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High All
So I've finally bagged my first L5CES.
Now I have a problem.
1) The owner will ship but the case doesn't look great (original) by that i mean the guitar will need further padding inside to stop it slipping about. Also there is a strong bridge indentation on the top of the case (I really dont think the Gibson case is worthy of such an instrument but hey) so i might ask him to remove the bridge for transit.
2) He lives about 4 hours drive from me (one way) and getting up there will cost £100 at least. I tried getting a shipping quote but that came to £100 too.
So if I have it shipped the guitar will need some packing, I will have to trust him to do it properly. Do I also want the tension taken off the neck to remove the bridge? Not really.
If I drive up, it will cost me the same but take a lot of time plus if I pick it up, I dont get the luxury of having it for a day to really get a good look at it.
If I have it shipped its better for me as the buyer as I can take my time to make sure its all good. The downside I don't get to see it in person and if I'm not happy, walk away but waste £100 in the process.
If its going to cost me the same either way, I might as well not spend a day driving and take the chance it will arrive safely (it will be on a 24hr service). That way I get to inspect it properly and have a better position if a return is needed.
The only issue is though, if I have to return it, then postage could fall on me both ways which would be a £210 loss. Under ebay policy buyer should pay for return costs but its a bit of a grey area since i'm organising the posting. Do I have to organise the return or will that be up to him?
If I had a spare Gibson Truss Rod key I would be happier to go up. However I don't so I cant check the truss rod if I collect.
This situation would be a whole lot easier if he was sorting the postage and I pay. That way it would be straight forward. Send me the guitar if there's any faults, all costs are on you. Could I argue for the original return of postage if I have organised it and payed for it. Probably but that would be a pointless fight that no one could easily win. So best not to get into.
So yeh cant decide really. The other option is to ask him to organise the postage and i will pay. If he accepts, then I'm back in the position I want to be in and will have it posted.
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04-07-2015 12:44 PM
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That's quite a can of worms to deal with! Ive bought many archtops and had them shipped and so far the only damage Ive encountered was with the pickguard where the plastic block underneath that the bracket screws into has separated . It doesn't seem like you have a lot of free time so shipping may be the best option. Sounds like a bit of pondering is in order. Good luck and post some pics. when you get it. Bob
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If I was buying an L5 I'd much prefer to inspect it first. The last time I was looking, I came across a 90s one where the truss rod nut was fully tightened and yet the neck was badly underbowed. Fortunately, the seller had brought it to me, so the only loss was time - mine & his.
I suppose if you make it totally clear that you expect the truss rod to be functional, you'll be OK with ebay returns, but might lose some postage as you say. If I ever buy another one, I'll look at it first. Much as I love gibsons, you can't take a gibson truss rod for granted, old or new, IMO. ( Not a knock - I have 3 gibsons)
Surely you'll need a truss rod key anyway!??
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Franz you're absolutely right and thats why I want a truss rod key. I should be able to locate one this evening.
Originally Posted by Franz 1997
NO I wouldn't trust a Gibson truss rod for anything ;-)
In the end, you dont have to enquire about the truss rod working. Most sellers wont know. Ebay should support you regardless because if the guitar sold is not fit for purpose, then its a fraudulent sale anyway. Whether or not the seller knows or you ask. It should be checked by the seller but who does? ME :-) lol
P.s this is also a 90's one.
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Arch,
We are talking about buying an L5 here..
If I was buying a used L5, and it was only located only 4 hours from me, I would make the drive.
Buying an L5 is an event. Perhaps you can treat it as a bit of a holiday? Maybe stay at an Inn nearby and try out their Fish and Chips and Ale.. I'm serious. This could be a really cool weekend for you.
No matter what you do, You will never be able to substantiate buying $6000 Guitar. Because this is a world class luxury item, make it into a time to remember. These things don't happen everyday..
Just my opinion.
IF you buy it, make sure its what you want 1st. And, I am happy for you buddy.
Joe D.
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Well ATH you may well be right, but I wouldn't want the hassle of trying to convince an ignorant (or worse) seller that a non-functioning truss rod invalidates the sale. You'll have to get a tech to write a report presumably. Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven
I really hope it's not the same guitar!!!!!
I agree with Joe; go and see it. Good luck anyway; I hope it works out for you.
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Thanks I contacted the seller and he has the original key which is great. Might go up to night and drive back in the early Am Originally Posted by Franz 1997
I think I will collect. I have enough experience to spot any issues and I'm sure its the genuine item. If its a copy, its a dan good one. Couldn't see Made In USA stamped on the back of the HS but there is a serial number that checks out as Bozeman 1997 which is correct.
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Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven
This is the guitar I have lusted after, same "burst" pattern, gold hardware.
I am truly happy for you. Beauty and musical potency come together.
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Ebay policy is the return shipping is ALWAYS on the buyer. And the buyer ALWAYS makes arrangements for safe return of the item in the exact condition as it arrived. So, if the guitar is damaged in transit on its return trip, the shipper, in this case the buyer is on the hook for the value of the guitar.
Another case for getting off your duff and prioritizing a drive to go get that fine specimen of sunburst perhaps?
