8 answers
jj
Student
Lima, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
505 views
How should I save up money for a guitar setup ( $300)?
Im fifteen no phone no job and trying to get a job and phone but want to prioritize my music career using electric guitar i also have no tools available.
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8 answers
J Huff
55
Answers
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Updated
J’s Answer
Good day,
It is great that you already have a goal: building your music career and getting an electric guitar setup. Having a clear goal can help you make decisions about school, work, and money.
Start by exploring the school avenue to see where it gets you. Your school may have resources that can support your music goals, such as a music teacher, band director, instruments to borrow, practice space, ensembles, or other students who are interested in music. Even if school is not the only path, it may be one of the easiest places to find free or low-cost support. Also, if you already know how to play guitar, you might ask the music instructor if there are opportunities to help with summer music camps, lessons, or beginner workshops for other students.
If you are not already in a high school band, jazz ensemble, or another music group, consider talking with the music teacher. You might also ask whether there is a way to start a small group, such as a popular music ensemble or guitar club. Sometimes schools can provide instruments that students can learn on or play as long as they are participating in a music class or ensemble. It is worth checking out.
Since you are 15, you will need a work permit. In Ohio, you can find minor work permit information here:
https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/wage-and-hour/applications-and-forms/minor-work-permit-application
Once you have the proper paperwork, start applying for jobs that often hire teens, such as fast-food restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, recreation centers, or summer camps. Try to stay open-minded about the type of job. Even if the job is not music-related, it can help you build useful skills like responsibility, communication, time management, confidence, and working with other people.
When you start earning money, make a plan for your guitar setup. For example, if you earn $150 in take-home pay, decide ahead of time how much will go toward your guitar, phone, or other goals. With help from a parent or guardian, you might open a bank account. You could even ask about having two accounts: one for spending money and one for savings. If your guitar money is in an account that is not connected to a debit card, it may be easier to save because the money will not be as easy to spend. Making it a little inconvenient to access your savings can help you build money over time.
Another option is to visit a local music store, if there is one near you. Talk with the owner or employees and let them know you are interested in learning electric guitar and building a setup over time. They may know people selling used equipment or may be able to point you toward affordable beginner gear. You could also ask whether they ever hire teens or need help around the store. Even if they are not hiring, spending time around musicians and instruments can help you learn more about guitars, amps, and equipment.
Most importantly, keep taking small steps. You do not need to have everything at once. A job, a savings plan, school music opportunities, and connections with local musicians can all help you move closer to your music goals.
I hope this helps. Wishing you the best.
It is great that you already have a goal: building your music career and getting an electric guitar setup. Having a clear goal can help you make decisions about school, work, and money.
Start by exploring the school avenue to see where it gets you. Your school may have resources that can support your music goals, such as a music teacher, band director, instruments to borrow, practice space, ensembles, or other students who are interested in music. Even if school is not the only path, it may be one of the easiest places to find free or low-cost support. Also, if you already know how to play guitar, you might ask the music instructor if there are opportunities to help with summer music camps, lessons, or beginner workshops for other students.
If you are not already in a high school band, jazz ensemble, or another music group, consider talking with the music teacher. You might also ask whether there is a way to start a small group, such as a popular music ensemble or guitar club. Sometimes schools can provide instruments that students can learn on or play as long as they are participating in a music class or ensemble. It is worth checking out.
Since you are 15, you will need a work permit. In Ohio, you can find minor work permit information here:
https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/wage-and-hour/applications-and-forms/minor-work-permit-application
Once you have the proper paperwork, start applying for jobs that often hire teens, such as fast-food restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, recreation centers, or summer camps. Try to stay open-minded about the type of job. Even if the job is not music-related, it can help you build useful skills like responsibility, communication, time management, confidence, and working with other people.
When you start earning money, make a plan for your guitar setup. For example, if you earn $150 in take-home pay, decide ahead of time how much will go toward your guitar, phone, or other goals. With help from a parent or guardian, you might open a bank account. You could even ask about having two accounts: one for spending money and one for savings. If your guitar money is in an account that is not connected to a debit card, it may be easier to save because the money will not be as easy to spend. Making it a little inconvenient to access your savings can help you build money over time.
Another option is to visit a local music store, if there is one near you. Talk with the owner or employees and let them know you are interested in learning electric guitar and building a setup over time. They may know people selling used equipment or may be able to point you toward affordable beginner gear. You could also ask whether they ever hire teens or need help around the store. Even if they are not hiring, spending time around musicians and instruments can help you learn more about guitars, amps, and equipment.
Most importantly, keep taking small steps. You do not need to have everything at once. A job, a savings plan, school music opportunities, and connections with local musicians can all help you move closer to your music goals.
I hope this helps. Wishing you the best.
