Does Guitar Center Buy Guitars In 2024? (We Asked Them)

If you’re a guitar player, whether a veteran or a beginner, you probably know the struggle of dealing with old instruments when you decide to upgrade.

Guitar Center has been a go-to solution for many, providing an option to sell used guitars.

But, as we navigate through this year, many are left wondering: Is this still a service Guitar Center offers?

In this article, we’ll look into the current state of Guitar Center’s buyback policy and discuss what you need to know when selling your used guitar.

We wanted to go straight to the source, so we asked them directly, here’s what they said…

Does Guitar Center Buy Guitars?

There’s an ongoing doubt of whether they do or don’t, since it can be that some local stores have stopped doing this for a certain reason.

We went to GuitarCenter.com and asked them through their customer service chat:

Just as they themselves let us know, the process is very simple, once you bring your guitar, you check in with a sales associate to review what you have to trade in.

The associate will then assess your items based on condition, brand, and even recent sales and Guitar Center’s current stock levels.

This means that this number can change depending on multiple factors.

Once they give you a price, you will then get paid with a check or just a Guitar Center Visa Prepaid Card.

And just like that, our chat with Johanna A from Guitar Center was over, and our little investigation ended.

But let’s take a closer look a what it would look like trading a guitar…

Trading and Selling Guitars at Guitar Center

Guitar Center, has always been a prominent name in the musical instruments industry.

It has long been offering a safe and efficient platform for musicians to trade or sell their used gear.

As of this year, this avenue continues to operate, simplifying the process of decluttering or upgrading musical equipment for artists worldwide.

– Advantages: Prompt Payment and Expert Evaluation

One of the main advantages of trading or selling with Guitar Center is the prompt and expert evaluation of gear.

The team of seasoned professionals at the center assesses the equipment, extending an offer on qualifying items, and provides same-day payment for transactions up to $1,000 in cash.

Transactions over this amount are paid in full via check, which I thing it’s still very convinient.

This option offers a seamless way for musicians to monetize their old gear without the hassle of waiting for potential bids or buyers or dealing with ambiguous fees.

– Incentives: Discounts on New Purchases

Additionally, Guitar Center incentivizes musicians to upgrade their equipment by offering a 10% discount on new purchases when they trade in their used or vintage gear for credit.

This advantageous proposition, however, comes with a few exceptions, such as in Greensboro, NC; Rockville, MD; and Saginaw, MI, where cash payment isn’t available due to legal restrictions.

So, yes, it will depend on where you live, which makes going and asking them directly the best option.

– The Process: From Evaluation to Payment

The process of selling or trading at Guitar Center is transparent and straightforward.

It begins with preparing the gear for sale or trade-in, which involves cleaning and gathering all necessary parts.

The gear is then taken to a local store for an in-person evaluation, followed by a potential offer on qualifying items.

If the offer is accepted, the payment is made the same day, either through cash, check, a prepaid card, or trade-in credit, depending on the location.

You can start doing all this process today, through their Trade in Trade Up page:

From here, what we’ll do is search our gear in the ‘What are you selling?’ text input.

Once you just type your guitar’s brand, a bunch of suggestions should appear in the dropdown, if you find your current instrument, it would be a good idea to click it and make your search more specific.

After you do so, the following screen should appear.

In this step, you can either add more items in case you have more than one guitar that you want to trade in, and also add pictures of your equipment.

The more pictures the better, I would say.

Since there will be someone receiving this request, and one that has images is more likely to appear serious that one that doesn’t have any.

Also, make sure you click ‘Schedule an in-store appointment to speed things up.

Otherwise, you would have to wait for someone to reach out, talk to you about the process, and then make the appointment.

Whatever works best for you, if you need a bit more info, then the second choice can be better.

After that, they’ll ask for a zipcode to select your nearest store, and a date, time, and info about yourself to book it.

Once you do everything, just click on ‘Book it’, and you should be good to go!

– What’s Accepted and What’s Not?

The buyback program accepts a wide range of gear.

Among many of them, you can trade in:

• Used guitars
• Basses
• Drums
• Amps
• Keys and MIDI
• Folk and traditional instruments
• Recording gear
• Effect pedals
• DJ gear
• Live sound equipment.

However, certain items such as acoustic pianos, custom-built cables, copyrighted material, computers, and consumer electronics, among others, do not qualify for trade-in.

– Evaluating the Value of Your Gear

In terms of the gear’s value, Guitar Center’s approach is rooted in decades of experience in fairly evaluating used and vintage gear.

Factors that influence the evaluation include the item’s condition, historical sales data, market desirability, and current stock levels.

The organization takes pride in its acquisition process and strives to make fair market wholesale offers.

Said gear buyback program remains a reliable and user-friendly platform for musicians.

It provides an opportunity for musicians to safely and conveniently trade in or sell their old gear, thus creating a sustainable cycle within the music industry.

With its same-day payment policy and a bonus of a 10% discount on new gear when trading in old, Guitar Center continues to be an attractive way for both novice and veteran musicians.

How much does Guitar Center pay for used gear?

Guitar Center’s payout for used gear is based on a few key factors, including the condition of the item, historical sales data, market desirability, and current stock levels.

Each item is individually evaluated by their experienced team to ensure a fair market wholesale offer.

It’s also important to note that the payout is on the spot, meaning you won’t have to wait to receive payment.

