On the other hand, buying a used instrument can sometimes yield unexpectedly good features for an unexpectedly low price.

It is almost a cultural cliche that musicians pour their identity into an instrument, then sell it when they get married so they can buy furniture.

I once answered a classified newspaper ad for "old guitar for sale $50"

Turned out to be one of the original Gibson double cutaway Les Pauls

Alas, I later sold it to buy furniture. But you catch my drift... there is an abundance of financial desperation in this world; and for the person whose current situation requires cash more than it requires a third guitar sitting in the corner gathering dust, you can often strike a pretty good deal.