You should ride a bike before you buy but it doesn't mean you should buy used because some buyers don't allow test rides. A new guitar that someone didn't play is probably not one I am as interested in I want someone to have loved that guitar because that probably means it sounds good. If you look at a lot of professional musicians they go to pawn shops and buy used instruments and you see a lot of them go for well played stuff for a reason. There is mojo in them thar pickups.