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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 17
Location: Northern Wisconsin | Hello Again OFC!
Finally got over to the Guitar Center here in Wisconsin.
Sat and played an Elite T for about 30 minutes. It played really nice, but the only one they had was black, and if I ultimately choose this one, I would get red or pewter. I'd probably order it on-line from somewhere that has it.
Played an elite special. Sounded Great! Looked great!
They had a used Elite LX 1778. Missing 2 strings. The salesman said a couple kids were playing it rather hard the previous day, and mustve broken the 2 strings. I wasn't very thrilled about that. A few minor nicks and scratches, mostly in the headstock. Otherwise a beautiful guitar. They were asking $879 for it. Is this price too high? I know that the guitar will not be covered by the Ovation warranty since I am not the original owner, so I am a bit nervous about that too. I tried to get him to come down in price, but he wouldn't budge. Is offering say. . . $750 too low for this? I played the remaining 4 strings, and they sounded fine doing the only song I could think of that used the available strings.
Here are my 3 choices right now. The G.A.S. is getting painful! Must relieve the pressure!
1 - Order Elite T fron lowest price on-line source.
2 - Order Eite Special from lowest price on-line source.
3 - Try to bargain down the Elite Lx at the GC here.
Any suggestions with supporting reasons?
Thanks yet again!!!!
SurferJ |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | The 1778 is a beautiful and great sounding guitar, but that seems a bit high on the price. I bought my Adamas on Ebay for less than that, even though it need some work, it still played very well when I received it. I think the best guitars I've bought have been used, and if you look around, as prices are now, you can score a real deal. Keep checking the sale trade section here.
That 1778, with no warranty, and nicks in it? I wouldn't go more than 500.00 for it. |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 486
Location: North Carolina | The fact that the guitar was played hard enough to break two strings is a warning sign. The fact that the guy didn't replace them and won't budge on price screams, "Stay awy!" to me. I'd move on |
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February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Any new one is going to drop in value by hundreds as soon as you carry it out the door unless you get a screamingly good discount. |
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August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | i buy used when ever i can....jason |
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June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | I have a T and a 6778LX - the T sounds better acoustically. Consensus around here, I think, is that the bowl paint all around is really thin and lets the top resonate better. The 6778LX sounds nice and plays real easy, but the New England Burst finish is ... well ... just unbelievable; hence, it is still in the herd. |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | I've purchased many used guitars on ebay and always been completly satisfied (the 1115 took a few months to feel that way), and always saved a LOT of $ over new. If you don't care about a warranty...and I don't...it's a great way to go. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I'd agree with those who say "Used".
1st Alt's comment is worth restating...
Originally posted by First Alternate:
The fact that the guitar was played hard enough to break two strings is a warning sign. The fact that the guy didn't replace them and won't budge on price screams, "Stay awy!" to me. I'd move on |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | There's a standard elite [6778] in cherry burst finish at a local shop in Queens that I spotted. The store manager is letting it go for $650 with the hard case. It's an old stock, but brand new with the Op24E preamp and the Kaman bar. Since it's brand new, the buyer can have it registered to get the full factory lifetime warranty.
Let me know if interested, so I can provide you with the info. to be in contact with the seller. |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | I'm a self-professed bottom feeder, and whenever possible, I purchase my guitars new to be entitled to the lifetime factory warranty.
I normally don't look for used bargains, unless it's one of a kind. To date, I've purchased only one used guitar, and it's the Martin DX-1 that I purchased for $150 at a yard sale with the gig bag. The guitar normally retails for about $500 new at a music store, and the one I found was in very good condition. It's also made in the U.S. which is a plus, considering that these guitars are made in Mexico these days. It makes such a nice beater guitar, and I'm overall happy with it.
Just my .02 cents... |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4226
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I just did a quick search on the web and found a selection of Elite T's and LX's used for about $650. I agree with First Alternate, GC doesn't seem to want your business.
In my experience, I think buying used is the best road unless you are ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE you will keep the guitar forever. :cool: That's the only time the lifetime warranty has real value. And I know for a fact that if you take your time, buying used has one HUGE advantage: If you get a good enough price and decide several years from now you want something else, you can at least get your money back out of it or even turn a little profit! ;) Same idea holds true if you unpack it from the shipping carton and just don't care for it out of the box; turn right around and sell it for what you paid or more!
I know this works because I've done it too many times. I bought a used Collectors Ovation for $640; played it for a year; sold it for $950. :D Bought a Taylor 714ce for $1650; played it for 6 years; sold it for $1600. :p It can be done! Take your time. Shop for the best deal. Buy it. Bask in the afterglow of passing G.A.S. (always a temporary condition :rolleyes: ) And when the symptoms reappear, sell it if you want and replace it with something better because you made a couple hundred on it.
Hope I didn't ramble on too much. Good luck in your search! :) |
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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 17
Location: Northern Wisconsin | UPDATE!
Spoke with the Manager at the GC here. His story was much different than the salesman's.
He put 6 new strings on the guitar (LX 1778), and had his tech take a full look at it. Apparently everything is now tip-top.
The manager tells me that it was just a case of old/dead strings on that guitar. Right now, I don't have any reason to believe otherwise. Other than the scratch on the headstock, it appeared flawless cosmetically.
They also reduced the price to be more in line with what I would expect.
I am going to take her for another test drive, and if she sounds good - Well that is it.
