Music stores: how to choose the right one (and when used gear online makes more sense)

If you’re searching for a new instrument – or your first real upgrade – you’ve probably asked yourself:

• Should I buy from a physical music store or online?
• Which shop can I really trust for guitars, keys, drums, DJ or studio gear?
• When does it make sense to go for used instead of new?

This guide gives you a practical way to:

• decide whether a music store is right for you;
• understand when online used gear is the better option;
• use specialised platforms like Muviber to get a feel for real‑world prices.

If you want to dive straight into the used market, you can start with these Muviber searches:

• used musical instruments
• used electric guitars
• used acoustic guitars
• used bass guitars
• used digital pianos and keyboards
• used guitar pedals and effects

1. What really matters in a music store

There is no single "perfect" store for everyone, but there are clear signs that tell you if you’re in the right place.

1.1 Do they listen, or just try to sell?

A good salesperson doesn’t just push the most expensive instrument, they ask questions:

• where you play (home, rehearsal room, live);
• which style you play;
• what your real budget is;
• what gear you already own.

If nobody asks anything and just tries to push a random model, that’s not great for an important purchase.

1.2 Can you really test the gear?

Testing means actually playing, not just touching a few strings.

Look for a place where you can:

• sit down comfortably;
• turn the volume up a little without feeling guilty;
• compare several similar instruments (e.g. 3–4 guitars in the same range).

1.3 Specific expertise

Not every shop is strong in every area. Some are more focused on:

• guitars and basses;
• keyboards and pianos;
• drums and percussion;
• DJ and production;
• studio and recording.

If the staff seems vague about your instrument, that shop might be great for other things – but not for what you need today.

1.4 Service, setups and trade‑ins

Things many players underestimate:

• do they offer proper setups (action, intonation, pickup height, restringing)?
• is after‑sales service clear and reliable?
• do they take trade‑ins to help you upgrade?

These are services a marketplace can’t really provide directly.

2. Red flags in a music store

Just like there are positive signals, there are also red flags:

• zero interest in what or how you play – they just want to sell something;
• "they’re all the same" used to describe very different instruments;
• no real chance to test the gear;
• no clear information about warranty, returns or service;
• confusing or shady pricing.

If you feel rushed or confused, it’s usually better to step back and not buy that day.

3. When a physical music store is the best option

There are situations where a physical shop is hard to beat:

• your first serious instrument (first "real" guitar, first digital piano, first full drum kit);
• a big step up in quality (moving from entry‑level to mid/high‑range gear);
• complex instruments or systems (drum kits, PA systems, acoustic pianos);
• when you need financing, warranty and ongoing support.

In these cases, being able to talk to a real person and get follow‑up help is incredibly valuable.

4. When used gear online is the smarter move

Used gear is a huge part of today’s music world. If you approach it carefully, it can save you a lot of money or help you move up a level with the same budget.

Online used gear (on specialised platforms like Muviber) makes a lot of sense when:

• you already know what you’re looking for (brand, model, price range);
• you want older versions or discontinued models that are still great;
• you’d rather buy a better used instrument than a new entry‑level one;
• you’re after a second instrument (backup guitar, alternate‑tuning bass, extra keyboard).

Examples of useful searches on Muviber:

• used guitar amps
• used 5‑string basses
• used 88‑key digital pianos

5. How to evaluate an online used‑gear listing

Before contacting the seller, pay attention to:

• Photos: are they clear? Do they show frets, fingerboard, hardware, knobs, the back of the instrument?
• Description: does it mention defects, scratches, repairs, replaced parts?
• History: has it lived mostly in a studio, rehearsal space or on tour?
• Price: is it in line with other similar listings?

On Muviber you can compare multiple listings for the same type of gear, so it’s easier to spot prices that are off.

Whenever possible, try to test the instrument in person before closing the deal.

6. Hybrid strategy: music store + used online

The real move is not choosing between store and marketplace, but combining both:

1. Research the market online

   • use Muviber to see how much the type of instrument you want usually costs used;
   • check what level of quality your budget can realistically reach.

2. Visit one or more stores

   • test instruments close to what you’ve seen online;
   • ask about setups, trade‑ins and warranty.

3. Make a calm decision

   • if a shop offer (new or used) feels solid when you factor in service and support, go for it;
   • if not, consider used listings, ideally from sellers close enough to let you test the gear.

This way, you get the best of both worlds: human expertise from the shop and price transparency from online markets.

FAQ – Music stores and used gear online

Are music stores always more expensive than online?

Not always. For some products they are, for others not so much. The point is that in a shop you also pay for things you don’t get online: testing, advice, service, setups, trade‑ins. It’s up to you to decide if that extra cost is worth it.

Can I trust generalist marketplaces for instruments?

It depends. You can find good deals, but descriptions are often vague and many sellers are not musicians. Specialised platforms like Muviber are built specifically around musical instruments and players.

Is it a good idea to buy my first serious instrument used?

It can be, especially if you have a trusted teacher or experienced friend helping you, or if you know the model very well. Otherwise, a physical shop usually offers a bit more safety and guidance for that first big step.

How can I tell if a store really knows my type of instrument?

Ask specific questions: models, differences between pickups, woods, hardware, action, compatibility with your current setup. If the answers are vague or evasive, it may not be the right shop for that gear.

Is it better to sell my gear to a shop or online?

A shop offers convenience (you leave the gear and they handle the rest) but usually at a lower price. Selling online can get you more money, but you’ll need to invest time in photos, messaging and meetups. It’s a trade‑off between simplicity and maximum return.