Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

[IMENATOR]

I looked at Musicians Friend today and found a couple of used things I would like to buy, they are described as "Mint condition", the guy on the phone said it is the best condition possible for a used item, maybe some tried and sent back right away so its the closest to barnd new you can get.

The thing is this would be my first buy for used stuff ever, a friend of mine can pick it in USA and bring back home in Mexico city (he will be on a business travel) so I am not sure if it is safe to buy stuff like that or will I run into problem with a product not in warranty (being used).

What is being your personal experiencie? What do you think? Should I gamble to buy it pretty good price used or should I spend a lot more money buying brand new with warranty here in Mexico? You should know prices here are at least 25% above waht you usually get there in the USA.

The products are ISP Stelath Power Amp and AMT SS-20

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

From my experience, Musicians Friend is pretty good with their descriptions. I got a "Scratch & Dent" keyboard and I seriously couldn't find anything on it at all. I'd think something labeled "mint" would be a pretty good bet.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

Is the concern here cosmetic/looks or warranty/breakage?

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

Is the concern here cosmetic/looks or warranty/breakage?

I don't care about cosmetic, I just want to know if buying "mint condition" is safe most of the times in your experience, I guess breakage would be the concern. I already know used means no warranty.

 

[dominus]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

I've seen used SS-20s for $100 less than MF's used price, and you can always get an extended warranty. As long as you had someone in the USA to handle things for you, you could still save a bit of cash.

 

[rumy22]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

MF is pretty reliable and has a goos return policy. Ask questions before you buy.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

MF's used often have no factory warranty (as you've ,already stated). Their 45 day return policy is good.
I don't understand why, but American Musical Supply products of the same category/condition claim full factory warranty. If possible, I'd purchase from AMS over MF for that reason.

 

[Archer250]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

I got this guitar as a "gently used" from Musician's Friend.

I could not find a single blemish, other than some proud frets. "Mint condition" is probably from owners who tried the stuff and returned it on the same day for whatever reasons... or (likelier) guys who have bought and have never used.

 

[Oinkus]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

Got some pretty decent used stuff from MF no issues or problems with any of the 5 or so items. As described or better every time.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

I had no issues with buying good condition used guitarcenter guitars

but, I would consider if there is a fundamental flaw in a design and folks did not anticipate it to be that bad and they just return the item, the item would be in mint or restocked condition

 

[dominus]

Re: Buy used described as "Mint Condition"

I bought a condition 5 (as-is, needs repair) Strat from MF once. They said the bridge was pulling away from the body.

I figured there was a spring or two missing from the bottom. I was right.