Buying a tenor guitar?

Subject: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 12:38 PM

Hello everyone,

I know there have been other tenor guitar discussions, but I just have a quick question. I've been searching for tenor guitars and I have the opportunity to try out a Mid 60's Gibson T-25, (LG-3 body). (They're asking 650.) In your experience, is that a fair price for that model? What are your thoughts on Gibsons from the 60s? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 12:50 PM

650 - dollars? Sterling? Condition?

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 12:53 PM

As I haven't gotten to see it yet, I'm not quite sure of the condition right now....Assuming it's in good condition, is that a fair price?

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 01:25 PM

We still need to know what currency this 650 is...

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 01:26 PM

HA! My bad. US dollars

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 01:30 PM

If the guitar is in reasonable condition, then my guess is that $650 isn't an unfair price - but you should haggle! Martin seems to have been more prominent in the tenor guitar line than Gibson - particularly in the 1920s - and my guess is a Martin of similar vintage to the Gibson would be a better bet. I had a 1964 Epiphone (Gibson-made) Texan 6-string, which was great when I bought it, but eventually the face (cedar) 'died' and it lost depth and projection.

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 01:37 PM

Thanks! I'll definitely see if I can wiggle my way to a lower price, but I appreciate your advice.

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: vectis
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 02:17 PM

You could also try an Ozark tenor guitar, they are new and available throughout the USA. Should set you back about $500.

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 02:50 PM

Gold Tone is making an excellent tenor. Check it out.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: Bobert
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 02:59 PM

I've owned several over the years and currently have a 30s Regal (perhaps Dobro) resonator tenor fir sale fir $500... I traded a 30s Gibson tenor for it and traded a Martin 00-17 for the Gibson and like the sound and decibels better from the reso than either that of the Gibson or Martin...

If you have any interest in this geetar either PM me or Google up "Picker's Supply" in Fredricksburg, Va. and ask to talk with Bran Dillard 'cause it is there on consignment... BTW, I've owned two other Gibsons and a Harmony over the years which were all good players but nuthin' played better than this reso...

B~

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 04:40 PM

Thanks for all your tips!

Subject: RE: Buying a tenor guitar?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 04:43 PM

Guest, if you google 'buy used guitar advice' you will find tips on what to check on a used instrument.

My own thought is that a guitar from the mid-60's is 45 years old. Where has it been all those years? It could have been left in a garage, a basement, or a hot car. Such environments damage an instrument. It could have been dropped on its head. How much do you trust the sellers?

Meanwhile, you can get a new Martin tenor from Amazon for $449. (That's just one example.)

If you do, be sure to use the Amazon link where the Mudcat gets a cut.