Anyone know this Guitar / These pics?

[IslandBoy]

Ernie Ball EVH Signature Series - eBay (item 170196298311 end time Feb-25-08 14:32:33 PST)

I just won this guitar. However there is a whole thread on another site that feels it a scam, these are stolen pics, etc. etc. There is some validity to the claims as the seller has not answered anyones questions at all during the auction, will only accept a wire, etc. etc. He also has not responded to me since the auction ended yesterday,
Any thoughts / suggestions appreciated !

 

[francric]

Wire transfers are a NO NO on ebay!!!!!!!!! I would not pay this guy until he contacted me and even then I would not send a wire transfer. I would notify Ebay to check out the validity of this auction. Buyer beware!!!!!!!

 

[Mick]

But if there is no problem, you re have one beauty of a guitar man.
Great

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I would be cautious. Do not send him anything till you hear back from him and even them, wire transfers are suspicious on Ebay. I would contact ebay before paying him to make them aware in case you never receive the guitar.

 

[beej]

When we're talking that much money, I usually like to have a phone call to feel them out. It's tough when he stated "wire transfer" in the auction and you bought it anyway, but I would ask for a call to sort out some issues you're having.

Don't suppose you know anybody close by? Somebody that could meet the fellow in person and broker things.

Btw, I have done wire transfers/money orders successfully in the past. Not everybody likes PayPal. Just try and establish a dialogue so you feel more comfortable. And if you don't, well keep your money.

 

[beej]

Ok, I just looked at the listing. Looks kinda fishy.

The seller's account hasn't been used in over 90 days, except for one recent transaction (a Gretsch). The buyer of that auction hadn't used his account for over 90 days either, except to win that auction. And the language he used for feedback in his past auctions didn't seem to fit the feedback he left.

 

[emanon]

A fool proof way is to tell him that you happen to live close to him and that you will just come pick up the guitar and pay with cash.

 

[Larry]

A fool proof way is to tell him that you happen to live close to him and that you will just come pick up the guitar and pay with cash.

He probably won't let you. I attempted to do this numerous times with gear that looks fishy, only to find out that it is "no longer available"

 

[paranoid70]

I won an amplifier last year and I paid by check. The amp was REALLY late in getting to me, so it caused me a lot of undue stress. The guy did communicate with me though, so that helped. But, I didn't like feeling helpless as I had no recourse if he didn't come through.

If you don't have any communication with the guy, I wouldn't complete the transaction. A negative review isn't worth the risk of losing that much cash!

 

[emanon]

He probably won't let you. I attempted to do this numerous times with gear that looks fishy, only to find out that it is "no longer available"

That is the point.

 

[PugNinjas]

Hey Island Boy,

My brother lives in Melbourne, Florida, perhaps you PM some info and I can see if he's knows anything about the seller. He hangs out with the local band scene so who knows..........

 

[Larry]

That is the point.

Yup and it works great catching the scammer in the mist of his scam.

 

[Dizzy]

If you doubt the authenticity of the pics ask him to send you a pic of the guitar with a piece of paper
in the shot saying "Islandboy 27/2/2008" or something else unambiguous.

I got my EVH by a Bank Wire transfer and all was OK.

The guy gave me links to his company to check him out, heaps of pics, and a shot like the one I described above.

 

[StaceyB]

I remember seeing that guitar on ebay a few months ago.
The seller had a Buy It Now price, I think, of $8000.00 & was taking offers.
Not sure if this is the same guy though but i think he was from Florida as well, only accepting wire transfer payments.
Seems fishy that he has not contacted you about any payment details.
Keep us posted!

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

If you doubt the authenticity of the pics ask him to send you a pic of the guitar with a piece of paper
in the shot saying "Islandboy 27/2/2008" or something else unambiguous.

I got my EVH by a Bank Wire transfer and all was OK.

The guy gave me links to his company to check him out, heaps of pics, and a shot like the one I described above.

This is a good idea - why not ask him?

 

[meenahga]

Ahh speculation....
I would definitely give the seller the benefit of the doubt. He states up front in his auction that he only accepts wire transfers. Plus he did just sell a high end Gretsch for which he received positive feedback. I'd give him a couple of days to respond to your inquires.

 

[skisquash]

Islandboy,

I would ask for additional pics and try to give 'em a call. I've had a couple of scenarios, where someone bought and sold and didn't bother to take new pics and borrowed the pics, but still was the real deal. Will he take paypal if you pay for the fees if that is his issue?

 

[IslandBoy]

Yes, I definately did plan to get some form of current proof, such as a picture of the guitar with todays newspaper, or with a dated note as smartly suggested. No way was I going to just wire the money. However the guy is yet to respond to a single question DURING the auction , from either myself, or other interested buyers. Neither has he responded to my request merely for the wire info and contact info, since the end of the auction 3 days ago.
My guess is that he monitors these boards and realized that the auction was under great scrutiny, and he ran for the hills ....................................

 

[skisquash]

I would go through the normal eBay escalation process and hold tight.

 

[meenahga]

It appears the seller has relisted the item!?!? Something appears afoot!