uriahsmusic Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 ...So I went to this store...and the guy has a es355 custom shop in Black and gold for $1899.00 I thought to myself...wonderful investment at that price...long story short...He says out the door for $1600.00!!!....The only down side is it had a neck repair at the headstock/neck intersection. Sure it was fixed by a pro...blah blah blah...but I wouldn't pay $1600.00 for a broken guitar...maybe an L5!!!.....My question is ...How devalued is a 355 with a broken neck repair?
BigKahune Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 . Rule of thumb neck/headstock cracks/break/repair - whatever the price for the guitar, whether it's new or used - take 50% off, more if the repair is easily visible. This one is used so maybe $2800 - should be half of that - $1400 or so. If the headstock repair was done well, I would consider it. Be sure to check it out - hopefully it's stable and will stay in tune.
L5Larry Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 BK is correct. Any major structural repair devalues a guitar by 50%. So he say's "out the door for $1600". So it's an $800.00 dollar guitar, and there is NO "investment" in any guitar with a repaired headstock! I would NEVER buy ANY guitar, for ANY price, with ANY major repair. There are just too many pieces on the market right now. Run away! AND, if it's a so called 355 reissue with a hole cut in the back for control and wiring access, it's no reissue at all (but don't tell the Gibson marketing dept.)
uriahsmusic Posted October 26, 2011 Author Posted October 26, 2011 ...thanx you guys!...that is exactly what I thought, especially the lack of investment value!!!!!
JimR56 Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 I'm more inclined to agree with Big Kahune here. If it's otherwise clean and nice, it's value is more like $1400 than $800. And, I would at least consider it if you don't think you can afford to buy a nice used one for $2800. There's nothing wrong with a "player's guitar". It could conceivably become the best guitar you ever played... you just never know. Also, just to play devil's advocate, it's been said that a well-repaired break is actually stronger and more stable than an unbroken example (I can't vouch for that, but sometimes people do say that). As far as the "investment" angle, it's not going to increase like a perfect example might, but it shouldn't necessarily go down, either. So, it could be a good buy if it has the right playability and sound.
badbluesplayer Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 If it was me, no way!! I'm like Larry. I would never buy a guitar that had a busted neck, period. If somebody gave it to me, I would sell it. Maybe it's just a personal thing, but I deserve a first quality instrument. If I busted the neck on one of my guitars, I would throw it right in the trash.
uriahsmusic Posted October 26, 2011 Author Posted October 26, 2011 If it was me, no way!! I'm like Larry. I would never buy a guitar that had a busted neck, period. If somebody gave it to me, I would sell it. Maybe it's just a personal thing, but I deserve a first quality instrument. If I busted the neck on one of my guitars, I would throw it right in the trash. For me resale value is everything. I have owned so many guitars, still when you are ready to part with them for whatever reason, they need to be able to not embarrass you as a trade up or an outright sale. No Gibson has ever let me down there, but a broken neck sends shivers down the spine. By the way, this guitar plays like dream and looks even better. I think I would pay maybe $800.00 or $900.00 to be safe on a re-sale. Also!!!! I called that Gibson Repair Line for an estimate!!! They haven't responded yet. I asked about getting a new neck in black.
JazzGtr Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 I would not buy a repaired guitar for any reasons or for any amount. And that's the bottom line. Life is too short! Jazz,
davidl Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 I don't think I'd have a problem buying a professionally repaired guitar for a very good price if I wanted to just play a great sounding and feeling guitar and have no intention of ever selling it. I have never done so, but I think I would consider it. Dave
JellyWheat Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 I would not buy a repaired guitar for any reasons or for any amount. And that's the bottom line. Life is too short! Jazz, I totally agree with Jazzgtr... life is too short. My answer would be "No", too. I would rather have an unbroken Melody Maker than a fancier model with a repaired headstock. [The reason is that the neck behind the truss rod cover is one of the two pressure points that permits the truss rod tension to flex the neck backwards, away from the pull of the strings. That's the main reason that Gibson necks almost always break where they do... Do you really want to trust putting that mechanical pressure back on the very same spot you had to repair? I just don't trust these repairs, no matter how well they may turn out from a cosmetic perspective. They are a botch to glue, and I always used to wonder if I inadvertently "starved" the joint whenever I have occasion to clamp one of these guys to the jig...] My $0.02/FWIW/YMMV J/W
BigKahune Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 . A correctly repaired headstock/neck won't break in the same spot if dropped again. But that's the trouble with buying a repaired guitar, you may not know who did the repair and how competent they are. Of course there's always used 70s Gibsons with volutes on the market if you want to feel real safe. . B) .
JellyWheat Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 . A correctly repaired headstock/neck won't break in the same spot if dropped again. But that's the trouble with buying a repaired guitar, you may not know who did the repair and how competent they are. Of course there's always used 70s Gibsons with volutes on the market if you want to feel real safe. . B) . I believe this statement to be FACTUALLY CORRECT, from an objective, scientific point of view. ... but subjectively, I would tend to steer clear, if I had my druthers. Regards, J/W B)
strat-o-steve Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 I agree with the statements that the "investment" is not there with any guitar with a repaired headstock, cause you will never sell the guitar and make much/any profit. BUT, I will say this...if you can get that guitar for a screaming deal, like you talk them down to $1200 or something.....THEN you will have a guitar that hopefully IS structurally sound, but you wont worry about. You can take the guitar out and play it everywhere, lean it against the wall next to the couch for easy access during tv commericals, etc. :) I love 'ol beater guitars lol. If you already have a couple nice Gibsons or whatever, then buying one to not baby so much will be a joy to your soul.
sok66 Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 There is really no investment upside there. But, assuming a quality repair, as a player, maybe. Try it and see what you think of it. Headstock breaks are a common on Gibsons as fleas on a dog but a good luthier can fix them and make the broken area even stronger than new. Never can erase the original break in terms of value, but it might be just fine as a player.
