Looks like a Yun Zhi. What's it worth?

**buduranus2** · 05-30-2025, 10:44 AM

I found this locally online. Says it's a Yun Zhi, which it probably is. Totally beat to shiznit. Wonder what it's worth?
Looks like a Yun Zhi. What's it worth?-yun-zhi-2-jpg

Looks like a Yun Zhi. What's it worth?-yun-zhi-2-jpg

**Jimmy blue note** · 05-30-2025, 11:04 AM

Uh oh. My advice: Just don't even consider it. Those guitars are a great deal but they're best when custom built to what you want. That's somebody else's custom made pajamas and who knows what they've done in them.
Ewwww.
The moment an instrument like that shows that kind of wear, the possible negatives instantly outweigh the positives.

BUUUUUT if you're into relic-ed (pre-wrecked) guitars and you're a collector of those kinds of things, this looks like the real deal. Otherwise, move on.
My two cents

**Woody Sound** · 05-30-2025, 11:39 AM

I dunno, if it's local, it's worth taking a spin on it. Who knows, it could be a smooth playing cannon. Then it's worth how much you want to pay.

**GuyBoden** · 05-30-2025, 11:55 AM

A similar Guitar was posted on Reddit a couple of years ago. You could ask there, if you haven't already:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AcousticGui..._gave_me_this/

**buduranus2** · 05-30-2025, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy blue note

BUUUUUT if you're into relic-ed (pre-wrecked) guitars and you're a collector of those kinds of things, this looks like the real deal. Otherwise, move on.
My two cents

Looks like a cat was sharpening its claws on it.

**nyc chaz** · 05-30-2025, 01:04 PM

You didn't say what the seller is asking for it.If it's a real low price,you might get a good beater guitar,only way to tell is to go see it in person.I have a Yunzhi and the guitar sounds very good and the neck plays like a dream.

**buduranus2** · 05-30-2025, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by nyc chaz

You didn't say what the seller is asking for it.If it's a real low price,you might get a good beater guitar,only way to tell is to go see it in person.I have a Yunzhi and the guitar sounds very good and the neck plays like a dream.

$500

**nyc chaz** · 05-30-2025, 01:51 PM

For that price,i think it's definitely worth it to go test it out in person and see how it sounds and plays.

**buduranus2** · 05-30-2025, 02:19 PM

I messaged the owner. He said his puppy used it for a chew toy.

**nyc chaz** · 05-30-2025, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by buduranus2

I messaged the owner. He said his puppy used it for a chew toy.

That's why leaving your guitar out on a stand 24/7 can be problematic.

**Sam Sherry** · 05-30-2025, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by nyc chaz

For ($500) i think it's definitely worth it to go test it out in person and see how it sounds and plays.

Ayuh. If the seller is asking $500 then it's safe to assume that you could become the new owner for less than $500.

I'm generally fond of guitars that are beat up. I don't have to feel bad about beating them up more.

On the other hand, if it sounds like a dog chew-toy than who needs that even for $500?

**buduranus2** · 05-30-2025, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

Ayuh. If the seller is asking $500 then it's safe to assume that you could become the new owner for less than $500.

I'm generally fond of guitars that are beat up. I don't have to feel bad about beating them up more.

On the other hand, if it sounds like a dog chew-toy than who needs that even for $500?

Well, I'm not exactly Freddie Green, but even so it'd be nice to have a decent acoustic to hack around on. The owner's looking to get out from under it. I told him to see how he does and I'd get back to him in a week. Just need a little time to soften him up.

**Jimmy blue note** · 05-30-2025, 08:22 PM

Done enough work on damaged guitars to know that guitars are more fragile than you might think when your fantasies are painting a picture of what it could be. Might be fine. Might be hiding some grain check with the chew being close to the end of an end grain opening.
Go for it. Just know evidence of structural abuse can be the beginning of a story that could be an additional cost of a cleating job later. That's OK, it's good to support your local luthier.
Can you get close up photos of the damaged area, from different angles so we can better see just the extent of the wood damage?
Here's another thing to consider. Buy it for $500. That guy will appreciate it. I'm sure he was heart broken to have his dog do that damage. $500 will just about get him half way to having a completely new one built. Both the owner and the folks at Yunzhi (or Li Dan) will appreciate your part in keeping the Beijing luthiers' row thriving.
Spread the joy. Damaged guitars are great purchases. Putting your first ding in it doesn't sting nearly as badly when it's been a chew toy.

Hope it's a story and a half. Good luck

**buduranus2** · 05-30-2025, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy blue note

Buy it for $500. That guy will appreciate it. I'm sure he was heart broken to have his dog do that damage. $500 will just about get him half way to having a completely new one built. Both the owner and the folks at Yunzhi (or Li Dan) will appreciate your part in keeping the Beijing luthiers' row thriving. Spread the joy. Damaged guitars are great purchases. Putting your first ding in it doesn't sting nearly as badly when it's been a chew toy.

Hope it's a story and a half. Good luck

I'm thinking $350 tops, more like $300 TBH. It occurs to me that there's a violin repair shop nearby and the guy did a nice little pactch job for me some time ago. But then I wouldn't have a relic. Although I am a relic.