Monday, December 31, 2007

Music Web Sites

Let us examine these requirements for a successful music download. You can also download music tracks of your choice and save on your phone. Apple also brands iPod in conjunction with iTunes, its music web site where iPod users can purchase and download songs for less than $1 a piece.

But where do we stand in the eyes of the law, if we decide to download music. You could download your favorite videos and music tracks from the internet and play them on your phone. Most latest models have features beyond sending text messages and making voice calls—including Internet browsing, music (MP3) playback, personal organizers, e-mail, built-in cameras and camcorders, ringtones, games, radio, Push-to-Talk (PTT), infrared and Bluetooth connectivity, call registers, ability to watch streaming video or download video for later viewing, and serving as a wireless modem for a PC.

Any artist can have an online presence, promote their music to an audience of millions, and let consumers download their music to their hearts content. These music download sites include, believe it or not, Napster, with over 500,000 digital music downloads, eMusic, where you can get 50 free music downloads just for starters, Musicmatch, who has a great membership package, Realrhapsody, which offers a very nice two-week free trial, and one of my favorites and their “Always Low Prices” is the Wal-Mart music download. With microSD support of up to 2GB, users can download more music tracks, video clips and images.

You could listen to your favorite music tracks; you could also download the songs of your choice to your handset and drive away your blues. Download your favorite soundtracks and enjoy listening music tracks wherever you go. Moreover, you can download music, photos and Java games to make the maximum use of your leisure time.

Well here is a quick guide for beginners, on how to convert your current music files into PSP format audio files: Step One --- Download The Software First of all, you need to download software onto your PSP that allows you to convert MP3 files into PSP MP4 format. (text by Soli Katir)

Smoke on the water (by G3)

Enjoy! John Petrucci & Steve Vai solo part are great!
The drummer is good too! ya ! :)

Little Wing (G3, SRV ...)

Hi guys,

New year is coming! Let me share some of my favourite video clip with u all.

This is a legend song called Little Wing

"Little Wing" is a song written by Jimi Hendrix. He first recorded the song on the 1967 album Axis: Bold as Love.
"Little Wing" is played using the unique chord/melody guitar style that Hendrix developed during his early career stints in rhythm and blues bands. In this style, the guitar sounds as though it is playing two parts. This is done by simultaneously playing multiple complementary notes, often parts of chords, and then changing a note within the chord to create a melodic effect. Other songs played in this style include "Life Without You" by Stevie Ray Vaughan, "The Boy From Seattle" by Steve Vai, "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam, and "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. The unusual flanging sound of the lead guitar part is a result of the Doppler effect which is created using a rotating speaker cabinet, or Leslie speaker.
A song by the same name appeared on Neil Young's 1980 album, Hawks & Doves, but is a different song entirely.

Happy New Year 2008!

Good luck & all the best!

I like the solo part that played by Steve Vai & John Petrucci.


Another version from Stevie Ray Vaughan (great solo arrangment!)


Acoustic version by Monte Montgomery


Carlos Vamos (tapping version - 5 stars*)

Zakk wylde - farewell ballad


Zakk Wylde (born Jeffrey Phillip Wiedlandt on January 14, 1967 in Bayonne, New Jersey) is a lead guitarist, pianist, singer and songwriter, best known for his role as founder of Black Label Society and guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Wylde was lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory, who released one self-titled album in 1994 before disbanding. As a solo artist he released the critically acclaimed Book of Shadows in 1996.

Good solo from Zakk Wylde, called Farewell Ballad.
You can get the tab/ gp5 file from http://www.911tabs.com/ Check it out!
Special Links

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Tips: How to tune 12 String Guitar?


Hi guys,

Today i want to share with you my finding on HOW to tune your 12-string guitar.

Note: Strings are numbered 1 - 12 from the High E string to the Low E string.

