Spots

 

This picture is one of a few used to promote the latest Ibanez AZES models. Is it too much trouble to equip an instrument with a good set of strings for such intentions? It's going to reflect your company's goodwill, yes?

Pic: Ibanez IG

Price watch (19)

Still trawling the after-market to check prices. The Ibanez PGM above lists for nearly $3K.

It's described as a super mint instrument as depicted, so claimed the seller. Folks, mint refers to an unmarred condition, as if fresh (Merriam Webster).

Looking at this close up image of the guitar's bridge - does this look mint to you? How about 'super mint'? I personally won't pay $2k for this in view of the trouble that would entail should I get this looked into. Floyd Rose replacement parts will not fit into the Edge simple because the Edge bridge is not a Floyd Rose. 

Folks, in the course of anxiety, I think we should strive to be more forthcoming when it comes to representing the true nature of our items. This is the reason I under-value my items slightly when it comes to managing others' expectations. Our mint might be their trash. It's better to deal on agreed terms regardless of the condition. If you can't represent your item accurately, then don't. Providing pictures (like this seller did) is best, let the buyer evaluate but you are free to mitigate. 

Unworthy

Sometimes, I try my best to not judge a certain product based on a popular belief. I might be too nice at times & continue to give an already beaten reputation another chance. I believe this is that situation. 

There is this very popular string brand (let's call it Brand E) that offers a so called benchmark coating standard in preserving string life. Brand E might be the proverbial reference for those who believe in string coating technology & are not privy to any anomalies. Not me, of course. The coating somehow flakes off over time but that was an encounter of the electric kind. I decided to try the acoustic version & fingerpick all playing moments to eliminate the fact that the pick itself is the root of the issue. As seen above, despite the fingerpicking treatment, the flaking happened & exposed parts rusted pretty quickly. This is definitely my final obligation for Brand E. Good riddance.

Stain- gone...

Remember the cleaning fluids I mentioned? No? Here: CLICK ME

This is proof of their worthiness:

• Left: Fret's slight corrosion
• Right: After treatment- the fluid is strong enough to remove light stains/ rust