What do I do with this F212 trainwreck?

[Scratch]

Most may remember I bought a 1971 F212 last fall from a guy who listed it on our forum as 'Mint Condition' and sent pictures of another guitar. Unfortunately, he and my $1050.00 disappeared shortly after UPS delivered a package with what I'd describe as a 'project guitar' at best.

Anyway, Ross the Magic Luthier says he can make it playable for 600 to 800 clams. Otherwise its firewood... The seller claimed his semi-famous father once used it to back up Billy Joel many years ago. I'm flustered. I thought about giving it to a needing someone who'd like to learn to play, but that person would need fingers of iron to overcome the 1/2" at fret 12.

I'm tempted to tell Ross to fix the darn thing as best he can, and I'll then have about 1800.00 invested in 'Bugly'.

Appreciate your thoughts/insight LTGers...

 

[chazmo]

Scratch,

I think you should put it up on eBay as a "project" guitar or sell it some other way... Indicate in the auction what happened to you, and just pass it along. Maybe the "mojo" of it having been some pro's guitar might matter, but probably not.

I don't think it's ever worth putting time/money into something that has left you as frustrated as this has. Get rid of it. That is, unless I'm misreading you and you really want it salvaged to keep.

I still don't know Jane ever sold her axe, but I think the lesson there is let someone else spend the money.

Just my opin.

 

[steverok]

I'd have to agree. This guitar came to you from a dishonest and dispicable person. Let someone else try to love it.

 

[Default]

Wow. Meet Bugly discussion.
What they said.

 

[Graham]

I agree with all of the above Scratch.

You could put the money into it, but would you ever feel that it's worth it in the end? And if you ain't gonna play it, let someone else.

Might not need your glasses for this one. :shock:

 

[fungusyoung]

I don't think putting $1,800 into the cause is wise for a guitar that will end up having several repaired cracks, etc. and likely never be worth that much in your lifetime. If this was a guitar you owned since the 60's or 70's, it might be a different story. Like everyone else, I'd cut my losses... even as painful as that might be, unless there is a very special or personal connection to this particular instrument. What a bum deal all around though.

 

[capnjuan]

Let it go Scratch. cj

 

[brian f]

+1 from me Scratch. Post it on eBay as a project guitar and see what you get. You'l end up with somethign to put towards your next baby, or enough to take care of a major repair for one that does have that sentimental value.
I'd take a lok if I wasnt alreqady up to my a#% with my 1970 D40 restoration. Lots of interest in project guitars out there. I know i paid too much for my d40.
Someone would love to fix it up and make it a player, pretty or not.
Brian

 

[krysh]

Let it go Scratch. cj

+1, sad but true.

 

[Jeff]

Scratch

Fixing it seems good money after bad. There's someone out there willing to pay a reasonable price for a project.

Maybe even right here. Post a feeler over in FSFT ?? Prolly several, guys here qualified to fix it.

 

[BluesDan]

Hello Scratch, I guess you never got anything back from "the Saugerties Snake" for the deceptive description.........sorry to hear that, no surprise though. That kid needs help, or a beating, one or the other.
If we are voting, I have to go with sell, I can't see it being worth the time & money.

 

[sitka_spruce]

I would have to agree on letting it go might be the best move here, even if it may hurt a little doing it. It turned out as something you never wanted and you would most likely beat up yourself over 'that deal that went wrong' for as long as you have the instrument, even if you have it fixed. The easiest move on your heart and probably your wallet would be passit it on to somebody who know what he bids for and in what state it is.

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Have to agree with everyone's opinion here, but the decision has to be yours.

Just thought I'd raise a couple of more points:

This was a case of out and out fraud. Sending pics of a different instrument...

It might be possible to file a criminal complaint with his local police dept...they probably have more against him. When he's picked up for drug dealing, or whatever...give him more time behind bars.

Perhaps, as you actually are the victim of a crime, his state...or yours, has a crime reimbursement fund...and you could donate the guitar to a luthier school or vocational school for kids.

Is it possible to claim part or all of the loss against your income taxes in any way? And, again, donate the carcass....

He was and is a con artist.

Hope at least Don has axed him from LTG.

 

[Scratch]

I sincerely appreciate the advice and comments. I really think the kid is a drugged out freak who will someday get his just reward. (His website is also been removed from the Web; from that you could see the wierd rants and raves and even a picture of the halfway house I eventually learned of) I hate more than anything that I may have supported his habit. Best I can hope is that I've provided a lesson to those who purchase via Internet... research, research, research before you buy. I'm sure that in time I'll find one on ebay I just can't live without!

Thanks again Guild brothers and sisters...

 

[Volt]

Sorry about your bad experience and basic screwing. I would be extremely PO'd. You'd think there must be some way to get your money back. :x

My one experience from buying from a forum was good. I was lucky perhaps.

Personally, I'd be wary of buying from ebay. I would never do that.....but I'm not aware of their policies (if any) to protect the buyer from fraud.

 

[chicagowineguy]

Man I am sorry you got cheated so badly, especially on the forum for sale board. Regarding the remarks about online transactions, I have to disagree strictly from personal experience. Perhaps I've been lucky, but I've purchased several guitars on EBay, and each transaction was fine. Just several days ago I found a GAD-50 at a crazy price that is flawless. It arrived in better shape than described and I couldn't be happier. You have been unlucky this time and nothing is going to take away the sting from that, but don't let it sour you completely on the opportunities online. They are out there. Like the man said: research research research and ask lots of questions.

 

[Scratch]

I've been pretty fortunate on ebay. 95% of many guitar transactions have been very good. In fact, the guitar in my avatar might be one of my best acquisitions. I paid 450 for this D4-12 TA almost a year ago and it was set up perfectly; sounds great and no cosmetic flaws.

Louis Burgh was just a lost soul looking to take advantage of someone. He did and I learned a lesson. I feel sorry for him, actually...