How Much Should I Spend On a New Guitar or Bass?

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced player, you may be willing to spend more money on a high-quality guitar that will last for years. 

As for budget, well, that’s entirely up to you. Guitars and basses can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it really depends on how much money you’re willing to spend. Of course, as with anything else in life, you get what you pay for—so if you’re looking for a high-quality instrument, be prepared to shell out some serious cash. 

So, how much should you spend on a new guitar or bass? The answer actually depends upon a few basic criteria. Let’s break it down:

Questions to Ask When Figuring Out a New Guitar Cost

If you want a new guitar but are saying to yourself, “Spending all my money on a new guitar really isn’t an option,” ask yourself these questions to help narrow down how much you should spend: 

1. What is your budget for a guitar?
2. What is your commitment level to learning to play?
3. Do you plan on performing live with the instrument?

How Much Should I Spend on a New Guitar as a Beginner?

For a family or individual on a tight budget, there are a number of starter guitars, basses, and acoustic guitars that will suffice to help you get started playing in the $100 range. The benefit of these instruments is they are affordable, and they often work well enough to learn the basics. However, the downside is they may have tuning problems, poor electronics if they are electric, and have a very low resale value. In my experience, it is possible to get a decent playing guitar for $100, but it helps to have an experienced guitar player or instructor examine and play the instrument first before buying.

Don’t Want to Spend a Lot of Money on My Brand New Guitar? Go for a Middle-Range

The next step up in a budget would be instruments up to $350 or so. These guitars will generally have higher quality tuning pegs, for better tuning, improved wood, and if electric, better electronics. The benefit of this level of instrument is improved ‘action’ (playability), better sound, and better sound through amplification. Now, there is still a downside to this level of guitar, that is, they don’t have the distinctive ‘pro’ or ‘classic’ sound of higher quality instruments, and they don’t have a particularly good resale value. If you decide to quit playing it and sell it, you may be out 30-50 percent of what you paid for it.

New Guitar Cost for Experienced Players Looking for a Pro Model

Finally, if it fits your budget, you can acquire a professional quality acoustic, electric, or bass guitar for around $1,200. The primary benefits of purchasing a professional quality instrument are reliable tuning, beautiful sound, great fit and finish, ‘classic’ recognizable tone, and great sound through stage amplification and studio recording. In addition, this level of guitar will generally have a relatively high resale value. If you decide to quit, you should be able to sell it for near, at, or even over what you paid for it, depending upon demand and model purchased. The downside to these guitars is the high up-front cost to acquire them, and despite the value, they may not make learning to play much easier than a $350 guitar.

How Much Do New Guitar Strings Cost?

When it comes to playing the guitar, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of new guitar strings. While there are a variety of different types and brands of strings available, they all generally fall into one of two categories: expensive and cheap. 

Expensive strings are typically made of higher-quality materials and offer a brighter, fuller sound. They also usually last longer than cheaper strings. However, they can also be more difficult to change and may require special tools. Cheap strings, on the other hand, are typically made of lower-quality materials and don’t offer the same sound quality as expensive strings. 

They also tend to break more easily and need to be replaced more often. As a result, the cost of new guitar strings can vary significantly depending on the type and quality of string you choose.

What About Other Guitar Accessories? 

When asking yourself, “how much does a new guitar cost?” don’t forget that there are other expenses you need to factor in besides just the instrument itself.

In addition to the guitar itself, there are a number of accessories that are necessary for playing the instrument. These include strings, picks, cases,amps,and pedals. The cost of these items can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. 

Is It Worth It to Buy a New Guitar?

For some people, the answer is a resounding yes – a new guitar can inspire them to greater heights of musical achievement. 

For others, the cost and effort involved in buying a new guitar simply isn’t worth it. The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question – it depends entirely on the individual and their circumstances. 

If you have been playing guitar for years and are looking for a new challenge, then a new instrument could be just what you need to take your playing to the next level. On the other hand, if you are just starting out, it may be better to stick with your current guitar and save up for a nicer one further down the line. 

When it comes down to it, there is no set answer for how much money you should spend on a new guitar or bass. It all depends on your experience level and your budget. If you’re just starting out, we recommend investing in an affordable instrument. But if you’re an experienced player looking for a high-quality instrument, be prepared to spend big bucks. 

Ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re comfortable spending—so choose wisely! It’s always a good idea to ask your guitar teacher for recommendations so you have an idea of what to look for.

Once you know your budget, commitment level, and desire to play live or record in a studio, you should be able to make an informed decision about how much to spend on a guitar, and what the benefits and downsides are to each price level of guitar.

Good luck and remember, stay on the frets!

Glenn P. teaches bass guitar and guitar lessons in Cardiff by the Sea, CA.  Glenn joined the TakeLessons teacher roster in June 2012, and his specialties include teaching proper timing, tuning, technique, theory, composition, and performance. Sign up for lessons with Glenn, or visit TakeLessons to search for a teacher near you!

 

 

Photo by The Eggplant.