The chart above shows the notes that each string is tuned to. You might not know what an octave is. This term refers to an interval. It basically means that the note is 12 half-steps higher or lower than the original note. In this case, all the octaves are higher. This is explained in more detail in Lesson 11: Intervals Part 1. In the chart below, if the sounds are not given, that is because they were given in the chart above. Detail...


Tips: What is the BEST string in the world?

Hi guys,

Bassically it's not important to talk about brand when u try to choose for the guitar string.

If you haven't gone through many string changes, you probably won't even notice the difference between different brands. You'll find that your new set will undoubtedly sound brighter, punchier, and twangier. It's nothing really special about the brand, it's just because they're clean and new.

Summary:
Try to experiment with basically any kind of strings you want: Ernie balls, elixir, gibson, d'addarios, etc. and once you've gone through enough experiences you'll find out what's best for you.

Tips: The Ultimate Pedal Building

READ THIS FOR NEW BUILDERS
Check this http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm then ask questionsAnyways,

Pedal Kits
http://www.buildyourownclone.com/ -Kits and PCB's
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/ -Kits and PCB's
http://www.tonepad.com/ -only sell Ready To Solder PCB's, not kits
http://www.geofex.com/ PCB layouts/projects
http://www.montagar.com/~patj/gindex.htm - Loads of schematics http://www.olcircuits.com/index.html -buy kits to build pedals from runoffgroove

Enjoy !

Are Epiphones really Gibson guitars?

Epiphone has been owned by Gibson since 1957. When they bought the Epiphone company, all the Epiphone guitars were built in Gibson's Kalamazoo, MI factory until 1970, when production was moved to Japan. In 1983, production was moved to Korea, where it has remained ever since (with occasional exceptions).

Epiphones are built to Gibson's specifications, but they're *not* built in the Gibson factories in Nashville, Memphis, or Bozeman, MT. Got it?

:)

How to play Hey There Delilah (Hot Video)

hi guys,

i found some intresting video in youtube.com
This video will teach u in step-by-step how to play Hey There Delilah by using Ukulele (Tenor).
Check it out for more details.... enjoy man !

Saturday, December 29, 2007

A list of on-Line Guitar Lessons!


I guess many ppl searching for online guitar lessons. Following will be a list of online guitar lessons i found. If you have any new url link, pls post in here, and share with all guitar lovers...ok? Thanks in advance.... enjoy :)

A list of on-Line Guitar Lessons













Scale Theory (advanced)



So, take sometime to digest, and practice n practice n practice. Dun panic...haha enjoy man! :)

What differences are there between Epiphones and Gibsons?


The most notable difference between Gibsons and Epiphones is in the finishing process. Gibson uses nitrocellulose lacquer, which tends to be fairly expensive to apply; it has to be sprayed, buffed out, sprayed again, etc., which is *very* time consuming, and adds quite a bit to the cost.

The advantages are that a nitrocellulose finish has a very attractive lustre, and that as it ages, it hardens and gives what's referred to as "vintage tone"; the drawbacks are that it tends to be fairly fragile, along with the difficulty in applying it. Epiphone, on the other hand, uses polyurethane, which is quite a bit less difficult to apply, and takes fewer coats to produce a good finish; most companies that produce low-to-medium-end guitars use poly.

Polyurethane is a *very* hard and durable finish, which is its other big advantage; the drawbacks are that a high-gloss poly finish can look like the guitar has been "dipped in plastic", and poly doesn't "breathe" the way that nitrocellulose does. Other than that, Gibson uses higher-quality materials and hardware, and builds their guitars in the USA. (text from Heliman)

A list of forum links. Here you go...


hi guys,

Are u looking at a list of forum link? Ya! you found it! Bookmark all link listed below.

I hope this will helpful for u.... enjoy the links ya :)

Online Forums:


(Fender Telecaster) http://www.tdpri.com/forum




(Gibson/Epiphone SGs) http://www.everythingsg.com/






















A list of on-line guitar stores.


