hardtail California special on eBay over the years

[jimmythesaint]

I've been seeing this same guitar on eBay for years: https://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-Custom-Order-Electric-Guitar-z8060/192865453750
The price isn't horrible, and the guitar looks like it's in really good shape. I've seen this same guitar on eBay for years, but the risk of an overseas purchase has always turned me off. Now that I'm thinking about it more seriously, any opinions on why it never sells? I pretty sure it's always been the same seller in Japan.

[lbpesq]

I don’t recall seeing this one before, maybe my memory is not what it used to be.  Sure is pretty, though.   The seller does seem to be asking tippy top dollar - I don’t recall seeing a Cali Special go for over $2500.  And, personally, I’d be a little uncomfortable with the international shipping.  What if you want to return it?   Are there extra export/import fees to send this U.S. made instrument back to Japan?  OTOH, these rarely show up for sale, so if you really want one ... ?

Bill, tgo

[jazzyvee]

One of those was the first alembic guitar I tried to buy but was outbid on Ebay a few times.

[gtrguy]

Often Japan EBay sellers do not actually own the items they list. Instead they know where they can buy them locally and if you win their auction, they will then buy the item and sell it to you for a profit.
There should not be import fees (I think). Before buying, you need to make sure your credit card will function with an overseas purchase, as sometimes the card will flag your buy as not being legit and not go through.

[jimmythesaint]

It's definitely the same one I've seen periodically for maybe 3-5 years. I'm pretty sure in the past I've inquired about the guitar's year of production, but now I can't remember; it was at least 10 years old. I'd entertain making an offer except for, yeah, the cross-border factor. It's just that the pictures show it's in great condition, and the seller has always had a top shelf eBay reputation, so this is about as confident as you can get in this kind of situation. In normal times, it would actually be feasible for me to go to Japan to check it out in person, but in covid times, not so much.