Initial Inspection

Nearly every guitar and bass that arrives at Sweetwater is inspected by one of our guitar experts before it gets added to our inventory.

Ready for Their Close-up

Next, most instruments are prepared and photographed for our online Guitar Gallery. This gives you the opportunity to view the actual guitars we have in stock.

We Keep Them Safe

Instead of hanging on a store wall for months where they can be "played," all but a few select instruments are then safely stored in our clean, climate-controlled environment.

55-point Inspection

Finally, nearly each and every guitar or bass goes through our extensive 55-point Evaluation Checklist before it ships out to your door.

• Stretch strings numerous times until stable tuning is achieved.
• Play open strings. Check for buzz.
• Check action and set to spec.
• Check intonation.
• Play chromatic across the neck. Check for buzz.
• Play chromatic up each string. Check for buzz.
• Play 1/2-step bends.
• Play extreme bends.
• Play a variety of chords and styles of music.

• Check for smooth operating vibrato with correct sharp and flat range.
• Check for flawless operation of vibrato.
• Make sure it passes shake and vibration test.
• Tighten hardware on tuners, strap buttons, pots, switch, bridge and vibrato arm assembly.

• Check for smooth and noiseless operation of pots and switches.
• Check plug fit in output jack.
• Check pickup height.
• Piezo functions operating correctly?
• MIDI functions operating correctly?
• Check S1 Switching.

• Inspect interior and exterior of guitar case for flaws.
• Polish headstock.
• Polish back of instrument.
• Polish front of instrument.

• Shiny, scratch-free front surface
• Shiny, scratch-free back surface
• Junction of nut
• Inside both cutaways
• Backplates
• Side dots
• Headstock
• Fret ends smooth, clean and consistent
• Fingerboard surface
• Top dots or inlay
• Back/side wood
• Soundboard/top wood

• Vibrato arm
• Allen wrench
• Warranty form
• Manual
• Piezo cable
• Strap
• 1/4" cable
• Power supply
• Pedal
• Polish cloth/spray
• Strings
• Certificate of Authentication
• Picks
• Endpin
• Tuner
• Hangtags
• Humidor stick
• Straplocks
• Pickup covers
• Pickguard