Hi guys,

Are you looking for a list of on-line guitar stores...here u go... enjoy man! :)

On-Line Guitar Stores

http://www.americanmusical.com/

http://www.bostonguitar.com/

http://www.carvin.com/

http://www.chrisguitars.com/

http://www.ccitymusic.com/

http://www.davesguitar.com/

http://www.dekarrmusic.com/

http://www.edromanguitars.com/

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/new_instruments.htm

http://www.folkofthewood.com/websitemap.htm

http://www.gruhn.com/

http://www.guitaradoptions.com/

http://www.guitarsalon.com/

http://www.guitartrader.com/

http://www.hamesmusic.com/

http://www.jimlaabs.com/Guitar/Guitar.htm

http://www.kellyindustries.com/guitars/gibson_les_paul.html

http://www.marksguitarloft.com/

http://www.music123.com/division/?d=4

http://www.musiciansbuy.com/

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/

http://www.musicmachineguitars.com/

http://www.musicyo.com/

http://www.rondomusic.net/

http://www.rsguitarworks.net/

http://www.samash.com/

http://www.samedaymusic.com/

http://www.stringsandthings.com/

http://www.sweetwater.com/main.php

http://www.synergyguitars.com/Electric-Guitars.htm

http://www.theguitarfiles.com/index.php

http://www.wichitaband.com/guitar.html

http://www.willcuttguitars.com/

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/

http://www.worldclassguitars.com/

http://www.worldmusicsupply.com/

http://www.zzounds.com/

How to Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great! (Dan Erlewine)

Guitar Player Repair Guide:
How to Set-Up, Maintain, and Repair Electrics and Acoustics (Dan Erlewine)

IMPORT GUITAR PARTS:
- http://www.yhim.co.kr/

GUITAR AMPLIFIER SPEAKERS
- http://www.avatarspeakers.com/ (Check out the Hellatones!)

ELECTRICAL PARTS:
Here are convenient parts kits: http://guitarelectronics.zoovy.com/category/20electronicparts.1electronicpartskits
Check out the PK3's. The PK3LL is the closest to high quality stock Gibson Les Paul parts. If you don't mind spending the money, the Angela Copper Paper In Oil capacitors are some of the best capacitors available: http://www.angela.com/catalog/capacitors/Angela_PIO.html You probably want the .022/630VDC or .015/630VDC.

PARTS, SUPPLIES, and TOOLS:
- http://www.crcoils.com/ http://www.torresengineering.com/index.html
- http://www.greggrogersguitars.com/ http://www.lmii.com/ (Luthiers Mercantile International)
- http://www.stewmac.com/guitarrepair/
- http://www.internationalluthiers.com/guitarparts.php
- http://www.guitarrepairshop.com/
- http://www.wdmusicproducts.com/
- http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/
- http://www.carvin.com/ http://www.warmoth.com/
- http://www.guitarpartsusa.com/
- http://www.allparts.com/
- http://www.edenhaus.com/
- http://www.customshopparts.com/
- http://www.callahamguitars.com/

GIBSON PARTS:
- http://www.gibson.com/Products/Accessories/Gear/Accessories/Replacement%20Parts/

Friday, December 28, 2007

Latest Guitar Auction from eBay

Hi guys,

Check out today latest auction from eBay.
Click on the item to see the item details.

Enjoy man ! :)

Mission Impossible Theme song (by Naudo)

Nothing to say, salute... enjoy! :)

Somewhere over the rainbow/ what a wonderful world (by "Iz")

Another HOT video for you.

YOU ASK FOR IT, YOU WILL GET IT...!
i hope u will love this. enjoy :)


By the way, who is Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole
Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole (May 20, 1959June 26, 1997) was a Hawaiian musician.
He became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993 with his medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", which was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and commercials.

Kamakawiwo'ole was nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" by his admirers. He was described as always cheerful and positive, and he was best known for his love of the land and of the people of Hawa'i. Through his consummate ukulele playing and incorporation of other idioms (such as jazz and reggae), Iz remains one of the major influences in Hawaiian music over the last 15 years.

