Guide to Buying AliExpress Guitars – Top Manufacturers and Sellers You Should Know

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While scoring a dream axe at a steal is tempting, getting lost in the world of AliExpress guitars can feel quite tiring.

As a fellow gear enthusiast who’s explored Chinese online guitar stores, I’m here to shed light on the entire process.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know before hitting “purchase” – you’ll learn how to spot quality instruments from sketchy deals and what to expect upon arrival.

Also check out: 29 Best Things to Buy on Aliexpress | Best Aliexpress Products

Guide to Buying AliExpress Guitars

How to Choose a Guitar Seller on AliExpress?

When purchasing a guitar from AliExpress, it’s crucial to be vigilant to avoid receiving a subpar or fake product. Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing a seller on AliExpress:

1. Check Seller Ratings and Reviews: Thoroughly read reviews from previous buyers to gauge the seller’s reputation and the quality of their guitars.
2. Scrutinize Product Descriptions and Photos: Ensure that the product descriptions are precise and the images are high-resolution, providing a comprehensive view of the guitar.
3. Review the Return Policy: Confirm that the seller offers a liberal return policy in case the guitar doesn’t meet your expectations upon arrival.

Consider these additional tips for a successful purchase:

1. Select a Trustworthy Seller: While AliExpress hosts reputable sellers, there are also dishonest ones. Opt for a seller with a strong track record and high ratings.
2. Request Authentic Photos: If you’re uncertain about the guitar’s quality, ask the seller for real images. This provides a clearer understanding of what you’re purchasing.
3. Be Patient with Shipping Times: Keep in mind that the shipping duration on AliExpress can be extended. Be prepared to wait a few weeks, or even months, for your guitar to arrive.

What to Look for in an AliExpress Guitar?

Once you have the guitar in your hands, pay attention to these details:

1. Evaluate the Overall Condition: Look for any indications of damage like cracks, dents, or scratches.
2. Inspect the Neck: Verify that the neck is straight and the frets are level.
3. Check the Action: Ensure that the string height (action) strikes a balance between comfortable playability and avoiding fret buzzing.
4. Test the Electronics (if applicable): If it’s an electric guitar, make sure all the components are functioning correctly, including pickups, selector switch, volume and tone knobs, and output jack.

For a comprehensive checklist of what to verify on a guitar from AliExpress, consider these points:

• Neck: Ensure it’s straight for comfortable play and to avoid fret buzz.
• Frets: Confirm they’re level and without burrs for a smooth playing experience.
• Bridge: Check alignment and saddle security to prevent tuning issues.

• Nut: Verify proper slotting and even string spacing for smooth chord transitions.
• Tuning Pegs: Ensure they turn smoothly for easy tuning adjustments.
• Electronics (if applicable): Confirm all components function properly.
• Finish: Inspect for any defects like scratches, bubbles, or blemishes.

If you’re not comfortable with these checks, consider consulting a qualified guitar technician for a professional inspection.

Note that counterfeit guitars may be sold on AliExpress, often made with substandard materials. To safeguard against this, opt for a reputable seller and request real photos before making your purchase.

Types of Guitars Available on AliExpress

If you’re in the market for guitars, AliExpress has you covered. You’ll find a diverse range, from budget-friendly options ideal for beginners to top-tier instruments for professionals. 

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the guitar types available on AliExpress:

Acoustic Guitars on AliExpress

Acoustic guitars are widely sought after, and AliExpress boasts a vast selection in various body styles, sizes, and wood compositions. You’ll encounter popular styles such as:

• Dreadnought: Known for their robust, resonant tones, these guitars are versatile, fitting well in folk, country, and rock genres.
• Grand Auditorium: Slightly smaller than dreadnoughts, these guitars still deliver a rich, full-bodied sound. They’re favored by fingerstyle players and vocalists alike.
• Concert: The most petite of the acoustic guitar family, they offer a balanced, intimate sound. Perfect for classical players and those seeking a comfortable playing experience.

AliExpress also offers acoustic guitars crafted from various woods like spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Since the wood type significantly impacts the guitar’s sound, selecting one that aligns with your desired tone is crucial.

Electric Guitars on AliExpress

Electric guitars hold their own popularity, and AliExpress boasts an extensive collection featuring different body styles, pickup configurations, and hardware setups. Some favored styles include:

• Solidbody: Renowned for their bright, sustained tones, solidbody guitars excel across rock, blues, and metal genres.
• Semi-hollowbody: With a hollow chamber, these guitars offer a warmer, mellower sound compared to their solidbody counterparts. They’re a go-to for jazz, blues, and rockabilly enthusiasts.
• Hollowbody: Completely hollow, these guitars exude a warm, acoustic resonance, making them a staple for jazz and blues players.

AliExpress also provides electric guitars with a variety of pickup and hardware configurations. Since these elements significantly shape the guitar’s sound, choosing one tailored to your preferences is vital.

Classical Guitars on AliExpress

Known for their warm, mellow tones, classical guitars are nylon-stringed instruments. They’re an excellent choice for classical players and those seeking a comfortable playing experience.

Other Types of Guitars on AliExpress

Beyond acoustic, electric, and classical guitars, AliExpress offers a diverse array of options, including:

• Bass Guitars: Whether four or five strings, these guitars serve as the backbone of any band, laying down the bassline. AliExpress offers an array of affordable bass guitars for bassists to choose from.
• Ukuleles: These small, four-stringed instruments are beloved for their sweet, Hawaiian-inspired sound. They’re a perfect starting point for beginners or for those looking for a fun, easy-to-play instrument.
• Travel Guitars: Designed for portability, these compact guitars are easy to transport. They’re an excellent choice for musicians on the move.

