Right folks, so I bought a really lovely 2014 r9. I thought it was a bargain after pouncing on a big reduction. I’d estimate it was 20-30% under value which is realistically my limit so if not this one, I’d stick my my epiphone
.
However post purchase it’s clear why it was reduced. No CoA / case candy and also a pretty ugly blemish on the underside of the neck.
I’ve mailed Gibson and the guitar is definitely legit so I don’t care about the CoA but clearly it matters to most buyers should I need to sell. I am a bit miffed about the blemish but also know that because of where it is it couldn’t really be more out of sight.
On the plus side I think the guitar is a great one and having by tried a few over the years I just want this to be the keeper and solve all my Les Paul GAS. Love the flame and the bourbon burst, it resonates like hell and is only 8.1lbs. So very rare imho and exactly what I want.
Seller has offered a return but ultimately, I’m unlikely to find one that nails my key preferences as well for anywhere near the price I paid (which as above is my limit).
Am I just disgruntled that a bargain was not a bargain and the seller pulled one over me by not disclosing? That’s not a reason to lose a guitar is it unless I was ripped off which given the bargain nature it’s hard to say I really was. I think it would be similarly priced if disclosed. Is this just temporary feeling deflated like when you ding a new guitar but after a while just get over it? Is this blemish ‘character’? Could I remove the blemish? Perhaps but I tried wiping and I suspect the seller may have tried themselves without success.
What would you do?
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Beautiful guitar, 8.1lbs at a bargain price? And you are talking about the possibility of selling after you've just bought it?
So congrats !! Good one.
Now consider this: save up a few more quid and then speak to Yuuki at PlayerGradeVintage about a refin. It will open up the guitar even more, tonally, and you will never look back.
Enjoy the journey bro x
@monquixote yes that’s the question. Like Neil I’m usually a fusspot so this situation has challenged that somewhat. The price is prob still fairly good I expect so I think I need to grow to love it as it is.
The finish mark won’t come out, but it’s where you don’t really see it. The rest of it is well above average, including the top and the weight. (Or technically well below average in that respect!)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Thing is, if the seller had disclosed the blemish etc and kept the price as it was, would you have moved on immediately? Or would you still have been tempted by the price?
What would you have done differently is what I'm asking I suppose.
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I really have never seen another one that’s definitely better - it even has a nicely shallow neck angle (you can tell by the height of the bridge and the pickup relative to the surround - I know some people don’t think this matters).
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Keep it, In all important respects it looks like a lovely guitar.