Cheap used guitar amp!


Hi guys,

If you wanna to find some cheap used guitar Amp, please check out this link.
I guess you will find out the one you love. Shop around & enjoy :)

PEAVEY 5150 AMP EVH VAN HALEN SIGNATURE MODEL USED
Mashall
Fender
Laney... etc

Details: Best buy used guitar Amp!


More than 1000 of used guitar (Best buy)!


Hi guys,

If you are try to find for used guitar, check this out.
I guess more than 1000 items for you to choose. Shop around.. Enjoy :)

Detail: Best buy used guitar!

HOT solo: Stand by me

Hi guys,

Another HOT video! This is not Sean Kingstone-Beautiful girl!
I guess so far this is the best arangement i ever heard. By Naudo. ( i do not know who is it..but best!) Great SOLO arrangement!.
Another HOT video is from Ukulele Bartt. More Uke mode... haha. nice too. Enjoy :)

Stand by me (by Naudo)


Stand by me (by Ukulele Bartt)

Canon in D arrange in "tapping" style & play by kids.

A kid (Sungha) plays 'Canon in D' arranged by Trace Bundy for the second time, and it was recorded a year ago. GRET man! MUST SEE... enjoy :)

How to Get the Killer Guitar Sound from my guitar Amplifier?


Another priceless HOT tips for you! No matter what brand you using, Marhsall, Fender, Yamaha.. This will be the great tips for you to get a killer sound from your killer Amp. Sound good? Watch out the video for more detail.

Generally, guitar amps provide musicians with a wide variety of options for sound effects, distortion and level control. Though the first amplifiers were made specifically for electric guitars, they can be used with a wide array of instruments. In the beginning, amplifiers were used primarily to boost levels, and over time, the ingenuity of musicians everywhere has helped develop the use of amplifiers and the artistry of effects into an area of expertise all its own.

In this video series, you will learn the basics of amp distortion, differences between kinds of amplifiers, various types of effects that can be produced as well as the essentials of amp maintenance.

HOT "video" series, check it out now! Enjoy :)

How to Set Up Your Home Recording Studio?


In this series of video clips, you will find expert step-by-step tips for setting up a recording studio in any location. Watch a video on expert recommendations for choosing monitors and microphones for a recording studio. Learn more about the different components, computers, and professional tools used in a recording studio.
Get tips for sound proofing rooms and isolation booths. Learn about the importance of a good set of headphones and their intended use in the recording studio. You will also learn about Berenger converters and Cardioid microphones in these do-it-yourself clips.

Check out the following priceless "video" tips... enjoy :)

-Choosing the Best Monitors for Your Home Recording Studio
-Choosing the Best Microphones for Your Home Recording Studio
-How To Choose A Vocal Microphone for Your Recording Studio
-How To Choose the Best Software for Your Recording Studio
-Using the Mackey Big Knob in Your Home Recording Studio
-Using Pro Tools Recording Software in a Home Recording Studio
-Part 1: Using a Behringer Converter in Your Home Recording Studio
-Part 2: Using a Behringer Converter in Your Home Recording Studio
-Choosing the Best Headphones for Your Home Recording Studio
-Miscellaneous Equipment for Your Home Recording Studio
-Tips on Learning to Use Recording Studio Equipment
-Tips for Sound Isolation in a Home Recording Studio
-Tips for Floor Sound Isolation in Recording Studios
-How to Choose a Computer for Your Home Recording Studio
-Using Cardioid Microphones in a Home Recording Studio
-Head Room: Tips for Recording in Your Home Music Studio
-Tips for Insulating Sound in a Recording Studio

How to Create a Successful Band?


Expert (Kiely Griffin) gives you insider tips on how to book gigs and promote the band. The sooner you get started, the sooner all those crisp new c-notes start running through your fingers…

Check out following priceless "video" tips... enjoy... :)

How to Buy a Used Acoustic Guitar?


