Why photograph the serial?

Buyers use it for dating and authenticity, so it is expected rather than optional and leaving it out reads as evasive.

Does originality matter that much?

It carries real money. Replaced pickups, non-original tuners, refinishes and headstock repairs all change value substantially.

No. In this category wear is a characteristic rather than a defect and is frequently valued, so lighting it visible serves you.

What do buyers examine most?

Frets and neck condition, since those determine playability, followed by electronics and hardware for corrosion and originality.

Can I use generated imagery?

For background clean-up, reasonably. Not on the instrument, whose entire value is its specific history and condition.

How many photos does a listing need?

More than most categories — full instrument, serial, fingerboard, electronics, hardware, and every repair or modification.

Does this apply to amps and pedals?

Yes. Corrosion, originality of components and repair history are assessed the same way.

Is the free generation really free?

Yes. One per day, watermarked and capped at 1024px. Signing up gives you 20 credits and clean full-resolution files with full commercial rights.

Used Instrument Photos

A specialist audience that reads wear, serials and originality closely.

One free generation a day. No account, no card.

How it works

1. Photograph the actual instrument
Serials and wear are the description, so the unit shown must be the unit sold.
2. Light so finish and wear read
Raking light shows checking, buckle rash and fret wear.
3. Generate and download
One free watermarked result. Sign up for the clean, full-resolution file.

Why this is worth getting right

Used instrument buyers are among the most forensic audiences in resale, and the listing conventions reflect that. Serial numbers are checked for dating and authenticity, so a clear photograph of the serial is expected rather than optional, and its absence reads as evasive. Originality is the second axis and it carries real money: replaced pickups, non-original tuners, a refinish or a repaired headstock all change the value substantially, and buyers ask directly, so photographing the components and any repair honestly is what makes a listing credible. Wear is not a defect in this category but a characteristic — finish checking, buckle rash and playing wear are expected on an older instrument and frequently valued — which is why lighting so wear is visible serves the seller rather than harming them, and why an idealised image is both dishonest and commercially unnecessary. Fret and neck condition are what determine playability and are examined closely, so close frames along the fingerboard are worth including. Electronics and hardware need their own images since buyers assess corrosion and originality there. The same limit applies as on any graded resale: the instrument photographed must be the instrument shipped, and background clean-up is presentation while altering the instrument is misrepresentation of an item whose entire value is its specific history.

Tips that actually help

Photograph the serial number clearly, since buyers use it for dating and authenticity and its absence reads as evasive.
Document originality honestly, because replaced pickups, tuners, refinishes and repairs change value substantially.
Light so wear is visible, as checking and playing wear are characteristics rather than defects and are often valued.
Include close frames along the fingerboard, since fret and neck condition determine playability.
Never alter the instrument itself, because its entire value is its specific history.

Who uses this

Used guitar and bass sales: Categories where originality and wear drive most of the price.
Vintage gear dealers: Where serials and component originality are the authenticity record.
Amps and outboard equipment: Products where corrosion and repair history matter to buyers.
Private sellers: One-off listings competing against dealers on transparency.

Ofte stillede spørgsmål

Why photograph the serial?: Buyers use it for dating and authenticity, so it is expected rather than optional and leaving it out reads as evasive.
Does originality matter that much?: It carries real money. Replaced pickups, non-original tuners, refinishes and headstock repairs all change value substantially.
Should I hide wear?: No. In this category wear is a characteristic rather than a defect and is frequently valued, so lighting it visible serves you.
What do buyers examine most?: Frets and neck condition, since those determine playability, followed by electronics and hardware for corrosion and originality.
Can I use generated imagery?: For background clean-up, reasonably. Not on the instrument, whose entire value is its specific history and condition.
How many photos does a listing need?: More than most categories — full instrument, serial, fingerboard, electronics, hardware, and every repair or modification.
Does this apply to amps and pedals?: Yes. Corrosion, originality of components and repair history are assessed the same way.
Is the free generation really free?: Yes. One per day, watermarked and capped at 1024px. Signing up gives you 20 credits and clean full-resolution files with full commercial rights.

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