Guitars and basses go through our extensive 55-point Evaluation Checklist before they're added to our stock.

Playability

• Stretch strings numerous times until stable tuning is achieved
• Play open strings and check for buzz
• Check string action height and set within standards
• Check intonation with strobe tuner and adjust as needed
• Play all notes on the fretboard and check for buzz
• Play 1/2-step bends
• Play whole-step and extreme bends
• Play variety of chords and styles
• Retune before repacking for shipping

Electronics

• Check for smooth and noiseless operation of pots and switches
• Check plug fit in output jack
• Check pickup height
• Test piezo functions
• Test MIDI functions
• Test push/pull pots
• Test any specialized switching (Fender S1, mini toggles, etc.)
• Test onboard tuner
• Test onboard preamp and effects

Hardware

• Check for smooth and noiseless operation of vibrato
• Check tightness of output jack nut
• Check strap buttons
• Check tuning machines for proper operation and tension
• Perform shake and vibration test

Fit & Finish

• Headstock
• Tuner buttons
• Nut
• Neck surface, including inlays
• Frets
• Side dots
• Cutaways
• Neck joint
• Body back, including any back plates
• Body sides, including hardware installation points
• Body front, including pickguard

Final Prep

• Polish headstock, recheck
• Polish neck and back of body, recheck
• Polish front, recheck
• Inspect interior and exterior of case
• White-glove repack

Case/Gig Bag/Box Contents

• Vibrato arm
• Tremolo/bridge cover
• Allen wrench
• Warranty form
• Manual
• Strap
• Polish cloth
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Endpin
• Hang tags
• Picks
• Power supply
• Strap locks
• Pickup covers
• Pickguard
• Humidifier