Frances50 Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 Hey guys: Not sure how many luthiers are here on the forum but I'm trying to get some information regarding the cost to fully restore a Gibson 1903/04 Style O guitar that needs extensive work. My main concern is the cost to purchase this guitar versus the cost to have it restored. I know these are rare but I think the initial cost of the guitar is a bit high. Has anyone else faced this issue when trying to decide to purchase? I have two antique instruments but both were in restored condition when I purchased them and I considered them both good values. Thanks Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 I can't afford to buy vintage in anything BUT 'fixer upper' shape, and certainly my advantage in having very affordable repair and restoration access works to my benefit, but having a guitar that's so old it would be in a museum and not necessarily valuable as a player would create a different paradigm. I think that only by bringing the restorer/luthier to the project before buying would be the best way to get a fix on the cost/value equation as it relates to your expectations. So-called 'extensive' restoration of a historical instrument will always devalue it significantly. I'd try and find a way to get photos to your restorer and get his/her estimate. Prices on old high end brand guitars are pretty flat these days, so recouping/re-sale value versus joy of ownership is the bottom line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted December 23, 2016 Share Posted December 23, 2016 Yep. Not to mention the joy of playing the thing! My thought is that not all extensive restorations are created equal - some are more extensive than others. An opportunity to own and play a vintage guitar shouldn't necessarily be ignored just because getting it playable makes it less valuable than a pristine model of the same. My heart lies with what they can do and how they sound rather than potential down the road resale value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted December 23, 2016 Share Posted December 23, 2016 Post a picture... a old style 0 no more than a grand.. if its a paddle headstock with the moon and crest. it would be worth putting a couple grand into.. but it will be yours forever.. thats about the going rate on those.. anything needing to much is not a collectable piece unless it super rare. the 0s are not.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances50 Posted December 24, 2016 Author Share Posted December 24, 2016 According to the agent for the seller, Ghrun's offered over $7,000.00. Thanks. Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 Well, if that offer is on paper or could be corroborated at Gruhn's, you'd have your approx. value in it's present condition. Gruhn's luthiers would then restore 'on the clock', costing them much less for the restoration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 Haven't seen one up close, personal, and on stage since the early 1970's. Wonderful for fingerpicking! They fetch healthy $ from all I've heard and read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances50 Posted December 28, 2016 Author Share Posted December 28, 2016 Any advice on a good luthier who could restore this guitar and give me a ball park estimate without having to physically inspect the guitar? Thanks Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted December 28, 2016 Share Posted December 28, 2016 According to the agent for the seller, Ghrun's offered over $7,000.00. Thanks. Frances Looks like its been painted.. overspray on the label.. I agree if the paper work is there stating Gruhn is stepping up to the plate and the seller has a signs document stating that.. it may be worth more.. but till then thats all I would pay if it was me.. there not cheap to repair.. whether its these or the scroll Style 0s. there a not braced carved top and back.. 100 years later its fragile.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances50 Posted March 5, 2017 Author Share Posted March 5, 2017 Looks like its been painted.. overspray on the label.. I agree if the paper work is there stating Gruhn is stepping up to the plate and the seller has a signs document stating that.. it may be worth more.. but till then thats all I would pay if it was me.. there not cheap to repair.. whether its these or the scroll Style 0s. there a not braced carved top and back.. 100 years later its fragile.. Yeah, I passed on this one. Just too many variables involved and unknown costs...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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