Condition, defects and modifications

Select the platform’s appropriate condition grade, but explain it with concrete facts.

For example:

• “two small marks on the back”;
• “visible fret wear in the first positions”;
• “volume pot slightly noisy”;
• “display intact with one superficial scratch”;
• “original case with one non-working latch”.

The summary condition grade helps filtering; the description explains the item’s actual state.

Avoid trying to offset a defect with vague phrases such as “otherwise perfect”.

Do not use cosmetic appearance as an automatic summary of the item’s overall condition.

Describe separately:

Cosmetic condition

• scratches;
• dents;
• discolouration;
• corrosion;
• wear.

Functionality

• electronics;
• controls;
• mechanical operation;
• display;
• connections;
• product-specific components.

This separation makes the listing much clearer and prevents a cosmetic assessment from being interpreted as a statement about functionality.

Clearly disclose when a component has been replaced or modified.

Where possible, state:

• original component;
• installed component;
• whether the change is reversible or permanent;
• whether original parts are still available;
• any physical work performed;
• who carried out the work, when known and relevant.

Do not automatically call every replacement an “upgrade”. To a buyer, a modification may be positive, irrelevant or undesirable.

Originality can be even more important for vintage and collectible gear.

If you know about significant repairs carried out in the past, disclose them.

Examples include:

• structural breaks;
• major electronic replacements;
• power-supply repairs;
• speaker or transformer repairs;
• display or circuit-board replacement;
• work on mechanical parts.

If useful documentation is available, you can mention its existence.

There is no need to turn every routine service into a problem, but it is important to distinguish ordinary maintenance from interventions that may matter to the buyer’s assessment.

Some functions may be difficult to test: specialised connections, MIDI, effects loops, digital ports, specific outputs or behaviours that occur only under certain conditions.

If you have not verified a function, say so.

If a problem occurs only occasionally, describe it as intermittent and explain when it appears, if known.

Do not turn the absence of testing into a positive claim.

This precision protects both the buyer and the credibility of the listing.