Archive for June, 2009

PostHeaderIcon Interesting Things About the Guitar That you May not Know

ebay guitar
Chris Simpson asked:


The guitar has been around for a very long time and there are not many other instruments that can compare to the amazing sounds that you can create with a guitar. There are many wonderful techniques that can be used when playing any kind of guitar and the styles that have been created have made so many different unique sounds that come from the different types of guitars.

The guitar is an amazing instrument and if you have never attempted to play one, you should consider possibly learning how to play a guitar, the feeling you get with each strum of the strings, the sounds that you hear, is just breathtaking to say the least. There are many things about a guitar that makes it a fabulous instrument and I want to fill you in on just a little bit about the guitar, perhaps you will decide to pick one up and learn how to play, after reading this article.

Most guitars that you will find today are made up of a couple kinds of wood, some may be hollow wood and other times they are made of solid wood, the differences in the wood, means the difference in the sounds that can be created when playing the guitar. Some guitars are acoustic guitars and there are also electric guitars that are available for your enjoyment if you choose to venture into an instrument such as that one. Most of the strings on acoustic guitars are made from either nylon or some type of steel. Acoustic guitars normally only have either six or twelve strings on them, it just depends on which type you decide to purchase.

Electric guitars are very different from the acoustic guitars, and there are many different types of techniques that are used when playing either one of these types of guitars. Electric guitars are very seldom made from only one kind of wood. Many times you will find that there are a few different types of wood being used to build an electric guitar, some may even have wood laminate. All of this means a huge difference in the types of sounds that can be created with the electric guitar.

With a little bit of practice and some time, anyone should have the ability to learn a few songs on any kind of guitar. It is important that you know how to hold your fingers when you are picking the strings, some techniques require you to slide up and down the strings while other styles may need you to hold some of the strings down while you pound on the other ones. Studying the many different ways of playing any guitar is the best advice I can give anyone. It all depends on your desire to play, your determination and which guitar feels most comfortable in your hand. You have to go with your heart when choosing which guitar to begin playing. Whatever feels the best, is the best, for you.



PostHeaderIcon Learning How to Paint your Guitar Can be Easy

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Chris Simpson asked:


For anyone wanting to learn how to paint guitars, it does not have to be so difficult. It is best to research this on the internet or through books before you ever begin the whole painting process. It is important to also know what precautions that you will need to take before you get started, because painting guitars can be hazardous to your health and can cause harm if inhaled too much at one time.

You have got to plan out the process of painting your guitar by purchasing the materials that will be needed for this project. The things that you will need to purchase before ever beginning to paint your guitar are, goggles, face mask, screw drivers, sand papers of all types, something to cover up your counter or table, primer, finishing lacquer, cloths and most importantly, paint, whichever color you decide to choose for your new and improved guitar.

Now it is time to choose a good location for using when painting your guitar. You will want something sturdy and stable you can put your guitar on to paint and you will also need to make sure that this area is the safest spot to keep your guitar during the painting process. Not a high traffic area, you do not want anyone coming in contact with your guitar when you are trying to get it painted. Any false move could damage the paint job on your guitar, so you have to be extra careful. You would hate to have to inflict bodily harm on a loved one or friend for ruining your beautiful work of art. Seriously though, remembering all of the basics before you ever get started will save you some stress in the long run, you will be glad that you checked into it before actually taking on this kind of difficult task.

Maybe you have a friend that knows a little about painting guitars, do not be ashamed to ask for help if you are seriously unsure of how your paint job will turn out. They could possibly help you with the entire job or just give you some helpful advice that will atleast get you properly started with the painting process. It would make you feel more confident if you could talk with someone more experienced first. If you do not know anyone that can give you advice on painting your guitar then you should go to a music store and find out there, if someone can help you out or guide you in the right direction.

