Auction FAQs
Thinking about owning one or more of Acoustic Guitar‘s impressive collection of custom instruments? Here’s what you need to know to get in on the action!
When does bidding start?
Bidding starts at midnight PT on April 20, 2020.
When does bidding close?
Bidding ends at 11:59 pm PT on May 10, 2020.
How do I place my first bid?
On the page for the guitar you want to bid on, click the “Place My Bid” button. If you are not already logged into the Acoustic Guitar store, you will be prompted to log in or sign up.
An account is required to participate in the auction – this is so we have complete contact information to reach you should you win the auction and so that you can bid as many times as you like, on as many guitars as you choose, without having to re-enter your contact information. No credit card or payment information is required to set up an account.
Please note that the Acoustic Guitar store is not directly connected to your magazine subscription or to our email newsletters. You may have completed transactions with Acoustic Guitar in the past without creating a store account. If you are expecting to be able to log in, but are told that no account exists, please create a new one. This will have no impact on any other orders or subscriptions you may have with Acoustic Guitar already and will simply allow you to participate fully in the auction.
How often can I bid?
As often as you like until the auction closes.
How do I know if I have bid enough?
The current highest bid always appears on each item’s web page next to the Estimated Price.
What is a reserve?
A reserve is a confidential price below which we will not sell an item. If we receive no bid equal to or greater than the reserve, we will withdraw the item from the sale.
In what condition are the instruments?
The condition of each instrument is indicated in the Product Specs as Excellent, meaning that the instruments have been played and show a small amount of visible wear. The playability of each instrument is unimpaired. Each one has been set up to the highest standards, immediately prior to the auction, by San Francisco Guitar Works.
Do the instruments have cases?
Yes, you will receive your purchase along with its original case and any original documentation.
How do I pay?
You must pay for the item before we will ship it to you. We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and Paypal.
Who pays for shipping?
We pay for ground shipping within the United States. If you prefer a faster delivery option, you will pay the difference between ground and your selection. You pay for shipping, customs, and taxes outside the United States, regardless of the delivery option.
Can I return what I buy?
All items are sold “as is” and may not be returned.
When will I receive what I buy?
Once your payment has cleared, we will contact you to arrange for shipping.
Will my purchase be taxed?
If you live in California, your purchase is subject to the respective current sales taxes. Dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties may be exempt from sales tax upon submission of proper documentation.
What are you doing with the money raised from this auction?
50% of the net proceeds will be donated to the Bill Collings Memorial Fund, a non-profit organization administered by the NAMM Foundation. The fund supports guitar education in public schools and public programs. The net proceeds are defined as the difference between the instruments’ auction sale prices and their original market value. The remainder of the funds will be retained by the owner of the guitars, Stringletter Media, the parent company of Acoustic Guitar.