Buy now? Wait until later?

[docsteve]

My father passed away two months ago and left me a little money. Some of it (2000-3000 €) I'm willing to spend on a guitar, as he was a jazz lover, and always very supportive of myself making music. Besides, it would be one thing to have and cherish that reminds me of him, so it should be special in a way, and better than my current instrument.

On Saturday, I thought I'd start to do some shopping, basically just to see what's around at the moment.

Lo and behold - I found a used Eastman John Pisano from around 2003 in very good shape. An excellent instrument with stunning looks, great playability, and of course a great jazz sound. Somebody sold their collection to the store, and this guitar is part of it. Asking price is 3000 € and it's worth it.

The person at the store said I'd better get it as soon as possible, since he's going to put it on the web soon, and at the price it's likely to go fast. I don't have ready money at the time, and it's not quite clear yet how much money will actually be left when all the bills are paid (it's going to be enough for several guitars, though).

Now what would you advise me to do? Spend the money now, live with the overdraft for a month or three - or risk it and wait? Or just wait till I have the money ready and another one comes along?

[spencer096]

sincere condolences on your dad's passing.

it's a loaded question, since a lot of the value here is psychological/sentimental. is the used market for mid-to-high level archtops relatively deep in your area? or are them coming around a rare occurance? in either case, there isn't a scenario where i'd be comfortable with any type of financial liability coming from a guitar purchase. id personally wait til you know what you have, then seriously start looking for a permanent keeper after that. things are moving galacially slow on the archtop market as it is...id be comfortable calling their bluff, knowing there's going to be another pisano out there down the road too.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Each of us might answer your question differently, because there are so many factors to consider. First of all for me would be how much I love the guitar in question. Your personal and family finances are a strong consideration, and if / how much you need and would play it are also important.

The 880CE is a gorgeous, carved solid instrument that’s a wonderful guitar. I see them on the used market from time to time, so another will come along if you pass on this one. Condition is obviously very important. If this one is outstanding, the asking price sounds fair to me (from what I know of its market). But you should think a little about what you’d pick as a lasting memorial to your father. If this guitar is truly something you’d treasure anyway, it seems like a fine way to keep your dad’s memory alive. But if it’s just the first interesting one to come along, think hard about whether it’s really special to you.

Deficit spending is something I avoid, but that’s one of those personal issues.

[nyc chaz]

I have zero knowledge of European Eastman prices,but here in the states that price would be high for a used Eastman,especially from 2003.I would never advise anyone to go into debt to buy a guitar

[Sigmund451]

Im also sorry for your loss.

I find that to be quite a high price. I also would look at later Eastmans. I dont have experience with them myself but overall the impression I get from the web is that they really started to impress after 2009-10.

The person at the store wants to make a sale. Almost no archtop sells fast, especially when overpriced. If they are a Gibson and a bargain they will move. An overpriced Eastman will be there next year. Eastmans flagship (the 910) will sell for that price or less in the EU. Id take my time and shop.

Also being in the EU and having had to deal with estates...dont count on the estate closing and paying off quickly. Those who handle estates make lots of promises but you could be looking at much more than a couple of months. I wouldnt go into debt on a guitar that isnt especially unique.