Today's benevolent contribution to Guild-dom (DV-52 content)

[archiestone]

Today I drove 90 miles roundtrip to see a DV-52 that the craigslist buyer misrepresented pretty badly. He told me it was in "great shape" but, upon inspection, it had two binding separations (one w/ multiple cracks & that he'd tried to superglue, yikes), multiple scratches, dings, fretwear. Truss rod adjustment was so bad I am almost sure the neck is going to be warped. It was sad -- such a great guitar owned by a __________ (fill in the blank as you see fit.)
I gave him some basic info at the time, left and thought 'what a bloody waste of time' -- but then when I got home I wrote him a lengthy email advising him exactly what needed to be done, suggestions for who could do the work locally & properly, who he might consider to possibly sell/consign it for him, and details on the specs ( which he had no clue about.)
I can only hope he or the next owner takes MUCH better care of it.
(If I didn't already own a sweet DV-52 I suppose I would have grabbed it, but I don't really need a project.)

 

[chazmo]

Archie,

Frustrating to see neglect and poor care, isn't it? Well, the truth is that boards like this and websites like Taylor's help to spread information, but the vast unwashed still don't really know much about care/feeding of these lovely solid wood instruments.

 

[fronobulax]

Archie,

Frustrating to see neglect and poor care, isn't it? Well, the truth is that boards like this and websites like Taylor's help to spread information, but the vast unwashed still don't really know much about care/feeding of these lovely solid wood instruments.

As a potential member of the great unwashed (sounds like a good name for a band) let me just note that neglect is often the result of ignorance rather than deliberate stupidity. When I took tuba lessons my teacher made sure I knew how to take care of the instrument. But my new guitar didn't have care instructions, the dealer didn't tell me and my other guitars were all used. I haven't paid for bass lessons although maybe I should :wink: That's one of the reasons I hang out here - because the advice on care and feeding is generally good and often new to me. Some of it is even useful.

 

[chazmo]

Archie,

Frustrating to see neglect and poor care, isn't it? Well, the truth is that boards like this and websites like Taylor's help to spread information, but the vast unwashed still don't really know much about care/feeding of these lovely solid wood instruments.

As a potential member of the great unwashed (sounds like a good name for a band) let me just note that neglect is often the result of ignorance rather than deliberate stupidity. When I took tuba lessons my teacher made sure I knew how to take care of the instrument. But my new guitar didn't have care instructions, the dealer didn't tell me and my other guitars were all used. I haven't paid for bass lessons although maybe I should :wink: That's one of the reasons I hang out here - because the advice on care and feeding is generally good and often new to me. Some of it is even useful.

Frono, I can relate to everything you just said. I learned trumpet at an early age (and still play it) and I learned care and feeding right away. Nobody told me anything about guitars when I was learning those, including my teacher at camp.

I think new Taylors do come with some tech sheets on humidification and string changes, but I don't remember anything like that when I was younger. Humidity is a *BIG* issue in my neck of the woods, and the ignorance on the subject is vast!

I certainly agree, one reason to hang around here (and some of the other boards) is education on this stuff.

 

[cjd-player]

That's one of the reasons I hang out here - because the advice on care and feeding is generally good and often new to me. Some of it is even useful.

I certainly agree, one reason to hang around here is education on this stuff.

And here we all believed that it was because you thought we were all so charming and witty and handsome. :wink:

:mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[archiestone]

"...neglect is often the result of ignorance rather than deliberate stupidity."

I didn't mean to imply I thought he was stupid. It was definitely 100% ignorance.
I just hope the guitar gets some pro tlc.

 

[guitarslinger]

"And here we all believed that it was because you thought we were all so charming and witty and handsome."

You're charming I'm handsome. :lol:

 

[cjd-player]

"And here we all believed that it was because you thought we were all so charming and witty and handsome."

You're charming I'm handsome. :lol:

I wasn't going to start naming names. :evil:

 

[fronobulax]

"...neglect is often the result of ignorance rather than deliberate stupidity."

I didn't mean to imply I thought he was stupid. It was definitely 100% ignorance.
I just hope the guitar gets some pro tlc.

No problem. There's a fine line between ignorance and abuse, or is that clever and stupid?

 

[Grassdog]

Today I drove 90 miles roundtrip to see a DV-52 that the craigslist buyer misrepresented pretty badly. He told me it was in "great shape" but, upon inspection, it had two binding separations (one w/ multiple cracks & that he'd tried to superglue, yikes), multiple scratches, dings, fretwear.

I recently purchased a '96 DV-52 off E-bay that has a pretty substantial crack on the top (the listing said it was only finish hazing, but the minute I unpacked it and opened the case I knew it was far worse that represented by the seller). I immediately removed the strings and inspected the top from the inside with a compact mirror and flashlight and sure enough, the crack was visible from the inside. I wish I could have been within driving distance to check it out first. I knew I was pulling the trigger too quick but I really wanted a DV 52 and the price was good ($600). Anyway, I took the DV 52 to my luthier the next day and I'm getting it repaired plus a new nut and saddle and setup. Maybe I won't regret the decision after all.

 

[archiestone]

Grassdog - Considering that a well set-up DV52 can hold it's own with any Martin D-28, I think $600 + whatever you'll pay the luthier is still likely a bargain. I found mine last year for $700 (housed in a $20 chipboard case!) but the guitar was in almost unplayed condition. I consider it one of the best deals I'll probably ever find. DV-52s are wonderful instruments.
Good luck with it! Archie

 

[kitniyatran]

I recently purchased a '96 DV-52 off E-bay that has a pretty substantial crack on the top (the listing said it was only finish hazing, but the minute I unpacked it and opened the case I knew it was far worse that represented by the seller). I immediately removed the strings and inspected the top from the inside with a compact mirror and flashlight and sure enough, the crack was visible from the inside. I wish I could have been within driving distance to check it out first. I knew I was pulling the trigger too quick but I really wanted a DV 52 and the price was good ($600). Anyway, I took the DV 52 to my luthier the next day and I'm getting it repaired plus a new nut and saddle and setup. Maybe I won't regret the decision after all.

Sending the seller the bill?

 

[Grassdog]

Grassdog - Considering that a well set-up DV52 can hold it's own with any Martin D-28, I think $600 + whatever you'll pay the luthier is still likely a bargain. I found mine last year for $700 (housed in a $20 chipboard case!) but the guitar was in almost unplayed condition. I consider it one of the best deals I'll probably ever find. DV-52s are wonderful instruments.
Good luck with it! Archie

Arhcie, thanks for the feedback - I feel a little better now. I've always heard great things about the DV 52's. When I get it back I'll post some pictures.

 

[dreadnut]

I agree with Arch, you'll most likely love the DV-52 when you get it back Your luthier will be able to stop the crack in its tracks and will probably install a small cleat on the underside to hold it all together. Had that done on my D-25.

With a new nut, saddle and setup, you'll be pickin' and grinnin'

And of course, we want pictures!

And you got a great price in spite of the repairs. Consider this guitar is only 1/2 step below a D-55...and a 1/2 step above a D-50...draw your own conclusion as to the value of your DV-52.