here are some things to look for:
first of all, inspect for cracks in the body or neck. you dont want those.
next, plug it in to an amp running on the clean channel, and unless its a ****ty amp, you shouldnt hear a buzzing noise. a little buzz is okay, but not much.
next, inspect the height of the strings from the neck. if they are really high, the neck is probably warped, and it will be difficult to play. if the strings are too low, the strings will buzz against the fretboard and you will not get a good sound. as an unstrict rule, you should be able to fit a quarter under the twelfth fret and it be pretty close to the string.
make sure the tuning pegs work. i have bought guitars that will not stay in tune for anything. listen and see if the strings change pitch as you play.
i recommend going with a mexican strat or telecaster if its your first electric. they sound great and are built to be very sturdy. don't get a squire, and don't get an epiphone, unless its a higher model epiphone.
if youre going for a metal guitar, i recommend an ibanez rg.
if you have any more questions, just ask.
|