How to prepare a guitar or amp before selling it

Don’t lose value by selling gear that looks or sounds tired. A few smart steps make your guitar or amp worth more and sell faster.

What matters first

Condition and sound drive price. Buyers check the frets, neck straightness, electronics, and finish on a guitar. For an amp, they listen for hums, crackles, and clean gain. Clean gear gives a better first impression and shows you cared for it.

Quick prep checklist (do these before photos)

• Wipe down the body and hardware with a soft, lint-free cloth

• Clean the fretboard and lightly oil it if dry (use a small amount)

• Polish pickups and metal parts with a non-abrasive cleaner

• Change strings unless they’re very new, and tune the guitar to pitch

• Test every knob, switch, jack and input on the amp and guitar

• Replace batteries in active pickups or pedals if used for demos

• Pack a short note listing fresh parts, repairs, and any known quirks

Small fixes that pay off

You don’t need pro repairs for most buyers. A fret dress is expensive, so instead look for high spots or sharp ends. Tighten loose strap buttons and replace missing knobs or cracked jacks. For amps, swap out a suspect cable and clean the jacks with a contact cleaner. Keep receipts or photos of any recent paid repairs; they reassure buyers.

Micro-moment: You meet a buyer who brings a cable and plugs into your amp. Let them play for a minute and watch for noise when they twist knobs. That quick demo often tells you more than your longest description.

How to test tone and electronics

Play chords and single notes up and down the neck. Listen for buzzing, dead spots, or fret rattle. Try the guitar clean and with any built-in effects. For amps, run at low volume first and then raise it to working volume. Check the amp on both clean and dirty channels if it has them. If the amp has tubes, look for uneven glow or excessive noise; note tube age for buyers.

Photos, descriptions, and honesty

Take clear photos from multiple angles: front, back, headstock, neck close-up, electronics/ports, and wear spots. Describe the instrument’s playability honestly. Note any fret wear, dings, modified parts, or replaced pickups. Mention what’s included: case, gig bag, footswitch, or original box. Buyers accept light wear, but undisclosed damage kills trust.

Pricing and negotiation levers

Check similar listings for the same model, year, and condition. Underprice slightly if weeding out low-serious buyers, or price near the market if you want full value and can wait. Offer quick extras to sweeten a sale: a fresh set of strings, a basic polish, or a short demo cable. Those small items cost little and reduce back-and-forth in negotiation.

If it won’t stay in tune through a short play test, assume there’s a reason and negotiate from that risk.

Today’s takeaway: Clean, test, and document your guitar or amp—small fixes and honest photos can add noticeable value.