cannot add a reserve price to an active listing

If it's the guitar, there is no reason why you can't add a reserve.

But the fee is a lot and it's a waste of money anyway.

Just raise your starting bid to what your reserve would be.

.99 for a guitar will just bring out kids and sport bidders and bottom feeders.

I agree that the start bid should act as the reserve price, duh!  A newb...  but also there are instructions on how to add a reserve price to and active listing- and I was able to do it on the only other item I listed.  That is reason I am frustrated at this point.  Guess will have to call ebay manana.  Thanks for your answers!