Guitar sales by market share--resale value

[DJ in FL]

 

Am looking to purchase one of several quality Larrivee models...OOO-50 TSB (mahog/Burst); OM-50 TSB (mahog/Burst) or OM-60 TSB (rosewood/Burst). 
I tried to find information on internet about what are the market shares of different type of wood ( in this case, mahog vs rosewood) and also the market share of SunBurst finish guitars in the overall guitar sales.  Don't see many Burst models in the forum for sales, or on dealers walls.  I realize they are higher end models and dealers can't inventory them often, but what are the opinions from this learned group?
As we all know, even when we are buying a guitar, we are thinking about selling it and the NEXT one.  I wondered if there just are not many Burst out there, or are their owners loving them enough not to sell? 
As to the mahog vs rosewood, I think the rosewood is overall better quality and better sound on both ends.  Is this a spot where the size of market (resale) might be more limited in trying to sell a mahog/Burst instrument?

I know I need to see, hold, play and listen to which one sounds better and follow that.  Unfortunately do not have the $$ to buy both, so as we all know, choices must be made, tough as they often are.
Thanks for your thoughts, and YES I appreciate that I am fortunate enough to be having such choices in this economy.

[Queequeg]

You may think/feel/believe that rosewood is better sounding than mahogany [an entirely subjective opinion] but to say that it is better quality, well, I'm just not sure there is any empirical evidence to support that claim.
I have never seen many numbers on Larrivee sunburst guitars.
Some people think/feel/believe they are more beautiful. Others think/feel/believe that painting the burst is a way of hiding imperfections in the wood.
Larrivee TSBs command a much higher price [about an $800 differential].
I have a couple of Larrivee bursts. I like the way they look. I like knowing that Jean Larrivee painted them. (at least I think/feel/believe that he did.)

[gschaps]

Since I just bought a still in-transit OM-60E SBT on eBay, I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences going forward.   Regarding mahagony vs rosewood, check out this video (if you haven't already) ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAtOLdsVNmw

... in which Josh of Guitars Of Pikesville plays the OM-60 and OM-50.

[strawintogold]

"As we all know, even when we are buying a guitar, we are thinking about selling it and the NEXT one."

Hmm. I'd have to disagree. I have bought guitars I didn't love for market value, but never one for myself that I entertained, much less assumed I'd sell. Maybe because when I buy I don't feel like I'm settling?

holly

[Queequeg]

Am looking to purchase one of several quality Larrivee models...OOO-50 TSB (mahog/Burst); OM-50 TSB (mahog/Burst) or OM-60 TSB (rosewood/Burst). 

BTW, DJ in FL, are you sure about that model number [OM-60 TSB]?
I have never run across one of those. I have an OM-50 TSB, and I see OM-60 SBT from time-to-time, but not OM-60 TSB.
(not saying that there never was one though... but you might want to double-check)

[gtrplayer]

No difference with regards to quality between hog or rosewood with same models.  And if I was buying a guitar thinking that I would eventually sell it,  I wouldn't buy one with sunburst.  Sunburst finishes, though nice to look at, appeal, I believe, to a small
percentage of players.  So upon selling you would immediately subject yourself to a smaller market and, as a frequent peruser of the used guitar market, IMO sunburst doesn't command much more in resale.

Good luck with your purchase I hope it turns out to be a "keeper" for you.  Larrivee makes some nice guitars.  I own a 000-50 and would never part with it.      

[Dotneck]

I love a 'burst and the Larrivee 'bursts are one of the best.

YMMV.

[DJ in FL]

BTW, DJ in FL, are you sure about that model number [OM-60 TSB]?
I have never run across one of those. I have an OM-50 TSB, and I see OM-60 SBT from time-to-time, but not OM-60 TSB.
(not saying that there never was one though... but you might want to double-check)

My BAD, typing or otherwise...You are correct, the OM 60 TSB is an unlikely guitar.  I should have said OM-60 SBT.
You said you have an OM-50 TSB...how do you like it in terms of sound/range and vs a rosewood model like the 60?
I guess as others have replied here, when you have the Burst, have a somewhat more limited my resale.  That was why I was asking if anyone knew about market share of Bursts...I guess it is small in the guitar marketplace?

[gschaps]

Hi DJ -

I recieved you PM.   As a "newbie", I don't think I can respond directly.  So ...   

I bought my instrument from Russ T and paid very close to the price he mentions here ...

