F-50r, w/ cracked/repaired top

[Bobby1note]

Hi folks,

Been a while since I checked in, and I hope you're all doing well.

I've been hoping to get my hands on my favourite Guild F-50r w/D-Tar for a while now, and today I called my dealer in Montreal. Bingo! They have one in stock, "but", it has a cracked top, and has been repaired. Turns out the stores' humidifier had not been replenished with water, and several of the stores' guitars ended up with cracked tops, all of which have since been repaired. How serious a deal is this? I have yet to see the instrument, but may go into the city later this week to take a look. All I'm told is, the crack is "visible".

The store is offering a "discount", and is asking $2,000. for the guitar, vs $2479. for a new one. (6 weeks wait). What would you do?

Bob

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Wait for the new one.

Not enough discount for the damage.

Assuming the only damage was to the top itself.

Might play just fine and be a lovely instrument, but you'll lose money if you tried to sell it the next day.

Good luck.

 

[Jeff]

$2479. for a new

Montreal ? $2479 looney???

Have you checked prices South of the border? Currency down here is in the dumper.

 

[FNG]

Hi folks,

Been a while since I checked in, and I hope you're all doing well.

I've been hoping to get my hands on my favourite Guild F-50r w/D-Tar for a while now, and today I called my dealer in Montreal. Bingo! They have one in stock, "but", it has a cracked top, and has been repaired. Turns out the stores' humidifier had not been replenished with water, and several of the stores' guitars ended up with cracked tops, all of which have since been repaired. How serious a deal is this? I have yet to see the instrument, but may go into the city later this week to take a look. All I'm told is, the crack is "visible".

The store is offering a "discount", and is asking $2,000. for the guitar, vs $2479. for a new one. (6 weeks wait). What would you do?

Bob

Run away from that guitar.

 

[Dr Izza Plumber]

I agree with the others. If You want new, they should sell new to you, not a questionable guitar with a cracked top. Check with member Bingk here at LTG.

 

[Mr_LV-19E]

I agree with the others, not to mention the fact that it probably doesn't come with a warranty if it has been repaired.
It would take a while of not filling the humidifier to dry it out enough to crack the top. These people don't seem trustworthy.

 

[Bobby1note]

I'm basically in agreement with you folks. My gut instinct says to stay away. At the same time however, I'm curious as to the stability and integrity of a repaired top. Some say that once repaired, the crack will actually be stronger than the surrounding wood.

As far as I'm concerned, there's no way I'd give them their current asking price, especially on a guitar that I love so much. Still, I'm wondering if there is a price-point where I'd be willing to take the risk. I haven't seen the guitar in the flesh, so I have no idea of how small this crack is, or where it's located.

Regarding buying south of the border, I'll do that for many items, but, I'm reluctant with a guitar, expecially this time of year. Temperature is dropping to -8 Celsius here tonight. (18F) The guitar would also most likely be hung-up in customs for a few days.

Bob

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Now I'm curious, having spent some time in Montreal.....what store made the boo boo?

Mind you, I only remember the bigger stores, like Steve's and Archambault :lol: :lol: :lol:

And, if you're concerned about the shipping, and rightfully so, remember that any new Guild you order IS going to be shipped cross border.

Maybe you might want to wait for Spring unless you find one in stock that was shipped earlier.

Best of Luck.

 

[Mr_LV-19E]

I'm curious as to the stability and integrity of a repaired top. Some say that once repaired, the crack will actually be stronger than the surrounding wood.

As far as I'm concerned, there's no way I'd give them their current asking price, especially on a guitar that I love so much. Still, I'm wondering if there is a price-point where I'd be willing to take the risk. I haven't seen the guitar in the flesh, so I have no idea of how small this crack is, or where it's located.
Bob

The crack repair may be very strong but it has to have some effect on the top. I believe they use cleats to repair those tops which I would think add stiffness to the top, that can't be as good as original. If you own a guitar and it cracks by all means fix it but it seems to me that every time I see a guitar with a repaired top on eBay they just don't bring in very many bidders or much in terms of price.
If you check it out and your ok with it and you will keep it forever then go for it. But if you think there is a chance you will sell it down the road Don't.

