Just like with other consumer goods, there is an array of financing programs available to help you purchase an acoustic guitar. Financing a guitar can be a great way to add value to your purchase, whether that means extending your budget so that you can pay for the guitar over a long period of time or simply to get more guitar for your money. That high-end acoustic you’ve been craving, but felt a little out of reach? With financing, you might be able to make it happen.

Many retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar, offer special financing deals, some year-round, others only during special events or around the holiday season. Most of these offers will include opportunities to make a purchase with zero interest over a specified period, which generally can be anything from 6 months to 24 months or even longer, depending on the offer.

Recently, there’s also been a move toward “Buy Now, Pay Later” offers, which provide extended payment options through third parties such as Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay and others. Many major retailers will also offer their own credit cards with interest-free deals available after you’re approved.

Here are a few tips to help you use financing to your advantage and get what you really want.

1. Financing a guitar can help you take home The One.

Given the broad range of guitar price points (from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars), a big question for many customers, especially beginning players, is how much to spend. Should you buy one of those inexpensive player packs? Would you be happier saving and buying a mid-level instrument with better features at a higher price point? Should you consider financing to nab that special guitar you can’t seem to put down before someone else claims it? Financing a guitar purchase may allow you to “step up” to the guitar you really want.

2. Shop around.

Some guitar manufacturers offer interest-free financing through participating authorized dealers. Additionally, many dealers may also offer their own financing options, so always be sure to ask a dealer what their layaway or financing options are. The most common programs are 12-month, 18-month, 24-month, and even 36-month deals, which can allow you to spread the payments out over a period that works for you. If you’re really interested in a guitar, a good dealer should be willing to work with you to help you secure it. Using a combination of money saved and financing can also be a good option.

3. Know the details.

Smart shopping takes an informed shopper. Just like buying a house, car or other high ticket items, it’s important that you educate yourself on the details, terms and conditions of financing so that you don’t miss a payment or end up without a guitar in the end.

Related: How To Find The Best Acoustic Guitar For You

4. Financing can help you buy other guitar gear.

Depending on your needs, you might want to pick up other guitar gear like a PA system, amplifier, accessories, etc., and an interest-free financing program can help you get set up with everything you need.

5. Think of financing a guitar as an investment in yourself.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “Buy nice or buy twice.” Beginners or recreational players in particular may find a guitar that they love but think, “How can I justify spending the money? I’m not that good a player.” But do you want to be? A good guitar will help get you there. Even if you’re on a budget, try not to skimp on fundamental qualities like playability, intonation, and sound. If you do, you might end up with a guitar that never gets played or hampers your progress.

Related: Acoustic Guitar Innovation Spotlight: The Taylor Neck

6. You’re investing in a product that will age well.

A well-crafted acoustic guitar, especially an all-solid-wood model made by a reputable company, will sound better over time if it’s properly cared for. This is one of the unique pleasures of a quality instrument made from quality materials, due to the nature of the natural aging process on the wood. (Think of it like a wine that matures over time.) This should give you additional peace of mind as you consider financing a guitar purchase because, if for some reason you ever need to sell the guitar down the road — possibly to upgrade to another class of guitar — it will tend to hold its value well.

Good luck and happy shopping!