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Acoustic+Guitar/product/Larrivee/OM-60+SH/10/1

Josh at Guitars Of Pikesville is a great guy and an authorized Larrivee dealer - you should give him a chance to help you find one.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Queequeg]

You said you have an OM-50 TSB...how do you like it in terms of sound/range and vs a rosewood model like the 60?
I guess as others have replied here, when you have the Burst, have a somewhat more limited my resale.  That was why I was asking if anyone knew about market share of Bursts...I guess it is small in the guitar marketplace?

Well, I like the guitar, generally. I play solo, plus, I installed a K&K pure western in it, so I am not concerned with volume. I have never played a Larrivee rosewood OM. So I don't have a good comparison for this. But, my favorite all-around great sounding, great playing Larrivee guitar is the L-05MT. Over the last several years I have gained a real appreciation for the look and the sound of mahogany. But I don't consider "market share" in any of my guitar-buying decisions. Honestly, I can't figure out what market share has to do with it. Van Gogh paintings have small market share but they do OK price-wise.
If you want to maximize your resale value as a percentage of your cost of acquisition, buy used guitars.

[DJ in FL]

Well, I like the guitar, generally. I play solo, plus, I installed a K&K pure western in it, so I am not concerned with volume. I have never played a Larrivee rosewood OM. So I don't have a good comparison for this. But, my favorite all-around great sounding, great playing Larrivee guitar is the L-05MT. Over the last several years I have gained a real appreciation for the look and the sound of mahogany. But I don't consider "market share" in any of my guitar-buying decisions. Honestly, I can't figure out what market share has to do with it. Van Gogh paintings have small market share but they do OK price-wise.
If you want to maximize your resale value as a percentage of your cost of acquisition, buy used guitars.

I guess what I was trying to say is if there were say "X" number of guitar sales last year and the marketing folks at Larrivee would give us stats, they would show so many dreads, so many slotheads, L size, OM size, OOO size; and as well stats could be broken down by rosewood, mahogany, ovanghol, etc.  Sunburst finish would be one of those stats. 

Although I don't know the stats, I gather from just what you see for sale that Sunbursts are a very small part of the market.  If we took our sales and busts were only say 1% of that, then it is obviously smaller resale market for that kind of guitar.  Same would apply to selling an OM, D, rosewood, etc.  I was just following up on a point someone in earlier forum comment made about resale values as it relates to guitar SIZE.
I like your comment about Van Gogh's...there are not many, but they are valuable, so guess it could work that way too.

I just wanted to make sure I do not buy an EDSEL, as Ford once made...even though they became collector cars...Not that any Larrivee is an Edsel.

I also agree, as you and several folks have pointed out in this forum, now is a great time to find some deals on used instruments.  However, it seems the really quality, clean used instruments are priced well and often very close to what a new one would be from some of the familiar quality dealers such as Notable, Artisan & MFG. Having the factory warranty for a few $$ more makes sense.

THANKS for your comments about your OM-50 and mahogany sound. 

[Queequeg]

Still, no clear relationship between market share and value. My Van Gogh example was pretty silly.
Better one might be metals. The % of copper or silver to, say, for example, aluminum.
I would never discourage anyone from buying a new guitar with a warranty, but back to your value topic, the used guitars (even the high end ones) haven't ridden up in price the way the new ones have, especially this past year. I see great values on used guitars on this forum every day.

[rpm60912]

DJ in FL - the sunburst impresses me as the classic look. I wouldn't mind owning one for its rarity. The vast majority are the natural colors.
I'm not sure if they use better woods for SB - my guess is, it's just a neat paint job.

While I like the SB looks, I prefer seeing all the wood in its natural glory.

But they do get snapped up pretty quickly, new or used - again because they don't make too many of them.

For the price difference, the SBs being a few more hundred bucks, I would buy the natural look for less bucks - just my opinion. 

I'm still getting my self to be disciplined enough to be sensible - going for the sound - and weaning myself from the bling (I've spent and loss a small fortune on Taylors). Whatever Larri-model you buy - I believe their the industry's best bang for the buck. 

Happy shopping! ricky

PS - I replied to your PM/message... did you get it? Congrats on selling your OM-03RE.

[gschaps]

Am looking to purchase ... OM-60 TSB ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Larrivee-OM60-SBT-Acoustic-Guitar-w-Collings-Case-10_W0QQitemZ270307656320QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item270307656320&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318