Sanding the guitar is the biggest part of the job, once you have it completely taken apart. Just make sure you do not get carried away with the sanding because sanding too much could totally ruin your guitar. Once that is done, place all of your nuts, screws and bolts in a specific location, where you will know where to find them once you are ready to put your guitar back together. This can be a fun experience if you are prepared properly, so take the time out to check into it, before you attempt to paint your guitar.



PostHeaderIcon Four Ways To Find The EBay Alternatives To Fit Your Business

ebay vintage
Rose Li asked:


eBay alternatives do exist!

In fact, there are several viable alternatives to selling on eBay for the ecommerce entrepreneur, and you will probably find them much more seller friendly, besides a lot more economical than eBay.

Before you choose an alternative to eBay, you should first consider the type of product or products you are selling, as different websites are geared toward different types of items.

For example, if your business is dropshipping new books, then Amazon might be a much better marketplace for you than eBay.

If, however, your niche market is vintage items such as clothing or textiles, Amazon wouldn’t work for you because at this time, it doesn’t carry vintage or used clothing. In that case, a different web site such as Bonanzle might work very nicely for you.

Here are four simple steps you can take to find a website that will be a suitable, economical alternative to selling on eBay, and that will enable you to set up and start selling immediately, with a minimum of fuss and bother:

1. Do a Google search for “eBay alternatives” or “online auction sites”. You will discover that your search will return several websites. You need to check them out to see what each has to offer.

2. When visiting each website with an eye for how it would work for you as an alternative to selling on eBay, check to make sure that you would be able to sell your products there.

Browse the categories, read the policies and learn about listing fees and final value fees, membership fees, if any; listing restrictions, listing durations, etc.

 

3. Once you have chosen a site that seems suitable for the types of items you sell, follow the instructions on the website to join and become a member/seller.

4. Now, simply start listing your items for sale on the new site. Some eBay alternative sites make it especially easy for sellers by allowing you to quickly and easily import your listings from eBay in bulk.

Voila! In only a few moments, you can find great places to list and sell your products besides eBay….choose the one that best suits your needs according to what type of items you sell…..register as a seller, list your items and be ready for business!

If eBay isn’t working for you anymore, not to worry—there is life after eBay and other profitable auction sites just waiting for you to start selling!

Now you know how to pick the alternative to eBay that is right for you it’s a good time to start looking for eBay alternatives. Chinavasion has the biggest dynamic list of reviewed eBay alternative sites that you will see on the internet today. Check it out at http://www.chinavasion.com/ebay_alternatives.html now.



PostHeaderIcon What Will Sell Best on Ebay

ebay vintage
Meena Kumari asked:


Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

So, you have a great collection of music albulms from the 60’s era you want to give away. Maybe you have some antique music boxes you no longer can use, or maybe you even have some vintage jewelry. Whatever the case, you want to sell these items on eBay.

If this description fits you, then you are one of many people who are trying to start an eBay business and who spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what will sell best on eBay. Many of these people have elaborate systems for determining this information, and many others purchase expensive courses that teach them how to find this information as well. The fact is, none of that is necessary. Everything you need to know is right in front of you. Where? On the eBay website which is good news for you!

Here is what you need to do. Create an eBay account which is free. After you do this, take a look at any category, and you will see the word “hot” beside some items. These items are not marked as hot sellers randoml. There is a method to the madness! Items only get marked as hot when there have been more than thirty bids placed on the. All you have to do is surf around the eBay website for a while to find an item that will do well. So, it would be a good idea to just spend some time wandering around eBay based on your interests.

Most power sellers agree that there is more to figuring out which items sell best than this. In fact, they claim that it is a science. A great way to start your search for items that will result in a successful auction in the future is to do research on the auctions that were successful in the past. You can view old listings that have completed at: http://listings.ebay.com .

A new way to determine what items sell best on eBay is “eBay Marketplace Research.” Marketplace Research will allow you to view important statistical information on the buying trends at eBay. This product contains all of the data one could possibly ever need to determine how well or how poorly an item will do in an eBay auction. There is a small fee for using the eBay Marketplace Research tools, however.