P. S.
Machine Learning
1
Answer
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
P.’s Answer
Hi JJ: I think helping people move is a good place to start --it can be strenuous but it usually pays well so you can make the money you're seeking quickly. I'd recommend doing it with a friend (it'll be safer and more fun that way).
Grace Pisano
Editor
8
Answers
Norwalk, Connecticut
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hey JJ - I wasn't clear on whether you meant setting up a guitar you already have (e.g., adjusting the neck, adjusting action, etc.) or getting a new/used guitar and rig. So I'll respond to both:
If a guitar setup in the first sense: watch some Youtube videos, but usually it just means cleaning up the guitar (wiping down with a damp cloth, new strings, possibly adjusting the action with an allen wrench, etc.) but if you have issues with electronics, you may need to bring it to a guitar shop or watch some videos to figure out what you can do yourself and what you need help with.
If you mean you are looking to get an electric guitar, amp, pedals, etc., then definitely check with the music teacher or bandleader at your school to see if there are school resources you can use or to get some tips on how you might score some cheap/free equipment. Also, many towns/areas have not-for-profit groups that seek to provide musical instruments, lessons, and opportunities for kids. Look for such groups in your area. Also, look at Musicares, which is a national nonprofit that aims to help musicians--they may have resources or advice for you.
As others have said, as well, look on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for free or used equipment as well. Just be cautious if you go that route (don't buy anything sight unseen and go with a friend or parent if you are meeting someone to check out gear).
Good luck to you! Rock on!
Grace
If a guitar setup in the first sense: watch some Youtube videos, but usually it just means cleaning up the guitar (wiping down with a damp cloth, new strings, possibly adjusting the action with an allen wrench, etc.) but if you have issues with electronics, you may need to bring it to a guitar shop or watch some videos to figure out what you can do yourself and what you need help with.
If you mean you are looking to get an electric guitar, amp, pedals, etc., then definitely check with the music teacher or bandleader at your school to see if there are school resources you can use or to get some tips on how you might score some cheap/free equipment. Also, many towns/areas have not-for-profit groups that seek to provide musical instruments, lessons, and opportunities for kids. Look for such groups in your area. Also, look at Musicares, which is a national nonprofit that aims to help musicians--they may have resources or advice for you.
As others have said, as well, look on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for free or used equipment as well. Just be cautious if you go that route (don't buy anything sight unseen and go with a friend or parent if you are meeting someone to check out gear).
Good luck to you! Rock on!
Grace
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
195
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Try to trade up. Buy something inexpensive you know you can sell for more money. Make it one item and make it something you know you will be able to sell. When you sell it, figure out the next thing you can sell for more money. Try to not invest the money you made from one sale into the next purchase but keep moving up.
This is essentially what music stores do (like Mom and Pop stores not big box stores, but big box stores do it too!). You get something that someone is like "I'll pay you $5 to get rid of this" and then find someone that wants to pay for the item. People quit music all of the time and sell of some really valuable equipment for not much, and this happens
all
the
time.
This often happens with music, movies, and games like CDs and DVDs. This happens with car parts and accessories too. In fact most goods there is someone somewhere that is getting rid of something worth money that can be purchased for less and sold to the right person for more.
After you get an idea on how to do this, figure out how to do it with guitars. The market for guitars, amplifiers, fx pedals, and aftermarket parts is something in its own. Buy your new $300 guitar and start playing it. Don't sell it, but find one that is better, buy it, and then figure out who wants to buy it from you. Trade your way up. This will likely not be your full time job, but on the side, this is a thing people do. If you have a worry about how you can get a guitar now, why not figure out how to do it from the start!
Ideally $300 will buy you a nice first instrument. You can play that all the way up and into you gigging regularly. In today's market, ideally $300 is not that much money. You can get a job and work, after a couple of weeks you would definitely have enough money for a guitar. If I had nothing and I needed $300, I would scrap and recycle metal (carefully!). Pick up cans, find copper and brass, find a place you can cash it in and in a weekend I'm sure you could get close to $300 from doing that. After that start to regularly check out thrift stores, pawn shops, and even small auctions. Start to buy the better junk and figure out that market. Right now junk computers with a video card and RAM installed can be parted out and sold for money pretty easily. Be safe (!!!) be smart, and start to figure out the value of things and profit from it! Also enjoy your guitar when you buy it!!
This is essentially what music stores do (like Mom and Pop stores not big box stores, but big box stores do it too!). You get something that someone is like "I'll pay you $5 to get rid of this" and then find someone that wants to pay for the item. People quit music all of the time and sell of some really valuable equipment for not much, and this happens
all
the
time.
This often happens with music, movies, and games like CDs and DVDs. This happens with car parts and accessories too. In fact most goods there is someone somewhere that is getting rid of something worth money that can be purchased for less and sold to the right person for more.
