Buying Guitar Of Ebay, any tips and advice? |
|
Buying Guitar Of Ebay, any tips and advice? |
|
|
|
|
Aug 13 2008, 09:26 PM |
The prices of guitars in the US are often about 50% of what they cost here. A Gibson I was browsing just an hour ago in a US store sell for 5400 SEK while the local shop (in Stockholm) is asking 11995 for the same model. It's ridicilous. That covers a trip to the US get the guitar and you still saved a buck.
I think buying low end guitars off of eBay is a bad idea. But if you're going for a brand and model known for it's quality, how bad can it get? In worst case you get a Gibson for 5400 SEK that's the quality of an Epiphone that you'd pay the same money for here in Svedala. At least it says "Gibson" on the headstock. Seriously, I think it's rather safe. Sure, you can sit in the shop and try some guitars and find the one that's right for you. The sound and the feel of it is just right from start. But these expensive guitars like PRS and Gibson USA for that matter to name a couple have their strict quality control to avoid bad eggs. They use quality parts and quality wood and the craftsmen are skilled and aim for high quality rather than high quantity. (or maybe a bit of both) So even if you get a guitar that opposite to the one you try in a store and fall in love with you'll get one made from quality parts and I think it will just be the otherway around, you have to get used to your guitar. like always when going from one guitar to another it feels wierd at first but it's possible imho to learn to like a guitar, at least it is if it's a high quality one. So if you go for an expensive guitar (with that I mean high quality) I think you will end up with a good one from eBay. For a low end guitar... I'd think again. EDIT: A reservation for if you get it off eBay and if something is broken or in any other way bad with the guitar. That's when your problem starts. But if you're willing to take that risk I think it's worth it. I mean, you could get the guitar at GC store and find out only later when you're back hom in Sweden that it's broken in some way. Same problem in that case regarding returns. This post has been edited by MickeM: Aug 13 2008, 09:55 PM -------------------- My bands homepage
All time favourites: B. Streisand - Woman in Love, M. Hopkin - Those were the days, L. Richie - Hello |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Aug 13 2008, 11:52 PM |
Oh, btw.. An old friend of mine told me that if i get the salesguy to write "To be repaired" or something like that, customs will let it pass through without putting taxes on.. know anything about that? I would rather save the ~28% taxes on a $3000 guitar.. ;) I'm not sure the customs will even bother about a single guitar. They might if they have enough staff and time on their hands but a fair guess is that narcotics, ciggarettes, alcohol and if you tried to patch 100 guitars through would catch their eye. We've (my family) been quite a bit in asia and when going from f.ex Hong Kong to another asian country or going home we always tear stickers and stuff off and ditch the original package. Eveything should look used ;) Passing through customs in some countries there they will turn your bags inside out if you're arriving from Hong Kong. But with badly folded clothes in the luggage and cameras hanging around your neck, cameras bought in HK but looking like a tourist with an interest in photography they can't do much. Same with the guitar, if they find it with gibson brouchures stuck to the headstock they will know it's new and they can if they want to, chanrge you with import tax and VAT (moms). Around 28% like you said. But maing it looked used and adding a note you have at least tried your best to fool customs. Surely they have seen it a thousand times already but if you have a good story if they bother to ask you you should be safe. And what are the chanses for that, one in a thousand? I've been to the SF guitar center. It is one of the nicer ones I've been to... But, honestly the guitars aren't. People come in all day and mindlessly poke around on those instruments (not discluding myself). I saw a Steve Vai Jem with a broken e-string, a few scratches, and a missing cap on the pickup switch. I know those problems aren't major, but I would just be careful when buying something from them (especially of that value)! I think they would fetch one from their stock instead of handing you the guitar in display. If they don't that means they give used guitars to the customer and puts a brand new up for display again. Usually the display goes last for less money. -------------------- My bands homepage
All time favourites: B. Streisand - Woman in Love, M. Hopkin - Those were the days, L. Richie - Hello |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Aug 14 2008, 12:02 AM |
I bought tons of gear from eBay and so far
I had no bad experiences indeed. Truth is,those were usually components like preamps, poweramps,digi-efxs,hard solid stuff so it's like working or not working. There can be some failure with button or something but sellers are always pointing at those minor issue. But guitar,I just couldn't buy it before I try it, it's too personal part of gear imho. Try local shops as suggested,spend a day if you need and you'll surely find something for you. I mean,imagine you're self opening the box, trying the guitar and saying "wow,this might not be what I expected" But that was just me, Smells will show you totally different approach to this matter! This post has been edited by Muris Varajic: Aug 14 2008, 12:02 AM -------------------- Youtube
MySpace Website Album "Let It Out" on iTunes and CD Baby Check out my video lessons and instructor board! The Pianist tune is progress,check it out! "ok.. it is great.. :P have you myspace? Can i to personalize this for you guy?" |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Aug 14 2008, 01:19 PM |
It is always better to try out a guitar in a store and then buy the same guitar. It is possible to buy the same one via eBay, but I wouldn't do that. It's too much of a risk IMO. I would say buy it only if you really don't have another option, and try to calculate just how much you will get a discount when buying from eBay. If it is a formidable difference in relation to the one in the store, then buy it.
-------------------- - Ivan's Video Chat Lesson Notes HERE
- Check out my GMC Profile and Lessons - (Please subscribe to my) YouTube Official Channel - Let's be connected through ! Facebook! :) |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Aug 14 2008, 02:30 PM |
Well I don't know what is the price difference from new guitars in stores and on ebay (or other online stores)...Buying on ebay can get you very good gear and deals but it bears some risks and it requires some skills for it..And when guitar is the case I recommend buying one in US store and bringing it with you on a plane
This post has been edited by Bogdan Radovic: Aug 14 2008, 02:30 PM -------------------- For GMC support please email support (at) guitarmasterclass.net
Check out my lessons and my instructor board. Check out my beginner guitar lessons course! ; Take a bass course now! |
|
|
||