The ONE Thing to Check When Buying a Cheap Electric Guitar

Thinking about buying a cheap electric guitar from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or a yard sale? In this video, luthier Beau Hannam breaks down exactly what matters—and what doesn’t—when shopping for a budget electric guitar.

Cosmetic damage, electronics, pickups, tuners, and hardware can all be replaced cheaply. But there’s one neck issue that makes a guitar not worth buying at any price. Learn how to spot twisted necks, fret problems, neck humps, and other common issues before you hand over your cash.

Perfect if you’re buying a first guitar, a project guitar, or something to modify without wasting money.

Topics covered:

What can be easily fixed on cheap guitars

What problems are NOT worth repairing

How to inspect a guitar neck properly

When a cheap guitar becomes an expensive mistake

🎸 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your own buying tips.
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Products Used/Mentioned (in rough order of use)
Replacement pots- https://stewmac.sjv.io/QjZMMA
Premium Wiring Kit for Stratocaster- https://stewmac.sjv.io/jex995
Deox it pot cleaner- https://stewmac.sjv.io/19nvvd
Fret Rocker (for checking problem frets) - https://stewmac.sjv.io/Z6nMM1
Replacement guitar necks and bodies- https://stewmac.sjv.io/zxZooM

Common Questions Asked in the comments
(This section is added to as a pattern of common questions form)

Q1-
A1-

If you are interested in learning high end repair and restoration lutherie work- I recommend The Looth Group at https://loothgroup.com/



An extensive topic categorized list of lutherie Products I recommend for various aspects of the trade- https://www.amazon.com/shop/beauhanna...

Stew Mac: stewmac.sjv.io/GjAMbk

⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 – Buying cheap electric guitars explained
0:37 – Why cosmetic damage doesn’t matter
0:49 – Electronics, pots, switches & jacks
1:02 – Tuners and pickups on cheap guitars
1:27 – Body cracks and headstock breaks
1:44 – Why the neck is the most important part
1:51 – Fret buzz, nut issues & setup costs
2:23 – Fret ends popping out
2:40 – Neck humps near the body joint
3:12 – Neck angle issues & shims
3:36 – The ONE thing that matters most
3:57 – Twisted necks (the dealbreaker)
5:20 – Why vintage guitars are different
6:25 – Final advice before buying cheap
7:00 – Closing thoughts

Songs used

~ I never promote products I don't personally use or recommend.
This video is not sponsored and may contain product affiliate links which means if you buy something Beau will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.


#luthier #guitarmaker #beauhannam

~ Luthier of luxury heirloom quality Guitars and Ukuleles ~

WEBSITE: https://beauhannamguitars.com
FACEBOOK   / beauhannamguitarsandukuleles  
INSTAGRAM:   / beauhannamguitars