Yet another tool that will be very useful in your quest for finding hot selling items for your eBay auctions is the listing of popular eBay search terms that is found on the site. This list can be found at: http://popular.ebay.com/. This list is divided into categories, which will make it easier to determine how popular your potential item may be.

Avoid the mistake of thinking that an item will do poorly, or that it will do well without doing your homework first. Some things sell for the highest prices, while items that would sell quickly in any other environment just sit there. Almost any eBay Power Seller will tell you that the key to a successful auction rests in the amount of research you put into the items you hope to sell. The lesson here is to research, research, research!

Starting a eBay business where you can sell your music albulms, antique music boxes, vintage jewelry, or whatever you have does not have to be difficult. eBay provides you will all the tools you need to get started right! Why not begin today?



PostHeaderIcon Charity Auction on Ebay for Gibson

ebay guitar
Phil Davies asked:


San Luis Obispo, CA, November 26, 2007 - Bidding has now started on eBay for the guitar that made “Stairway to Heaven” a hit.

A rare “aged” reproduction of Jimmy Page’s s signature EDS-1275 Double Neck Guitar is being sold for charity with eBay Giving Works, eBay’s dedicated charity listing program. The Jimmy Page Guitar Charity Auction runs November 26 to December 6, 2007 with 10% of the winning proceeds benefiting the MusiCares Foundation.

Guitar collectors and fans of Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin can place bids from now until 5 PM PST on December 6, 2007, when the charity auction will close. All bidders will be pre-qualified through Kompolt Online Auction Agency.

The winning bidder will receive #11 of the just twenty-six Limited Edition Gibson guitars replicated after the one Page played during the 1971 Led Zeppelin IV tour. Jimmy Page personally played and then signed each of the twenty-six, keeping #1 for himself. This particular replica is identical to the original inside and out, with not only the same unique electronics, but identical scrapes, scratches, dents and dings–all administered by Jimmy over the years through heavy tour use of the original guitar– painstakingly recreated by Gibson’s Custom Shop, the industry pioneers and leaders of the guitar aging process.

Since the night it was purchased at a private “Platinum Night” event held at the San Jose, CA, Guitar Center earlier this year, the guitar has been kept sealed in the box - it has never been displayed publicly or privately. The only fingerprints on the guitar are from Jimmy Page himself.

Page said in a recent interview that he is reputed to own in excess of 1500 guitars and has no intention of parting with any of his own Zeppelin memorabilia; whether or not you attend the band’s upcoming reunion concert in London, this official replica may be as close as you’ll come to one of Jimmy’s actual guitars.

The guitar comes with a Certificate of Authenticity personally signed by Jimmy Page.

Visit www.ebay.com/jimmypageguitar for more information or to place a bid.

About Kompolt

The original online auction agency, Kompolt (www.kompolt.com) is the highly regarded marketing agency that concentrates on promoting brands and building brand trust through high-profile, high-value charity auctions through the eBay Giving Works program, powered by MissionFish. Non-profits, agencies, and top brands turn to Kompolt to design, create and manage the eCommerce segments of their Cause Marketing and other promotional campaigns.

About the MusiCares Foundation

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. Please visit the website at www.musicares.com.



PostHeaderIcon Important Things to Keep in Mind if you Play Guitar

ebay guitar
Chris Simpson asked:


If you do play the guitar you should already be aware of most of the things that are important to know, when caring for your guitar and keeping it sounding fabulous as ever. However, if you are still the beginner, I just want to inform you of the many helpful tips that could help with your guitar experience overall. There is so much you should learn that will help you learn more about different techniques and how to care for your guitar properly. You should want to improve your skills, even if you are already a good guitar player. Everyone always has room for improvements.

