Guitars and basses: separate finish, structure and normal wear

On guitars and basses, inspect finish, woods, joints, neck, headstock and cavities separately.

Scratches and wear may be consistent with age; refinishing, structural repairs or routing instead change material and configuration. Look for colour differences, overspray, added holes, enlarged cavities and signs of glue work or breaks.

Do not conclude from one photograph alone: finishes can age unevenly and older repairs may be difficult to detect.

For important items, photograph uncertain areas before disassembly and limit disassembly to what you can do safely.