The ChiliSound™ Standard
Here is exactly what we do to every instrument before it goes up for sale — and what it guarantees for you as a buyer.
The Four Stages
Initial condition assessment. We document what we received before anything else happens — existing wear, cosmetic damage, any previous repairs we can identify, and playability in the state it arrived. This becomes the baseline record.
If the instrument has hidden issues that weren't disclosed — a repaired headstock, a re-fret, a replaced neck — we find them here and include them in the listing. We don't bury these things in fine print.
Identity confirmation and authenticity check. We confirm the instrument is what it's claimed to be — serial number research, construction details, hardware originality, and any known model variants or anomalies documented.
This is particularly important for vintage instruments, where a refinish, replaced tuners, or a later neck can significantly affect value. We document what's original and what isn't.
Full setup and playability work. For guitars: neck relief, nut slots, action at the saddle and 12th fret, intonation, fretwork assessment, electronics cleaning and testing. For drums: bearing edge inspection, hardware tightening, head assessment, full tuneability check. For amps: powered on, played through at volume, all controls tested.
Then play-tested for 10+ hours by a working musician. Not to verify it turns on — to verify it plays.
Honest listing with accurate documentation. The listing reflects what the instrument actually is — photos of real condition, written description of every flaw we found, condition rating based on actual assessment rather than optimistic marketing language.
The photos show the wear. The description names the repairs. If there's a ding on the headstock, it's in the photos and it's in the text.
What Doesn't Make It
If an instrument can't be brought to a playable standard without repairs that exceed its value, it doesn't get listed. If a vintage piece has been refinished and the seller is claiming it's original, it doesn't get listed. If playability testing reveals an issue we can't resolve — a warped neck beyond adjustment, a cracked top that affects resonance — it doesn't get listed.
This is not common. But it happens. And the fact that it happens is the point. If we listed everything that came through the door, the certification would mean nothing.
For Buyers
The listing photos were taken specifically to show condition — not to flatter the instrument. Wear is photographed, not cropped out.
The instrument has been set up for playability and tested by someone who plays. It won't arrive with a neck that can't be adjusted or electronics that cut out.
If the instrument doesn't match what was documented in the listing, return it within 30 days for a full refund. No conditions beyond that.
Common Questions
What is the ChiliSound™ Standard?
A four-stage certification process: Evaluate (document condition before anything else), Verify (confirm the instrument is what it claims to be — serial research, authenticity check), Prepare (full professional setup plus 10+ hours of play-testing by a working musician), and Present (honest listing with photos of actual condition and every flaw documented in writing).
Does Chili's Sound turn instruments away?
Yes. If an instrument can't be brought to a playable standard without repairs that exceed its value, or if it has hidden issues that can't be resolved, it doesn't get listed. This is uncommon, but the fact that it happens is exactly what makes the certification meaningful.
What does "play-tested 10+ hours" actually mean?
Every instrument is played — actually played — for a minimum of 10 hours by a working musician on our team. Not plugged in for 30 seconds. We play through the full range to catch issues that only show up under real use: intermittent electronics, tuning instability under bending, fret issues that appear only in certain positions.
How is this different from Long & McQuade's used gear policy?
Long & McQuade's GearHunter section provides a 90-day warranty but doesn't describe a consistent inspection or setup process. The ChiliSound™ Standard requires a documented four-stage inspection, professional setup, and 10+ hours of play-testing — not just a warranty period. Every flaw is photographed and described in writing before listing.
What does the 30-day return guarantee cover?
If the instrument doesn't match what was documented in the listing — condition, playability, or any described feature — return it within 30 days for a full refund. No conditions beyond that. The guarantee applies whether you're in Burlington or anywhere across Canada.
Browse the catalogue — every listing is an example of the standard in action.
Browse the Catalogue