Any Gibson Johnny Smith guitars for sale in the UK...?

[bananafist]

After trying out various L5s and Le Grandes, I think maybe the above is a guitar that would suit me more. I like a 25" scale and 1 3/4" nut, and want to be able to use the guitar as an acoustic 50% of the time.
There is one on Bernunzios website, and one at Rudys in NY, but with the increase in VAT, import duty and handling charges from the UK post office, importing one is a less attractive option.
Anyone know of anybody selling one, or one in any of the shops outside my area - in the UK?
Thanks

[fws6]

I have been keeping my eyes open for one of those as well; havent seen any in the UK or elsewhere in Europe recently though, except this one in France: GIBSON JOHNNY SMITH 1962 CUST. MOD NAT. The price was a "just a bit" too much for me though

If you buy from a UK dealer, wouldnt all those costs for importing also be (more than) accounted for in the price ? In my experience UK dealers just translate dollar to pounds one on one, so there usually is a lot to be gained by importing yourself.

The ones at Rudy are very high $$$ of course, but Bernunzio's at 7500 is "kind of" a realistic market price. I have bought from them before, and they were very much open to offers so I bet you can get it for considerably less. It might be mint but is is also a 70s model which generally should be priced lower. If you need advice on importing send me a PM. It sounds cool on the video although the recording quality is far from optimal Bernunzio Uptown Music - Guitar Sales, Banjo Sales, Stringed Instruments, Vintage instruments, Rochester, NY (585) 473-6140

[JohnW400]

Originally Posted by fws6

The ones at Rudy are very high $$$ of course, but Bernunzio's at 7500 is "kind of" a realistic market price. I have bought from them before, and they were very much open to offers so I bet you can get it for considerably less. It might be mint but is is also a 70s model which generally should be priced lower. If you need advice on importing send me a PM. It sounds cool on the video although the recording quality is far from optimal Bernunzio Uptown Music - Guitar Sales, Banjo Sales, Stringed Instruments, Vintage instruments, Rochester, NY (585) 473-6140

Did you see the part about the repaired top crack? That's why it's $7500. Gibson JS's have been selling in the mid to upper 8k range. There were a bunch for sale not too long ago.

I'm sure that more will hit the market.

[fws6]

Did you see the part about the repaired top crack

sure, but it sais it is underneath the guard ? A well repaired crack in the grain direction to me wouldnt matter much (to me personally). It is a very common thing on a solid top afterall. But would provide excellent leverage to get the price down a bit

[woyvel]

Just for your information, Bernunzio is in New York State, but it's 350 miles from New York City, in case you thought they were close together. Many people outside of New York State think everything "New York" is the big city.

If you call Bernunzio you will speak with John himself and he would be the only one to answer your emails. It's a rather small shop.

[bananafist]

Woyvel - Thankyou for the info. I hadn't realised that, its a good point.

[fws6]

I did my buisiness with Julie Bernunzio. You might still be right it is a one man shop, but there are at least two persons there ;-)

John is a nice guy though and if the 72 would interest you I am sure open to negotiation

The French one is also super nice and 10 yeras older of course, but the price tag makes Rudy's pricing look like Wallmart

[bananafist]

Yes, I remember dealing with Julie a few years ago when I bought a gretsch Corsair from them. A very nice, intelligent and together young lady.

When I looked at the French one it came up as sold. I've always fancied an L5 with alnico rectangular pole P90s like the ex-Sacha Distel guitar.
I remember a photo years ago with him holding that guitar with Bridgette Bardot draped around it/him - some pickers get it all !!