This is the BEST guildeline i ever see before. MUST SEE ***** (5 stars)
This free video series will show you how to inspect and examine an acoustic guitar before buying. Expert Kip Bradford shows you piece-by-piece how to decide whether the guitar you are looking at is worth the price. He instructs you on examining the fretboard, headstock, and soundboard along with the bridge, siding, nuts, bracing, back and neck. You will be ready to talk down that local guitar vendor in no time!
Hope u like it. Enjoy... :)

Thursday, December 27, 2007

MICKEY MOUSE GUITAR PICKS !



For kids? souvenir or just for display?

Check it out.

Starting bid: AU $9.99

(Click here for more detail)

Rare! 1968 Fender Telecaster Custom *Sunburst*


Hey guys, i found this HOT stuff....wow.... This is an original 1968 Fender Telecaster in a Bound Custom Sunburst finish.
Maple capped neck. This guitar has never been oversprayed . The decal has not been oversprayed either. The letters in the word Fender are individually raised, and still in 100 percent perfect condition.,It has a great playing Mapled Cap neck with good frets, they look to be the original frets, with some very light marks on them from being played occasionally, the fretboard is somewhat darkened, as well as the back of the neck. The fretboard is perfectly straight! The neck date of 3 OCT 68B is intact. Tuners original, no extra holes, No extra routes in the body.Original pickups, dated on the bottom of the bridge pickup.

Current bid: US $5,655.56

(Click here for more detail)

Fender Stratocaster






The Fender Stratocaster, (often referred to as a Strat), is a model of electric guitar designed by George Fullerton, Leo Fender and Freddie Tavares in 1954, and manufactured continuously to the present. The Stratocaster has been used by many leading guitarists, and thus can be heard on many historic recordings. Along with the Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, and the Fender Telecaster, it is one of the most enduring and common models of electric guitar in the world.
The Stratocaster has been widely copied; as a result "Stratocaster" or "Strat" is often used when referring to any guitar that has the same general features as the original, regardless of manufacturer.

Who is C.F. Martin & Company?



The C.F. Martin & Company is a US guitar manufacturer established in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin. Martin is renowned for its high-quality steel-string guitars, and is arguably the world's preeminent mass manufacturer of flattop acoustics, with models that retail for thousands of dollars and vintage instruments that often fetch six figures at resale. The company also made several models of electric guitars and electric basses.
The company's headquarters and primary factory are in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, located in the Lehigh Valley region of the state.

Who is Marie Digby (Umbrella acoustic version)


Marié Christina Digby (born April 16, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist. She is most known for her acoustic cover version of Rihanna's No. 1 hit "Umbrella", which attracted attention on YouTube in 2007.

The song was subsequently played on the radio station STAR 98.7, was featured on the third season opening episode of the MTV show The Hills,[1] and peaked at #10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. Digby performed the song on the late night talk show Last Call with Carson Daly on August 2, 2007.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Martin Wins Nine Awards!



Martin Wins Nine Awards

Publish Date: 12/15/06
Source: Martin.com

Presented by Acoustic Guitar Magazine, the prestigious Players' Choice Awards for 2006 were given to the companies with the most votes in each category.

Players' Choice Award winners are voted by the people who are out there using the products and making music, not doled out by the editors or "experts in the field."

This being the case, the awards go to product lines in most instances and not to individual products.

Each category consists of gold, silver and bronze award winners. C. F. Martin & Co. has won nine awards in the categories listed below.

GuitarsDreadnoughts - Gold

Mid-Size Flattops - Gold

Small Bodies - Gold


Acoustic-Electric - Silver

Jumbos - Silver

12-Strings - Silver


Nylon Strings - Bronze

AccessoriesSteel Strings - Bronze

Nylon Strings - Bronze

MIKE JOHNSTON drum solo at Guitar Center Clinic

Hi guys,

Watch out the drum solo by MIKE JOHNSTON. (cool!)

