Johnt Posted August 29, 2008 Author Share Posted August 29, 2008 I wished I'd never mentioned the dealer in Guildford and I've still not found an HB i want to take home' date=' perhaps my wish for a Gibson will not be realised this thread has depressed me the UK sucks at selling guitars. Would'nt it be nice to compare all my options in one shop and leave happy without any doubt knowing I'd made the right decision.[/quote'] Nil Desperandum LL! The shop in Guildford is a typical UK "music shop" proporting to be "dealers" for anything which makes a note ( pun intended) It is a question of sheer luck that anyone will find A) the make & model they seek and it would be extraordinary, as you point out, if they actually offered a choice. The Uk doesn't suck at selling guitars GIBSON SUCK AT SELLING ACOUSTICS IN THE UK! but I have found a Robert Johnston, or at least they say they have one at Guitar Village in Farnham They claim also to have an Arlo Guthrie http://www.guitarvillage.co.uk/product-list.asp?manuid=36&catid=4 Trying to make time to go over next week. Turning back to you can I make a suggestion There's a dealer on Ebay woith a good reputation named Glenns guitars He has a 72 'bird up at the moment http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1972-Gibson-Hummingbird-Acoustic-Guitar_W0QQitemZ150286401574QQihZ005QQcategoryZ33025QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem This guy is in Enfield N London and several people I know have bought form him, the latest is our own Jinder from the forum who was singing both the man's praises and the praises of the guitar he bought not too long ago. OK there are several 'Birds on EvilBay but this one looks the part and will save you dosh against a new one. Otherwise our quest continues, you for your 'bird, AJ for his 12 and me for an RJ. From what Celticbuoy says it's no better in Scotland! If we share our misery perhaps one day we'll share our successes, keep us informed if you find the Holy Grail ( That is a Gibson "dealer" who cares about selling acoustics! Nil Desperandum mate! Chin up and if all elsw fails we'll organise a PI$$ up and get ratassed playing crafters and Fenders! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 29, 2008 Author Share Posted August 29, 2008 Johnt wrote:My dear old chap why don't you foxtrot oscar to the taxidermist? Now that's the Johnt I know!! As verbal blows go' date=' I'd say that was very close to a kidney punch. Good one, old boy! I'm hoping you realize the intercontinental reparte' for what it is, good old fashioned fun!! I'm going to try my best to get into your good graces before the future knuckle sandwhich incident takes place. I'm going into training immediately( where did I store those old 8 oz. Everlasts?) Best to the misses and the pooches and good fortune to you as well!! ( How's that? Good start?) If I win the lottery tomorrow I'm sending you a Robin Jensen of your choice. Also, Cunkhead started it, those instigating, hockey playing, mossejawed buggers!! ( Sorry, Cunk, at the risk of a knuckle sandwich, I'm throwing you in front of the bus! lol)[/size'] It is difficult to see how an erudite, amusing and intelligent bloke such such as you good self could fall out of the "good graces" of an ageing hippy like me. I look forward to next June immensely, the opportunity to play along with "In spite of ourselves" on my newly acquired, single string, David Bowie signature Robin Jensen, whilst severly under the influence of Moose Drool! Doubtless there may be those who tire of the banter and to them I apologise but to me my music and my humour ( with a U) are important barometers as to whether I am still ticking! Keep it coming TW its only two old farts having a bit of fun, they can't arrest us for that can they? Young whippersnappers such as one cunkhead exists to be whipping boys and I agree that any knuckle sandwiches, slaps etc should be directed at him. Here you go cunk....enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 thanks, jt. i just ate...and ...i'm a vegetarian! looks like some yummy, typically english fare, though! on a serious note, that link you posted has some lovely gibbies on it. is it near you? nice selection, but the prices! wow, you guys get royally piped over there. my dry cleaner can't believe it, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWilson Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Johnt-I was pretty pi$$ed off at you until I looked up "erudite", lol Aging hippies unite!!! (Or is that Dyslexics Untie!) I agree, humor (no U) is missing in too many people. If I didn't have a sense of humor the world would be a much dimmer place. Actually, my guitar playing might be pretty funny to a lot of folks. To the plains and the Moose Drool!!!! Here's a little gift for you my friend: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 29, 2008 Author Share Posted August 29, 2008 Johnt-I was pretty pi$$ed off at you until I looked up "erudite"' date=' lol Aging hippies unite!!! (Or is that Dyslexics Untie!) I agree, humor (no U) is missing in too many people. If I didn't have a sense of humor the world would be a much dimmer place. Actually, my guitar playing might be pretty funny to a lot