Actually there was something on the TV news the other night about buying anything (especially high priced items) on Ebay or Craigs List.
It said you should only buy from very reputable sellers who have at least a 99% rating and to avoid buying from anyone who would not be willing to send photos.

Even if there are photos of item do not hesitate to ask the seller to send you other photos that you might like to see.
If someone is unwilling to send several photos to you, you should avoid them completely.

There are some dishonest sellers on Ebay,like anywhere else but probably the vast majority are honest. About 3 years ago I sent a seller money for a pair of boots. She was in New York. I am in the States as well. Well, seller never sent the boots, didn't reply to my emails and never sent my money back.

Of course I informed EBAY about this and they sent her a letter which she ignored. I don't know what happened with it. I got tired of trying to fight it out with EBAY. I think the boots were about $30.00 (2nd hand) but hardly worn. Even though it wasn't an expensive item like a guitar, etc. it still upset me to not even get the boots or my money back. I even had her phone number which she never answered the phone. It would just ring and ring no matter what time you called. I only called up until 8 pm but never an answer.

So you do have to be careful, especially with an item like a guitar.