all my equipment. Ive never bought a new guitar from a store. I buy new condition used gear and I've very seldom been disappointed.

Never buy a musical instrument online!

Especially a guitar. And this is coming from a guitar man ;)
They have to be played (it's ok if you can't play yet. a simple strum with a couple of simple chords will tell you if it's got the right tone for you). Every guitar is built with a piece of wood that is slightly different. Every guitar has a slightly different weight than the next. This all adds/takes away from the overall tone and quality of the guitar. I really mean it, go in and play some ones that you like, then pick that one that sounds perfect. You'll be much more satisfied than by blindly purchasing one over the internet.

on line prices are different than in store prices.

it's best to try before you buy and buy the one you like.

As for new guitars you won't find anything great or spectacular under $600 so look at something like a squire it's a good solid instrument.

once you get going and like it, start learning about guitars and comb the thrift store.

I've seen people find $2,000 guitars for $300 at thrift stores.

Also pawn shops.

A lot of times they don't know what they got.

I agree you shouldn't buy a gtr online. you need to FEEL it! you should be able to negotiate with your local shop using the online price as a starting point.