Morkolo Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 I wouldn't buy one without checking out the work of the guy who did the repair. And I'd still be tentative then, the way I look at it if you can't afford a Gibson 355 than you should be able to get a similar model from another brand with your $1600.
JimR56 Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 Also, just to play devil's advocate, it's been said that a well-repaired break is actually stronger and more stable than an unbroken example (I can't vouch for that, but sometimes people do say that). . A correctly repaired headstock/neck won't break in the same spot if dropped again. Headstock breaks are a common on Gibsons as fleas on a dog but a good luthier can fix them and make the broken area even stronger than new. See what I mean? :)
bobouz Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 I absolutely would consider purchasing an instrument with a headstock repair, and have. Back in the very late '70s, I bought a 1921 Gibson "A" mandolin that had been fitted with a completely new headstock. The repair was seamless and beautifully done. The price was good, the tone was great. I kept that little Sheraton Brown cutie for many years & got a bunch of enjoyment out of it. Eventually strayed away from the mandolin & it became part of a very equitable guitar trade. So I'd have to say it depends on a number of factors. Quality of the repair work would be the first & foremost issue. Then rarity, tone, overall structural integrity, and overall cosmetic condition of the instrument. Oh, and of course the actual selling price!
rlan52 Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 I purchased an ES-333 with a professionally repaired headstock. I paid $700 with a Gibson hard shel case. That is close to half of what they are going for these days. I can't tell you how much I love that guitar. It has become my go-to instrument for live shows. This is also the first time I have ever owned an instrument that was previously broken. I used to say "NEVER" but, my desire to ow one and the economics made me change my mind. I am very glad I did. If the economics play a roll, and you are not that concerned with resale, I say go for it...
JellyWheat Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 See what I mean? :) I absolutely would consider purchasing an instrument with a headstock repair, and have. Back in the very late '70s, I bought a 1921 Gibson "A" mandolin that had been fitted with a completely new headstock. The repair was seamless and beautifully done. The price was good, the tone was great. I kept that little Sheraton Brown cutie for many years & got a bunch of enjoyment out of it. Eventually strayed away from the mandolin & it became part of a very equitable guitar trade. So I'd have to say it depends on a number of factors. Quality of the repair work would be the first & foremost issue. Then rarity, tone, overall structural integrity, and overall cosmetic condition of the instrument. Oh, and of course the actual selling price! I would just like to make it clear that what JimR56 and bobouz are advocating IS, in fact, the correct and most reasonable advice. I happen to live in an area where good luthiers are few and far between. If my friend were still alive (he was a trained violin maker from Austria, but died in 1992 of a brain aneurysm at the age of 52 . I still miss him ) I would trust his work, and could live with a repaired axe, depending on the cleanness of the break and how visible the repair job was. You guys are right, however... if the work is good and the price is right, the rest is just subjective snobbery, I suppose. Regards to all. J/W
dougg330 Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 Here's another devil's advocate speaking up for the guitars with headstock repairs. I've found you can't make a blanket statement like, "They all suck" or "They're all fine." Each has to be evaluated individually - every break is different, and not all repairs are done properly. I bought a '66 ES-330 with a headstock repair that is my all-time favorite guitar. It's the most resonant 330 I've ever played- and I've owned 4 others, not to mention tried out a dozen more. I had my luthier check it out and he said the repair was tight. He was right - the repair has held up perfectly, and it holds tune perfectly even when I restrung it with 11's. So IMHO, try the 335 and see how it sounds and feels before you decide. This won't be an investment guitar for resale - it'd going to be one you play and want to play, and get your money's worth that way. If it plays right and sounds right, it's worth the money. If not...walk on.
j45nick Posted October 27, 2011 Posted October 27, 2011 . A correctly repaired headstock/neck won't break in the same spot if dropped again. But that's the trouble with buying a repaired guitar, you may not know who did the repair and how competent they are. Of course there's always used 70s Gibsons with volutes on the market if you want to feel real safe. . B) . Big K is right. It's all about how well the repair was done, which you won't know unless you had it done yourself by someone you trust. Thre's nothing wrong with a properly-repaired guitar as a "player", but with a repaired broken headstock, it will never be an investment-grade instrument. The fair market value is probably about 50% of the value of the same instrument in the same condition, but without the headstock break. Don't let anyone convince you it's worth more.
CajunBlues Posted October 28, 2011 Posted October 28, 2011 I bought a 1973 les paul deluxe goldtop for $950 that had a completely replaced headstock... There were no issues with the guitar at all... Whoever did the repair was a true genius... If done correctly, the repair will NEVER be an issue.... So this is the seller's philosophy, gee there is nothing wrong with the guitar (post-repair) so, the guitar should sell for a good price... But, for some reason, the demand for such guitars is really low... My 73 goldtop lp purchase was not regrettable at all ... and I ended up selling it for a profit.... but really it was stupid to sell it... If you find a 335 for about 1200 or lower with a repaired headstock, I would go for it...
uriahsmusic Posted October 29, 2011 Author Posted October 29, 2011 After a few days of phone tag with Gibson Repair I finally got someone. They said a new neck put was $2300.00 complete.
JellyWheat Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 After a few days of phone tag with Gibson Repair I finally got someone. They said a new neck put was $2300.00 complete. ... and the purpose of obtaining such a quote was??? :mellow: J/W
j45nick Posted October 29, 2011 Posted October 29, 2011 ... and the purpose of obtaining such a quote was??? :mellow: J/W It certainly proves that replacing a neck is not a viable option on anything less than a '59 ES 335 that has a neck that's been run over by a truck, but is otherwise perfect.
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