We love the ability of the internet to connect us with thousands of sellers each day of Vintage Electric Guitars, Amps, Recording Gear, Pedals, and everything else we can think of. BUT, we are also not completely naive and know that buying vintage studio gear online does also carry its risks.

Below are some tips we’ve compiled to help you make safe and smart buying decisions:

1. Fact Check: Usually a “fake” can be spotted just by checking your facts. Cross reference the year, the model, the color styles, etc. etc. as much as you can online. If need be, check with your local library to see if they have any resources on vintage music equipment. Being informed will help you make wise purchasing decisions.

2. Ask for Serials: Most vintage guitars and other equipment will have serial numbers, logos, and other identifying characteristics. If in doubt, (or even just to make a regular habit) ask the seller to send pictures. It is possible for these to be tampered with, but it can be an extra step in making sure you are getting legitimate vintage gear.

3. Watch for Reissues: It’s completely possible to think you are getting an original when in fact it is a reissue. Double and triple check your facts!

4. Note Condition: An abused piece of gear is not going to give you the best playing capabilities – take extra care in watching for condition – especially in makes and models with specific known issues with wiring or structure.

5. Watch for Swaps: It’s relatively easy for someone to switch pickups or other features of a piece of vintage gear so be on the lookout for it.

6. Read Seller Rating & Feedback: Most sites have a seller rating or feedback. The better it is (and the longer span it has), the more confident you can be that you are getting something legitimate.

7. Look for Return Policies: Most sellers will have their own individual return policies – some with the dreaded “as-is” others offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whatever the policy is, make sure you’re aware of it and can live with it even if the worst case scenario happens.

8. Upgrade Shipping and Buy Insurance: This might seem like a nobrainer, but sending something parcel post and without insurance is a recipe for disaster.

9. If Need Be, Contact the Website: If problems arise that you cannot work out with the seller, be in contact with the website and if necessary your lawyer. While we’ve never had any problems in years of buying on sites like ebay and others, people do have differences of opinion and its possible for even the most experienced buyers to run into problems or a fraudulent seller from time to time.

These tips aren’t here to scare you from buying online, just to help you make safe purchasing decisions. Remember, even though we might say “Hey check out this awesome listing…” we’re not responsible if it is not a genuine piece of vintage gear or the condition is it in. Neither are sites such as ebay or others that offer vintage gear.

Now that we’ve given you all that good information…why not see what’s new on eBay?