First of all, you have got to know how to change your guitar strings and in order to maintain the quality of the sounds coming from your guitar you have got to change your guitar strings regularly. The guitar strings will wear down after using them quite a bit, they will become coated with grease and other stuff from rubbing on your skin all of the time. It really all depends on how often you actually play your guitar, as far as how often the strings will need to be changed. If you only play every now and then, the strings should not need replaced more than just a few times throughout the year. If you play often then the strings will need to be changed atleast twice a month, no less than that. When you do change your strings, make sure you are putting new ones on, do not just attempt to wipe the strings off or boil them because that is not going to do the trick.

Another important thing to remember if you want to be a good guitar player is that you must stay true to yourself. Do not attempt to play like someone you are not, play the way you want to play, what you feel is your own style. People will recognize it right away, if you are just simply trying to be something that you are not. They will not appreciate your guitar playing if they see that you are playing this way. Being original is what most people out there listening, are hoping for. They will respect you and appreciate your music on a greater level if you prove yourself to them by always sticking to your gun and playing the way they know you love to play, and change it up on them every now and then. They will love seeing new techniques put to good use and it will show them that you are truly dedicated in perfecting your guitar playing abilities.

You must know that to be a good guitar player it is going to take a great deal of your time and patience. Guitar playing comes naturally for some people but for most, it is going to take an enormous amount of practicing. Learn how to practice properly. Make yourself out a schedule if that would help you stick to something. A schedule will give you something to follow, a guide, even on those days that you just do not feel up to playing, you will be able to push yourself more, which is what it takes to be great on the guitar.



PostHeaderIcon Some Information That Can Help you Learn to Play Bass Guitar

ebay guitar
Chris Simpson asked:


If you are considering learning how to play the bass guitar, you can expect that it will be quite a bit different from learning how to play a regular guitar, the bass guitar is much more complicated. The bass guitar is all about the different beats that you hear of a song. Being able to hear the beat is very important when playing the bass guitar, it is the focal point of that song you are hearing and playing. Each beat throughout the song must be heard properly so that you can have the correct timing down when you play. When you are listening for the beats you will be able to literally feel these pounding beats in your chest, it is an incredible feeling.

When you begin learning how to play your bass guitar just keep in mind that it is all about the beat and your timing ability. It is something that is going to take some time and so much patience, so do not get discouraged too quickly. If you continue practicing and learning new techniques, in a matter of time, you too can learn how to play the bass guitar. If you believe it, you can achieve it! Remember that each time you begin feeling kind of down about not catching on quickly enough, it is not something that can happen overnight.

Another important thing that you have to keep in mind when trying to learn how to play the bass guitar is that the bass guitar is tuned pretty much the same as the regular guitar. The difference in the bass guitar is really the strings. The bass guitars usually only have 4 strings and they are not like the strings on the regular guitar, they are quite a bit thicker than the strings on a regular guitar. What you will begin practicing when you first attempt to learn something about the bass guitar is, the notes. With a regular guitar you have to worry about which chords to play and when. With the bass guitar it is not about chords but rather about the guitar notes. You still need to be pretty familiar with a regular guitar, as far as the proper tuning and the notes, as with the bass guitar. Learning about both types of guitar will benefit you greatly when you are learning to play the bass guitar.

Figuring out where to put your fingers on your bass guitar can be tricky at first. You should also try and learn how to play with both hands, not just one, this will definitely help you when playing the bass guitar. Last but not least, practice doing things to help on improving your grip in your fingers and hands. Practice, practice and more practice, that is what it is going to take to help you learn how to play the bass guitar. Work hard and in a matter of time, you will be able to show off your skills to all of your family and friends. Good luck with it!



PostHeaderIcon eBay Is A Great Reference For Collectible Fishing Tackle Values

ebay vintage
Andy Howe asked:


Using the “Completed listings” feature on eBay allows antique fishing tackle collectors find real information on what vintage fishing reels, lures and rods have actually sold for under auction conditions.