Good luck!
edit - 2b is biased as his favorite all time Gibson sunburst is the later 90's models. I can spot them a mile away without even knowing the serial number.Last edited by 2bornot2bop; 04-07-2015 at 03:24 PM.
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Looks damned good, ATHeaven. I would be surprised if the truss rod were knackered but it pays to check it out in person for peace of mind.
Bozeman 1997? Wonky Guitar Dater Project strikes again. The Gibson Custom Shop is in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bozeman, Montana Shop makes the steel-string flat-top acoustics and the L7C.
Based on the 2 pix, no alarm bells.
Wishing you a good 4-hour drive there and 4-hour drive back with the 1997 L-5CES comfortably nestled in the back seat. The brown case with the pink poodle looks correct.
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Ohh Arch, that's Beautiful!
Classic in every sense. I really hope it works out.
I am MEGA happy for you.
JD
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You did well there!
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1 hour to go. Thaks for allyiur help gus makes me feel much better. Oh I'm on my way to get it
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A 4 hour drive for an L5 is nothing for most of us in the states ... and I used to do that fairly often when I lived in Germany
But I understand that a 4 hour drive can be more of a headache in the UK.
Good luck ... it looks great
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Hot Diggity Dang ! That's a fine looking L5.
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There are really good shipping instructions here: archtop.com: shipping your guitar
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on my way home with the L5 Back at 5:00am
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I'm not even sure of why you're actually buying this guitar. It's a Gibson. That in and of itself should be enough to discourage you . . . given your distaste for and constant trashing of Gibson. Even when considering this guitar, you find the case to be unworthy and state you wouldn't trust the truss rod of a Gibson. Oh . . but, you did offer a winkie on that.
A four hour drive?? Ha!! Child's play! Greentone and I each drove that distance to meet up and do the deal on my (former) Super Eagle . . "The Rose". The trip to get the guitar is part of the adventure of the acquisition. Plus, I got to meet a great guy in the transaction.
Hell . . I've driven 12 hours to the Heritage plant, just to select wood for a new build commission . . then another 12 hours to be there while Marv rolled and profiled the neck . . then another 12 hours to pick the guitar up.
The photos look totally awesome. I see that you're now driving home with the guitar. I chuckled when you said you thought you might need more time to evaluate it. That's total BS. The more time you have to find fault with something . . the more likely you are to do so. Even if the fault you find is relatively insignificant, it just might be enough to cause you to return an otherwise great L5CES. Sometimes, you just gotta pick a guitar up, play it for 5 minutes . . . then just go with your gut instincts. Personally, if I need more than 5 minutes to for the guitar to appeal to me . . . then, it's not the right guitar for me. My mind would have been 50% made up just based upon the photos. It's a beauty!!
My hope is that this gorgeous Gibson product helps you to regret your incessant trashing and bashing of them. But, somehow I suspect that if this guitar is perfect for you in every way imaginable . . . you'll just write it off as an anomaly. But, in any event, I truly hope it turns out to be the guitar of your dreams . . and I mean that sincerely.
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" She asked if I really wanted to spend that much money for . . . "5 minutes" . . . but, I digress."
"Sometimes, you just gotta pick a guitar up, play it for 5 minutes . . . then just go with your gut instincts. Personally, if I need more than 5 minutes to for the guitar to appeal to me...then, it's not the right guitar for me "
someone is living their life in 5 minute increments, oh and condolences to the Mrs.
;^)
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Ha!! Good one wintermoon!! Yeah . . the Mrs. would have gotten a real chuckle out of the 5 minutes quip too. But, in all seriousness, she did come with me to meet up with Greentone. We stopped and enjoyed a wonderful dinner on the way home. She was quite proud of me for not breaking down in tears at the dinner, over selling that beautiful Super Eagle. And I probably would have, if I didn't have a few others at home equally as beautiful. With guitars, it's always an adventure for me. I really don't ever remember buying a guitar purely because I needed it. Only because I wanted it. When I found something I wanted badly enough . . there was almost no limits to what I would do to get it. I remember I was once ready to fly 6 hours to Seattle to pick up a 1970 Super 400CES. She talked me into trusting it to UPS. Fortunately, it arrived unscathed. That's still yet another one I regret selling. Originally Posted by wintermoon
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Even rock-hard American ice cream remains rock-hard longer than 5 minutes...
Getting all soft like a Gelato popsicle now, are we?
Sez the Missus, I want rock-hard and I want it NOW!
Ooo-er, ATHeaven, sorry for the thread drift. Will love to take a gander at your new acquisition. The late 90s L-5CESs are especially nice; the antique sunburst is not black but a finely gradated chocolatey brown. Hutch chose fiddleback maple for the backside and it's grand, innit?Last edited by Jabberwocky; 04-07-2015 at 11:59 PM.
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Right just got back.
I've been up for 33 hours now and need some sleep. Thanks for all your support and help.
Will post pics and bits tomorrow.
Once again thanks guys
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Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
well, the missus may want to hand out a little blue pill about 45 minutes prior to saying that. or so i've heard, i don't really know.
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You won't like it Rich
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