of folks. To the plains and the Moose Drool!!!! Here's a little gift for you my friend:[img'][/img] TW I really can't imagine why you would be pi$$ed off at me! On the countary It should be me pi$$ed of with you (why I hear you ask) Well there is a show called Americas got talent which specialises in taking one's female family members and making "stars" out of them. Why oh why do you persist in promoting the ladies of you family within your avatars? I recall several months ago, three rather rather sour looking bints, then more latterly the obvious beauty queen of the family I belive she was called "*** ash Lil" and now you insult us and the aforementioned female family members by exhibiting your harem of "lady friends" Clearly the "Greatest little whorehouse in Oregon" has fallen from grace major style! Your guitar playing will get a major lift, if and when I start matey! Thanks for your gift I recognise the SJ200 and the suit but who's the geezer? Has he seen my pic in my avatar and is extracting the urine? Keep the faith Buddy! Oh are we gonna have some fun in Bozeman, poor old cunkhead he ain't got a chance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 29, 2008 Author Share Posted August 29, 2008 on a serious note' date=' that link you posted has some lovely gibbies on it. is it near you? nice selection, but the prices! wow, you guys get royally piped over there. my dry cleaner can't believe it, either.[/quote'] Yes thanks for your sympathy, it really is Krap over here as CelticBuoy, Littlelegs, AJ and myself agree. A little while ago my friend Thermionik posted that perhaps AJ and I should start a business but AJ would be too hard a taskmaster for an ageing hippy! I meant that guy can count, do mental maths (NOT MATH!) and operate a puter. He can actually put up the correct money for 2 pints of London Pride! Returning to your point and remembering that I have had a rant at TWilson already. I went to Guitar Village today and indeed they had there in the flesh, a Robert Johnston and an Arlo Guthrie along with a reasonable , albeit single piece, selection of J45, AJs, SJ200 etc. They also seemed to know what they were talking about until I asked them about a custom shop order, the eyes glazed over and once again a phrase such as " we don;t know what we are getting from Bozeman un til it turns up" is uttered! Still the shop itself (LISTEN LITTLELEGS) is worth a visit lots of choice, except Gibbis. I was very tempted by a Maton ( are they OZ? zombywolf?) As for the RJ after all the crap I have been spurting I admit I didn't like it! The Arlo Guthrie reminded me a) how small AG must be and B) of a "Strat" copy I bought my son when he was about 8. I felt much happier hiding my girth behind the ample proportions of a blond SJ200 So cunk, my friend, you see our problem over here, "we can't try so we choose by eye" ( BY the way that slogan is copyright but is available on a franchise basis) We don't get any information and the price is rubbish. On the latter point I absolve Gibson as doubtless Martins/Guild etc prices would be similarly staggering to you guys living in countries with purchase tax of minus 3.8%! Moving to China they make Gibsons there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWilson Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Just returned from another of my little country rides. funny the shirt I was wearing had a Clayton Tortex .72mm pick in the pocket. That being the case, I made a little side trip to GC and on the wall in the acoustic room they had several guitars on sale for the Labor (Labour) Day Weekend. (Yes mates, another american holiday is upon us!) They had the AJ that I adore, a J-45 2008 MC, and a Hummingbird Artist all on sale for $200 off the normal price. They also had a Songwriter and a used L-1 (talk about tiny) Luckily, in a sick sort of way, my left thumb is quite sore at the first joint where it joins the rest of the hand and was uncomfortable to play much. My Mastercard somehow escaped from my wallet and was trying to swipe itself in an area best left to the imagination. Quite ticklish, actually, but I got out of there without the AJ. My mind was really swirling at that point, "Sell the J-45, sell the Guild, get a lawn mowing jop, get a paper route!" When it's time to take the plunge, I'll demand that I get the same price they were selling it for this weekend. JT- Hey, enough with the disparaging remarks about my women! What do you think they make paper bags for? Admittedly, a couple are two-baggers but they're good dancers and can open beer bottles with their teeth. So, let's have a little respect already. (Also, I said LEFT thumb) And, as always, Bob's your uncle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Word is, that since the severing of ties with Rosetti, Gibson may well be setting up Gibson-only (or, at least, Gibson-heavy) dealerships throughout the country. A good example is GuitarGuitar in Glasgow. Great acoustic room with 15+ Gibson acoustics, from a J45 MC in Mahogany to the Legend L00 that my friend Lotte bought on our visit last month. Loads of choice, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and plenty of choice Gibson acoustics right there on the