Would you buy a guitar of a student luthier ?

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by H165

This guitar appears to be worth more than the asking price to me. It's sort of a decision about disposable income and risk.

I note he says his new builds sell for $2k. I'd wonder if that's asking, or sold prices....

I agree with the first sentence. However, if his builds were selling for 2K, he wouldn't be selling this one for under $800. At that price I would buy it with the knowledge that it's likely a decent enough guitar to be a gigging or amplified guitar and could be a gem.

[H165]

if his builds were selling for 2K, he wouldn't be selling this one for under $800

Why not? He states it's used.

His builds are new.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by H165

Why not? He states it's used.

His builds are new.

He also lists why he wants to sell it,

'Selling to improve my shop and upgrade some tools.
Thanks for looking and have a great day.'

Sounds perfectly reasonable for any builder at the beginning of their career.

[The Bard Rocks]

Keep in mind that as luthiers gain experience, they get better. My rule of thumb is to avoid those with less than 10-120 of their own builds, but that's me. Once they have 50 under their belt, they should have it nailed pretty good. But, like anyone else, a good luthier never stops learning.

That said, I once very nearly bought an OM by an unknown hobbiest (who wanted serious money for it too). But I got to play it ahead of time and was impressed enough to make a good offer. Only he wanted even more and I did not want to pay more (my offer was $3000, made in 2005) for a completely unknown maker's efforts. For that kind of money I could get as good guitars then from well-known makers.

[ChuckS]

I like getting a good value, and have taken risks in some guitars I've purchased, but I wouldn't be interested in this guitar. I'd want better odds that the guitar would have the tone, responsiveness, and longevity I'd want. It may be worth the price, or maybe more, but it really depends on what your expectations are.

[thingthatisdone]

Nice, but why would a luthier say it has a spruce top? I'd instantly question the integrity when someone doesnt know what spruce they used

[RalphH]

The saddle is completely uncompensated. For a finger style guitar that you'll be playing up the neck that would worry me a lot. The crack right across the bridge through the pin holes would worry me even more. This would be a 'no' for me.

[Brucebubs]

I can see some compensation on the saddle but yes, there is a crack between pin holes.

[AndrewG]

Never judge a musical instrument by its looks. If you can't play it first, don't buy it. That's just my take after learning from experience.

[RalphH]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I can see some compensation on the saddle but yes, there is a crack between pin holes.

ok, there is a tiny bit of compensation in the saddle on the A & B strings - or it was just made unevenly, I can't decide which - it doesn't looks like there is enough to make any difference and certainly the low and high e strings seem to be exactly the same length.

It's LONG way from what i'd consider to be a 'normal' amount of compensation, with the saddle mounted at an angle, and using the very front and back edges of it for high and low E's. I'd be very surprised if it intonates properly.

[Brucebubs]

It's now listed as ..SOLD.

[Arthur Slowhand]

Originally Posted by H165

This guitar appears to be worth more than the asking price to me.
What leans me most in the seller's favor is the closeup picture of the rosette work.

How can anyone possibly know what the work of an unknown luthier is worth? If I want beautiful carpentry I'd commission a piece of furniture. If I want to buy a guitar (of any description) I want to know what it sounds like.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

It's now listed as ..SOLD.

Man, I’m glad that’s over...tough crowd.

[beatcomber]

Even the prettiest guitar can sound like crap.

[RalphH]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Man, I’m glad that’s over...tough crowd.

lol, we're just lookin out for each other!