They provide immediate payment up to $1,000 in cash for your gear.

Transactions that total over $1,000 are fully paid via check.

These procedures make Guitar Center an attractive and reliable option for selling used gear.

How long does it take to get paid for my gear?

At Guitar Center, one of the key advantages of their trade-in program is the swift payment process.

They provide same-day payment for your gear once the evaluation is completed and the offer is accepted.

Whether the payment is in the form of cash, check, or trade-in credit depends on the total amount and your location.

This means you don’t have to wait for your gear to sell on a marketplace or deal with potential buyer negotiations.

Once you’ve agreed to the offer, you get paid immediately, streamlining the entire selling process.

Do I have to come into a store to get my gear evaluated?

Yes, you do need to bring your gear into a Guitar Center store for an in-person evaluation.

This is a necessary step because it allows their team of experts to assess the condition of the equipment firsthand.

Physical inspection is crucial as it provides accurate information about the item’s wear and tear, functionality, and overall quality, which are all factors in determining the item’s value.

Therefore, while it may be slightly less convenient than an online appraisal, it ensures a more accurate and fair evaluation of your gear.

Can I trade in my used or vintage gear for something else?

Yes, you absolutely can!

Guitar Center allows you to trade in your used or vintage gear for something else in their store.

The value of your traded-in equipment becomes store credit that you can use toward your next purchase.

This is particularly beneficial if you’re looking to upgrade your gear.

By trading in your old equipment, you can offset the cost of the new item, making it a more affordable and sustainable way to keep your musical equipment up-to-date.

Does Guitar Center buy broken guitars?

The policy of Guitar Center regarding the purchase of damaged or broken guitars generally depends on the extent of the damage and the specific model of the guitar.

While the store does buy used equipment, it usually needs to be in good working condition.

If a guitar has minor cosmetic damage but is still functional, there’s a chance that Guitar Center might buy it.

However, the offered price would likely be reduced accordingly to account for the damage.

On the other hand, if the guitar is severely damaged or completely nonfunctional, Guitar Center is unlikely to purchase it.

For example, a broken neck, significant body damage, or serious electrical issues is not economically viable for them to repair for resale.

Remember, the final decision rests with the store and is done on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a broken guitar that you’re considering selling, it might be worth taking it to your local Guitar Center for an evaluation.

You can also reach out to them directly for a more accurate answer specific to your situation.

As always, it’s recommended to communicate with the store directly for the most accurate and current information.

Best Tips for Trading in Your Guitar

In this section, we’ll delve into some essential tips to help you get the best deal when trading your gear at Guitar Center.

From preparing your gear to negotiating the trade-in price, these guidelines aim to make the process smoother and more rewarding for you.

– Get Your Gear in Top Shape

The first and crucial step before trading in your gear is ensuring it’s in the best possible condition.

Begin by giving your instrument a thorough cleaning.

Dust off any surface dirt, polish the body, clean the fretboard, and replace any old strings.

Additionally, check for any minor issues such as loose knobs, buzzing strings, or minor electronic glitches.

If you can, rectify these issues as they could affect the value of your gear.

Remember, a clean and well-functioning instrument is more appealing to the buyer and can fetch a higher trade-in value.

The better your gear looks and works, the more you’re likely to get for it.

– Do Your Due Diligence

Before heading to Guitar Center with your gear, spend some time on research.

Investigate the current market value of your gear on online platforms such as eBay or Reverb to get a ballpark estimate of its worth.

This step is important as it helps set realistic expectations and provides a starting point for any negotiation.

Keep in mind that factors such as the age, brand, condition, and market demand for your specific gear can influence its value.

The more informed you are about your gear’s worth, the better positioned you are to get a fair deal.

– Remember to Include All Accessories

When you’re ready to bring your gear for trade-in, ensure you include all the original accessories that came with it.

This could be anything from cables, footswitches, and straps to the original case or even the owner’s manual.

These extras might seem insignificant but they add value to your gear and could help you get a better offer.

The more complete your gear package is, the more attractive it becomes to the next buyer, and this is reflected in the trade-in value.

Altough this is not neccessy, you are open to do it anytime.

– Negotiation Is Part of the Process

It’s important to remember that Guitar Center is a business that will need to resell your gear at a profit.

Consequently, the initial offer you receive may be lower than what you’d get if you sold directly to an end user.

Be ready for this and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

However, also be aware that Guitar Center has guidelines and limits for how much they can offer.

Maintaining realistic expectations and being open to negotiation can make the process smoother and more fruitful.

– Evaluate the Benefits of the Trade-In Option

Guitar Center’s trade-in option is a great opportunity, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your gear.

You can often get more value for your old gear in the form of store credit than you would get in cash.

Plus, they often run promotions where you get an additional discount on new gear when you trade in your old equipment.

If you’re not in urgent need of cash and have been eyeing some new gear, this option can be advantageous.

You get to clear out your old gear, gain store credit, save money on your new purchase, and leave with the gear you want—all in one transaction.

The bottom line

Guitar Center’s trade-in program is a beneficial and efficient avenue for musicians to trade or sell their used gear.

The process is straightforward and quick, with the added advantage of same-day payments.

By offering a wide range of gear for trade-in and valuation based on expert assessments, the program ensures fair prices.

Additionally, the opportunity to apply trade-in credit toward new purchases allows musicians an affordable way to upgrade their gear, and I personally like it a lot.