wall for you to sample and hold. I fell head-over-heels with a Crow in there that was just out of this world-I mean utterly stellar. I couldn't afford it, though :-( According to the owner of GG, there will also be a price levelling scheme for Gibson dealers where their markup is levelled off so they all charge the same for their guitars-noticeably less than before, incidentally. A Dove, for example, will have a street price of £1650, a Crow £1350 etc. Or so I was told, anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Just returned from another of my little country rides. funny the shirt I was wearing had a Clayton Tortex .72mm pick in the pocket. That being the case' date=' I made a little side trip to GC and on the wall in the acoustic room they had several guitars on sale for the Labor (Labour) Day Weekend. (Yes mates, another american holiday is upon us!) They had the AJ that I adore, a J-45 2008 MC, and a Hummingbird Artist all on sale for $200 off the normal price. They also had a Songwriter and a used L-1 (talk about tiny) Luckily, in a sick sort of way, my left thumb is quite sore at the first joint where it joins the rest of the hand and was uncomfortable to play much. My Mastercard somehow escaped from my wallet and was trying to swipe itself in an area best left to the imagination. Quite ticklish, actually, but I got out of there without the AJ. My mind was really swirling at that point, "Sell the J-45, sell the Guild, get a lawn mowing jop, get a paper route!" When it's time to take the plunge, I'll demand that I get the same price they were selling it for this weekend. JT- Hey, enough with the disparaging remarks about my women! What do you think they make paper bags for? Admittedly, a couple are two-baggers but they're good dancers and can open beer bottles with their teeth. So, let's have a little respect already. (Also, I said LEFT thumb) And, as always, Bob's your uncle![/size'] great story and congrats on the purchase, tw. i love the 'out of body experience' tone to it. speaking of tone, we need vivid descriptions of the AJ and pics. oh yes, we need pics. a reflection of a purty lady on the back would be nice but not the ones in your avatar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 30, 2008 Author Share Posted August 30, 2008 Word is' date=' that since the severing of ties with Rosetti, Gibson may well be setting up Gibson-only (or, at least, Gibson-heavy) dealerships throughout the country. A good example is GuitarGuitar in Glasgow. Great acoustic room with 15+ Gibson acoustics, from a J45 MC in Mahogany to the Legend L00 that my friend Lotte bought on our visit last month. Loads of choice, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and plenty of choice Gibson acoustics right there on the wall for you to sample and hold. I fell head-over-heels with a Crow in there that was just out of this world-I mean utterly stellar. I couldn't afford it, though :-( According to the owner of GG, there will also be a price levelling scheme for Gibson dealers where their markup is levelled off so they all charge the same for their guitars-noticeably less than before, incidentally. A Dove, for example, will have a street price of £1650, a Crow £1350 etc. Or so I was told, anyway![/quote'] As I understand it it wasn't just severing ties with Rosetti, didn't they also "re-assign their distribuition" elsewhere in the world I am sure someone posted about Oz or Spain or something. Anyway no matter, having spoken to four UK Gibson "dealers" there seems to be a common theme that they haven't got a clue what is going on! (I was requesting a Price & Delivery for a custom RJ. I have just called GG to be tolf they will call me back on Monday to discuss my requirements. Either way have slightly moved away from that now having played a standard RJ and an Arlo Guthrie yesterday in Farnham. I am back to doing the only sensible thing....stop gassing, go to Bozeman next year and IF something speaks to me, whack the plastic down! I am 100% with you, in another post, the Stephen Stills Martin is lovely, tried one a few months ago.. stunning. I think that wheras one could argue that some Martin's can be a bit bland, most of their stuff is great. By the way, dare I ask what's happened to your Dove? Did I miss something? BR John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 JT, did you get my email? There's an RJ for sale at Peter Cook's in Hanwell. £1,399. It's not on their website but in the advert in the Guitarist which has just been published. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 30, 2008 Author Share Posted August 30, 2008 JT' date=' did you get my email? There's an RJ for sale at Peter Cook's in Hanwell. £1,399. It's not on their website but in the advert in the Guitarist which has just been published.