Buying Used Tips

[ben23c]

Been playing bass for several years now and have bought and sold a few basses. The first and only cabinet I have ever bought and currently own is a GK GLX 410. I bought it new so there was very little room for flaws and if so, i'd be able to take it up with guitarcenter.

I want to sell it because I've been hearing things about them blowing out and wish to ditch it before something happens. With that farewell, comes the need for a new cabinet. I'd like to buy used but am worried that previous owners may have mistreated it- I don't believe you can really trust anyone who's in it to get paid.

So with all that being said, what are some tips or practices you guys can tell me about when buying used gear? More specifically amps, but I'm also curious to hear about pedals, basses, and whatever else.

 

[ddnidd1]

You can get some idea by the physical condition. If its beat to crap you have some idea of the overall treatment its received.

Then play it. Put it through its paces. Does everything work, etc. For a cabinet or a bass I will play every note to check for odd cabinet resonances, high frets, etc.

Does the seller come across as a scumbag?

Ask a lot of questions.

Does the seller have any kind of a track record on Ebay or TB?

Ultimately its a used item and there's always risk.

If you want to minimize risk, buy new and pay the premium.