After you get an idea on how to do this, figure out how to do it with guitars. The market for guitars, amplifiers, fx pedals, and aftermarket parts is something in its own. Buy your new $300 guitar and start playing it. Don't sell it, but find one that is better, buy it, and then figure out who wants to buy it from you. Trade your way up. This will likely not be your full time job, but on the side, this is a thing people do. If you have a worry about how you can get a guitar now, why not figure out how to do it from the start!
Ideally $300 will buy you a nice first instrument. You can play that all the way up and into you gigging regularly. In today's market, ideally $300 is not that much money. You can get a job and work, after a couple of weeks you would definitely have enough money for a guitar. If I had nothing and I needed $300, I would scrap and recycle metal (carefully!). Pick up cans, find copper and brass, find a place you can cash it in and in a weekend I'm sure you could get close to $300 from doing that. After that start to regularly check out thrift stores, pawn shops, and even small auctions. Start to buy the better junk and figure out that market. Right now junk computers with a video card and RAM installed can be parted out and sold for money pretty easily. Be safe (!!!) be smart, and start to figure out the value of things and profit from it! Also enjoy your guitar when you buy it!!
Lisa Lollie
Consulting
3
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
JJ - I would also encourage you to leverage various marketplace and community boards to look for used guitars that people are just giving away. As for jobs, be creative! Think about ways to contribute around your community, with neighbors, and in online forums. For example, we have HS kids come around and ask if we have any odd jobs that we need help with. Often these aren't glamorous - like pulling weeds, or walking dogs - but every little bit helps. Make sure you have a savings plan in place as well so that when you make $20, you are putting it away and saving it towards your goal of $300. Set a target date for when you want to make the purchase and figure out how much you need to make and save each month to get there. Remember that you don't need to have the best, most expensive guitar to start out. A used guitar is perfectly fine in the beginning, get experience, play some gigs, and you should be able to figure out exactly what you want in the future. Best of luck!
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
330
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
To hit that $300 goal for your guitar setup without a phone or tools, you need to rely on local, labor-free neighborhood service. Because you don't have a phone, your best marketing tool is your feet: knock on doors and ask in person.
3 Best Zero-Tool Ways to Make $300:
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting: Neighbors who work all day will easily pay you $10–$15 per walk to exercise their dogs. You don't need tools—just a responsible attitude and a borrowed leash.
Car Washing (Using Their Supplies): Knock on doors and offer to wash cars. Crucial rule: tell them, "I will wash your car for $15, but I need to use your garden hose, bucket, and soap." Most homeowners gladly agree.
House Sitting & Plant Watering: When neighbors go on summer vacation, offer to pick up their mail, water their indoor plants, and feed their cats for a flat fee (e.g., $50 for the weekend).
The Math:
20 car washes at $15 = $300
3 weekend house-sitting gigs at $100 = $300
Write your parents' house phone number on paper slips to hand to neighbors so they can contact you safely. You can hit this goal in less than a month!
3 Best Zero-Tool Ways to Make $300:
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting: Neighbors who work all day will easily pay you $10–$15 per walk to exercise their dogs. You don't need tools—just a responsible attitude and a borrowed leash.
Car Washing (Using Their Supplies): Knock on doors and offer to wash cars. Crucial rule: tell them, "I will wash your car for $15, but I need to use your garden hose, bucket, and soap." Most homeowners gladly agree.
House Sitting & Plant Watering: When neighbors go on summer vacation, offer to pick up their mail, water their indoor plants, and feed their cats for a flat fee (e.g., $50 for the weekend).
The Math:
20 car washes at $15 = $300
3 weekend house-sitting gigs at $100 = $300
Write your parents' house phone number on paper slips to hand to neighbors so they can contact you safely. You can hit this goal in less than a month!
Mahum Hashmi
Analyst
9
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Mahum’s Answer
I would say to check marketplace to see if people are selling their unused guitars or if you have anyone you know who might be willing to give theirs. We all start from somewhere so I would say to start a side hustle and doing an activity you like and then earning money from there and then getting the guitar you want in the end (end goal). Have goals for yourself and take little bits of effort to get you to those goals.
Graham Munks
Software Developer
2
Answers
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Graham’s Answer
Start by really loving your instrument. Every musician dreams of a career, but for me, it took a long time to feel confident. Once it clicked, though, my instrument became a loyal friend that’s always with me.
When it comes to gear, I still use the same inexpensive guitar I got at 15—and now I'm 50! I also have a 40-year-old guitar amp. People will tell you it's your passion and dedication that make you a good musician, and if you keep at it, opportunities will come your way!
When it comes to gear, I still use the same inexpensive guitar I got at 15—and now I'm 50! I also have a 40-year-old guitar amp. People will tell you it's your passion and dedication that make you a good musician, and if you keep at it, opportunities will come your way!