Korean Job Discussion Forums

[YTMND]

I am in China, and I put my guitar up for sale. They are asking me to show them the serial number to make sure it wasn't stolen or tampered with.

I bought my guitar in Seoul, and I never had to deal with receipts and issues like this. I am worried if I give them the serial number they will report it stolen.

I am the legit owner, I bought the guitar at the Nagwon Arcade in 2009.

[globusmonkey]

It's very common to show a serial number before a sale. Most people who know won't buy a used guitar without checking first. However, just because a guitar has a serial number, doesn't mean it's not a fake. In the vintage guitar market, fakes are fairly common, especially in foreign markets for American instruments (this coming from my old tech, who made a comfortable living faking vintage model guitars for decades). There are some telltale signs, but if you have a piece that has been carefully crafted, it can be difficult to tell without additional proof.

That said, what is your guitar? Unless you have a high value, high demand vintage instrument, and you did not buy from a reputable dealer, you should be fine. Why are you worried? Lay out the specs on your instrument, or give the info you have and see what happens. As far as I know, stolen instrument registers are country specific, as per the local laws, so you could probably check first if you have qualms. If you do end up with a stolen guitar, try making arrangements to give/sell it back. There is nothing worse in this world than a guitar thief, and nothing better than someone who reunites the owner with their lost axe.

[YTMND]

[globusmonkey]

What kind of guitar and what's the price? Higher end means higher verification. If you bought it from a reputable dealer, there should be no worry about the number, but it's a very common request. I've bought/sold a handful of mid-range guitars over the internet, and serial number is always requested/presented at the beginning of the transaction. Take a picture and email it, no big deal. Personally, I would walk away from any sale where someone refused to give me the number, as that usually means the seller is hiding something (not that I'm accusing you of that). It's your call.

[YTMND]

I have no problem going to the police and showing them the guitar. I just don't want games to be played on the other end.

Me: Guitar for sale.
Buyer: What is the serial number
Me: Ibanez 867-5309
Buyer: Hello police, I lost my precious guitar called Jenny
Police: Oh? What is the serial number?
Buyer: 867-5309
Police: Reminds me of a song, oh well, if we see it we'll be sure to let you know.
Buyer: I think I know who has it. They are trying to sell it online.
Me: Here's the guitar, I have some extra strings and cables you can have if you want to buy it.
Police: Is this your guitar (to Buyer)?
Buyer: Why yes it is ( ), look it has Jenny's number!!!
Me: (speechless)

I don't want to go down that path. I would rather go to the police with the buyer, and let them do whatever serial check is necessary.

If it is a legit request, then it is also a legit request the other way. It doesn't mean the seller is hiding something. It means they are also protecting themselves against what I outlined above.

It's a he said she said scenario. Who is the police going to believe? I think going to the police after checking out the guitar would be the wisest move.

[Seoulman69]

You can prove them false with one photo of you in Korea with the guitar. I'd say you're over-reacting to a standard request.

[globusmonkey]

If you're selling it online and have conducted even one exchange via email, then you have a record of the buyer's request/interest prior to serial number disclosure. In the scenario described above, police would require proof of ownership from either party before confiscating the item in question, in almost any country. Sell it or don't, easy choice.

[YTMND]

[YTMND]

[Harpeau]

An interesting predicament...I'm afraid that I can't add anything to this, really. Good luck.