ELDERLY'S.COM

Subject: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:34 PM

Have any of you bought an instrument, e.g., guitar via Elderly's? I'm specifically looking at Martin's and Elderly's has the best prices around, including the shipping costs.

moonchild

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Mooh
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:39 PM

I've bought misc stuff from Elderly with no complaint, fast and friendly service, great prices and selection. Highly recommended. Mooh.

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:40 PM

Geez Moon, where ya' been? ***BG****

There are a lot who I know will chime in but for me, I recommend them around here 3 or 4 times a week. I've bought a ton of stuff including 2 guitars and they are a pleasure to work with. Honest and respectable, great business practices, generally just fine folks.......and about the best prices you are going to find anywhere.

Mick lives pretty close by and has dealt with them for a long time to and I know Capt. Bob just bought a Guild 12 up there. There dealings by phone have always been MORE than satisfactory.

GREAT PLACE!!!!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:44 PM

(This is a 'spaw echo............)and, not to mention, they can actually be FUN and funny on the phone. They are not too busy to be real people with customers. A 5* plus place.

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: alison
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:56 PM

I've bought stuff over the net from them... no problem

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Clifton53
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 10:57 PM

Moon, I never bought an instrument from them , but I have purchased many books and tapes etc. and have found them reliable, and prompt. Some selection huh?

Clifton

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 11:02 PM

I have travelled extensively. I have been in some wonderful shops, such as Mandolin Bros. First Class Music and Lark in the Morning. There is, quite simply, no other shop anywhere like Elderly. This place is staffed by musicians, real players. They are discriminating in what they handle. They have the best luthiers in the country. One of the great values of an instrument purchased at Elderly is the setup. The counter help, whether it be in the instrument section, the music and books section, or at the repair shop counter, are friendly, knowledgeable and creative in their desire to help. It may sound like I get a commission, but the fact is I am just another satisfied customer. Moonchild, you should tell them exactly what you want and they will perform. If it is a vintage or used guitar you are looking at, let me know and I will go and check it out for you. I won't mention the name because he hasn't told me it is OK, but one of the very best known Mudcatters had me do this for him on a used Martin. Man, was that a beautiful guitar. I would be happy to do that for you as well. I get to Lansing fairly regularly. This shop gets a 10 from old Mick.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Sailor Dan
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 11:02 PM

Hey Jen;

I purchased my banjo from Janet Davis over the phone and she was great as were her prices. Never have purchased anything from Elderly, but have talked them over the phone and they were most accomodating and helpful. If Davis hadn't come up with what she did for what I bought I would have bought at Elderly's. I don't think you can go wrong.

Sailor DAn

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 11:07 PM

I know, spaw, and I am properly chastised.

I just never paid much attention because it didn't seem like something I would ever do.

I was going to drive to Nashville to Cotten Music, but they just don't have the prices that Elderly does, and I want to get the most for my money. Also, most of their's include the case.

While in mudcatville, I played Max's D-16 cutaway with a pickup, and liked it very much... 1 ll/16 neck width at the nut, low profile neck, and very warm sounding. I liked it better than the DM that I recently played. And it's within my price range.

BTW ... Max restrung my B-25 with Martin Folk Acoustic Silk & Steels and it does sound better ... but I still want a guitar with a warm, bass sound.

Also, I've decided to not sell my Gibson. It would probably be too much for me to bear right now and I do listen to the advice of friends.

moonchild

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 11:09 PM

Ok ... I will call them tomorrow and tell them my requirements and see what they can do.

And, Mick, thanks very much for your offer. I'll report back on what they tell me.

This is what I love about the mudcat, too.

moonchild

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 11:19 PM

YEAH!! The Gibson still has a home!! And jen is getting a new guitar!!

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: pastorpest
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 12:20 PM

A trip to Elderly's is a required pilgrimage for folkies. If you are shopping for an instrument you can try out a gazillion when you are in their store.

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 01:13 PM

Ah ... that would be wonderful! However .... I live in North Florida and a junket to Lansing, MI would be costly in re time and money.

I called Elderly's this AM and talked at length to a person by the name of Joe Miller .... very nice and very knowledgable.

I've settled on a DC-16GTE (solid mahogany) or a DC-16RGTE (solid rosewood). Both have 1 11/15" neck and low profile. Both have a pick-up. Both come with hard case.

The Rosewood would be my druthers, but there are non in stock and, even though they are supposed to get on in on September 5, Martin has been lagging on their delivery dates.

Any comments on this particular model?

moonchild

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 01:37 PM

Moon, did I lose track of this conversation somewhere in terms of your needs? I'm not being smart here, but are you sure you are comfortable with a Dreadnought body? I know you played Max's and if its a fit, its a fit. Are you going with the cutaway for the sake of electronics? Elderly can install pickups for you on other models.

Rosewood is pretty, but the sound I thought you were describing is going to come more from mahogany.

Spaw

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 01:37 PM

I bought over the net. Fast friendly service. Constant follow up re:delivery. And a lovely hand written thank for your order note with the shipment. Exceptional. Oh and their prices were good too.

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 01:50 PM

Ok ... fair question. After having played several dreadnought styles, I realized that it was comfortable. Also, that I am comfortable playing the 1 11/16" neck. The little wider neck also gives me more flexibility in my picking.

Yes, I do like the dreadnought body. It's larger than I'm used to, but not at all uncomfortable. What I noticed about the dreadnought vs. B-25 is this ... when I put my arm around my B-25, my hand picks from underneath the strings and to the left of the soundhole. When I do the same thing with the dreadnought, it places my hand in front of the strings and right in the middle of the soundhole.

