Secondhand guitar

Subject: Secondhand Guitar
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 07:44 AM

I have just been offered the chance to buy a secondhand Martin M36 guitar. The deal would be for me to make a direct swap with my Gibson Advanced Jumbo.

The Martin is lighter, but not necessarily easier to play. However I feel the sound is very present and more immediate. I also think it sounds very round and louder.

Any ideas out there if this would be a fair deal.I have no ideas about prices!

Thanks in advanced Jumbo

JB

Subject: RE: Secondhand guitar
From: Amos
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 08:43 AM

You're looking at both instruments directly, so you can decide what's fair to your own values.

If you want to know about market values, you might want to check Elderly Instruments on line and see what they have in the way of comparables.

A

Subject: RE: Secondhand guitar
From: breezy
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 09:05 AM

leave it and wait, a Martin should be easy to play.
This one is not for you even if you think it sounds better, cos if its not easy to play you will regret it.
The next guitar you will want is one that sounds better and plays better.
I have a few guitars and each one has to have some thing better.
I include a D28 inmy list, but I have better.
Not for you.

Subject: RE: Secondhand guitar
From: breezy
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 09:07 AM

cud be that it needs resetting, but I doubt.

Subject: RE: Secondhand guitar
From: Midchuck
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 09:22 AM

"Easy to play" is a function of the setup. If it just needs minor setup work, and you like it otherwise, get it. But if it needs a neck reset, you're looking at $300 or so, US, additional cost.

You need to get a competent luthier to look at it.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Secondhand guitar
From: Willie-O
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 10:09 AM

Offhand I think an Advanced Jumbo is higher-end in Gibson's line than the M-36 is in Martin's. The jumbos from the 60's and earlier are going for big bucks indeed.

Personally I prefer a guitar with more immediate sound, cause I hate waiting around for things...
2 Advanced Jumbos at Elderly now

I presume yours is Indian rosewood? And a reissue model? Still a valuable instrument at 2-3k US.

And a used M-36 also offered by Elderly

Used versus new prices are obviously not a very accurate comparison, but I bet you can do better than an even trade. After all the other player obviously wants your guitar, while you're not sure. Since the M-36 is a modern model, it probably doesn't need a neck reset, but a good setup. At the very least, I would take it to a setup and regulation specialist get an estimate, and roll that number into your trade negotiations...

Subject: RE: Secondhand guitar
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 03:50 PM

A big thank you all who replied.

You have made me really appreciate my Gibson AJ and I will definitely not part with it!

Thanks again.

JB