At Crescendo Music, our pre-owned guitars come exclusively from Japan through a trusted dealer who imports large quantities of instruments. Many of these guitars are made in Japan, though we also receive select models from Indonesia, China, and the USA.

The guitars arrive in varying condition—some are near mint, others show signs of heavy wear. While we’d love for every guitar to be flawless, this isn’t always the case, which is why we price each instrument fairly according to its condition.

Pricing

When determining pricing, we consider:

• The average market value and past selling prices of the same or similar models over the past 10 years

• The condition of the guitar (mint condition instruments will be priced higher than those with visible wear)

• The cost of parts and labour required for restoration or setup by our technicians and dealer partners

Some guitars are rare “one-off” pieces that may never cross our path again. These models can quickly become highly valuable due to their scarcity, and we reflect this in their pricing. Our goal is always fair and transparent pricing, so customers know they are getting value for what they pay.

Condition & Setup

Every guitar is inspected by our dealer’s technician, and most general, fixable issues are resolved before sale. Common adjustments may include:

• Truss rod and saddle height adjustments

• Nut or saddle replacement

• Bridge re-gluing (depending on the instrument’s value)

It’s important to note that not every cosmetic or structural issue can be addressed—especially if repair costs outweigh the value of the instrument (e.g., a $500 guitar would not undergo $300 worth of repairs). In these cases, we will clearly document any condition notes in our condition report and price the guitar accordingly.

Fret wear is another factor. In some cases, frets may show wear but still allow comfortable play—such as when wear appears on higher frets that some players may never use. A full re-fret can cost several hundred dollars, which may not be feasible for lower-budget guitars. For those who want custom work or a specialised setup, we recommend taking the instrument to a trusted local technician to tailor it to your exact playing style and preferences.

Warranty & Playability

All pre-owned guitars we sell are 100% functional at the time of purchase. Before delivery, each instrument is thoroughly play-tested:

• Classical guitars: Every note on every fret is tested to ensure clarity. Any excess buzzing will be pointed out before sale.

• Acoustic steel-string guitars: Tested for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. (Please note: fret buzz may occur if strings are struck excessively hard, which is normal even in brand-new guitars.)

• Electric & bass guitars: All frets are tested, and electronics/pots are inspected. Any wiring issues are repaired before sale.

Please note: neck shifts and truss rod movement are natural over time and may affect string action. This is common in all guitars. Adjustments are usually quick fixes (often a 10-minute adjustment by a professional technician). Fret wear and neck projection are not covered by warranty.

If you encounter issues, please contact us. We’re happy to provide advice and, where possible, recommend a reliable technician in your area.

Our Commitment

We see ourselves as a channel for these beautiful pre-owned guitars—instruments that were once among the best available, and today remain highly sought-after. Every guitar has its own story, and by finding them new homes, we ensure they continue to create music for years to come.