We have simplified our shipping offerings in order to best respond to new postal rates, as well as providing the best value and shipping security based on our experiences with various carriers. We now offer both Fedex and UPS at their respective flat rate costs ($34.95 and $44.95) for domestic delivery. For accessory shipping costs, please refer to the actual shipping costs in the listing and not the prices below. We currently ship guitars to the following countries via International Express Mail for a flat cost of $119.
Other countries to which we ship with special rates:
Note - accessories and bodies ship at reduced rates, please refer to the shipping cost of the eBay listing itself.
Important! International buyers - please note that customs duties and import taxes may apply and are not covered by our shipping cost. Please verify with your local customs office, as we do not catalog this information.
We are professional instrument sellers and have had tremendously positive feedback provided on our packaging and shipping. All guitars are double boxed with neck support, with full cushioning in both the inner and outer boxes. Check out our About Me page to see what others are saying!
This is a question that everyone asks! Both the USED and 2nd stamp are used to signify that a guitar is no longer for sale under a retail distribution agreement. It is stamped into the wood (not ink) and can't be removed. In other words, it can't be sold to you as a new guitar. The stamp is applied at the factory, and protects both the consumer and the manufacturer from dishonest retailers.
There could be many reasons why a guitar gets the USED or 2nd stamp:
- Minor cosmetic blemishes
- Electronics needing repair
- Faulty hardware (tuners, bridge saddles, etc.)
- Structural defects
All of the guitars we sell with USED and 2nd stamps come to us from the largest instrument refurbishing center in the world, located in the USA in Nashville, TN. Fender and Gibson certified technicians address problems that the instruments have and restore them, in most cases, to like new condition. The instruments go through a rigorous quality review before being sent to us for resale.
As a general rule, we do not sell any instruments that have structural defects. If one exists, it will be vigorously disclosed you are fully understand what you are purchasing. In most cases, the used stamp is very light, hardly visible. Occassionally there is a very deep stamp, which we will disclose if necessary.
Q. The Serial Number looks to be scratched out?
In addition to stamping the guitar USED or 2ND at the factory, the guitar's serial number is partially or fully removed in order to protect both the manufacturer and the consumer. It protects the consumer from someone selling them a blemished guitar as a brand new guitar, and it protects the manufacturer from warranty claims, as it already is aware that there may be a cosmetic blemish on the instrument.
Q. Are there any scratches or other imperfections on the guitar?
All major defects or imperfections are mentioned in the description. Be aware that these guitars have been handled several times by technicians and warehouse workers. They are not always "factory fresh." Many have very minor surface wear, scuff marks, or pickguard marks. We try to mention everything beyond the incidental, small items. We have also spent a great deal of time learning how to photograph guitars to give you the best possible (non-photoshopped!) impression of what you will be receiving.
Q. Are the pictures seen in the eBay listing of the exact item being sold?
Every item is tagged at the time of photographing to a "Guitar Inventory ID," which you will see in the listing. That ID is tied to all of our photos so we always know which photograph goes with which guitar. You will always get what is pictured unless there is an extradordinary circumstance, in which case it will be fully discussed with you before shipment is made. Some of our brand new items such as pickups and accessories do use stock photos.
Q. Do factory 2nd instruments and used instruments carry a warranty?
No, 2nds and used instruments do not carry any warranty. We do guarantee the instrument to be as described or your money back. Many of our accessories do carry such a warranty since they are new. Read more on our "About Me" page.