Test the instrument

With digital products, hardware operation is only part of the assessment.

Where relevant, verify:

• loading and saving presets;
• internal memory;
• system version;
• boot time and abnormal freezes;
• compatibility with editors or drivers you plan to use;
• any transferable libraries, licences or content.

Do not assume that software, plug-ins or libraries shown in the listing automatically transfer with the hardware.

Ask the seller to clearly distinguish what belongs physically to the instrument from anything tied to separate accounts or licences.

Inspect the areas most likely to receive impact or stress: headstock, neck joint, bridge, body edges and mounting points.

Look for:

• cracks or unusual finish lines;
• traces of glue;
• added holes;
• modified routing;
• disclosed repairs;
• parts that appear misaligned.

Not every repair makes an instrument unreliable. A professional repair can be perfectly stable, but it should be known, described and reflected in the overall valuation.

If you cannot distinguish a simple finish crack from a structural issue, ask a qualified technician before buying.

Listen to the amplifier both when idle and while playing single notes, chords and stronger transients.

Pay attention to:

• excessive hum;
• intermittent crackle;
• cabinet vibration;
• a speaker scraping or distorting abnormally;
• unstable volume;
• noise that changes when touching pots or jacks.

A high-gain amplifier may naturally be noisier than a clean channel, so always judge the behaviour in relation to the channel and settings being used.

If a problem appears only after several minutes, note it. Intermittent faults can be harder to diagnose.

For a digital effect, test the management functions as well as the audio path.

Check:

• loading and changing presets;
• display operation;
• encoders and buttons;
• saving an edit when safe to do so;
• USB, MIDI or Bluetooth if important to your use;
• power supply compatibility;
• any obvious reset or lock issue.

You do not need to test every advanced feature, but you should verify the functions that determine how you will actually use the unit.

If software access or an account is required, clarify before buying which elements depend on the previous owner.