Ripoffs - Upgrades and Packages

I doubt that Kijiji will ever run out of people trying to rip other people off.

In fairness, I don't think many of these folks are actively trying to screw the next guy.  They just don't understand the value of what they have.  Knocking $20 off the new price isn't going to move your item, and while I suppose there's nothing saying that you can't waste your own time, I think we'd all be better off if folks understood value.

These ones have left me shaking my head this week

Blacktop Stratocaster (Upgraded) - $550

I have a Blacktop Stratocaster I've modified myself, and while mine is pretty much priceless, this is more than a bit silly.  The "upgrades" here are locking tuners and aftermarket knobs.

Whoa there Nelly.  Slow down.  You're blowing my mind.

$550 is absolutely insane for this guitar - and yet 24 hours later I can't find the listing.  Either I'm an idiot, or I'm severely underestimating the number of them out there.  Maybe they changed their mind.

If you ask me, the Blacktop used is a $400 guitar tops, and upgrades are gravy for the buyer.

Digression:  I have no idea why they were called "Blacktop".  If I had to guess, it would be because of the black Fender amp knobs used in place of typical volume and tone knobs.  Never mind that the "tops" of those knobs are silver...

Epiphone Special II and Fender Frontman Amp - $350


I don't even know where to start here, so I'll start with the obvious. On a good day this seller should get $200 for this package - $150 for the guitar, and $50 for the amp.  Bllllllaaaaaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhh.

Sorry.  I just threw up in my mouth.  That amp isn't worth anything.  With all the great used amps out there, paying anything for this amp is a waste of money.  These days, $50-$100 can get you a used Peavey SOlid State that is loud enough to keep up with a drummer.  Scoff at Peavey all you want, but I' take an old "transtube" Peavey over this crappy little thing any day.

As for the guitar, I'm sure there isn't anything wrong with it, but I wouldn't pay more than $100, and even then I'd wonder about it.  At $350 for the package, you could have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard or even an Epiphone ES 339.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster - $300?!?!?!?!


Really?  At $100 this is an overpriced instrument.  At $300?

Let's take it easy though - this one is too obvious.  Junior has decided he'd rather have a PS4 than a guitar, so he checks Kijiji and sees Stratocasters selling for $800. 

"Man, $300 is a steal. People would be stupid not to buy this"

That, or it has locking tuners on it, which totally justifies the price.

Sigh.

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