Personally, when I purchase a guitar, I view the word new as Never Ever Worked. The fact that all the components are (new) does not assure quality or a problem-free product. It only guarantees that no individual has ever played the instrument before. It does not assure anything other than that. The price that you often pay for that type of purchase can be significant, however, may mean little in terms of function and performance.

When you're in the market for a guitar, there's no question that a new one can be enticing. It's shiny, it's new, and it's unplayed. But is it really worth the extra money?

For most people, the answer is should be no. A new guitar is almost without exception always more costly than a used guitar, and for most people, there's no real difference in quality. In fact, you might have a better chance of finding a problem-free used guitar at a much better value.

There are several advantages of buying a used, open box, or fully refurbished guitar::

1. Almost universally, a used guitar is going to be considerably less expensive than an equal new guitar. Like many other retail purchases, there is a lot of profit built into the purchase by the Big Box Music Retail Stores, which is great for them, but not so great for your pocketbook or wallet.

2. Used guitars have more character and personality than new guitars. You will find that most serious musicians love their instruments. There is significantly more money spent on the instrument and many have been upgraded with different components making it a better instrument. Honestly, true musicians covet their instruments and when they sell them, it is often a very emotional experience for them…somewhat like losing a friend.

3. Used guitars have been played and loved, which gives them a unique sound and feel. Guitars over a period of time, take the feel of the previous owner, they seem to play better, sound sweeter, and if taken care of over its life, have a subjective life of their own. Not to be philosophical but many musicians will swear this statement is true. Each used guitar has a unique history sound and feel.

4. When a sale is offered, many instruments have extra items that may come with them as part of the sale, such as cases, capos, digital tuners, extra strings, plectrums, etc. When purchasing new, this if often left to the new owner as he will only receive a new box. The rest of the expense will be on the new owner to purchase these items at resale.

5. Southwest Acoustic Products specializes in these types of fine instruments. We purchase guitars that have been previously played, manufactured overstocks, or returned for many different reasons. These instruments are brought up to new manufacturers’ standards. Unless otherwise pointed out, most of our guitars look as if they are new, but in reality, most are even better. They have been inspected and cared for by several technicians, and luthiers, and have been tested tuned, and are ready to play. In many instances, they are offered with a padded case or even in some models a hard case. They are hand-picked and chosen by our owner for their uniqueness, value, and for what we perceive will be the value the instrument will bring to you

So why not skip the new guitar and go for something else instead? You might be surprised at the value you will receive. And if you're not sure where to start looking, check out our website at Southwest Acoustic Products. We also have stores on Reverb.com and eBay You're sure to find outstanding values on some very special instruments. You will find our reviews about our products and services impressive and we hope to make you part of our musical family in the near future.