poor D-02?-12 at GC might need rescuing.

[love2play21]

I went into GC to buy some DR rares today and noticed what I assume is a D-02-12 on the wall in the acoustic room.  I say i assume because I do not know the difference between the 01 and 02 but this one had black binding and no pickguard and the old label that does not give the model number. (neck block was covered with battery cover) they were selling this poor in need of a home 12 for $499. Now the manager is really cool and always hooks me up on strings and cheap guitars when I help newbie friends get their first guitar so I know he will cut even that down to around $350.  Now here is the catch, the top around the soundhole and where the fretboard comes over the soundboard seems to be sunken down a bit.  Now I am no luthier but the kid in the acoustic room stated that it was sunk because the strings were old and when 12strings have old strings on them they can tend to sink and unfortunately the manager was not around.  Now like I said I am not a luthier but this seems odd to me and kinda a response from someone who doesent know but wants a commission check.  So now to the experts I turn, seeking advice from the collective wisdom of LarryLand.  And insights as to whether this slightly sunken top will be easily remedied with little to no money or time at a luthier?

from the inquiring mind of Greg

[maxferry]

Sounds like it might be a good deal, however the "old string" theory doesn't wash. Just a GC dude coming up with an "answer".

Typically, the top sinking is one of the things you look for in a guitar that's getting too dried out. I don't know if this requires a repair to be done or if simply rehumidifying the axe will eventually straighten it out.

Look also for separations around the bindings and center strips, and for snaggy fret-ends; if there's too much of this kind of stuff, it might be a pass