Are Cheap Guitars Worth It? What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When you're just getting started with guitar, it’s tempting to grab the cheapest one you can find online. Maybe it's a $100 bundle with a gig bag, a tuner, and a flashy finish. Seems like a good deal—until it starts buzzing, hurting your hands, and collecting dust in a corner.
At Morris Guitar Company, we work with a lot of beginner and intermediate players. We’ve seen firsthand how the wrong cheap guitar can hold you back—and how a right-priced used or refurbished guitar can launch your musical journey with confidence.
Here’s what you need to know before buying that bargain-basement axe.
🎸 The Problem With “Cheap” Guitars
There’s a difference between a budget-friendly guitar and a poorly made guitar.
Ultra-cheap new guitars often come with:
Sharp fret edges that hurt your fingers
Bad intonation (notes sound out of tune even when the tuner says they’re right)
Poor electronics that cut in and out
High action (strings too far from the fretboard)
These issues can make learning frustrating—even impossible. And if you’re struggling with the guitar instead of enjoying it, you’re less likely to stick with it.
💡 What Beginners Actually Need
When you're starting out, you don’t need bells and whistles—you need:
A neck that feels smooth and comfortable
Strings that are easy to press
Electronics that work reliably
A guitar that stays in tune
That’s where used and refurbished guitars come in. You get quality parts and playability, but without paying for brand-new price tags or fancy finishes.
🔁 Why Refurbished Guitars Are a Smart Buy
At Morris Guitar Company, we specialize in used and refurbished instruments that are:
Professionally cleaned, adjusted, and restrung
Set up for easy playing (low action, no sharp frets)
Many priced under $500, so you get real value
We carry trusted brands like:
Squier by Fender
Epiphone by Gibson
Jackson
Washburn
Gretsch
These brands already make great guitars at accessible prices. When you buy them used and professionally set up, you’re getting better tone, better feel, and longer life for your dollar.
🆚 New Budget Packs vs. Refurbished Guitars
| Feature | New Budget Pack ($150) | Refurbished Name Brand (Under $500) |
|---|---|---|
| Fret Quality | Often sharp or uneven | Smooth and dressed |
| Tuning Stability | Unreliable | Solid tuning hardware |
| Electronics | Cheap, may cut out | Tested and cleaned |
| Playability | Can be frustrating | Comfortable and easy to play |
| Longevity | 6–12 months (maybe) | Years with proper care |
🛠️ Want Help Choosing the Right One?
Not sure what to get? That’s why we’re here.
“You don’t need the most expensive guitar. You just need the right guitar for where you are.”
— Caleb, Owner of Morris Guitar Company
We’ll help you find something that feels great, fits your budget, and gets you excited to play. Whether you're local or shopping online, we offer hands-on help and detailed info on every instrument.
✅ Final Thoughts
Cheap guitars can be a gamble—but used and refurbished guitars offer the best of both worlds: affordability and quality. You deserve an instrument that helps you sound good and feel good while learning.
🎵 Ready to Find Your First (or Next) Guitar?
👉 Browse Our Guitars
👉Message Caleb for a Personal Recommendation