The making of Stratocaster Fender

In this video you will see step-by-step how Stratocaster (Fender)is manufactured.
I guess it will be nice if i'm 1 of the Fender factory employee or an operator....haha Enjoy :)

Jesus Of Suburbia - LIVE (by Green Day)

What a rock song... this song is arrange in few parts and last for 9mins ++.
Nice try & great man ! Watch out the drummer ~ Tre Cool. His rolling is really fast & consistent througout the show... Btw, i have this live DVD. haha :)

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Key to the highway (by Eric Clapton)

Is Martin acoustic guitar sound good? Check out the video clip from Eric Clapton (Live 2001), you will get the answer. Enjoy! :)

Met John Goldie (UK) in Penang Jazz Festival 2007 (Dec 1)


I met Mr John Goldie (1 of the great acoustic guitarist in the world) during Penang Jazz festival workshop (1-Dec-2007). He is great & is friendly. He will answer what you ask. That's what we want... :)

5 Greats!
Great show!
Great sound!
Great advice!
Great guitarist!
Great workshop!

I also bought his CD + autograph from John Goldie :)

He's using Martin acoustic guitar. (world finest acoustic guitar)

Note:
Eric Clapton use Martin acoustic guitar too!

I heard he performed "SUMERTIME" twice during workshop & jazz festival show in Penang.
Enjoy the melody. And hope u will like it. :)



Pineapple (ukulele)




I love this ukulele design very much!
Pineapple type... haha

Note: This is not a toy for kids, but is a Hawaiian 4-strings guitar.
Guinness World Record: The world most easy to play musical instrument.

Watch out below video clip. Then you will know how sweet the sound is. Enjoy!

While my guitar gently weeps (by Jake Shimabukuro, Hawaiian)
Original song from George Harison (The Beatles)

Umbrella (acoustic) by Marie Digby

Hi guys,


Enjoy this original acoustic version from Marie Digby. Now, this version has become 1 of the hit song. What do you think?

Monday, December 24, 2007

ALVAREZ YAIRI DY91 GUITAR SIGNED PAUL MCCARTNEY 1994






This auction is for an extremely rare and valuable item, an Alvarez Yairi DY91 Dreadnought Guitar signed by Paul McCartney.

Current bid: US $1,325.00

(Click here for more detail...)

DimeBag Zakk Rocwalk Signed Guitar Gibson Les Paul Dean



Zakk Wylde Les Paul Custom, with Zakk Guitar Strap, pic, hard shell case, signed and dated by Zakk Wylde and Vinnie Abbott.

Starting bid: US $12,000.00

(Click here for more detail...)

VAN HALEN - signature! Cool man !





This is your chance to own a guitar that was built for EVH, played by EVH, set up by EVH, signed by EVH. This is the production #13 Peavey Wolfgang Standard. Number 13!!!!


This guitar is for sale on other guitar forums and I reserve the right to end this auction at any time for any reason.



Price: US $5,495.00

(Click here for more detail...)

Do you like Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM 7V


This guitar is from 2003 and is in virtually perfect condition. This guitar has been kept in a smoke free and child free home studio either in the case or on a stand and has only been played out with once since 2003. This guitar is being sold by one of the guitarists of the progressive metal band Suspyre. Note: This guitar has been outfitted with Schaller Locking Tuners in addition to the standard locking nut to increase tuning stability. I will also include the original tuners that came with the guitar.

Current bid: US $600.00

(Click here for more detail...)

JIMMIE VAUGHAN SIGNATURE FENDER STRATOCASTER EXC+++ CONDITION





This guitar has been recently professionally setup with '9's by a local luthier.


Starting bid: US $499.99

(Click here for more detail...)



Fender Jimmie Vaughan Strat Features:


· Color: Olympic White.


· Body Type: Solidbody electric.


· Finish: Polyester.


· Neck Wood: Maple.


· Neck Shape: Soft "V" shape with 9.5-inch radius.


· Body Wood: Solid alder.