[/quote'] Yes sorry Peter. I was in their neck of woods yesterday and called them, they'd sold it! So I went down to Guitar Village in Farnham which was better. Played an RJ and an Arlo and didn't like either! AS I said elsewhere I am now considering a SJ200 SUMO! Farnham might be worth a trip we might be able to do a SAt afteroon or something? bit out of the way for the average skive! But no 'Pride visible! Have a good w/e the lawn is beckoning so I am off to get back under the thumB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 So I went down to Guitar Village in Farnham which was better. Played an RJ and an Arlo and didn't like either! AS I said elsewhere I am now considering a SJ200 SUMO! Farnham might be worth a trip we might be able to do a SAt afteroon or something? bit out of the way for the average skive! But no 'Pride visible! Have a good w/e the lawn is beckoning so I am off to get back under the thumB! Yes my mower will be fired up as soon as I find some petrol. Any 12rs at Guitar Village? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 30, 2008 Author Share Posted August 30, 2008 great story and congrats on the purchase' date=' tw. i love the 'out of body experience' tone to it. speaking of tone, we need vivid descriptions of the AJ and pics. oh yes, we need pics. a reflection of a purty lady on the back would be nice but not the ones in your avatar.[/quote'] Jeff You've been on the magic maple again haven't you? He wimped out of buying the AJ! Hence Quite ticklish, actually, but I got out of there without the AJ. BUT we all know TW he doesn't give up! He'll be out for "another of my little country rides" this weekend (doubtless running moonshine or 30 year old copies of "Health & Efficiency" magazine behind the backs of Sherriff Rosco P Coltrane! So soon you'll have your pics of another AJ! TW I thought I was being WHOLLY COMPLIMENTARY about your women! I had noted on trips to the US that if I buy something from Winn Dixie, walmak etc they give me a paper bag! As my lady is 100% gorgeous, I have not need of same. Am I to pass it to a likely candidate on the street as in the film (NOT MOVIE) "Pay it forward" Go and buy it TW, another $4K credit is available on your Mastercard this very weekend to celebrate G Bush's new invention "The Credit Crunch" LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWilson Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Johnt-thanks for correcting the somewhat fuzzy minded Canuck. I think "maple magic" is right on track. They've also been known to inhale "moose dust" which causes their friends to act funny and impair their reading comprehension. As to "Whimping out", I prefer to think of it as an act of great self-sacrifice and impeccable common sense! Good luck on finding that perfect "Rupert Jordon" with all natural fir top, and Oregon white oak back and sides. A genuine Saskatchawan seal skin strap would look nice, don't you think. I know you have your heart set on the soon-to-be-relaeased SJ-200 Sumo but give it more thought. A B's Y U. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 30, 2008 Author Share Posted August 30, 2008 Johnt-thanks for correcting the somewhat fuzzy minded Canuck. I think "maple magic" is right on track. They've also been known to inhale "moose dust" which causes their friends to act funny and impair their reading comprehension.As to "Whimping out"' date=' I prefer to think of it as an act of great self-sacrifice and impeccable common sense! Good luck on finding that perfect "Rupert Jordon" with all natural fir top, and Oregon white oak back and sides. A genuine Saskatchawan seal skin strap would look nice, don't you think. I know you have your heart set on the soon-to-be-relaeased SJ-200 Sumo but give it more thought. A B's Y U.[/size'] When GillianGirl comes in next I hope fo your sake she doesn't read the third sentence! You is gonna get whipped! I agree self denial and self sacrifice are great bedfellows and give you that "holier than thou" feeling. But come on all she's got to do is to shake those Advanced shoulders at you and you are putty in her hands! Common sense equals not emough dosh in my GAS attacks and I guess it's right that that prevails, If I'd wanted "a perfect "Rupert Jordon" with all natural fir top, and Oregon white oak back and sides. A genuine Saskatchawan seal skin strap would look nice, don't you think" Then I'd buy and "Elvis Costello" just like the man himself IMHO, "all dressed up and nowhere to go". The nearest thing to the epitome of bas taste since the Gretsch Silverjet> (I'd like one of those" No I will wait for the SJ200SUMO, do you think that I'd be better with the classic vintage, the vintage vintage, or the it's nearly passed it's sell by date vintage TV? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 JohnT.....sorry to hear about your difficulties. Can't you go through the Tunnel to mainland Europe and find stores in France or Germany? If you wan't I will keep an eye out here for what you are looking for....or something else (nice 12 string martin available for around $1K) and I just missed a Robert Johnson.....but shipping costs would probably kill the deal. Maybe you SHOULD come to Bozeman and pick out your baby???? Good luck with your search.....let us know how it turns out....wily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Johnt-thanks for correcting the somewhat fuzzy minded Canuck. I think "maple magic" is right on track. They've also been known to inhale "moose dust" which causes their friends to act funny and impair their reading comprehension.As to "Whimping out"' date=' I prefer to think of it as an act of great self-sacrifice and impeccable common sense! Good luck on finding that perfect "Rupert Jordon" with all natural fir top, and Oregon white oak back and sides. A genuine Saskatchawan seal skin strap would look nice, don't you think. I know you have your heart set on the soon-to-be-relaeased SJ-200 Sumo but give it more thought. A B's Y U.