Any reason I shouldn't do this deal????
J |
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March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | Hearing no objection, the motion passed unanimously. |
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February 2007
Posts: 75
Location: Portland, OR | I think the 1778 is a sweet guitar.. And I definatly agree that going used has its benifits as long as the price is inline. Keep in mind that you can get one new from brother bobby for $1100 including shipping (non FRG, you have to call and ask and they will likely sell non FRG for same price as FRG). So if GC comes in around 750 like you asked, sounds like a deal. Also keep in mind that since it is scratched, you can probably always do better than their asking price.. It never hurts to offer, and walk out.. chances of you getting it at your price are still better than just paying sticker! I think even then though, you have to decide if the $300 is really worth the savings over a brand new guitar.. I'd be happier more in the 650 range. |
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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 17
Location: Northern Wisconsin | Final update:
Offered $650 - settled on $675 w/new strings and a quick tune up/clean up.
Picked it up on the way home. Noticed that all the scratches were really just grease and dirt smudges, but there is still a small nick on the headstock. The remainder of the guitar appears flawless. Nothing out of the ordinary. Action was set up great. Played it for a long time, and I am very happy with it. They didn't give me the best strings, so I will change those soon also.
Got it home and showed it to the family. The wife immediately started making requests for favorite songs. Little did she know I had been practicing the very same songs on my electric. I knew her favorites. . . WOWED her right out of the gates! Couldn't have gone better on that front.
So I am the very proud papa of a new Elite Lx 1778. I think I did well. I am happy, Mrs SurferJ is happy, so everyone is happy. I will provide another update after I get a few more hours on this guitar.
Whew! G.A.S has passed!
SJ |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | Homerun if mama is happy, too. If you hang around awhile the GAS will come back however. So how far up in Northern Wisconsin? My family's from the Wisconsin Rapids area. I was born in Milwaukee. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | nice valentine's day for you and the mrs! good going surfer. |
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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 17
Location: Northern Wisconsin | Mark in Boise - Ever hear of Point beer? That is your one and only clue.
Lanaki - Thanks. Oh, by the way - I never told you how I got my 'handle'. I had a job that required alot of travel, and I traveled throughout SE Asia, Pacific Islands for over 5 years. Learned to surf in Bali, Indonesia, then eventually ended up for 2 years in Oahu. When I moved back to Wisconsin people started calling me by my current name. Still have family in Oahu(wife's parents) and try to get back every 2 years or so.
My fingers are almost bloody. I cant put the thing down. Yeahhhhh!
SJ |
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February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | Gonna bring it to The Tour with you? |
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September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Congratulations! I can feel the excitement and satisfaction in your words. Good Purchase! |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 39
Location: Montreal, Canada | I bought my 1778LX from Jim here on the boards back in November and i'm really pleased with it. It's a very nice guitar. Congrats on getting yours !!
In fact, it's so good that my guitar class teacher is always borrowing it from me telling that i need to learn how to play "lower grade" guitars too.... :)
Yves |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 659
Location: Hiram, Georgia | Great buy on a great guitar, the 1778LX is a much better sounding guitar(IMO) than either the elite T or the 6778lx, I played a lot of guitars before settling on my 1778LX, the play better too! |
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March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | Stevens Point? Say hello to my uncle, Bruce Barton. And last I knew, there was a Casa Mexico restaurant down in Plover, owned by my friend Ernesto Rocha. Go Packers! |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Originally posted by Mauray1:
I bought my 1778LX from Jim here on the boards back in November and i'm really pleased with it. It's a very nice guitar. Congrats on getting yours !!
In fact, it's so good that my guitar class teacher is always borrowing it from me telling that i need to learn how to play "lower grade" guitars too.... :)
Yves And like every other guitar I've sold, should have never sold it....but I'm glad you like it Yves! :D |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Surfer,
Your wife's happy the guy at the GC is happy and you're happy.
Now make us happy and post some pictures. :D
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 230
Location: Pewaukee, WI | I'm glad someone finally got that LX. That's my local GC, and I'd been looking at it. It's been missing the strings for months. The manager there will deal though.
Randy
Edited to add: that was the Brookfield (Milwaukee suburb) GC, right? Or did they transfer it to Appleton or somewhere closer to Northern Wisconsin? |
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May 2006
Posts: 4226
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Good to hear you got what you wanted. Great job and enjoy! :D |
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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 17
Location: Northern Wisconsin | Originally posted by Randy22:
I'm glad someone finally got that LX. That's my local GC, and I'd been looking at it. It's been missing the strings for months. The manager there will deal though.
Randy
Edited to add: that was the Brookfield (Milwaukee suburb) GC, right? Or did they transfer it to Appleton or somewhere closer to Northern Wisconsin? Yes - The GC in Brookfield. I basically told the manager there was no way he would ever get what he was asking and gave him 4-5 examples of similar guitars and the asking prices. He immediately dropped the price $200. Had I seen her sitting there missing strings for that long, I don't think I would have given her a 2nd look.
After it got new strings and a fresh buff job, it really looked and played differently. I have been putting her thru her paces today, and as far as I can tell, she is 100% Grade A. . . Plays like a champ both acoustically and thru my amp. It really sounds interesting played thru my M-Audio Black Box - on the 'jazz' setting. WOW.
Thanks for the info tho. . .she is still glowing over in her new stand. . .Guess she just needed some love and TLC.
SJ |
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Used or New?