NGD Gone Wrong!
Some of you may recall my posting about a week ago about a used Santa Cruz OMS that was being sold in excellent condition by a well know instrument dealer. The guitar was disclosed as having a recent neck reset performed by the shop (again, a reputable repair shop). It was a 13 year old guitar, so the neck reset was somewhat premature (not expected in a guitar that age).
Well the guitar arrived on Friday and was not is what I would call excellent condition. Multiple dings in the clear coat were visible on the top of the guitar, and that was just the beginning. There were two thin cracks in the back on either side of the end block. The cracks appeared to be finish cracks only (not through the wood) but the location was still concerning. Also not what I would call excellent condition. I took the strings off to inspect the inside of the guitar for any cracking and was surprised to find 3 cleats along the center seam. In my opinion that is a relatively major repair that should be disclosed. I also find it hard to believe that the shop would purchase an instrument and perform a neck reset without checking out the inside of the guitar, particularly when they tout their thorough set-ups as a bonus of doing business with them. The guitar sounds alright so I'm considering seeing if they are amenable to a significant condition adjustment. Any thoughts on how much I should ask for? I'm thinking somewhere around $1K off since the resale value would be materially impacted should I sell the instrument some day. I can also just return it and move on to something else. |
Return it and don't buy from that shop again.
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I'd send it back for a full refund. You will never be happy with it.
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Yeah I would just return it for a refund as well. The dings and finish cracks wouldn't bother me too much but the undisclosed center seam crack/cleats is definitely an issue.
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"The guitar sounds alright so I'm considering seeing if they are amenable to a significant condition adjustment."
For a Santa Cruz guitar that "sounds alright" I would send it back and be done with it. If I'd fallen in love with it before discovering the repair I'd feel differently about negotiating a price reduction. |
Like everyone else I would return it without question.
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You're in a hole
Stop digging! No adjustment in money is ever gonna' put this matter to rest for you. Return it and don't look back - that's my advice.
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They had an Santa Cruz OM/PW recently that had two cracks disclosed... I'm wondering if there was some confusion in the description, or if you ended up with the wrong guitar?
I knew I read a description of a SC OM there recently that had cracks, and was able to find it archived online. I'd be shocked if they didn't make it right. |
Return it but first, call and make sure that they will pay the return shipping. The guitar is not what they advertised.
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Thanks folks. It's a very reputable shop / dealer. I'm not mentioning the name in this post because I haven't had a chance to talk to them yet. It's a very nice sounding instrument and I do like a deal, so I'm considering throwing out a big number for a condition adjustment. A properly repaired center seam separation shouldn't be a long term issue, right? I would also take it to a good local luthier for a thorough inspection.
What would be a good price to pay for a Santa Cruz with those issues? $2K? Most of them seem to be listed for over $3K used on reverb etc. Thanks! |
Up to you of course, but I would contact them and arrange a return for full refund as fast as I could.
To me it smacks of bad ju-ju all around ... ... |
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This is slimy deceitful sales, IMO. |
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