Our 99-Point Inspection Program

When you choose a guitar from us, you're not just getting an instrument; you're getting a promise of satisfaction.

Our 99-Point Inspection ensures that every instrument priced at $999 and above meets our highest standards—ready to play as soon as it reaches you, where applicable.

If you have any special requests regarding vintage and rare instruments, please let us know.

Playability

  • ▢ 1. Tuning Machine Functionality Check: Ensure machines tune smoothly to pitch.

    ▢ 2. String Stretching and Tuning: Stretch strings and retune to pitch.

    ▢ 3. String and Saddle Position Adjustment: Optimize for playability.

    ▢ 4. Neck Relief Measurement: Use precision tools to measure neck relief.

    ▢ 5. Fret Level Check: Ensure frets are even and polished.

    ▢ 6. Action Height Adjustment: Adjust action to factory specs or preferred settings.

    ▢ 7. Intonation Fine-Tuning: Adjust intonation for accurate pitch across the fretboard.

    ▢ 8. Pickup Height Adjustment: Optimize pickup height for balanced output.

  • ▢ 9. Tremolo System Setup: Perform setup and adjustments.

    ▢ 10. Clarity Test Across Fretboard: Play test all notes for clarity and sustain.

    ▢ 11. Bend Playability Test: Conduct a variety of bends to check playability.

    ▢ 12. Chord Variety Play Test: Play various chords to assess tonal variety.

    ▢ 13. Dynamic Response Test: Check the guitar’s response to dynamic playing.

    ▢ 14. Picking Dynamics Test: Test responsiveness to different picking dynamics.

    ▢ 15. String Balance Check: Assess balance and output across all strings.

  • ▢ 16. Buzz and Dead Spot Inspection: Ensure no buzzing or dead spots.

    ▢ 17. Harmonics Clarity Test: Check harmonics for clarity and tone.

    ▢ 18. Amp Settings Test: Test the sound with different amp settings.

    ▢ 19. Capo/Slide Functionality Check: Confirm functionality with capo or slide.

    ▢ 20. Pedal Setup Test: Test the sound with various pedal setups.

    ▢ 21. Volume and Tone Pot Taper Test: Assess taper and functionality.

    ▢ 22. Sympathetic Vibration Check: Look for any sympathetic vibrations or rattles.

    ▢ 23. Pick Test: Play test with different picks to assess sound variations.

Cosmetic and Construction

  • ▢ 24. Body Polish: Thorough polishing of the instrument’s body.

    ▢ 25. Fingerboard Inspection: Detailed check of the fingerboard surface.

    ▢ 26. Neck and Joint Inspection: Examine neck stability and neck joint.

    ▢ 27. String Integrity Check: Verify all strings are intact and properly installed.

    ▢ 28. Plastic Parts Inspection: Check plastic components for wear or damage.

    ▢ 29. Hardware Inspection: Evaluate all hardware for function and aesthetic condition.

  • ▢ 30. Inlay Inspection: Examine inlays for consistency and finish.

    ▢ 31. Binding Inspection: Check binding for gaps or misalignment.

    ▢ 32. Nut Condition Check: Evaluate nut for proper condition and placement.

    ▢ 33. Headstock Inspection: Inspect headstock for structural and cosmetic integrity.

    ▢ 34. Truss Rod Cover Check: Ensure truss rod cover is secure.

    ▢ 35. Fret Inspection: Examine all frets for leveling and crowning.

    ▢ 36. Side Dots and Fret Marker Check: Verify side dots and fret markers.

  • ▢ 37. Soundhole Rosette Inspection: Check integrity on acoustic guitars.

    ▢ 38. Bridge Pin/Tailpiece Check: Confirm correct alignment and condition.

    ▢ 39. Bridge Alignment Inspection: Check bridge alignment.

    ▢ 40. Brace Inspection: Inspect inside of acoustic bodies for loose braces.

    ▢ 41. Endpin and Strap Button Check: Ensure all are secure.

    ▢ 42. Saddle Check: Assess saddle for correct material and placement.

    ▢ 43. Veneer/Decal Condition Check: Check condition of any veneer or decals.

Hardware

  • ▢ 44. Motion/Vibration Test: Assess stability and detect any unwanted noises.

    ▢ 45. Tuning Machines Functionality Test: Ensure smooth operation.

    ▢ 46. Strap Buttons Test: Test security of strap buttons.

