Retailers, brands and repair shops
Once you know what to buy, the next question is where. Here they are in one place: online stores, shops to try guitars, Korean brands, importers, and luthiers for setups and repairs (Korea only for now).
Where to buy, by situation
New · compare pricesOnline retailersCompare the same model at two or three stores. It may arrive without a setup, so put a $50–110 setup in your budget.See online retailers 
Hold it firstMusic storesNeck thickness, weight and how it feels sitting down are things you only learn by holding it. Compare two or three guitars at a music store, and ask them to include a setup.See music stores 
Over $600Used60–75% of the new price. Find one on Facebook Marketplace or Reverb and see it in person before you buy. Go through the checklist on your phone, item by item.Used checklist 
After you buySetup and repair shopsOne setup, new or used. Common repairs are humidity damage on acoustics and neck adjustments on bass. We're collecting listings of nearby shops.See repair shopsDirectory
Tap a category to switch. Places without a website link to a search.
Know a retailer or repair shop that's not here? Suggest a listing →
Partner program for retailers and brands
First Guitar visitors are people who have decided what to buy. A link next to a recommendation reaches buyers with stronger intent than a search ad. There are three steps to start with.
Affiliate links
A 'View at this retailer' link next to model names on recommendation results, gear sets and guitar type pages. Commission on completed sales (CPS). No upfront cost.
- Online music stores · brand-owned stores
- Affiliation disclosed at the top of the page
Store page · brand page
Top placement in the directory, a store or brand profile page, and a rundown of your beginner model lineup. Flat monthly fee or pay per click.
- Physical stores (local listing) · brands and importers
- Quarterly report on beginner recommendation data
Joint projects
Co-planned bundles by budget, such as a 'First Guitar starter kit', beginner testing of new products, and sponsored reviews (labeled in the title).
- Makers · importers · large music stores
- Recommendations stay independent of partnerships
What we offer brands and makers. Finder result stats (say, what share of rock-leaning beginners with a $300–600 budget chose an LP-style) are beginner data you can't get elsewhere in Korea. We'll send a sample report even before any partnership.
Partnership inquiry →Listing and partnership inquiries
Retailers, brands, makers, importers, and repair and setup shops all use the 'Listings and partnerships' form on our contact page.
- ReceivedYour message is logged as soon as you send the form.
- ReplyWe reply to the contact details you leave within 2 business days.
- Listing · discussionRepair shop directory listings are free. Partnerships are decided after we talk.
Send a partnership inquiry
We reply within 2 business days