Sometimes it's funny how life unfolds. After many years of buying all kinds of stuff, including numerous guitars, on eBay with no problems, I got burned twice on the same day. Yesterday I received delivery of two items I had recently won on the Bay.
First was a 1963 Harmony Jupiter H49 guitar. This is an instrument I have been seeking for about 5 years. It is roughly an elongated slightly larger Les Paul shaped hollow (VERY light) guitar with a wonderful art deco tortoise shell pick guard and matching pickup rings. The listing described it as original owner, mint condition, the best example out there, ready to gig. I paid close to top Blue Book value with the buy it now.
It arrives and I find it is far from mint. Lots of dings, scratches, and chips. A couple of gouges on the fretboard. The electronics don't work at all and two of the six pots are free spinning.
Next I also received what was purported to be a Rickenbacker Ric-o-sound unit. This is essentially a stereo to mono Y splitter that sends the output of each pickup to a separate amp or separate channel. These little boxes also work great with Series Alembics with stereo 1/4 jacks. Rickenbacker stopped making the about 5 years ago and they have become rather rare and valuable. Of course one can make a Y splitter for substantially less than these go for, but I wanted a real one to go along with a Ricky 380L Laguna that I have.
It arrives yesterday and it turns out it's not a real Rickenbacker Ric-o-sound, but merely someone's version of the original. Doesn't even say ric-o-sound on it.
I've written to both sellers asking for a refund (or at least a substantially lower price on the guitar). We'll see what happens. Does anyone have experience with eBay's buyer's protection program? Am I likely to get relief from eBay if the sellers flake out?
Bill, tgo
