Clean the instrument without hiding defects

Before photographing used gear, remove dust, fingerprints and ordinary surface dirt. The goal is to present the item well, not to make it appear different from its actual condition.

Avoid aggressive or improvised work immediately before selling. Unsuitable products, excessive polishing or deep cleaning can damage finishes, plastics, metal parts or electronic components.

If there are scratches, dents, corrosion or permanent marks, do not try to hide them in the photos. Cleaning and transparency should work together: a clean instrument is easier to assess, while clearly documented defects reduce misunderstandings after the sale.

For equipment requiring specialist maintenance, limit preparation to tasks you can perform safely and disclose any work that may still be needed.