More comments/suggestions, please ...

moonchild

Regarding the rosewood vs. mahogany ... I love the sound of the mahongany. Elderly's said the rosewood would be warmer than the mahogany. Of course, it may be a case of what he hears and what I hear ... which boils down to preference.

Regarding the pickup ... I never even thought of having a guitar with a pickup, until recently. I've played a couple of gigs and my guitar was barely audible. When Max and I did the open mike thing at the rock club, where I played Max's Martin, without the pickup, there would have been no "audible." I liked being able to hear what I was playing.

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 05:14 PM

I've bought everything from bridge pins and capos to a custom Martin and found them excellent to deal with. I've also sold a guitar (very quickly) through them. To crown this love affair, they also sell my book and CD. God bless them!

If you like a D-size Martin, you might also try the J-size which has the same thickness with the "hourglass" shape. Personally, I like M or 0000-size. Good luck.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: JedMarum
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 05:25 PM

moomchild - I have heard nothin' but good things about Elderly, and have enjoyed their website, but I have not purchased form them. I have however, purchased lots of things on-line, inlcuding my Vega long neck banjo (from Deering) and I can tell you that,except for the immediate gratification impact of walking into the music store empty handed and walking out with your new guitar; the experience was great! You get great protection, normally from your credit card company, and usually very quick fulfillment time from the vendor. If you see a price and a model you like; go for it!

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 01:07 AM

I've narrowed it down to two models, both dreadnought.

The D-16GT, solid mahogany sides and back and Sitka spruce top. 1 11/16" neck width at nut, low profile neck.

The DC-16GTE, same as above, except it's a cutaway and has a pickup and I don't know if the neck is low profile.

But do I really need a pickup. The cutaway/pickup is a little more than the other, but I'm wondering if I'll get more guitar for the money, without the pickup?

The both come with hard case.

Comments? Please.

moonchild

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 10:38 AM

You get the same guitar, just that one has a pickup built in. We have had several threads before on pickups and onboard electronics which can be easily add and there are some which people prefer over factory setups.

The necks are the same low oval profile.

I have said before here as had Dan and several others that I prefer the OOOO which Martin called M for awhile. The body shape is quite similar, just a bit less depth. An awful lot of people agree that the OOOO has the best balance of any Martin. Considering your style and sound you are after, it may be a good choice. Check the OOOO-1 GTR at ELDERLY and have a look. It has the same neck dimensions and shape you are after, spruce top, mahogany back, laminated sides though (not a big deal), and uses the satin finish all over instead of having the gloss top. Its worth a look and some consideration.

Spaw

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 12:11 PM

MC, I would go for the electronics in the instrument. They will not affect the the sound ungplugged in any appreciable way, but during those times where you need them you will be glad you have them. The Martins come with Fishman Prefix electronics. Be certain that it is the onboard blender style. This style has a ribbon transducer AND an onboard microphone. That way you can blend the two sources and get a wonderful representation.

A couple of pieces of advice for any of my Mudcat friends who decide to make the pilgrimage to Elderly. It is well worth the trip regardless of whether you intend to buy or not. What you see on the floor is a wonderful collection of instruments of every description, books, tapes and CD's, software and accessories that you will see anywhere. But it is not everything they have. If you are looking for something specific, ask the salespersons. They can do a computer search of their stock. Or you can do your own search on the computer that is setup for customer use. Do not be afraid to pickup any instrument you see and play it. Elderly not only doesn't mind, they encourage you to do this. They have whistles of every description, didgeridous, sitars, mandolas, citterns, hurdy gurdy's, bodhrans & other drums, every kind of harp from small laps to 5' tall floor models, and on and on. And then there are the guitars and banjos, etc. They have one room that is high end box guitars. I played a $13,000 vintage Gibson on Thursday. BUT if you are seriously considering buying an instrument of any sort, be certain to take it down to the practice rooms and play it. Why, you ask? Because there are hundreds of stringed instruments hanging and sitting all over this place. You get a lot of sympathetic vibration off those strings and the result is that everything sounds great. Go down to the practice rooms and you will get a really good feel for the instrument. The staff at Elderly will be happy to do this for you. And speaking of the staff, they are the best. You will not be sorry dealing with them. But be warned. If you go on a Saturday, this place will be packed.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 12:19 PM

I was just coming back here too....Just to see what was happening.

HEY MICK.....Given the differences that sometimes occur, even with Martin, when Moon decides for sure, is it possible you can get down there and pick a couple to select the best and then have that one shipped? That'd be a great way of assuring moon.

Spaw

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 12:27 PM

You guys are awesome!!!!!

Take a look at these online, please, and tell me what you think ... they're all in the vintage section:

000-1R ($700)
D-28 P ($1125)
HD-2832 ($645)
D-1R ($675)
000C-16 ($845)

Thanks ... moon

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: bbelle
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 02:59 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: ELDERLY'S.COM
From: gillymor
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 05:38 PM

Moonchild, I've bought 3 instruments from Elderly and sold them a couple over the years and never got a bum deal.They were great to deal with but you might want to check out Buffalo Brother's Vintage Guitars in Carlsbad, CA, at there website. I think their prices are competitive with Elderly plus they have this upgrade policy where they will give you back what you paid for an instrument from them as long as you upgrade to an instrument that is at least $100 more expensive. They carry Martin and a bunch of other top end makers. I'm about to receive my second upgrade, a VCOM Larrivee which I swapped for an OM Martin. Good Luck.

Frankie