· Machine Heads: Fender / Gotoh vintage style tuners.


· Fingerboard: Maple.


· No. of Frets: 21.


· Position Markers: Dot inlays.


· Pickups: Two Tex-Mex calibrated, overwound single coils (neck and middle), one Tex-Mex "Hot Bridge" single coil.


· Controls: Master volume, two tone.


· Bridge/Tailpiece: American Vintage synchronized tremolo.


· Pickup Switching: Five-position blade switch.


· Hardware: Chrome.


· Case: Deluxe gig bag.


· Scale Length: 25.5 inches.

One of the best electric guitar instrumental song ever...!

Hi guys,

Watch out! This is my favourite song from John Petrucci called "Glasgow Kiss". The melody is so clean & clear! I guess this is one of the best guitar instrumental song ever! Don't you think so... haha.

Glasskow Kiss (gp5)

Enjoy!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Warning! My sincere advice on buying musical instruments in eBay. (Ex: guitar, drum set...)

If you are thinking to buy musical instruments online, (Ebay..etc) please read below advices for your own good.

1) Check the feedback of the seller.
This is important! Please look at the negative feedback and try to determine what the problems were with seller/items before bidding. Make sure you're dealing with a seller that accepts criticism without getting hostile. So called good seller will not attack anyone who is disappointed or frustrated. Don't continue to deal with these sorts of people. Just stop it.

2) Ask questions before you bid!
Email the seller and ask about the item! If you don't get a prompt reply, don't bid! Usually the con artists will ignore your questions & the legit sellers offer real info and are pleasant to deal with. Following are few important questions to ask are:

  • Does the item have a serial number?
  • Does the seller have manufacturer information/address and phone number
  • Is there a warranty and what does it cover?
  • How long does it take to return an item if you not satisfied?
Warning: If the item does not have a serial number, most likely it is a VERY CHEAP IMPORT stuff & not many music shops are willing to repair the instrument because there are no parts available! These instruments are also very poorly made and usually break after only minimal usage. You may think you're getting a good deal on an inexpensive instrument, but in the long run you'll lose out and have to buy a better quality one soon anyway! Be careful on the deal.

3) Research the product.
Lots of notorious sellers claim they have a finely made German or Italian product (or whatever) and in very bold letters advertise the name (such as "We have the BLABLA, folks!" but most of these are fake companies and the names are simply made up and engraved on the no-name instrument. Ask around! Call up a music shop and ask if they've ever heard of the instrument or investigate online with musical organizations and search engines. Avoid anything that you can't get info on. If you do a search on say, Google.com and come up with nothing helpful on your search, chances are..it's a fake instrument. Many musicians have websites and message boards as well. Check them out. Interested in a flute? Look up flutist organizations. There are very large ones online and you can post a message about that particular instrument and ask for comments. You'll get honest info from musicians because many have used several different brands and are familiar with con artists. You can also ask at local high schools. The band teachers are used to dealing with certain instruments. They'll be able to tell you which are good and which are crap. You could have your son/daughter ask if it's appropriate.

4) Lastly, ask yourself some questions.
Is the item is inexpensive, what's your gut feeling on it? Always remember the "rule" of thumb with instruments is.. "you get what you pay for". Fine quality instruments have a hefty price tag. What's it worth to you? Would you be happy with something that will break a year down the road? Will you be able to resell it once you or the student is ready for a more advanced model? Don't rush into anything. These bargain Ebay instruments will be there for a very long time and take a few days' time to find out some answers before you click on the "bid" button. Buying a more well known, used brand is often better than buying an el cheapo questionable one. You can always have an good quality used instrument re-padded, cleaned and repaired for a fairly low cost and you'll have a very good instrument that will last and be a better investment, especially when it comes time for you to re-sell. Hope this helps you! (original text from sarahlovesballet, i just help to sumarize it)

In summary:
If you're not an expert on musical instruments, try find some one who is, the you will taking a big chance buying on eBay.
Links: