Guitar Trade Conundrum

[MojoGuild]

I recently bought a Lefty Guild D-40 on advice from this forum and I just love it...thanks again. It just booms on stage with great sustain and sound.
The conundrum is that the original owner reached out to me and wants it back. He's willing to:

pay cash $$$

or Trade for other Leftys:

Martin D18,
Gibson J-35,
Gibson J45,
Guild F-50. (How is is comparable?)

Need some advice, at the moment I'm inclined to say I'm sorry but no thank you.

Any input on this is much appreciated.

Thank you kindly!

 

[jedzep]

You likes what you gots, so I'd follow my ear. An ol' reliable workhorse D-18 will likely provide a better all around tone, provided you have a liking for Martin's dread sound, but new Gibsons and Guilds are something I'd like hearing first.

This is an unusual offering, if I may say.

 

[MojoGuild]

You likes what you gots, so I'd follow my ear. An ol' reliable workhorse D-18 will likely provide a better all around tone, provided you have a liking for Martin's dread sound, but new Gibsons and Guilds are something I'd like hearing first.

This is an unusual offering, if I may say.

Thanks for your input...much appreciated

 

[twocorgis]

Are any of these guitars real leftys, or just converted leftys? I ask because often you can't get the intonation correct because of the bridge. Of the three, the Martin has the most residual value, and I'd eliminate the F50 for those horrible pickguards! Either of the Gibsons are potentially great guitars. I have a WM45 that I love.

 

[fronobulax]

It's possible one of those might be an upgrade for you but I am cynical. If they are willing to do a straight trade then that means they think the D-40 is more valuable than what they have.

No is an acceptable answer. You could also ask for some time with the D-40 and see if you do, or don't bond with it. You might ask why there is seller's remorse. If there is sentiment involved you might be more willing to trade.

 

[GAD]

It's perfectly acceptable to say, "I'm sorry - no."

I generally allow people to buy back instruments when they regret selling after I've written them up because I've been there and it sucks. If I'm unwilling to sell at the time I put them first on the "dibs list" for that guitar and notify then when and if I do sell.

It's VERY rare for me to do trades, so that would be a hard no for me.

 

[dreadnut]

Why the odd pickguards?

 

[MojoGuild]

Are any of these guitars real leftys, or just converted leftys? I ask because often you can't get the intonation correct because of the bridge. Of the three, the Martin has the most residual value, and I'd eliminate the F50 for those horrible pickguards! Either of the Gibsons are potentially great guitars. I have a WM45 that I love.

Thank you very much...this helps

 

[MojoGuild]

It's possible one of those might be an upgrade for you but I am cynical. If they are willing to do a straight trade then that means they think the D-40 is more valuable than what they have.

No is an acceptable answer. You could also ask for some time with the D-40 and see if you do, or don't bond with it. You might ask why there is seller's remorse. If there is sentiment involved you might be more willing to trade.

Agree...since I have some playing time on the D40 and really like it. I will more than likely respectfully say "No Thank You"

 

[donnylang]

What year is the D40? The fact that he wants it back so bad probably means it's a good one.

On the other hand- what is good to him might not be to you etc. If it's a run of the mill D40 from Westerly, the options he is offering in trade are worth more $$$ objectively. A Hoboken D40, then I'd say you probably have a comparable value there.

 

[Brad Little]

If it weren't for the ugly pickguards I'd be inclined to go for the F50 because I really like jumbo Guilds, but those pickguards would kill it for me. Mine has double guards, AFAIK factory installed, but those are over the top.

 

[Brucebubs]

I'd love a F-50 but I'm with Brad above - the Martin D-18 would be tempting.

 

[MacGuild]

If it weren't for the ugly pickguards I'd be inclined to go for the F50 because I really like jumbo Guilds, but those pickguards would kill it for me. Mine has double guards, AFAIK factory installed, but those are over the top.

It looks like a Rorschach test.

 

[MojoGuild]

It looks like a Rorschach test.

LOL...thanks

 

[MojoGuild]

he put the pick guards on cause he wanted The Everly Brothers look they are removable it is a 2010

 

[MojoGuild]

It looks like a Rorschach test.

He put them on because he wanted The Everly Brothers look they are removable

 

[MojoGuild]

The Gibson's are original lefties the other guitars have been converted from righties

 

[walrus]

That's the rare "Marlo Thomas is That Girl" pickguard. Modeled after the '60's sitcom.







walrus

 

[jedzep]

Curious...is the Martin converted also? If so, I'm harder line for saying thanks, but no thanks.

 

[Coop47]

Curious...is the Martin converted also? If so, I'm harder line for saying thanks, but no thanks.

+1. If the Martin was original, I'd be giving that a hard look. The F50 as well. I like my D40, but prefer my Martin D17sm which I'm pretty certain is the same as a D18 without the gloss back and sides. The F50 is an impressive guitar, but a very different sound to the D40.

That said, all guitars are different, even within the same model. If you really like the D40, don't let it be the one that got away.