Thread: Gibson J40??
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Old 02-06-2009, 02:03 PM
beach bob beach bob is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tboney4 View Post
When you say the value isn't high - you mean it isn't in the thousands or what? I probably wouldn't get rid of it and pass it down to my kids.
Without discussing actual prices [not allowed at this forum], overall, the value of 70s era Gibsons isn't as high as some other eras, or certain models. It all goes to design and era... For instance, any 60s era Gibby with the height adjustable bridge [screws on the bridge], isn't going to be as collectible as an earlier era 60s Gibby with the nonadjustable bridge. And the price will reflect that.

Collector value on older guitars primarily goes to 1] condition, 2] design features, and 3] originality, which is to say, whether the guitar has been modified in some way. Depending on the make & model, originality can trump functional mods that actually make the item play or sound better, when it comes to collectibility (= dollar value). In the above example, some people will take a mid 60s Gibson, and replace the adjustable bridge to a good, nonadjustable height bridge with a bone saddle. Looks better, almost certainly sounds better, and the net effect is, it's value has been lowered. Weird, huh? But, it's an improved instrument,from a playing standpoint...

Severe mods, like drilled holes for installed electronics in acoustic guitars, can significantly reduce the item's value, unless it's professionally repaired. In the case of a proper repair, it's only somewhat reduced in value ...

Generally, for your 70s J-40, it isn't going to command the price of, say, an early 60s era Gibby, or of a more recent [2000s] era Advanced Jumbo. The 70s generally, were not the best era for either Gibson or Martin acoustics, though some good to excellent examples from that era do exist.

I agree with the others here, find a good repairman, and have them evaluate it... Think of the $$ invested in a possible neck reset, etc. in terms of making the guitar enjoyable and usable, and less in terms of, is it worth sinking this amount of $$ into this guitar... At any rate, a neck reset won't drop it's value. Other than declared value for insurance, if it's a family keeper, get the needed maintenance done, forget what it's worth, and enjoy it!
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