Used guitar with repaired crack

[Luc]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a new acoustic guitar and I found a used Martin DRS1 at my local guitar shop for $499 CAD (about $370 USD). I like the guitar but my main concern is that it has a few cracks that have been repaired by the luthier who works for the store. All 3 of the cracks are on the back of the guitar, 2 are quite small but one runs about 2/3 the length of the body. They’ve all been repaired and it seems like they did a pretty good job but I could definitely tell they were repairs.

I guess what I’m asking is what are peoples opinions on buying used guitars that have been repaired? And does this seem like a good price for the DRS1 in this condition?

Thanks for the input.

[The Bard Rocks]

It doesn't hurt to have another technician give a second opinion. Assuming they are (and will be) OK, I would have no problem with cracks provided I liked the guitar enough to buy it and the price was discounted enough to take the repairs into account.

[Mattdamian]

If cleated properly cracks shouldn’t affect tone, volume or playability. And if no other damage to bracing or structural can be great buys. Some argue that they relieve tension and can sound better too

[CharlieBman]

I'd keep looking and be willing to pay a little more for one that's not been cracked...let alone in 3 places. Then again, I'm no luthier. It may be just fine. But I still wouldn't buy it.

[Railroad Bum]

I would pass on that one personally.

[buddyhu]

I prefer to buy guitars that don’t have cracks when possible, but if the price is really good and the cracks are well-repaired, and I really like the way the guitar sounded and played, i certainly would consider buying.

While some guitars are rare enough that it might be difficult to find one that doesn’t have cracks, a DRS1 isnt all that rare.

The main problem with owning a cracked guitar will come into play if you ever wish to sell it: it will usually take longer to sell, and you will have to offer it at a pretty low price. But if you never sell it, no problem!

[lowrider]

The DRS1 is a nice guitar. Have you played it? What did you think? If you like it, I say go for it. Try offering a little less.

GC has 4 DRS1's at an average price of around $600. I think the price the shop is asking is pretty fair.

[tsmith28]

I'm never scared of cracks (even ones that still need to be repaired), but they do affect resale value. Try to get it for $300 USD.

[Luc]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. I did have a chance to try it out and I liked the way it played. I’m going back to the shop today to try it a second time and I’ll see if the price is flexible at all.