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Fibus · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 11:42 am Post subject: Buying a Guitar on eBay

I am not sure where to post this but this seems like the appropriate place.

I am looking into getting a telecaster and i thought i would take a look on eBay to see what was out there since i might be able to get one cheaper on there than in a shop. Do you guys (and gals) have any advice for buying a guitar on eBay, anything to watch out for or should i just forget about it and spend the extra cash on something i get to play before i pay?

luke · . Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 2201

Doog · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:13 pm Post subject:

Generally the more brief the listing, the more likely it is they're not too savvy so you might end up with a dud. I bough a cheapo Marlin bass from a dude in Ireland years back, it turned up wrapped in bubblewrap and gaffataped inside a BIN LINER, with NO bridge saddles, and the fretboard was seperating from the neck.

I emailed the guy asking "WHERE THE HELL ARE THE BRIDGE SADDLES" and got back a fine "I wouldn't know what a bridge saddle is if you told me, mate" reply.

Gearheads tend to gush about their gear in listings and feature lots of pics- so a thorough listing is a good listing. I've had zero problems buying a new guitar online, so I guess it's only really used stuff to be wary of.

And yeah, lack of decent pics or feedback is often a bad sign.
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Mike · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:29 pm Post subject:

What those guys said - plus check communication before the auction. Ask a question - if they come back chirpy and helpful it's a good sign.

I am a good ebay seller because I care that the person is happy in addition to getting some cash.
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Fibus · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

I am usually an astute ebay buyer but with something like a guitar i would be wary, i mean i tried a lot of guitars before i bought my acoustic just because i loved the feel of it which is something you can't get from buying online. The two tele's i am looking at at the moment though, one is a guy selling it for his daughter looks like its in pretty nice nik but not much of a description or anything about it and the other one which is advertised as a 1990s tele but the serial on the headstock indicates its a 2001 tele which raised some red flags though i have sent him a question about i, both are Mexican since that seems to be the cheapest. I would post the listings here for you more experience guitar buyers to run your critical eye over but i am afraid someone might outbid me then.

Both sellers seem to have pretty good feedback.

purplehaze19x · . Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 384 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

...I dont know, i bought a Jazzmaster from a guy that had 600+ feedbacks, with only about 2 or 3 negatives, and i have not seen the guitar, wont return my emails either. i'll give him one more week then the shit will hit the fan!

Fibus · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

See this is the kinda thing i am worried about!

Justin J · . Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 2224 Location: usa

when i bought my jaguar, it took the guy weeks to ship the thing, but when he finally did i got it really quickly. i actually ended up getting free shipping 'cause it was shipped fedex overnight and they sent it to florida instead. i got it a day later and it cost me nothing.

purplehaze19x · . Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 384 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

DGNR8 · . Joined: 30 Sep 2006 Posts: 4209 Location: DC Area

Helps to know your stuff already, and research what you don't. I have generally had good luck unless I took some weird risks.
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luke · . Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 2201

Of course you'll never get to be sure how a guitar feels and sounds until you buy it (unless like Hurb and Mike the sellers are awesome enough to post demos or something) but it's eBay, and if you buy cheap the chances are you'll be able to move it on for the same price if you don't like it. It's like fishing or something, just catch it and throw it back if you're not happy.

purplehaze19x · . Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 384 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

dodgedartdave · . Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 904

Don't buy a Highway 1. They suck.

Mages · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:48 am Post subject:

timhulio · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:44 am Post subject:

How long did the Jazzmaster take to arrive, in the end? Items posted from the USA can take weeks, especially if caught up in customs (who charge 17.5% VAT, if you're based in the UK), that's something else to be aware of.
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turtle · . Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 957 Location: Manhattan

I love eBay..........it's my new addiction.
Just sold a guitar to a guy in Spain.
I've bought guitars there too like the other guys said.....

I have had fine success with all my dealings buying or selling.
I have my items wrapped prior to close of auction and ship within minutes of received payment.

I like to see close up pictures to get a good idea.
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pinkandblue · . Joined: 26 May 2008 Posts: 108 Location: Dublin

purplehaze19x · . Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 384 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

purplehaze19x · . Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 384 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mages · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:16 pm Post subject:

that's cool, so it's a fujigen then.
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