When something is too good to be true it usually is

[buduranus2]

I was just about to shut off my computer when I found a "Gibson Johnny Smith 1988 - Sunburst" on Reverb. Really nice condition. And for the low, low price of just $4,462. Act now! Don't delay! Australian "seller" with 371 listings and zero (count 'em) feedback. Similar great deals are there to be had! Or maybe you'll be had? Free shipping too!

[213Cobra]

Yeah, something's fishy. Last night, my Reverb feed suddenly included a 1939 Super 400 for $5600.; same "seller." Beware, everyone.

Phil

[EastwoodMike]

Hmmm Free shipping as well……

[ThatRhythmMan]

Reverb is getting hit with these “shops” on a daily basis now that list a few hundred guitars in just a minute or two. I’m guessing that someone may be leveraging AI to do mass listings like this. It could be done manually, but would take a lot more effort. The listings are just redos of old listings. The JS in this one has pictures taken by a fairly well-known collector who routinely uses this setting.


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[DawgBone]

Yeah reverb is inundated with scams right now using pictures from old sales. Buyer beware!!!

[Mick-7]

Aren't these spam sellers always new to Reverb with zero feedback? That alone is enough for me to bypass their listings. I'm morbidly curious though what the response would be if you clicked Buy It Now and didn't pay for the item, that is, can you scam the scammer?

[deacon Mark]

The other thing I have noticed is that many reverb sellers will not answer back on questions. The ones overseas are pretty much useless you cannot get any information on the cost of tariffs or duties depending on the situation. If you don't answer me on reverb I write the deal out pretty much forever.

[DawgBone]

The other thing I have noticed is that many reverb sellers will not answer back on questions. The ones overseas are pretty much useless you cannot get any information on the cost of tariffs or duties depending on the situation. If you don't answer me on reverb I write the deal out pretty much forever.

Unfortunately in the past ten or fifteen years we've seen the rise of troublesome buyers who ask too many questions which is a signal to the seller that they will likely be dealing with a problem buyer if they go through with the sale. I was just discussing this with some others yesterday. I think this is a reason why many buyers no longer want to answer questions at all. As with so many things, a few idiots ruin it for everyone.

I'm guessing reverb is dealing with the problem of scam sellers as the site has been non functional intermittently for me since last night.

[deacon Mark]

Unfortunately in the past ten or fifteen years we've seen the rise of troublesome buyers who ask too many questions which is a signal to the seller that they will likely be dealing with a problem buyer if they go through with the sale. I was just discussing this with some others yesterday. I think this is a reason why many buyers no longer want to answer questions at all. As with so many things, a few idiots ruin it for everyone.

I'm guessing reverb is dealing with the problem of scam sellers as the site has been non functional intermittently for me since last night.

Funny I understand the prospective about too many questions. I can get irritated at the too. However, because folks don't talk over phone and text/messages they are not always clear. I can over a guitar with a fine tooth comb online but in person it is a whole other experience. Picking up the guitar and looking at each thing just cannot be beat. Expensive archtop guitars that have vintage value are a beast to say the least. Everything has to be taken into consideration and pictures help if not in person, but measurements take away doubt. On vintage guitars I want to know the action, neck angle, nut width, repairs, and some sellers bury the stuff in fluff. Tell me about the guitar upfront. In the first description explain anything that has been repaired not a long time later in the listing. One thing I see sometimes is the statement............."mostly the guitar is original" To me that means nothing just say what it is that is not. Buying and selling guitars in some ways can be quite tedious and even tense. Stress might be what they call it but I suppose it is not like your boss has called in for an immediate conference on some serious issues.

[PMB]

I live in Summer Hill, Australia - the neighbouring suburb to Ashfield. I know all the local players on the scene and that name draws a blank. Also, a Google search of the seller's name comes up with nothing.

[buduranus2]

I live in Summer Hill, Australia - the neighbouring suburb to Ashfield. I know all the local players on the scene and that name draws a blank. Also, a Google search of the seller's name comes up with nothing.

OP here. I guess all the guitars sold because there are exactly zero available. Like they say, you snooze you lose. Shoulda jumped on that Smith - with my feet!

[Sleeko]

Funny I understand the prospective about too many questions. I can get irritated at the too. However, because folks don't talk over phone and text/messages they are not always clear. I can over a guitar with a fine tooth comb online but in person it is a whole other experience. Picking up the guitar and looking at each thing just cannot be beat. Expensive archtop guitars that have vintage value are a beast to say the least. Everything has to be taken into consideration and pictures help if not in person, but measurements take away doubt. On vintage guitars I want to know the action, neck angle, nut width, repairs, and some sellers bury the stuff in fluff. Tell me about the guitar upfront. In the first description explain anything that has been repaired not a long time later in the listing. One thing I see sometimes is the statement............."mostly the guitar is original" To me that means nothing just say what it is that is not. Buying and selling guitars in some ways can be quite tedious and even tense. Stress might be what they call it but I suppose it is not like your boss has called in for an immediate conference on some serious issues.

Agreed. All that and "Great condition for it's age" makes my antennas start buzzing. Leaves everything up for interpretation IMHO. Nothing like having the guitar right in your lap to look over and play. I do miss having Bill Fender right up the road. RIP Bill.

[Visualmusic.4]

Here’s a great video from the Trogly’s Guitar Show about this very issue. Looks like the scammers have been getting much more aggressive lately.

[bozobreak]

I know this picture, It belonged to a German seller, 1 or 2 years ago.
I've watched it daily, as I wanted to buy it.
Ultimately I've bought an other Giby from a forum member, but I'll never forget this picture

[2bornot2bop]

Funny I understand the prospective about too many questions. I can get irritated at the too. However, because folks don't talk over phone and text/messages they are not always clear. I can over a guitar with a fine tooth comb online but in person it is a whole other experience. Picking up the guitar and looking at each thing just cannot be beat. Expensive archtop guitars that have vintage value are a beast to say the least. Everything has to be taken into consideration and pictures help if not in person, but measurements take away doubt. On vintage guitars I want to know the action, neck angle, nut width, repairs, and some sellers bury the stuff in fluff. Tell me about the guitar upfront. In the first description explain anything that has been repaired not a long time later in the listing. One thing I see sometimes is the statement............."mostly the guitar is original" To me that means nothing just say what it is that is not. Buying and selling guitars in some ways can be quite tedious and even tense. Stress might be what they call it but I suppose it is not like your boss has called in for an immediate conference on some serious issues.

It’s a guitar and most often used. There will be questions! Duh