Why We Take Our Own Guitar Photos (And Why That Matters to You)

Why We Take Our Own Guitar Photos (And Why That Matters to You)

When shopping for a guitar online, you’ll often see one thing over and over again: the same manufacturer photo used by every retailer. While those images may look polished, they don’t tell the full story of the guitar you’re actually buying. At Guitar Haus, we do things differently.

We photograph every single guitar ourselves. Yes, that means we carefully open the box, inspect the instrument, and take real photos (with no filters) of the exact guitar you’ll receive. Here's why that matters, whether you're buying your first guitar or a high-end boutique instrument.

What You See Is What You Get

Every piece of wood is different. No two tops are the same, and even solid-color guitars often have variations in the grain, neck wood, or binding. Manufacturer photos are simply a generic representation, our photos show the actual instrument.

So if you're browsing a Taylor 114ce or a Yamaha FG9 on our site, the pictures you see aren’t “stock.” They're real. You know exactly what you’re buying, no surprises.

“Do You Open the Box?” Yes, But Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

We get it, some players want the experience of opening a brand-new, untouched guitar. But the truth is, every guitar should be inspected before it’s sold. We carefully unbox each instrument for two reasons:

  1. Quality Control: We check for finish flaws, cracks, fret issues, neck warping, and anything else that may have slipped past the factory. If it's not right, it doesn’t go on our site.
  2. True Representation: Our photos let you see your guitar. Not just a catalog image, but the exact top, back, neck and headstock, so you know exactly what you’re getting and avoid any surprises.

Safe and Padded: Our Photography & Inspection Setup

Our inspection and photography station is fully padded, with soft leather corners in strategic spots. Every guitar is handled gently, with clean hands and professional tools. Many guitars are returned to their original box immediately after inspection and stored securely until they ship.

Some guitars are displayed in our private showroom, available by appointment only, and kept in a humidity-controlled, softly lit environment with padded wall panels for both acoustic protection and physical safety.

“Will the Guitar Be Used?” No, We Follow Strict Handling Guidelines

If a guitar is tested by a potential buyer (which is rare), we follow strict guidelines.

We take preservation seriously. Our goal is to deliver a brand new guitar in brand new condition. He

Transparency Builds Trust

By showing you the real instrument, we’re not just selling guitars, we’re earning your trust. This way you can feel confident that what you see is what you get.

Peace of Mind, Included!

Buying a guitar online should be exciting, not stressful. When you shop with Guitar Haus, you’re not just buying an instrument, you’re buying into a process that puts care, transparency, and integrity first.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. At Guitar Haus, we're real people who love guitars as much as you do. We’re here to help.

Back to blog