 

[fronobulax]

And, if you're concerned about the shipping, and rightfully so, remember that any new Guild you order IS going to be shipped cross border.

Maybe you might want to wait for Spring unless you find one in stock that was shipped earlier.

I'm sure there are people South of the Border who would be more than willing to have your new Guild shipped to them. They would probably even feel obligated to trans-ship it to you once the weather is better and you know they'd let you know how it plays and sounds.

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Bob: The discount isn't deep enough. The seller has essentially knocked off their profit and are offering it near cost. If they did the crack fix, then they, and not FMIC, are on the hook if the crack starts to run. Does the $2,000 include mfr warranty? T'were me, I'd consider taking a look; don't know how far you are away but if the crack is in the top and along the center seam, that's common in older guitars but if it's across the grain at an angle, that's another; possibly weird stress on the body from the neck and bracing.

IMO the tone value of the crack is nothing; if it's stable, it's a cosmetic and resale issue. You might get him to show you with a mirror how the crack was fixed; if it looked like a good job, it might raise your confidence a little. Also, if you play it; you might decide you like the tone enough or, possibly, the thing is so dead that you wouldn't want it at any price.

Assuming it weren't too far to go, I'd go and look; walk in the door with what I might be willing to pay - say $1,650. If it sounds good, looks well-repaired, they're going to warrant the fix and the balance of the guitar, then make the offer. If they say no, then you can dicker some with them. It's 'scratch and dent'; if the resale economics are on your mind, consider that were you to try and re-sell a perfect guitar, your chance of getting $2,500 for a perfect copy isn't necessarily greater than getting $1,750 for a scratch and dent.

Finally, there is the 'ego' factor; staring at your defective guitar; 'What; was I nuts?". Not saying you are but for some people, this can be an unpleasant experience. Good luck! cj

 

[Graham]

Do yourself a favour Bob and get in contact with Bing. Relay your fears to him and see what he has to say. Remember he's also shipping from a cold place at this time of year.

 

[Firebird]

Not enough discount for the damage. Might play just fine and be a lovely instrument, but you'll lose money if you tried to sell it the next day.

Good luck.

Right on Brother!

I say try for a deeper discount. Negotiating a better deal might let you own one of Guild's all time great instruments for short money. If you can't, then move on.

 

[Bing k]

I don't know what the Canadian dealers pay for their inventory or what the MSRP is in Canada.
Down here the F-50 w/DTAR retails for $2900
The MAP is $2175 and that's where it will be priced on line.
You can probably find it for less with out the cracked top.
Maybe quite a bit less.
My advice: don't pay more than $1950 American for it.
The strength of the Canadian dollar right now puts Canadians in a good position. Probably even after you deal with NAFTA and the duty and the brokerage if you have it shipped up to you.

The points made about shipping this time of year are a valid worry.

 

[Bobby1note]

Guys,

You've all given me some terrific advice, and you've given me much to think about. I really appreciate it. and a big thank-you to all.

I'm probably going to Montreal on Saturday, and I have to drop by the store to check-out P/A gear. I'll look at that F-50 r while I'm there. Apparently, the crack is at the seam in the middle of the top. I don't know where exactly, or how long the crack is. Frankly though, I think I'd prefer to get a pristine instrument. Also, I just may take the plunge and buy in the U.S. I'll have to weigh the costs vs buying locally. If Guild will drop-ship to me at $1950 U.S., it's virtually a foregone conclusion. Keep in mind I'm referring to the D-Tar equipped F-50r. While I'll mostly be playing unamplified, I will from time to time, be playing it throught my AER Compact 60, or a P/A.

Bob

 

[Bing k]

Bob,
I was refering to the cracked guitar at the $1950. Fender will not drop ship( at least they haven't in the past.) I believe it's best for the dealer to geta guitar in the shop before delivery to be checked out and set up to assure it's right upon delivery to you.