Westerly D55 at GuitarWorks, Evanston, IL

[chicagowineguy]

I was in the store today and they have a gorgeous D55 with a perfectly repaired, almost invisible crack at the lower bout. Price? $1200! And they're willing to deal! I played it--it's perfect. If I was in the market for a dread, or even if I had the spare money laying around, I would jump on it. Any Chicago-area people--I think this guitar is a steal.

Also had a chance to play a C01--wow, a lot of volume from that small body, and lovely tone, detail and sustain. But--$1700 is a lot!

 

[chazmo]

I assume that's used, not NOS, right?

 

[TonyT]

Back in September I looked at this guitar. I played it for a half hour or so. I told the owner it was a nice guitar, but a little over my budget. He told me that if I brought in the cash in the next 24 hours, it was mine for a grand. 9 months later maybe there's a deal there. And yes, it is used, not NOS.

 

[chicagowineguy]

Tony, that was the first time in the store--very impressive! And yep, the D55 is a nice guitar! If someone can pick it up for a grand, they'd be getting a great deal, I think! The guy who walked me through the store is also a Tony!

 

[Tunes]

Hurtin' for this D-55. Starting to work on the other half. I recently sold a watch for $3 thou, so just gotta make a convincing argument here. We'll see how that goes.

It's a beauty!!

 

[TonyT]

I'm gonna go play it again tomorrow just because I can.I'm not a buyer though. I get all my guitars from Scratch's Guitar Emporium and Remodeling Service,

 

[Brad Little]

Starting to work on the other half. I recently sold a watch for $3 thou, so just gotta make a convincing argument here. We'll see how that goes.

Just remind her that a good guitar can make music that is Timeless...
Brad

 

[Tunes]

Starting to work on the other half. I recently sold a watch for $3 thou, so just gotta make a convincing argument here. We'll see how that goes.

Just remind her that a good guitar can make music that is Timeless...
Brad

"Timeless" ... oh that's a good one - thanks!!

 

[chicagowineguy]

I'm starting to GAS for it myself...at the price we might be able to negotiate it might be an irresistible steal...

 

[markus]

I'm gonna go play it again tomorrow just because I can. …

Hi Tony, tell me more about it! My brother is heading for Chicago end of July, and he is seriously interested …
Do you think they'd put in on hold for 4 weeks?
Thanks, Markus

 

[TonyT]

They do have layaway. I'll get some info.

 

[Tunes]

Tony T.,

Please look closely at the 3 top cracks that are reported. I know these are not a particularly big deal, but they should be properly closed and stable. I am very interested in hearing back about this. Thanks.

 

[chicagowineguy]

Tunes, the fellow at the store had to point the crack out to me. It has been superbly repaired--this is a shop that takes it instruments very seriously, and the refinishing they did is perfect. This is a steal if you can get it for a grand. Buy it, or I will--I'm weakening.

 

[TonyT]

Tony T.,

Please look closely at the 3 top cracks that are reported. I know these are not a particularly big deal, but they should be properly closed and stable. I am very interested in hearing back about this. Thanks.

I thought the 3 cracks were clearly evident (maybe because I knew they were there), running in perfect parallel from the bridge all the way down, all spread almost equally apart, about 3/4" between cracks. The cracks appear to have been repaired all well as anyone could ask for, closed tight and stable. I played it hard for about 20 minutes and it sounded great. All the other 55 bling looked great. The guitar doesn't appear to have been played much at all. The guy at the store was not dealing today, but I'm pretty sure the owner would. Honestly, too fancy for my taste, but a real beaut.

In other news, man, those little S6 Seagulls are extrordinary. Sound and play fantastic, and nicely priced (< $500).Also, I played a 12 string for the first time ever. It also was a Seagull and I couldn't believe how easy it was to play. I also played a big-buck Taylor 12. About 4 times the money and I'd pick the Seagull every time. This opens up a new world for me ( Pam smiles).
Plated some GAD's but nothing special there. Also played a Tacoma C1. Pretty nice guitar, but I thought it was thick and heavy.

Here ends the trip report.

 

[Tunes]

Big THANKS for the report !! I have sent a couple of questions off by e-mail, but may call them tomorrow if I don't hear back. I want to know the serial so I can place the date of manf., plus see what it's going to cost to ship to Canada.

I have been wanting a 55 ever since I "discovered" them - but all I could find close to home was a D-6. I have enough faith now to buy long distance and not worry about the sound - I know this will sound great. Just like to ensure it is in good physical condition.

Thanks again for the report.

 

[TonyT]

Big THANKS for the report !! I have sent a couple of questions off by e-mail, but may call them tomorrow if I don't hear back. I want to know the serial so I can place the date of manf., plus see what it's going to cost to ship to Canada.

I have been wanting a 55 ever since I "discovered" them - but all I could find close to home was a D-6. I have enough faith now to buy long distance and not worry about the sound - I know this will sound great. Just like to ensure it is in good physical condition.

Thanks again for the report.

Tomorrows kind of a big day in this country You may wanna wait until Monday.

 

[JerryR]

Tomorrows kind of a big day in this country You may wanna wait until Monday.

No - really - why :mrgreen:

 

[Tunes]

OK - past the 4th of July now, and I called these guys up. The 3 cracks are center seam, and two on each side of center pretty much in line with the 2 E strings. The guy at Guitarworks said that while the cracks were cleated and glued and appeared stable, he could certainly feel them when he ran his finger across the finish.

So I am a little wary about the cracks, and would appreciate some LTG opinions on this. Are these 3 cracks something to avoid at this price ... being able to "clearly feel" them - or not to worry.

My D-6 has a small crack on top, but I can't really feel it too much as I run my own finger over it. It seems very well fixed.

They were willing to ship on their nickel.

 

[Tunes]

P.S. It's a 1994, Westerly built.

 

[TonyT]

OK - past the 4th of July now, and I called these guys up. The 3 cracks are center seam, and two on each side of center pretty much in line with the 2 E strings. The guy at Guitarworks said that while the cracks were cleated and glued and appeared stable, he could certainly feel them when he ran his finger across the finish.

So I am a little wary about the cracks, and would appreciate some LTG opinions on this. Are these 3 cracks something to avoid at this price ... being able to "clearly feel" them - or not to worry.

My D-6 has a small crack on top, but I can't really feel it too much as I run my own finger over it. It seems very well fixed.

They were willing to ship on their nickel.

The cracks are closer together than that. One on either side of the center crack, no more that 3/4" apart. You can clearly feel them with your fingertips, let alone your fingernail. They did appear stable to me, but I don't much experience in this. It is a handsome guitar and shows almost no wear.