Buy used or buy new..help

[hadden]

IMO a new Larrivee is going to require some fretwork and setup also so add that to the cost of either, in fact the former owner may have had that taken care of.

I've bought all my Larrivees new but would recommend to buy used if you can't play it first. That way if it doesn't float your boat you can sell it and not be taken to the cleaners. There are lots of options such as woods and body styles to choose from and when you can't play before buying you might not end up with what your hoping for.  This pertains to any brand.

I suppose I'm thinking in the ideal that dealers need to send out guitars ready to go in every respect -- or charge a small amount to do this for fretwork (not $150plus). They don't in the majority of cases, which is a head scratcher for me. I can't understand anyone knowingly sending a guitar out the door with frets in poor condition. Seems we have been trained to have low expectations. To send out a guitar with lifted scratchy frets etc -- passing it off, not mentioning it -- just dishonest to me. And it's not just the mass market places.

I've had two high end supposedly specialist shops do this in row since December.

[ffinke]

My 'family' now consists of all used (previously loved) guitars. I DID buy a new Taylor from a very reputable music store about 3 years ago and the FIRST thing they did was set it up! Every store that is commanding the price (whether it's full retail or deep discount big box) needs to have a set-up tech to correctly tweak everything about the guitar. Retail (and internet) has gotten to the point of just getting it out the door and letting the warranty take care of what they should be doing! I've got an L-03 that I purchased used from one of the major stores in Lansing, MI (I won't mention names) that was in good shape but after a few months I felt it was not quite right. I decided to have it set-up by a local tech and it is now my favorite. I've got 2 other "higher end" guitars that have also had the set-up done and IMO it matters not whether it's new or used: MAKE SURE IT'S PROFESSIONALLY SET UP TO YOUR LIKING!!!

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[unclrob]

"PROFESSIONALLY".Please don't use this word anymore as everyone use's it wheather they know what there doing or NOT and in most case's not.I'm not sure what tem to use but everyone is now a "pro" or a "PROFESSIONAL".Maybe the term "They give a sh*t"!!

[ffinke]

"PROFESSIONALLY".Please don't use this word anymore as everyone use's it wheather they know what there doing or NOT and in most case's not.I'm not sure what tem to use but everyone is now a "pro" or a "PROFESSIONAL".Maybe the term "They give a sh*t"!!

My apologies Rob. You're right! The definition of pro is anyone who accepts money for doing something. I should have said: "qualified, talented and caring person who will do an excellent job for which he is paid much less than he's worth". Yes, Rob, YOU qualify!!!
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[JOYCEfromNS]

Maybe the term "They give a sh*t"!!

So true right accross the trades here in Canada. Few and far in between.

[unclrob]

I gotta say if I didn't need the money I wouldn't charge the guys that get that big -CENSORED- grin of joy on there face when I hand them there guitar.Of choice the jerks would be charged double.

[hadden]

"PROFESSIONALLY".Please don't use this word anymore as everyone use's it wheather they know what there doing or NOT and in most case's not.I'm not sure what tem to use but everyone is now a "pro" or a "PROFESSIONAL".Maybe the term "They give a sh*t"!!

It's been a parade of the cavalier and incompetent for me. All of them were "professionals".

[ncognito]

chatpan--

Welcome.  There are some great resources for newbies (and folks who think they know a thing or two about guitars) for learning, which IMHO, is a never endcing process, and one in particular is frets dot com.  Knowledge will help you make the best decisions.
Obviously, there's alot to be learned here on this forum, and many here are knowlegable and very generous with what they know, but there are ways to "cut to the chase" so to speak.  Enjoy your new guitar.

        DAVE     

[Danny]

IMO a new Larrivee is going to require some fretwork and setup also so add that to the cost of either, in fact the former owner may have had that taken care of.

I've bought all my Larrivees new but would recommend to buy used if you can't play it first. That way if it doesn't float your boat you can sell it and not be taken to the cleaners. There are lots of options such as woods and body styles to choose from and when you can't play before buying you might not end up with what your hoping for.  This pertains to any brand.

That comment about a used one already being set up is right on. New ones are going to need it for sure.
    Btw; my first Larrivee was a used LV-03R that I found for $650. It was in great shape and I totally reget selling it. I have tried a few times to get it back. But my friend knows what he has.

[Danny]

I gotta say if I didn't need the money I wouldn't charge the guys that get that big -CENSORED- grin of joy on there face when I hand them there guitar.Of choice the jerks would be charged double.

I like the way you think Rob. As a novice guitar hobbyist/repairman. I truly enjoy fixing broken gits for free to the appreciative friend. But in my real work I also experience what you described and since I'm one of the few men of integrity left in my business (from all the deception I see everyday) whenever a jerk doesn't appreciate the thorough honest job I did for them, that's the last time they see me.

[ffinke]

I think the general tone is that there are a few 'professionals' who really care about their craft. Unclrob is one, Jim Holler is another (I'm sure you are too, Danny). So, apart from being just a little off the subject of this thread: if buy new OR used find a GOOD set-up tech and take real good care of him. I'm lucky to have found one close to me (although I'd really like to live closer to Tallahassee  ). I think the "blue light special" mentality is highly overrated! Give me honest care and craftsmanship and may I always have the resources to pay the deserved price!

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