The Twelfth Fret Used Instrument And Amplifier Rating Guide

Welcome to The Twelfth Fret Used Instrument And Amplifier Rating Guide, your resource for understanding the condition and quality of our pre-owned guitars and gear. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a performing musician, or a first-time buyer, this guide explains the criteria we use when evaluating our used instruments — from playability and structural integrity to cosmetic wear and authenticity.
Our goal is to give you clear, transparent insight so you can make confident decisions when purchasing, ensuring that every instrument meets the high standards you expect from The Twelfth Fret.

INSTRUMENT RATING GUIDE

  • EXCELLENT: The item has been used but only has minor cosmetic wear. It may have light dings, scratches, finish cracks, or pick marks. 
  • VERY GOOD: Items with more cosmetic wear than Excellent. It may have some scratches, pick wear, finish damage, buckle rash, but nothing that affects playability or functionality.
  • GOOD: Items in fine working order but have significant cosmetic imperfections including those listed above. It may also include dents, cracks, areas of corrosion, binding deterioration.
  • FAIR: Items are used and have various imperfections both cosmetic and functional. Structural and functional issues are minor but cosmetic issues can range from minor to severe.

AMPLIFIER & ELECTRONICS RATING GUIDE

 

  • EXCELLENT: The item has been used but only has minor cosmetic wear. May have light dings and scratches on the tolex and chassis from use.
  • VERY GOOD: Items with more cosmetic wear than Excellent. May have some scratches, dings and dents on the tolex and chassis but nothing that affects the functionality.
  • GOOD: Items in fine working order but have significant cosmetic imperfections including dings, dents and rips in the tolex, Grill cloth discoloration, areas of metal corrosion, worn print on
  • FAIR: Items are used and have various imperfections both cosmetic and functional. Structural and functional issues are minor but cosmetic issues can range from minor to severe.

 

CONDITION NOTE:  We make every effort to list any cosmetic or functional issues we are aware of, though it’s not always possible to capture every detail.  For this reason, we don’t grade items as "Mint", as even the most well-cared-for instruments or amps typically show subtle signs of use.

If you have any concerns about specific issues, please CONTACT US for a hands-on description.