Should I purchase a new Archtop Tribute AT350?

[2bornot2bop]

And I’m not a real fan of the tailpiece as I prefer the ES175 style tailpiece.

but…I think this one may be mine. As MD said above, Masaki expressed he just completed the setup on it yesterday. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that regarding any guitar I was considering.

[MHeld]

So, what should I anticipate the tariff charge to be on $2k for a Japan purchase? Anyone know?

I was just in contact with the folks at Walkin and they said they believed the current rate was around 17% for the tariffs and associated fees. Add in shipping (50k yen) and the fees for PayPal also.

[Piedaddy]

I hope you go for it. Super interested in your rating on it. I'm planning a vacation in Japan next year and Walkin is definitely on the list.

[yebdox]

Do it, they look great and I’ve never read a negative comment on anything they build. A BK or 350 is on my list for next year, just to mix it up with my all humbucker line up…. I think I’ve been missing something from the P90/CC tone universe!

[skiboyny]

So, what should I anticipate the tariff charge to be on $2k for a Japan purchase? Anyone know?

About 320.00 as of late December.

[2bornot2bop]

About 320.00 as of late December.

a tax on the consumer. What a pity

[garybaldy]

a tax on the consumer. What a pity

But if you want the guitar you have to run with it.

[Jabberwocky]

A beautiful sunburst, 2bop. Swings and roundabouts, as the British say-consider the tariff a patriotic tax as the money goes towards paying down the tax that the billionnaires aren't paying. Who doesn't want to subsidise a billionnaire? Gibson aren't making them for under $3000 new. If Gibson had any cojones, they would outsource manufacture of these to Archtop Tribute, slap on a Gibson Mother-of-Pearl headstock logo, and sell them for $6050 each.

If you could and you trust the recipient, try using WISE or Revolut to book your own forex rate, wire JPY directly to Masaki-san's account. This further removes the Paypal's forex upcharge of about 5% on you, and saves 3% transaction fee on Masaki, not that anyone cares but I do. You could ask Masaki-san about this and he may offer you a 3% discount on the price. But I'll gladly let him make 3% more on saving him the transaction fee. Masaki-san is old school gentleman and I trust him. That reminds me: I still owe him JPY600...Order some of the Westville celluloid plectra, too!

Thanks to lumena for the Westville Crest pickup tip. When I order mine I shall have that fitted.

Let us know how it goes, 2bop.

[jim777]

I’m skeptical. For $1,500 can you really expect an ES350? In the end one has to ask the obvious question.
I know esteemed members are enthusiastic.

I trust 213Cobra so the answer is… maybe?

These appear to be more like $3100, than $1500 (without a case). These are between 470,000 and 488,000 Yen on the website ATC350BK — Westville Guitars

[2bornot2bop]

A beautiful sunburst, 2bop. Swings and roundabouts, as the British say-consider the tariff a patriotic tax as the money goes towards paying down the tax that the billionnaires aren't paying. Who doesn't want to subsidise a billionnaire? Gibson aren't making them for under $3000 new. If Gibson had any cojones, they would outsource manufacture of these to Archtop Tribute, slap on a Gibson Mother-of-Pearl headstock logo, and sell them for $6050 each.

If you could and you trust the recipient, try using WISE or Revolut to book your own forex rate, wire JPY directly to Masaki-san's account. This further removes the Paypal's forex upcharge of about 5% on you, and saves 3% transaction fee on Masaki, not that anyone cares but I do. You could ask Masaki-san about this and he may offer you a 3% discount on the price. But I'll gladly let him make 3% more on saving him the transaction fee. Masaki-san is old school gentleman and I trust him. That reminds me: I still owe him JPY600...Order some of the Westville celluloid plectra, too!

Thanks to lumena for the Westville Crest pickup tip. When I order mine I shall have that fitted.

Let us know how it goes, 2bop.

Thx Jdub! I just found out that the finish is poly. Only the ATC150CC and the ATC350BK are nitro.

I only possess nitro guitars. But the good thing is I’m now on the waiting list for an ATC350BK.

These appear to be more like $3100, than $1500 (without a case). These are between 470,000 and 488,000 Yen on the website ATC350BK — Westville Guitars

It appears our friend doesn’t know the brand. But that’s okay, we’ll introduce him. ATC is the go to place for all things affordable in a classic 50’s Gibson style guitar.

[2bornot2bop]

Other than the open book/mustache tip of the headstock I'm not sure Gibson has any legal claim w these guitars.

The new ones have a divot at the center of the headstock. No longer a mustache.