Buying Used

Jodi-lee · #1 11-27-2019, 12:52 PM

I’m checking out a used Taylor gs-e mini koa on Friday from an independent seller. Other than how it sounds, and feels, are there any questions I should ask? Things to look for? It’s selling for $500 and I feel like it’s a great price, which also makes me wary. I can afford the new sticker price ($800 everywhere), but it would be a stretch financially. Is there any compelling reason to buy new when this is so much less?
I wish there was carfax for used guitars!

The Bard Rocks · #2 11-27-2019, 01:03 PM

The advantage of new is a warranty, which will probably never be used. And no marks upon it, which will not affect how it sounds or plays, though it may affect the attraction it has to you.

Check for a straight neck and for buzzing on the strings. Look for cracks, especially to the wood. Finish cracks are only of cosmetic concern. Check for loose braces and for adequate saddle height. Make sure the action is low enough to allow for easy playing. Turn the tuners to make sure they work well. Play it long enough that if there are issues with playing comfort that they will be apparent. Make sure you cannot slide a sheet of paper under the saddle.

SoCalSurf · #3 11-27-2019, 01:09 PM

My GS Mini-koa has opened up considerably since I got it a couple of years ago, so that is certainly a benefit of buying one of these used. If it meets your standards when you try it out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

Goat Mick · #4 11-27-2019, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

The advantage of new is a warranty, which will probably never be used. And no marks upon it, which will not affect how it sounds or plays, though it may affect the attraction it has to you.

Check for a straight neck and for buzzing on the strings. Look for cracks, especially to the wood. Finish cracks are only of cosmetic concern. Check for loose braces and for adequate saddle height. Make sure the action is low enough to allow for easy playing. Turn the tuners to make sure they work well. Play it long enough that if there are issues with playing comfort that they will be apparent. Make sure you cannot slide a sheet of paper under the saddle.

Honestly, these are all things to check out when buying a new guitar too. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's perfect. Manufacturing accidents happen (although rarely), and not every store takes the necessary precautions to keep their inventory in top condition.

The Bard Rocks · #5 11-27-2019, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat Whiskey Picks

Honestly, these are all things to check out when buying a new guitar too. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's perfect. Manufacturing accidents happen (although rarely), and not every store takes the necessary precautions to keep their inventory in top condition.

True enough. With new, you expect these things not to be issues. But things can happen in the manufacturing process which are not always caught before they leave their birthplace.

UncleJesse · #6 11-27-2019, 03:42 PM

$500 sounds like a good price for the koa one. They're pretty popular and easy to resell if you want to get rid of it later. I put mine up for $600 on facebook and a guy bought it the next day.

Coop47 · #7 11-27-2019, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

Check for a straight neck and for buzzing on the strings. Look for cracks, especially to the wood. Finish cracks are only of cosmetic concern. Check for loose braces and for adequate saddle height. Make sure the action is low enough to allow for easy playing. Turn the tuners to make sure they work well. Play it long enough that if there are issues with playing comfort that they will be apparent. Make sure you cannot slide a sheet of paper under the saddle.

Great list above. I'd add checking the area around the saddle to make sure there's minimal bellying in addition to ensuring there's adequate saddle height. I want to make sure I'm able to lower the action without having to shave the saddle or get a neck reset.

biotechmgr · #8 11-27-2019, 06:59 PM

Ask how it has been stored, where, in what room.
Try not to ask leading question "Has it been stored humidified? ... Why if course!

Look for a flat top and belying for telltale signs of improper care/storage.

Good luck!

GHS · #9 11-27-2019, 07:07 PM

Everybody has their own desire but I would pass on the mini. I know two players that bought them...they sat in the corner and then sold...Unless you have some specific need for one save the cash and buy a real guitar.

Tony Burns · #10 11-27-2019, 07:09 PM

Take someone with you ( abit of safety maybe meet in a neutral place if possible)- hopefully take another guitar player .
how does it play -do you like the sound -and is their a case -
technically Id say typically something goes for about half of the new price
but if its in great shape 500 isnt bad. but be sure because once its bought , their are no returns its not like a store.

SoCalSurf · #11 11-27-2019, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GHS

Everybody has their own desire but I would pass on the mini. I know two players that bought them...they sat in the corner and then sold...Unless you have some specific need for one save the cash and buy a real guitar.

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. The GS-mini IS a real guitar. Seems like a very small sample size in the two people you know who don't use them. I have found them to be remarkably good, as have many others. If you haven't played one yourself, I highly recommend it.

GHS · #12 11-27-2019, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalSurf

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. The GS-mini IS a real guitar. Seems like a very small sample size in the two people you know who don't use them. I have found them to be remarkably good, as have many others. If you haven't played one yourself, I highly recommend it.

This is what I would do...bring a dread or 000 to A/B them...then make a decision...fair enough?? I love my Martin 000, its my go to..but when I take out a D-28 or Takamine EF340tt....whole nuther world... The 000 fits my voice and blues tunes...but the dreads... remember...volume ( internal volume) = tone...at least in my universe. These guys I play with are real players..good as the get..they know their stuff...by attempting to marginalize my statement by saying its a small sampling of people ( if 2 out of our 8 own but do not use...thats good percentage...I did not include that because I did not know this a study in social behavior ), I didn't know I would have to provide dates and names and times I've tired the guitars , so have at it...but be careful of posting your findings...you too may be under a microscope.

Lillis · #13 11-28-2019, 10:13 AM

I’ve had my mahogany GS mini for two weeks and I like it more every time I pick it up. It’s definitely a real guitar And I have bigger real guitars too

if it plays well and you like it I would recommend buying it.

TBman · #14 11-28-2019, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

The advantage of new is a warranty, which will probably never be used. And no marks upon it, which will not affect how it sounds or plays, though it may affect the attraction it has to you.

Check for a straight neck and for buzzing on the strings. Look for cracks, especially to the wood. Finish cracks are only of cosmetic concern. Check for loose braces and for adequate saddle height. Make sure the action is low enough to allow for easy playing. Turn the tuners to make sure they work well. Play it long enough that if there are issues with playing comfort that they will be apparent. Make sure you cannot slide a sheet of paper under the saddle.

bridge, not saddle.

SoCalSurf · #15 11-28-2019, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GHS

This is what I would do...bring a dread or 000 to A/B them...then make a decision...fair enough?? I love my Martin 000, its my go to..but when I take out a D-28 or Takamine EF340tt....whole nuther world... The 000 fits my voice and blues tunes...but the dreads... remember...volume ( internal volume) = tone...at least in my universe. These guys I play with are real players..good as the get..they know their stuff...by attempting to marginalize my statement by saying its a small sampling of people ( if 2 out of our 8 own but do not use...thats good percentage...I did not include that because I did not know this a study in social behavior ), I didn't know I would have to provide dates and names and times I've tired the guitars , so have at it...but be careful of posting your findings...you too may be under a microscope.

Using a dread or a 000 to A/B against a GS Mini is like using a Ford F250 to A/B against a Prius. It doesn't make the Prius any less of a real vehicle. It is a matter of what you are going to use it for.