New to MM - guidance on guitar purchase appreciated

[drssyoon]

A local shop has this guitar for sale. I have owned many other guitars in the past, but this one plays nicer than all the others. The previous owner made some mods and I am wondering if this has changed the characteristics of the guitar too much? According to the store there is a Seymour Duncan Lil' 59 in the neck (coil tapped) & a Screamin' Demon in the bridge. The middle pickup is original. The store wants $650 + tax for it including a hard case. The overall condition of the guitar is very good. I really like how light it is. There is some fret wear, but passable.

The serial number is G00113.

What do you think?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

[robelinda2]

looks great, cheap price too!!!! Go for it!!!!!!!

Welcome to the forum too Steve!!!!

 

[Axistence]

Welcome Steve! Yes, definitely, buy it! (I would )

 

[drssyoon]

Heh - I see that forumites from other distant timezones are active. I cannot get to sleep so here I am in the wee hours of the morning.

I am truly impressed with this guitar. Everything feels just right. I'm used to finished necks - Fenders and Gibsons - and boy this one feels different, but in a good way. A question about the neck, though. It is pretty "relic'ed" looking. Can the previous owner's DNA be cleaned off without hurting the board?

And did I say how light this thing is?

Could the serial number indicate that this is one of the earlier Sports?

 

[robelinda2]

yep it can be cleaned for sure. If its heavily gunky some 0000 steel wool will fix it. Erine Ball unfinished necks are brilliant, best necks ever.

 

[TwAn]

I'd say: buy it! Those sports are amazing!

(Does it come with the original pick-ups?? That would be a plus...)


Edit: I'm sure that the folks at EBMM can tell you the exact build date... Just wait till Monday!

 

[candid_x]

$650 + tax is fair but not an exceptional price in the US for a well used and modified Sport. Yes, they are light, due to ash and the smallish body, plus no trem block and assembly, in that one. Given the mods, I'd most certainly drag my amp to the shop and try it out before buying it. I had one for awhile (stock). Nice guitar.

I'd offer $600, out the door. Take it or leave it. There's plenty of used Balls for sale online. Some are in excellent condition, and are stock.

 

[fogman]

Steve - Welcome to the forum!!!

I'd buy it!
Even though it's modded, it looks to be in great condition! and the price is great too!

 

[Astrofreq]

Give him $600 cash or hold out.

 

[drssyoon]

Well, its great to hear the various thoughts on this guitar. The guitar is really in a fine shape, no serious marks or wears. It just so purty and sounds so nice... Difficult to be not emotional - like you are supposed to when you shop for a house or a car

 

[Duolos]

I would always negotiate price on used gear especially. It is a fair deal, not bad not great. The bottom line is if you like the guitar and it works for you, there is a point where price goes out the window within reason. You may find one for 500 bucks but it may not play and feel the same. I have a lot of guitars, many the same model and all are different. different doesn't mean bad, it means different. If you find a keeper, buy it and keep it. in the grand scheme of life, a few bucks here or there is not a huge deal.

 

[candid_x]

I would always negotiate price on used gear especially. It is a fair deal, not bad not great. The bottom line is if you like the guitar and it works for you, there is a point where price goes out the window within reason. You may find one for 500 bucks but it may not play and feel the same. I have a lot of guitars, many the same model and all are different. different doesn't mean bad, it means different. If you find a keeper, buy it and keep it. in the grand scheme of life, a few bucks here or there is not a huge deal.

Well said.

 

[the24thfret]

+1!!!

 

[songman]

$650 plus tax for that guitar is bit high in my opinon. I see regular sports selling for much less. Check out supersports and other EBMM guitars at other stores and see how you like it compare to this one. If this one outshines the the others, than any price would be worth it.

 

[Colin]

I like it

 

[Bazaboy]

I'd say "Go for it". I have no regrets regarding either of my Sport purchases. They are my current favorites of all my guitars and that is a good price. You could easily resell it for that if you are unhappy with it. As far as mods go, replacing the pickups is a minor thing. If you don't like them, change them. And the tap toggle has been installed in the tone pot hole, so replacing it with a tone pot should be relatively easy & cheap. Good luck.

 

[phatduckk]

id say try n bring em down in price a bit cuz its got mods. like other said, you can non-modded find sports online for a bit lower sometimes.

either way tho... mod or no mod... do u LOVE how it sounds? that should be the biggest influence in your decision. is the price worth it to u? cuz a well built guitar who's sound you love for $650 isnt bad at all!

 

[aggravation]

Get it for $600 if you don't like it after that I'll pay you $600 plus shipping, you can't lose!
It looks like the perfect guitar for me to cut into to make it a Roland Ready 13 pin guitar....

 

[Jimmyb]

I'd try getting it for $600, but failing that would pay the $650 he's asking.

I've not got one in that pickup configuration. Hmm

 

[JMB27]

I say you should go for it
Offer less cash, but be prepared to pay full-price if you are having serious B.A.S. (Ball acquisition syndrome)

happy shopping

Joel