Guitars & Basses: warranties compared
9 brands. We read every warranty so you don't have to. Checked through October 2026.
9 of 9 brands cover guitars & basses in full for one year or less. 9 brands keep some parts covered after full coverage ends, and 4 keep something covered for life.
Every brand, side by side
- 1PRS Guitars45/100Full: NonePartial: to lifetimePartial covers: Whole guitar; Electronics and hardware
- 2Taylor Guitars45/100Full: NonePartial: to lifetimePartial covers: Guitar; Electronics and pickup
- 3Yamaha45/100Full: NonePartial: to lifetimePartial covers: Body and neck; Hardware and electronics
- 4Epiphone40/100Full: NonePartial: to lifetimePartial covers: Instrument (body, neck, hardware); Factory-installed electronicsUnverified
- 5Fender15/100Full: NonePartial: to 2 yearsPartial covers: Whole instrument
- 6Kala15/100Full: NonePartial: to 2 yearsPartial covers: American-made models; Whole instrument
- 7Squier15/100Full: NonePartial: to 2 yearsPartial covers: Whole instrument
- 8Ibanez13/100Full: NonePartial: to 1 yearPartial covers: Whole instrumentVaries by model line
- 9Martin13/100Full: NonePartial: to 1 yearPartial covers: Whole instrumentVaries by model line
From each maker's published warranty. “Unverified” means we couldn't confirm the terms on the maker's own site. How we rate warranties
What these warranties often leave out
- Cracks4 of 9 brands
- Normal wear and tear4 of 9 brands
- Accidental breaks and misuse3 of 9 brands
- Noise3 of 9 brands
- Power problems1 of 9 brands
How long stores give you to return it
Longest return window first, for guitars & basses.
- WalmartMost items90 days
- Guitar CenterMost items45 days
- Music & ArtsMost items30 days from delivery
- SweetwaterMost items30 days from delivery
From each store's published return policy, using its rule for guitars & basses where it has one. Member and holiday extensions aren't counted. Check yours before you buy.
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Questions shoppers ask
Which brand of guitars & basses has the best warranty?
On paper, PRS Guitars scores highest, with no full coverage but some parts covered to lifetime.
Is a long warranty on guitars & basses really that long?
Often not for the whole product. Many longer warranties cover only certain parts after the first year or two, and you usually pay for the labor. The bars above show full and partial coverage separately.
Do I need to register to get the warranty?
1 of 9 brands require registration for some of their coverage, often within a set number of days. Keep your receipt either way.
Forward the receipt and I-BUY.AI tracks the return window and warranty for you.