Additionally, AliExpress offers a wide selection of guitar accessories, including strings, cases, and straps. These can complement your chosen instrument and enhance your playing experience.

Best-Selling Guitar Brands on AliExpress

There are hundreds of different guitar brands available on AliExpress, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and needs.

Here are some of the most popular guitar brands available on AliExpress:

• Fender

Fender is one of the most popular guitar brands in the world, and its guitars are known for their high quality and great sound. AliExpress has a wide variety of Fender guitars available, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. However, it’s important that you find the right seller as many knock-offs are available as well.

• Gibson

Gibson is another popular guitar brand that is known for its high-quality guitars. You can find acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars including the Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 that are known for their rich and warm sound.

• Epiphone

Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson, and its guitars are known for their affordability and good quality. AliExpress has a wide variety of Epiphone guitars available, such as the Les Paul Special, SG Special, and Dot.

• Squier

Squier is a subsidiary of Fender, and its guitars are known for their affordability and good quality. Squier guitars available include the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Bass VI. Squier guitars are a great option for beginner and intermediate guitarists..

• Yamaha

Yamaha is a Japanese company that is known for its wide range of musical instruments, including guitars. AliExpress has a wide variety of Yamaha guitars available, including the FG800 acoustic guitar and the Pacifica 012 electric guitar which are high quality and pretty affordable.

• Ibanez

Ibanez is another Japanese company that is known for its wide range of musical instruments, including guitars. AAliExpress has a variety of Ibanez guitars available, including the RG series of electric guitars and the Artcore series of semi-hollow body electric guitars which are known for their playability and versatility..

• Cort

Cort is a Korean company that is known for its high-quality guitars. AliExpress has a wide variety of Cort guitars available, including the X series of electric guitars and the Earth series of acoustic guitars..

• Jasmine

Jasmine is a Chinese company that is known for its affordable and good-quality guitars. Their guitars are perfect for beginners and intermediate guitarists and they have models such as the S34C acoustic guitar and the H34 acoustic guitar listed on the platform.

• Stagg

Stagg is a Belgian company that is known for its wide range of musical instruments. If you’re looking for a good quality Stagg guitar then AliExpress is your safest bet. Here you can find models like the C50 acoustic guitar and the ST-20 electric guitar at affordable prices.

These are just a few of the many guitar brands available on AliExpress. When choosing a guitar, it is important to consider your budget, your needs, and your personal preferences. Be sure to read reviews of different guitars before you make a purchase.

Top AliExpress Guitar Sellers

Guitar Town Store

Specialization: Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars, custom guitars, guitar accessories

Guitar Town is one of the most popular AliExpress guitar sellers, with over 50,000 positive reviews. 

They offer a wide variety of guitars from a variety of brands, including Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, Squier, Yamaha, Ibanez, and Cort. 

Guitar Town also specializes in custom guitars, and they can build you a guitar to your exact specifications.

Best OEM Customized Guitar Shop Store

Specialization: Custom guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars

Best OEM Customized Guitar Shop is another popular AliExpress guitar seller that specializes in custom guitars. 

They offer a wide variety of guitar customizations, including body shape, neck profile, fretboard wood, hardware, and electronics. 

They also offer a variety of pre-built guitars from a variety of brands, including Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, Squier, Yamaha, Ibanez, and Cort.

Guitar Workshop Store

Specialization: Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars, guitar accessories

Guitar Workshop Store is a great option for guitarists who are looking for high-quality guitars at an affordable price. 

They offer a variety of guitars from a variety of brands, including Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, Squier, Yamaha, Ibanez, and Cort. 

They also offer a wide variety of guitar accessories, including strings, straps, picks, cases, and amplifiers.

MuzcYM Official Store

Specialization: Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars, guitar accessories

MuzcYM Official Store is a top-rated AliExpress guitar seller that specializes in custom guitars. 

They offer a wide variety of guitar customizations, including body shape, neck profile, fretboard wood, hardware, and electronics. 

They also offer a variety of pre-built guitars from a variety of brands, including Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, Squier, Yamaha, Ibanez, and Cort.

How to Steer Clear of Common Pitfalls while Buying Guitars from AliExpress

When it comes to purchasing a guitar from AliExpress, it’s crucial to be mindful of certain pitfalls:

• Opting for a seller with a low feedback rating or a limited track record in selling guitars. This could signal potential unreliability.
• Purchasing a guitar labeled as “used” or “refurbished” without thoroughly examining the provided photos and reading the description. Some sellers might attempt to pass off damaged or counterfeit guitars under these categories.
• Failing to meticulously scrutinize product reviews. Neglecting this step could result in acquiring a guitar that doesn’t match the advertised specifications or is of subpar quality.
• Overlooking the implications of shipping costs and import duties. These additional expenses can substantially inflate the overall price of an AliExpress guitar. Being aware of them is essential for an accurate budget assessment.

Conclusion

This guide provides valuable insights for anyone considering purchasing a guitar from AliExpress. 

By following the outlined steps, including selecting a reputable seller, carefully examining product listings, and conducting thorough checks upon receipt, you can increase your chances of acquiring a quality instrument at a competitive price.

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