Buying a Guitar on eBay

Fibus · Post by **Fibus** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:42 am

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 · Post by **luke** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:02 pm

Fibus wrote: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?

First things first, check the feedback. Make sure they have a healthy amount before buying, otherwise it might be risky. Check their feedback as a seller, ensure they've actually sold something before. Ensure you'll be able to pay by a suitable method, many times I've bought an item and I forgot to check that they only accept Postal Orders, for example. Ensure the shipping fee is going to be reasonable. And finally, ensure you're sure the item you're getting is as described. Check pictures. If you're worried about scratches, make sure there are pictures of the back. Ensure the seller mentions it's playable and in working order, at least then you can complain if the item is not as described.

I've bought several guitars from eBay and had zero problems, but many people may tell you different stories. If you're careful, it's definitely worth it, eBay is for the most part a very good way of buying and selling goods.

Post by **Doog** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:13 pm

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.

Post by **Mike** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:29 pm

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.

Fibus · Post by **Fibus** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:25 pm

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 · Post by **purplehaze19x** » Fri May 23, 2008 4:56 pm

...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 · Post by **Fibus** » Fri May 23, 2008 5:02 pm

See this is the kinda thing i am worried about!

Justin J · Post by **Justin J** » Fri May 23, 2008 6:54 pm

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 · Post by **purplehaze19x** » Fri May 23, 2008 6:56 pm

Fibus wrote:See this is the kinda thing i am worried about!

I have bought many guitar from ebay and this is the first time this has happend. the guy has feedbacks from early this month where he sold $1,600 guitars, and here i am buying a $750 Jazzmaster and nothing... surely there is an explanation........

DGNR8 · Post by **DGNR8** » Fri May 23, 2008 8:29 pm

Helps to know your stuff already, and research what you don't. I have generally had good luck unless I took some weird risks.

luke · Post by **luke** » Fri May 23, 2008 8:42 pm

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 · Post by **purplehaze19x** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:05 am

purplehaze19x wrote:...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!

I would just like to add i DID recieve the Jazzmaster!! ..and i also found out it was owned by Matthew Sweet.

He played it on David Letterman in '92 ..its on Youtube..

dodgedartdave · Post by **dodgedartdave** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:21 am

Don't buy a Highway 1. They suck.

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:48 am

purplehaze19x wrote:
purplehaze19x wrote:...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!
I would just like to add i DID recieve the Jazzmaster!! ..and i also found out it was owned by Matthew Sweet.

He played it on David Letterman in '92 ..its on Youtube..

wow, that's pretty cool. I just watched the video, the dude with the strat needed to chill the ef out but otherwise, cool.

timhulio · Post by **timhulio** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:44 am

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.

turtle · Post by **turtle** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:04 pm

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.

pinkandblue · Post by **pinkandblue** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:29 pm

purplehaze19x wrote:
purplehaze19x wrote:...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!
I would just like to add i DID recieve the Jazzmaster!! ..and i also found out it was owned by Matthew Sweet.

He played it on David Letterman in '92 ..its on Youtube..

Wow! For only $750! I used to love Mathew Sweet's music when I was a teenager, he got REAL fat though.

purplehaze19x · Post by **purplehaze19x** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:52 pm

timhulio wrote: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.

took about 2 weeks, which i didnt mind, ..damn fed-ex

purplehaze19x · Post by **purplehaze19x** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:53 pm

pinkandblue wrote:
purplehaze19x wrote:
purplehaze19x wrote:...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!
I would just like to add i DID recieve the Jazzmaster!! ..and i also found out it was owned by Matthew Sweet.

He played it on David Letterman in '92 ..its on Youtube..
Wow! For only $750! I used to love Mathew Sweet's music when I was a teenager, he got REAL fat though.

yeah $750. its a MIJ with the serial of E6 which dates to mid '80's

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:16 pm

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

Buying a Guitar on eBay

Buying a Guitar on eBay

Re: Buying a Guitar on eBay