Members Tweedledee Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Okay, I've wondered about this for a long time but I've never actually asked. Does anybody know why some sellers black out serial numbers when they put guitars up on eBay? There must be a legitimate reason because I've seen it several times. Thanks in advance for any replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members angus_old Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 if the # is visible someone can make a fake with that serial #, that finish, that pickup configuration and use the ebay auction as proof that it's real Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vexed73 Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 They probably are stolen and dont want the owner to find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cousin itt Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Don't bid on or buy such an item that has the serial number blacked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ylwledbetter68 Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Originally posted by onbongos if the # is visible someone can make a fake with that serial #, that finish, that pickup configuration and use the ebay auction as proof that it's real +1. Instead of fake-guitar-makers having to make up random serial #'s to put on the fake guitars, they get to see an actual example of an existing serial number and they go from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members harold heckuba Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 There is a new scam on ebay where others will take your serial no and make up a new fake auction. In some instances they will even try to convince ebay to pull your auction as the fake one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Tweedledee Posted June 12, 2006 Author Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 So if I'm selling a guitar on eBay, should I put up a photo that includes the serial number so that bidders know it's legit, or should I black it out to prevent people from using that number to make a copy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ExtraGum Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Originally posted by Tweedledee So if I'm selling a guitar on eBay, should I put up a photo that includes the serial number so that bidders know it's legit, or should I black it out to prevent people from using that number to make a copy? Best to stear clear of the issue entirely if possible by simply not including a close up of the area w/ the serial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TheDarxide Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Originally posted by Tweedledee So if I'm selling a guitar on eBay, should I put up a photo that includes the serial number so that bidders know it's legit, or should I black it out to prevent people from using that number to make a copy? Depends on the serial. If it's ones that shows when it was made, such as Ibanez or Gibson, leave those digits clear so that you can state "made in 2002" or whatever. There's no reason to have the entire serial on show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Tweedledee Posted June 12, 2006 Author Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Thanks for the advice ExtraGum and Darxide! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members blinz Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 When selling, I don't generally put up a close-up of the serial number. When buying, if I want to see the serial number, I email and ask for a picture of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members angus_old Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 black it out, research the model to see if the # includes any date codes, then you can say "serial number begins U97" or whatever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fybindahouse Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Unless it's a pricey/vintage guitar, I wouldn't put the serial number up...you don't want someone faking your 59 LP If people are really worried about the #, they can email you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TheDarxide Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 Originally posted by onbongos black it out, research the model to see if the # includes any date codes, then you can say "serial number begins U97" or whatever But you still run into the problem that anyone can say what a serial *should*be. That's why I advocate showing a partial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members magentaplacenta Posted June 12, 2006 Members Share Posted June 12, 2006 If someone is local, they can also call the cops and say this is my serial # and look, some thief is trying to sell it on ebay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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