As someone who will research a musical instrument purchase for months before actually pulling the trigger, I offer the following info for anyone who is considering buying an instrument from EBAY:

First and foremost, know the brands. A lot of people on Ebay will put brand names (such as Fender, Warwick, Ibanez) in their titles even though they are not selling that brand. It's a clever marketing tool that will draw traffic to their product even though it's not what you're looking for. Case in point, I was looking for a used Warwick bass and came across what was dubbed a Custom Built Warwick Bass. What it actually turned out to be was a homemade body with a Warwick neck stuck on it.

Know what you want. If you're looking for a Fender Deluxe American Jazz Bass, then don't settle for a Squier by Fender Jazz Bass. I searched for a Warwick Fortress in emerald green or blue for a year. Yes, I know, that's a long time. I finally decided to buy one in French Violet. 3 days after it arrived at my home, an emerald green one showed up on Ebay. It pays to wait until you get the one you want.

Pay close attention to the details. How do they describe the finish, have parts been changed, where was the instrument manufactured..... If any of these do not match up to what you're looking for, move on.

Check feedback for similar items. The seller may have 1000 positive feedbacks from sellers, but decides to unload their troublesome instrument on Ebay, and guess who gets stuck with it? Make sure the item is accurately portrayed. Make sure to look at ALL pictures supplied and if you don't see a particular view or angle, email the seller and ask them to take a picture for you. Most sellers will quickly oblige, and those who don't may not be telling the whole truth.

Ask for serial numbers. You can often check the manufacturer's website to validate the year the instrument was built and that it made by the company that the seller is claiming. Granted, this can be scammed by simply knowing one serial number and supplying it when asked for any number of instruments, but it can still be helpful.

Ask how it will be packed and shipped. This especially applies to guitars. If it is a very expensive instrument, it should be insured. Packing should include bubble wrap INSIDE the case wrapped around the headstock and on the body of the guitar if possible. If it's not being shipped in a case, request that the entire instrument be bubble wrapped and that both ends of the box be layered with bubble wrap (not the tiny kind) and (yes, I hate them too) packing peanuts. In the case of guitars, also ask that it be detuned before shipping. This will reduce the strain on the neck during travel.

Finally, know the approximate value of the instrument when it was new. If they still make the instrument, is it really a deal if you're only paying $100 or $200 less than if you bought it new? Don't get caught up in a bidding war.

Good Luck, and Happy Bidding !