what would you do

[dreadnut]

I think jg has the answer in her signature: GAD=Beach guitar. This is the perfect guitar for taking anywhere you don't want your better guitars to go.

jg: so sorry about your stolen D-55's, what a drag. Did the airline happen to compensate you for the one they lost? And that brings up another question I've posed a couple times here, are your guitars insured?

 

[chazzan]

Heres my 2c................

an important factor on whether it's Ok or not to trade in the guitar is this.......... what was your brothers intent i.e. is it one of these no big deal gifts........ I saw it and thought you would like it gifts (more spontanious), OR was it one of those special I've spent a lot of time and money on this gift to show how much I care about you..........

in the first case selling it is fine.................... the second case probably not, like most people wrote so far, the key is to understand which case it is so you can make a decision............

 

[sitka_spruce]

Relationships can be tricky, and good relationships are hard to find. Personally, I wouldn't risk losing the true gift here -- a brother that cares for you deeply -- even for a Guild!

Second me to your statement above, Carol.

Like I said instruments are like clothes in that they should fit and look good on you. The GAD is by all means a great instrument, if it's one of the good ones and the thread originator is definately in a win-win situation could he afford keeping the gift GAD and buying the US Guild.

The originator (sorry I forgot your name) may after all know his brother better than us theroretics. My previous posting I believe should be seen as something of a guide only of the theories behind gifts, what they are and how to look upon them.

 

[danerectal]

Have you considered talking to your brother to get to the bottom of the situation? Perhaps explain how much it meant to receive the gift and how much the predicament has torn your thoughts. It wouldn't hurt to see if he'd be hurt if you used it to upgrade. If he would be, even slightly, it's clearly not worth it; but if he would rather you have something transcending what he could afford, the answer is then clear as well. With a strong relationship, communication is key.

 

[sitka_spruce]

Have you considered talking to your brother to get to the bottom of the situation? Perhaps explain how much it meant to receive the gift and how much the predicament has torn your thoughts. It wouldn't hurt to see if he'd be hurt if you used it to upgrade. If he would be, even slightly, it's clearly not worth it; but if he would rather you have something transcending what he could afford, the answer is then clear as well. With a strong relationship, communication is key.

Good thought. Otherwise had I been given something by somebody and then go and buy something similar and mostly use the thing I bought I would have an unused item (or so most of the time) on my hands. That somebody who gave me the first item should not be too flattered about such a development either.

 

[chazmo]

The key is communication. You have to really know how the other person will feel. In my family, gifts are open forum for discussion. People should not be offended if you want to move a gift. That said, if this were an heirloom, that would be a different discussion. E.g., your brother gives you an instrument that belonged to other members of your family -- that's a no brainer to keep.

Anyway, just my $0.02. Keep the lines of communication open. That's all you need. No one should be offended when the thoughtfulness behind the original gift is recognized and acknowledged!

 

[jgmaute]

I think jg has the answer in her signature: GAD=Beach guitar. This is the perfect guitar for taking anywhere you don't want your better guitars to go.

jg: so sorry about your stolen D-55's, what a drag. Did the airline happen to compensate you for the one they lost? And that brings up another question I've posed a couple times here, are your guitars insured?

Yes, back then I did get $ from the airlines (because it was completely lost and of course I had to wait a long time for it to "show up") I also got money from my homeowners for the one stolen out of the house. Now all my guitars are insured with Clarion http://www.clarionins.com/ it costs more than having them covered on my homeowners but the coverage is complete.

jgm

 

[GardMan]

Now all my guitars are insured with Clarion http://www.clarionins.com/ it costs more than having them covered on my homeowners but the coverage is complete.

jgm

Out of curiosity... what's the ballpark yearly premium for a $1,000 guitar? Thx, Dave

 

[dreadnut]

Thanks jg, glad you were at least covered. I have my instruments insured on my homeowner's policy, but they are on a special rider that covers them under all circumstances and in any location. It only costs a few $ per $1,000 of value.

 

[jgmaute]

jgm[/quote]
Out of curiosity... what's the ballpark yearly premium for a $1,000 guitar? Thx, Dave[/quote]

I have three guitars covered for a total of $8,000 and the cost is $160 per year. I'm not sure if there is a minimum or not. My homeowners would only cover if they were stolen or damaged in a fire, storm, etc. It would not cover repair if they were broken say at a club and someone knocked one down, or on the airlines, etc. You can check out the web site or give them a call for information specific to your guitar. They do require an appraisal if the value on a single instrument is over a specific amount (5,000 I think).

jgm