[/size'] sheesh, i'm trying to live an AJ life vicariously. sorry, wishful thinking caused my misread, not licking the backs of wild essex county loons (pictured on our dollar coin, though i've never seen one...ever). however, there are many natural 'fur' tops out in the woods, on the west side of town, at truck stops... as for genuine saskatchewan sealskin straps and other apparel (ties, shoes, wallets, undies, hernia belts, etc...) they have been in short supply due to the province's land-locked state since the last ice age. uncle bob (no relation to robbie jensen) says 'hi'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 By the way JohnT.....when are you Brits going to "reap" the harvest of the weak American Dollar? Gibsons should soon be half price in Europe!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 By the way JohnT.....when are you Brits going to "reap" the harvest of the weak American Dollar? Gibsons should soon be half price in Europe!!! Granted! This was discussed a few months ago when it $2:£1. The $ has strengthened a bit since then but there is no sign of any price cuts from this keen observer. I have to say Fenders are very good value at the moment ( and IMHO have been for a long time) so I think they may well have adjusted their prices in UK. I sense that Martins and Taylors are also appearing to be much better value for money as well. Gibson acoustics are in very short supply in the UK so that may have something to do with the lack of price reduction as well. Are you chaps in Bozeman reading us? over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWilson Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Good for you JohnT. Waiting for that elusive SJ-200 Sumo is a sign of patience and maturity. At least they've come out with the photo for their new marketing campaign. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 All I have to say to my UK friends is: SHOE.....MEGAPHONE..........GRUNTIES There, I said it. And I'm not embarrassed. Not one bit...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 31, 2008 Author Share Posted August 31, 2008 All I have to say to my UK friends is: SHOE.....MEGAPHONE..........GRUNTIES There' date=' I said it. And I'm not embarrassed. Not one bit...... [/quote'] And which particular GRUNTIES do you wish to "bless" us with? 1. grunties A homosexual ranger in Talisman. 2. grunties to move one's bowels. 3. grunties The sex act 4 According to the cast of Monty Python, it is one of the most offensive words one could say. However, it is not nearly as offensive as the words "Wankle-Rotary Engine" 5 A British euphemism for testicles. 6 Slang for little girls. "Gathers the young grunts and grunties..." from Campfire Story by K'larz. 7 Apparently a type of noise, "Hazy morse code blips and electronic grunties originate from the direction of east north-east". Thanks for the thought I am sure someone appreciates it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnt Posted August 31, 2008 Author Share Posted August 31, 2008 JohnT.....sorry to hear about your difficulties. Can't you go through the Tunnel to mainland Europe and find stores in France or Germany? If you wan't I will keep an eye out here for what you are looking for....or something else (nice 12 string martin available for around $1K) and I just missed a Robert Johnson.....but shipping costs would probably kill the deal. Maybe you SHOULD come to Bozeman and pick out your baby???? Good luck with your search.....let us know how it turns out....wily Wily, I do apologise I read this yesterday and meant to reply but was sidetracked by some loony! We go regularly to Frnace and Belgium although not for a while as dog sitters have left home! No real sign of anything better nor in Amsterdam either ( but did get sidetracked there also!) My recent twang on a Robert Johnston has re-affirmed that you can't buy from a picture. As you know I was very keen but when I picked it up it just didn;t feel right for me. And that's all that matters. So thank you for your most kind offer to look out on my behalf, I am firmly back to plan1 which is wait until something shouts buy me! In the meantime I am gonna try to direct my mind away from GAS and learning a bit more how to play what I have! That and keeping my mouth shut is my todays resolution! Repeat I appreciate the offer mate and if ever you touch down in UK we are only 80 miles from London Thief-row and only 50 miles from London gatwick! BR John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearbasher Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 keeping my mouth shut is my todays resolution! BR John A Brit keeping his mouth shut? Hardly likely. Kinda like a New Yawker completing a sentence without using the F-word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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