Cobaj Posted August 12, 2008 Posted August 12, 2008 G’day This is my first post here in the Gibson forum and I look forward to participating here. I’ve actually been a Gibson LP owner for several years now, and I’m looking to pickup another LP. I’m wondering if anyone can tell me what I should look out for when buying a second hand LP, as I’m currently in the market for a Studio. I already own a standard LP which came with a paper sheet with the matching serial on the headstock stating it’s an authentic Gibson. Do all studio models come with this authentic Gibson sheet? Also, do all studio models come stock standard with a hard case? I’m a little bit weary because I’ve been conversing with someone who’s selling a 2002 Studio LP, however he has stated it has no hard case, and that he has no authenticity papers. The price seems a bit weird as well. I’ve been quoted $1700AUS for a brand new Studio LP, however this guy has marked a negotiable price of $1350AUS, which to me, doesn’t seem like much of a bargain when I could pickup a first hand Studio for an extra $350AUS with a hard case, first year warranty, first year free setups, choice of finish, and guarantee of authenticity.
NeoConMan Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 I could be wrong, but I'm guessing EVERY Studio left the factory in a hard case. Guitar Center pulls the case and sells them separately to make more money. Certificate of Authenticity is reserved for high end Les Pauls, a Studio won't have it unless it's something very special. First year warranty is an odd thing, evidently your retailer is offering this stuff as sales bait. New Gibsons have a LIFETIME warranty, maybe being Down Under is a different deal. Is the Lifetime thing only honored in the US? First year free setups, choice of finish, and guarantee of authenticity is all dealer stuff, right?
Vic Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 My friends 1994 Studio, is black with a ebony board. Did not come in a hardshell case and he got it brand new. I actualy did not even know Studios did come in a hardshell case.
FennRx Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 studios come with a case. if it didnt, you got ripped off. as for the paper, are you referring to the gibson final inspection checklist? every gibson i have ever bought came with one. only the CS guitars come with COAs though.
Thundergod Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 Some stores take the case away and tell you "its a studio... cheaper version, you want a case get a standard" ... they probably dont know about the vintage mahogany, menace and BFG. I guess when you find the guitar you want you should take a pic and post it here... we can tell you if it is real or not... also you should visit several stores and see which one has them cheaper... Here there are two stores selling Gibsons... one will ask 2900 for a standard (and a scratch and dent standard at that...) the other one is the authorized dealer and will ask you around 2300 for a standard, which for Ecuador is a very good price as customs and taxes here are killer.
FreedomStain Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 I say just hold out for a new one... the Studio Plus with the Natural finish. Get it from an authorized dealer and make sure it has a case and the final pack list in there. Don't pay for warranty. The setup thing is only good if the store is close, the techs are good, and you actually need to get a setup every month (Which you don't).
Cobaj Posted August 13, 2008 Author Posted August 13, 2008 Thanks for all the responses guys :) where in aus are you? Melbourne. as for the paper' date=' are you referring to the gibson final inspection checklist? every gibson i have ever bought came with one.[/quote'] Yes, I actually went back and had a look at my "papers" and realized that's its a checklist. Because it had the serial written on it, I always thought of it as some sort of proof of ownership, etc. Here in Aus, or at least Melbourne, the biggest Gibson retailer is Gallin's Guitars, and free setups for a year, along with a yearly warranty, and hardcase, come stock standard with any Gibson; Unfortunately we don't get the lifetime warranty thing, or not through Gallins anyway, maybe Gibson still offer a life time warranty but I've never had to chase it up since my LP has been great with no problems form the get go. A couple of you guys mentioned that not all Studios come with a hardcase and that this is because of dodgy retailers. I actually knew a guy who had a studio which he bought in the early 90's, and he only had a soft case, so I thought that maybe it was something that changed recently, because all the Gibson retailers I know of give you a hardcase with any Gibson. I'll ask this guy if he can post some pictures of the guitar and then I'll post the links in here. What threw me off about the guy was when I asked him what year his studio was, he had to go and check, I thought this was odd; maybe it's just me, but if you asked me what year my LP was I'd be able to tell you the day it was made. Perhaps I'm too paranoid, I just don't want to buy a stolen or phony Gibson. I generally keep all my receipts for all music related items, and so if he doesn't have the receipt, I think I will just get one first hand.
Les Paul Fanatic Posted August 14, 2008 Posted August 14, 2008 New Lester over 2nd hand well worth the money.
davecanady Posted August 14, 2008 Posted August 14, 2008 Don't use the HSC as an indicator of it being a real Gibson or not. Musicians are always broke and might sell the case to make rent. Is the seller saying he is the original owner? If yes, it is a little odd he can't remember the age of the guitar. If he sells and trades guitars a lot, they may all run together in his head. On the other hand, I know the years of all of my guitars but can't keep my kid's birthdays straight!
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