There are many seemingly small variations in the way individuals describe and define their guitars for sell.  Because of this, it is easy to be dissapointed after making a purchase.  With a little time and energy invested, you can avoid most of these problems.  The following list of suggestions may provide you with the information you need to do just that:

1.  Familiarize yourself with the commonly accepted trade-speak of guitar manufacturers if you don't already know it.  Help can be found by searching some of the many web-sites that are dedicated to this.

2.  Do not assume any of the details concerning the guitar that is being sold.  Just because the instrument your considering to buy seems like "that other one" which was just what you wanted, does not mean this one is exactly like it.  Use the "ask the seller a question" eBay provides as a service to you.  This can take some time, but has huge benifits when your guitar arrives at your door.

3.  Once you have found an instument that you feel is what you are looking for, take the time to check that guitar's history from others who have owned one like it.  There are a number of very extensive sites online that give instrument reviews.  Many of these will include owner's opinions on pertinent information about the guitar you are interested in like prices, playability, specificastions etc.

4.  Often times it is not what is included in a particular discription that misleads us, but what is not included.  If you have the slightest doubt...ask.  Example:  I once bought a guitar that was advertised as a "small bodied" guitar.  I made the assumption that it was a full sized small bodied guitar, when in fact it was a 3/4 size child's guitar.

5.  Definitions of condition varies greatly from person to person.  If you cannot be certain that a guitar described as "near mint" is actually that good...ASK!  Ask the seller particular questions that leave no doubt in your mind.  Ask for more pictures (most sellers that are good eBay-minded folks will be happy to oblige.  Ask the seller if your definition of that condition is the same as theirs, and so on.  Again, do not assume.

Well, I hope these suggestions will have helped some of you in your search for that perfect beauty you are looking for...GOOD LUCK