I am looking for an electric guitar in Chiang Mai.

I am assuming used will cost less than new, but the game may be different here.

I am finding that about 3500 Baht is standard range.

The problem with buying new in Chiang Mai and the difference between here and the USA is that the thai's wrap their new guitars in plastic, but any guitarist knows you have to try the guitar before knowing if you can buy it. and they will not like it if you ask them to unwrap guitar after guitar without buying.

But the used ones will not be wrapped.

anyone know their way around this market?

the sound I am looking for is blues/rock.

There are numerous 2nd hand shops on Maneenaparot Road (outer road on the northern moat) east of Chotana Road.

They have numerous types of guitars for sale amoungst many other goods.

The shops that wrap the guitars are usually multi-purpose shops selling tvs, electric fans, etc. There are many proper music shops in Chiang Mai where the new guitars are not wrapped & you can try them out. On the budget end, I'd recommend the shop on the 3rd floor of Kad Suan Kaew. You'll probably have to pay a little more than 3500 Baht there but the owner is friendly, helpful & carries a good selection at decent prices. There are many other options around, though.

At home in USA I own several high end guitars costing thousands.

I bought a new guitar, amp & case at a small shop on the North Moat after playing several models - made in China - but I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality and sound. Total cost for everything 7000 baht.