Guitar ads & my pet hate!!

Voxman

Maybe I'm being overly harsh, but I think some people need to learn about the English language!  

If a guitar is described as MINT or PRISTINE or IMMACULATE I expect it to be like new.  

• The definition of MINT is:  "(of an object) in pristine condition; as new" 
• The definition of Pristine is: in its original condition; unspoilt.
• Immaculate: "spotless, free from fault or flaw"

I don't expect to then read on in the ad that it has some scratches, or dents, or slight buckle rash, or a chip or two.  Such guitars might be in excellent condition e.g. for their year ....but they are NOT mint!  

Here are some examples - hopefully you'll get my drift! 

• "Mint condition with only a light surface scratch on the back, frets have little to no wear". If its mint it should have no scratches and no fret wear!

• " Pure mint condition, with only minimal signs of wear (very slight buckle rash and some very slight discolouration of gold hardware)". How can a mint guitar have any buckle rash or discolouration!

• "Mint condition - "It is in 9/10 condition. There may be a tiny little mark on the back bottom." If it's MINT how can it be marked, and even the seller rates it only 9/10! 

• "Absolutely mint condition for age, only some minor belt buckle scratches on the back of the guitar and one other minor scratch also on the reverse" Age doesn't come into it - it may be in excellent condition or even immaculate for its age, bit it's not MINT!"

• "SUPER CLEAN, MINT CONDITION. The front of the body is in an exceptionally clean condition with some slight tarnish on the Nickel hardware. The back of the body also super clean with slight surface wear barely visible, nothing nasty as this guitar has been well looked after and clean throughout having been stored away for many years.  The neck is in great shape, smooth and straight with original frets having still plenty of life left in them." It (1970 SG) may be super clean for its year, but it's NOT mint!

Aaagh!!     

Sporky

Would you accept "Mint Condition - one neat hole right through centre"?

stimpsonslostson

I agree, my bug bear is

"has Fender decals. To be clear, it's NOT an official Fender, but plays as well as any Fender". No, it's a fake & you can't legally sell it. 

There's a similar thread running on OT. 
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/88192/crap-classified-ads/p1

Brize

Completely agree, and I blame the education system.

guitarfishbay

I can't believe the number of instrument adverts that make no mention of fret condition, or if any of the 'small dents' are on the neck.  It's just laziness.

Voxman

Sporky said:

Would you accept "Mint Condition - one neat hole right through centre"?

Nope, I've seen Francis Rossi's green Tele's, and they are definitely not mint - not even with the hole drilled in them! 

impmann

I think some people need to take a large dose of chill-the-fuck-out around here - choose your battles, some things are worth getting worked up over... someone selling something to someone else isn't one of them.

rlw

impmann said:

I think some people need to take a large dose of chill-the-fuck-out around here - choose your battles, some things are worth getting worked up over... someone selling something to someone else isn't one of them.

Agreed

Voxman

impmann said:

I think some people need to take a large dose of chill-the-fuck-out around here - choose your battles, some things are worth getting worked up over... someone selling something to someone else isn't one of them.

Of course you're absolutely right! -   - i'm not actually 'worked-up' but it's just a harmless topic for a chat post      whilst I was having my coffee and idly looking at porn (or as my wife calls it, guitars), and I kept seeing 'Mint' used wrongly. 

Of course, some people around here probably need to not take things too much at face value!   

SNAKEBITE

It's a good opportunity to just scroll past if you don't like the topic....

Just saying like.

SNAKEBITE

(That was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek!)

Bridgehouse

Mint post mate.

(apart from a few knocks and the odd bit of scratchiness)

Jack_

10/10, has been partly eaten by a caterpillar but I swear it's mint.



£more than new.

Sassafras

Have you tried decaffeinated coffee?

blueskunk

Go for a jog my man. Or hit a punchbag for half hour

guitars4you

and it can't be mint for 25 years old either - therefore it can be good condition for 25 years old and only shows light signs of use  - But I agree that mint is mint no matter if it is 1 month, 1 year or 25 years old - I fully accept 9 out of 10 but still open to opinion and interpretation

Voxman

Jack_ said:

10/10, has been partly eaten by a caterpillar but I swear it's mint.



£more than new.

Now, THAT's Mint! 

Voxman

Sassafras said:
Have you tried decaffeinated coffee?

Don't be daft - I mean, that's like having alcohol free beer...what's the point of that?!   

breakstuff

It's even worse in the Neanderthal for Life forum classifieds.

It must be one of those forum 'in jokes' that we all love.

http://i.imgur.com/7yHAuny.jpg

scrumhalf

Sassafras said:

Have you tried decaffeinated coffee?

Only if it's advertised as 9/10 caffeinated.

I always thought that "mint" meant that i was in the same condition as when it was manufactured - as a coin would be when it was minted.

Voxman

scrumhalf said:

Sassafras said:

Have you tried decaffeinated coffee?

Only if it's advertised as 9/10 caffeinated.

I always thought that "mint" meant that i was in the same condition as when it was manufactured - as a coin would be when it was minted.

Exactly that!