Is this ebay sale legitimate?

Question

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-4-4-CELLO-W-BOW-CASE-STAND-2-SETS-STRING-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ260272505211QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item260272505211&_trkparms=39:1|66:4|65:15|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&timeout=1218550167484

Answer 1

It is a real auction, yes.

edit: Answer #3 by Jazzedup nailed this question.

Answer 2

Yes this is a real auction. If you look at their feedback almost all of it is positive. You should feel pretty confident in bidding on this auction. If not there is always protection you can get from Paypal if you are paying that way. If the seller backs out and still takes your money there is always Ebays Safe Harbor protection. I would feel safe in bidding on this auction.

Answer 3

From a musician's point of view, it seems like a good purchase if you're just starting to learn cello. The best thing for beginner cellists is to buy an inexpensive cello at first, or rent from a local music store, because the first year or so is all about learning the technique and mechanics behind playing the cello. There isn't much need for a quality instrument and bow.

I don't know if you are buying this cello for yourself, but once the basics are mastered and you decide to continue playing cello, you will need to look into quality instrument makers/dealers. That is when ordering an instrument online may not be the best idea. There are many aspects to what makes an instrument sound good, and purchasing one online won't allow you to test out the sound first.

I don't know if Ebay has a policy where the buyer can return the instrument if he/she is not satisfied with the quality, but I do know that certain online string instrument catalogs have "In Home Trial Programs", as http://www.sharmusic.com does.

I recommend SharMusic because it is run by trusted instrument makers/dealers and people experienced in music. You will want to consider looking into music stores near your region that specialize in string instruments.

(If you search for them online, they may be called "Violin Shops", but that is misleading because the cello is in the violin family.)

Best wishes!