With the increase in demand and values for collectible fishing tackle, including vintage lures, rods and reels, many new collectors struggle with determining the value of their finds. When I am asked to appraise collectible any fishing tackle, my first advice is always to start with the “Completed listings” feature on eBay, as it is a great free tool for determining the value of similar collectibles that have sold on eBay in the last 30 days.

To use eBay’s Completed Listings feature, first type in the item that you want to value in the search box at the top of the page. On the left hand column check the box for “Completed listings” and finish by clicking search at the top of the page. The result is a list of all items that match your search criteria which have auctions that have ended within the last 30 days.

Because the Completed listings feature only searches titles, not descriptions or listing bodies, it is usually helpful to make the search phrase broader than you would when searching for active auctions. For example “Ambassadeur 5000″ will produce better results than “Ambassadeur 5000 in box”. In this case the words “in box” might only appear in the listing body.

Compare the results to your collectible reel, rod or lure, noting the following:

· Did the completed item actually sell? If it did not hit reserve, or had no bids then the information is considerably less reliable.

· What was the condition of the collectible fishing tackle listed compared to yours? Condition is absolutely critical. Unless the rod, reel or lure is very rare, then the difference between pristine and very lightly used can make a dramatic difference in value. New collectors often overlook tiny scratches and wear marks that ding value. Make sure that you look carefully at the listing photographs to determine condition.

· Is there a box? Some of the boxes in my extensive collection of vintage Swedish fishing reels are more valuable than the reels inside. The same rules of condition apply to boxes. The same applies for instruction paperwork and other “goodies that would have been original to the boxed item.

· Is the model exactly like yours, and of the same age? A slightly different model reel, rod or lure might have significantly higher production runs, impacting value.

· Was the bid volume heavy? Greater numbers of bidders generally means that the sales price is more reliable. If there are only 1 or 2 bidders you have to guess as to whether there is a strong market for your collectible item.

Although not perfect, eBay’s Completed listings feature is a great appraisal tool. It works best on collectible fishing tackle items that have had several recent sales. For extremely rare pieces, sales prices can vary wildly depending on how many heavyweight collectors were on line during the time that the auction was live. I have always preferred this “real life” appraisal system rather than a book value that can be months or years out of date in a volatile marketplace.

The bottom line is that there is a wealth of free collectible fishing tackle information on eBay. Take advantage of it, but before making a large expenditure check several sources rather than trusting in one “expert” opinion.



PostHeaderIcon Buying Vintage Guitars Online Has Benefits

ebay guitar
Robert Meyer asked:


 

If you’ve noticed the increasing popularity and value of vintage guitars, you might want to consider buying online. The online marketplace offers a wealth of amazing guitars, often at fantastic prices. Here are a few of the benefits of buying a vintage guitar online, as well as some tips to help you get a good one. Benefits of Buying Vintage Guitars Online

 

1. Convenience - If you want to get an excellent price on a vintage guitar offline, you may have to spend a lot of time looking. Antique shops, garage sales, private classified ads and guitar shows all might have the guitar you’ve been dreaming of. However, you have to go there to find out. With online shopping, you’ll be able to see in a moment if the guitar for sale is the one you want, and listings are easy to find.

 

2. Price - Online sellers don’t have as much overhead, so they can often offer some great deals. In addition to this, you also have the chance of finding someone who doesn’t know what a treasure they have. Ebay sellers may offer great vintage guitars at a much lower price than you’d find them offline. Just be sure to factor in all handling charges and shipping costs when you figure out your vintage guitar budget.

 

3. Market Size - The Internet exposes you to more guitar listings than you’d ever see without it. That allows sellers and buyers to find one another, and lets you discover your perfect vintage guitar. No local market can rival the selection you can find online, even in large cities. Of course, in many cases, online purchases are sight unseen, until the guitar arrives. Does that mean you should avoid online buying? Not at all - it just means that there are a few steps to take and things to ask about before you make your purchase.

