Buying a guitar can be a tricky process-with all of the models, body shapes, tonewoods, and other features available, it's tough enough just to narrow down the field without worrying about budget. But price will always be a major factor for guitarists looking for their next instrument. That's why special financing can be so useful. It's common for music retailers to offer interest-free financing deals that let you pay off your new guitar over 12, 18, or even 24 months or more, making it a great way to buy the guitar you want without breaking the bank.
Here's what you should know about financing a guitar before you start shopping.
Financing can help you take home The One.
Most guitar players have a dream guitar that they've been scrimping and saving up to buy, and it's demoralizing when price puts your ideal instrument out of your grasp. With financing, you don't have to sacrifice your top choice for a guitar of lesser quality just because of price. If your dream guitar is just out of reach, financing might help you step up and get the guitar you really want-not the one you have to settle for.
Shop around.
Some guitar brands offer their own financing deals through participating dealers, while others rely on the stores to provide financing options for customers. Some retailers might have 12- or 24-month interest-free financing available year-round; others only offer financing during select parts of the year. It's usually possible to combine financing with an up-front sum that will decrease your monthly payments, so try several retailers so that you understand all the options. After all, financing does impact your life, so do your research first.
Read the fine print.
Financing can be complicated, and missing a payment can result in fines and a ding on your credit score. Before you finance a guitar, make sure you read the terms and conditions and thoroughly discuss the process with your salesperson. You don't want to end up owing more money.
You can use financing to build your whole setup.
Financing isn't limited to buying guitars. Audio gear like microphones, recording equipment, speakers, and mixers are essentials for working musicians, so you can use financing as an opportunity to fill out your musical toolkit.
Financing a guitar is an investment in yourself as a musician.
Many people avoid buying themselves the guitar they really want because they feel they don't deserve it: "I'm not a good enough player for that guitar?" But what if you became one?
Buying a high-quality guitar will help you become a better guitar player-not just because they feel better and are easier to play, but because you'll be more motivated to practice with your dream guitar hanging on the wall in your room. If you're on a budget, try to avoid skimping on the most important elements of a guitar, which include playability, intonation, and sound. Buying a cheap instrument usually leads to frustration-as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.