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How to Buy an Acoustic Guitar Bundle

How to · Tech

How to Buy an Acoustic Guitar Bundle

Get a setup that lasts by shopping the summer lull and spreading the cost over 18 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $450 before anything else
Across the 0% window $25.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $450 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You want a guitar that plays well enough to keep you interested for years, not a cheap starter kit you will outgrow in six months. Focus on solid-top instruments that sound better as the wood ages, and look for a bundle that includes a hard case to protect your investment from humidity and bumps.

Retailers often clear out floor models in mid-summer before the back-to-school rush hits. If you find last year's model, you can often grab a higher-tier instrument for the price of a mid-range one while the shops are quiet.

The 0% intro window is a deadline, not free money; if you still have a balance once the 18 months are up, you will start paying interest on whatever remains.

The steps

  1. 01

    Set your budget

    Aim for that $450 mark for a quality entry-level guitar and case. Anything much lower usually cuts corners on the build quality, making it harder to play.

  2. 02

    Shop the summer lull

    Check local shops in mid-July. Since store traffic is low, you have more room to ask about floor models or last year's inventory.

  3. 03

    Use the card offer

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay about $25.00 per month to cover the $450 cost over the 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Check the setup

    Ask the shop to check the action, which is the height of the strings from the fretboard. A good setup makes the guitar much easier on your fingers.

  5. 05

    Automate the payments

    Set up a recurring transfer for $25.00 each month to your card. This ensures you pay off the balance before the intro window expires.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy a used guitar instead?

Buying used is a great way to get more guitar for your money. Just bring a friend who plays so they can check for warped necks or loose braces.

Is a hard case really necessary?

Yes. A hard case protects the wood from changing temperatures and humidity, which keeps the neck straight and the sound consistent.

What if I can't pay the $25 per month?

If the monthly payment feels tight, wait until you have saved a bit more. Never stretch your budget so thin that you miss a payment.

Do I need to buy an amp now?

Only if you buy an acoustic-electric model. If you are just starting out, put your money into a better acoustic guitar first.