 

Try to find out what kind of condition the guitar is in. Whether you’re buying it as an investment, or because you’d like to play a great old guitar, good condition is important. Remember that refinishing or repairs, except in special cases, can damage the value and playability of the guitar.

 

If you’re not sure about the condition of a guitar you see online, ask the seller for photos and details about the instrument. Pay close attention to the straightness of the neck, bridge angle, and the amount of wear on the guitar. Some wear will be normal on all older guitars, but it’s the type that matters. Avoid a guitar with cracks, warping, or large scratches.

 

Look for sellers who are accountable in some way. eBay is an excellent place to buy, since you can report sellers who don’t represent themselves properly. Both eBay and Paypal have buyer protection plans to protect you should you receive a guitar that was not accurately described. However, it’s also a good idea to make sure you feel right about the deal. If it seems too good to be true, it might well be!

 

A little bit of caution is all you need to start reaping the benefits of buying a vintage guitar online, instead of using classifieds and antique stores. Pay close attention to what you’re buying and get as much information as possible. You’ve got a great chance of getting a better deal via the Internet, and you’ll see a lot more guitars, plus you’ll be able to buy them from the comfort of your own home. It doesn’t get much better than that!

 

A good place to begin your search for that guitar of your dreams or investment is Bob’s Vintage Guitars. You will find a large selection of vintage guitars at the best prices available anywhere. In addition there is quite a lot of information about vintage guitars, both for the musician and the collector.



 



PostHeaderIcon Guitar Effects Pedals, Start your Own Niche Business

ebay guitar
John Deeprose asked:


Guitar effects or distortion pedals are the ideal product to sell both on and off-line. They are small, easy to pack and ship and most importantly VERY profitable.

Guitar effects pedals are big business, a search on Ebay will uncover a wide range of fast selling items being snapped up by budding guitarists worldwide.

An effect pedal is basically a small device that distorts the sound coming from a musical instrument to modify the instruments sound. These devices alter the sound quality of the input signal to produce effects such as overdrive, wah-wah, flanging, fuzz, distortion, reverberation and chorus, and are used primarily by guitarists and keyboard players, but gaining popularity with instrumentalists such as violinists.

Their size and market demand for effects pedals make for a great business opportunity for anyone that is looking to service this hungry market.

When I first heard about a guide written by a guy who trades guitars and other music gear both on Ebay I was interested enough to buy it and was glad that I did as, not only was it superbly written and very workable, it gave me the idea for several niche businesses that showed massive profit potential.

The sheer range of guitar effects pedals available and the size of the marketplace make this a potentially very lucrative area in itself. I was very surprised to see the profit potential of these small in-demand products, and a couple of things that I picked up whilst researching the market really grabbed my attention.

First thing I noticed was that the profit margins were very high for an item that was easy to pack and ship, and does not have to be purchased from suppliers in any large quantity, and can be sold profitably both on and offline.

Secondly that these items are selling quickly online at a variety of prices which means that the market is wide open to sell into.

I also noticed that sites such as Ebay do not sell all of the effects pedals that I came across in suppliers that I found listed in the guide, and sellers were listing effects pedals and other music gear items that were selling fast with very little or NO competition.

While I was reviewing the guide and researching the music gear re-seller marketplace, I noticed in one of my son’s heavy metal magazines a review of a guitar effects pedal known as a wah-wah pedal, and the reviewer gave the item a glowing report. After checking out Ebay, I noticed that these pedals were selling at a heck of a rate with a profit margin of around 40 per cent, and were previously selling well enough without the magazine’s endorsement.

Anyone looking to set themselves up in a niche, under-exploited and easy to run business would do well to purchase the guide, make notes on the recommended suppliers items and go for it.

As I mentioned earlier, I believe that there are several niche businesses available to exploit that could be very easily profited from using exactly the same tactics that the guide’s writer uses to sell guitars at an amazing rate.



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