Tips to learn from "pawn stars" the tv series

[fgl]

I have noted an increasing amount of fake guitars / parts / stuuff etc and scammers here in soft.

Here's my suggestion, as I have observed from the TV series PAWN STARS - when ever they need to verify if an item is genuine. So, when softies are dealing to buy an expensive item:

1. Bring an expert on the product (not just a well meaning friend for morale support) who can verify it's authenticity.

2. Meet at a shop specializing in such stuff for a quick appraisal. Granted many shop owners might not want to get involved but some may.

3. Do your research before hand and know the aproximate market price accordong to condition and set a mental note of it when dealing.

When at any point in time in any doubt about the seller or the product regarding authenticity or price / value: BACK OFF AND SAY NO DEAL!

The Pawn Stars shop also ask sellers "how did you get this" - once a seller revealed he stole a hat off a sleeping Russian cop, the shop refused to buy it.

Cheers ...

 

[relinquish69]

Like I always mention on most threads here on Soft, just post pictures and we'll give you a hand. I've checked countless guitars before & can most definitely offer some help (Ibanez & Fender especially). All I need are pictures, specific ones not those artsy fartsy kind.

 

[fgl]

Wow that's a generous offer.

Problem is, what if the pix n actual guitar is not the same?

 

[relinquish69]

Wow that's a generous offer.

Problem is, what if the pix n actual guitar is not the same?

hmmm, why would they do that if they were asking for help? maybe I'm not catching it right. can give an example?

in any case if say the seller shows you a picture that is different from what you see in person, it's definitely a no deal already right?

 

[fgl]

Basically a seller might just take a pix off the net of the same guitar but it's no guarantee the actual guitar for sale is the same as the one in the pix. I myself while doing up certain guitars using bootleg decals often refer to pix from the net including where possible the serial numbers etc. a newbie will not be able to tell the differences between a good copy and the real thing. I've seen some ppl fake LPs from China look almost like the real thing.

Buyers ... I suggest you view, test and get an assurance that the guitar is genuine before parting with your hard earned cash.