    ▢ 47. Bridge Operation Check: Confirm smooth operation of bridge components.

    ▢ 48. Output Jack Stability Check: Ensure jack is secure and functioning.

  • ▢ 49. Switch Operation Test: Test all switches for proper operation.

    ▢ 50. Potentiometer Functionality Check: Check potentiometers for smooth operation.

    ▢ 51. Pickup Screws and Rings Inspection: Ensure correct fit and stability.

    ▢ 52. Neck Joint Screws/Bolts Check: Verify they are tightened correctly.

    ▢ 53. String Trees Positioning Check: Check positioning and condition.

  • ▢ 54. Battery Compartment Inspection: Look for signs of corrosion or damage.

    ▢ 55. Locking Nut Test: Verify operation of locking nut.

    ▢ 56. Onboard Control Testing: Test responsiveness of any onboard controls.

    ▢ 57. Tremolo System Test: Test stability and responsiveness.

    ▢ 58. Metal Parts Corrosion Check: Inspect all metal parts for signs of corrosion or wear.

Electronics

  • ▢ 59. Output Jack and Plug Fit Test: Ensure reliable connectivity.

    ▢ 60. Pickup Switching Test: Verify accurate and noise-free switching.

    ▢ 61. Potentiometer Noise Test: Test for noise and resistance accuracy.

    ▢ 62. Pickup Splitting/Tapping Functionality Check: Inspect functionality.

    ▢ 63. Onboard Tuner and Battery Test: Check for proper operation.

  • ▢ 64. Electric Pickup Function Test: Confirm operation of electric pickups.

    ▢ 65. Acoustic Pickup Volume and Clarity Test: Test acoustic pickups.

    ▢ 66. Onboard Preamp Operation Check: Verify preamp functionality.

    ▢ 67. Onboard Effects Operation Test: Assess quality and operation of effects.

    ▢ 68. 13-Pin Pickup Connectivity Test: Check connections.

  • ▢ 69. MIDI Functionality Check: Test MIDI functions.

    ▢ 71. Phase Switching Test: Check phase switching functionality.

    ▢ 72. Coil Tap Operation Test: Verify coil tap operation.

    ▢ 73. Piezo System Test: Check operation of piezo systems.

    ▢ 74. USB/Digital Output Test: Assess functionality of USB or other digital outputs.

Handling and Inspection

  • ▢ 75. Final Tuning: Fine-tune to perfect pitch.

    ▢ 76. Final Polishing: Complete polish for a flawless finish.

    ▢ 77. Fretboard Conditioning: Clean and condition the fretboard.

    ▢ 78. Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts like tuning pegs and tremolo.

    ▢ 79. Final Cleaning: Wipe down all surfaces for a spotless presentation.

    ▢ 80. Climate Acclimation: Stablilize to ideal temperature and humitidiy conditions.

  • ▢ 81. Case Inspection: Check case/gig bag for structural integrity and cleanliness.

    ▢ 82. Contents Verification: Ensure all contents and accessories are complete and correct.

    ▢ 83. Damage Inspection: Check for shipping damage or discrepancies.

    ▢ 84. Serial Number Verification: Match serial numbers against manufacturer and store records.

  • ▢ 85. Model Verification: Confirm instrument model and specifications against order.

    ▢ 86. Initial Condition Check: Record temperature and humidity conditions on arrival.

    ▢ 87. Quality Check: Confirm item matches the advertised quality.

    ▢ 88. Condition Documentation

Packing and Shipping

  • ▢ 89. Packing Material Inspection: Inspect and refresh packing materials as needed.

    ▢ 90. Instrument Fastening: Secure the instrument within its case/gig bag.

    ▢ 91. Repacking: Professional repackaging in the original or appropriate shipping container.

    ▢ 92. Sealing and Reinforcement: Seal all openings and reinforce as necessary.

  • ▢ 93. Labeling: Label package clearly with handling instructions.

    ▢ 94. Climate-Controlled Storage: Store in a climate-controlled environment prior to shipping.

    ▢ 95. Packing Condition Documentation: Record final packing conditions with photos/videos.

    ▢ 96. Shipping Handoff: Ensure the package is safely handed off to the shipping carrier.

  • ▢ 97. Care Instructions: Provide care instructions and warranty information.

    ▢ 98. Delivery Schedule Confirmation: Confirm the delivery schedule and tracking information.

    ▢ 99. Include a signed 99-point inspection label.