Buying a Guitar over the Internet - Has anyone?

Coolstu · #1 02-17-2001, 09:33 PM

Has anyone bought a Guitar over the Internet?
Does anyone have any advice on buying a second hand guitar over the Internet?

luther · #2 02-17-2001, 11:19 PM

I have bought a JPM, *a JEM, *and two JS guitars off the internet. *Every deal has been great, *and every guitar showed up in the condition it was advertised to be in.

A phone conversation should give you a good read on the type of person you are dealing with. *I have always trusted everyone, *and sent a Money Order off, *and then waited for an email with the tracking number, *and shipment of the guitar.

Luther

Coolstu · #3 02-18-2001, 12:08 AM

Did they cash the money order before they sent the Guitar?
How long did it take to get the Guitar?

vaijem777 · #4 02-18-2001, 12:11 AM

Over the last few years, I've bought around 20 guitars off of EBay and Harmony Central, and have sold at least that many. *I've only had one bad experience so far, and was able to get it cleared up eventually. *

As for payment, I normally request Postal Money orders or bank cashier's checks. *PayPal and Billpoint are great too. *

When recieving money, I will usually hold off on cashing the cashier's check or money order until I hear that the other person is satisfied with their purchase. *

Greg RG7 · #5 02-18-2001, 12:44 AM

Ok first off, I *won a Transparent Green Ibanez USRG30 for a very fair price. His Ebay Title stated "100% Mint!" * He also Advertised it had an EBONY fretboard. *Naturally I jumped all over it thinking it was a custom job. *(HUGE DEAL!!!)
* When I got it in the mail, *it was a normal rosewood fretboard, and there were many many scratches on the back of the guitar that looked like the guy had a metal hick-type belt buckle. *no major dents or dings it actually was in decent condition. *NOT %100 Mint, but ok. *It is now my live guitar ( I wont take my Brand new beautiful RG3120TW to some dingy club!!!!)
* I have heard many stories about online guitar buying. *This is my new rule : *Give the seller a %30 curve. *if he says "100% mint," *it has scratches on it and he is lying. *If he says "Only been played once." *That means he has played it alot but maybe even rubbed his nose on it. *If it says "a few dings," *DONT BID ON IT. *hahaahah
* THE WORST part is how they BACK UP THEIR LIES! "dude, I'm sorry to hear it has scratches on it, I'm a bass player and never touched the thing, I wouldnt know. *I bought it off some guy who had no arms and never played it. It didnt have scratches when I sent it. UPS probably did it, man." *
* * I suggest Brand new, even if you have to wait as long as I did to get my Rg3120 from Japan (5 months). *but if you see some SWEET DEAL online, *DONT TRUST THEM and get as much written information about it as you can.
* * Keep Shreddin. *

Coolstu · #6 02-18-2001, 12:47 AM

Thanks for the advice.

wyzenhymer · #7 02-18-2001, 08:43 AM

I have also bought and sold several guitars over the net. Although one arrived in less than expected condition, I have had no real problems.

bduersch · #8 02-18-2001, 10:30 AM

I've had really good luck with all the guitars I've bought/traded on-line. I usually ask the seller a barrage of questions...

1. Do the guitar's electronics work properly? Have you actually played the guitar?
2. Are there any chips, dings, or scratches on the front, sides, or back of the guitar body? Are they only in the clearcoat, or do they go through to the wood?
3. Is there significant wear on the neck?
4. Is there significant wear on the frets?
5. Is there any finish wear on the hardware?
6. How is the guitar's action?
7. How many owners has the guitar had? Where did you purchase the guitar from?

Most people will be honest if you hit them with a wide variety of questions. If they don't answer all the questions, chances are they're either covering something up or don't know enough about guitars to be able to make an informed answer (either way, beware!).

--B

Jimi D · #9 02-18-2001, 11:06 AM

I too have bought and traded many, many guitars on the net. My best advice is to - whenever possible - deal with someone with a significant online presence. Whether it be a moderator or long time member of Jemsite or some other major guitar users group, or an eBay seller with LOTS of feedback, I think you have a far better chance of being satisfied with the purchase and process if you're dealing with someone who has built a reputation in the online guitar community. Telephone contact before the check is sent is also an absolute must to keep communications clear. If you want an Ibanez, be sure to write to Rich and Kirk first - especially Kirk :biggrin:

keith · #10 02-18-2001, 03:25 PM

I bought a new RG520QS [trans blue] from Rich for $929 [guitar, uv1000c case and express shipping to europe].

I must say the he is the BEST. He chose it from about 20 guitars for best top, and it is truly incredible, and also sent me a pic of my baby. He even sent it off before he recieved full payment.

He made it such a point that i be satisfied...unique.
It arrive within a week of payment, and the only problem i had was with the bank due to the funds transfer.

You wont be sorry if you buy from Rich. I cant say about the others :biggrin: .

Rich · #11 02-18-2001, 03:31 PM

Ahhh, Mr. Vella, welcome back, I wondered if that was you

keith · #12 02-18-2001, 04:12 PM

my last name sounds italian, doesn't it?
God i'm sexy :biggrin:

Nice seeing you in the new forum Rich!!

Coolstu · #13 02-19-2001, 12:33 AM

Buying a guitar over the Internet for the first time just seems such so bewildering. Especially if you are looking to buy something like a JEM7VWH which costs a lot of money.
Normally people would ALWAYS have a close inspection and try out a second hand guitar before they bought it but now with the Internet that can be a bit difficult

I suppose it's one of these things you have to do if you are desperate for a certain model.
Has anyone bought a guitar over the Internet and then returned it because they were unhappy with it?

littlegreenman · #14 02-19-2001, 05:31 AM

I've bought a bunch of stuff over the internet lately including a JEM77FP and a UV7BK.
I think the big trick is to make sure to ask all possible questions, get all the details in e-mail, save all the e-mails and print them. *This leaves you a verified paper trail so if something does go sour, you have a legal case at least. *Talking to someone on the phone goes a long way too. *Also, get references if you can from someone else who's dealt with the person you are dealing with. *
If you are really concerned, there are companies who will be a "third party" where they receive the guitar, and the money, and nothing gets shipped until both parties complete their end of the deal. *They can also verify the contents, (guitar or whatever) for you so you know you're not paying for a JEM7VWH and getting a K-mart special.
I've had nothing but good luck with my internet deals, but as with anything, be careful, get ALL the information, and be sure to have hard copies of all transactions, e-mails or otherwise.
I know it sounds bad, but until you know someone or have dealt with them, you almost need to not trust them until you know who they are. *I think I've made some pretty good online friends with the deals I've had and would recommend any of them in a transaction.
Jeremy

sawzall · #15 02-19-2001, 09:36 AM

I would also suggest using an Escrow service. I've had great experience buying and selling gear via the net, but was burned badly, ONCE. By a guy who is a pro and no stranger to the law.
All it takes is once. He ended up getting about $2.5K worth of bids in a week's time. Not a bad haul from 4 or 5 trusting victims.
This is my experience, before I sent *more than $200 to anyone, I'd use an escrow service.

js