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Topic: New or Used ? |
Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 18 Feb 2006 10:24 am |
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What are most players buying ? Do you buy new amps, efx and guitars or try to save a buck buying on the Forum ?
Personally, I bought a new guitar from Herby. Because I couldn't find what I wanted ,used. Then I bought a Evans amp on the Forum and saved a bundle. I have had good luck dealing with you guys on the Forum. Just wondering how most felt.
Bill |
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Larry Bell
From:
Englewood, Florida
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Posted 18 Feb 2006 11:19 am
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Same deal as a new vs used car
What you gain in price you give up in warranty and, possibly, reliability.
It's a crapshoot with used equipment -- you rolls your dice and takes your chances. Newer equipment tends to break down less often and, when it does, a warranty often covers it.
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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
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John Davis
From:
Cambridge, U.K.
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Posted 18 Feb 2006 2:09 pm
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| Me I like an experianced guitar... maybe the previous owner left a lick or two on it I can find? 1971 was a good year |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 3:21 am
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personally I don't see it like a used vs new car thing at all..just my take...
can issues arise with buying used ? Sure..
Buying A Steel that is configured or MORE configured than you are looking for which is on the used market I personally don't assign much risk if the price is right. Buying an amp, same thing.
IF the deal is represented by a trustworthy person , if you ask the right questions and have the right of RETURN ..I believe that is a match.
Would I buy new as well ,? yes of course...
I see the biggst factor being the availability of what one might be looking for..On the used market you may have to settle for something close, on the NEW market..NOT...
concerning amps, It would be very rare for me to buy a new one...and I have...but not in the past 3 years, and all of the amps I bought NEW I have since sold ....
Bought , played and sold 5 or 6 Steels in the past few years and bought and sold probably 6 or 7 amps in the past few years..Still have two Steels and 4 amps...but not the same ones. The two Steels I own I have only owned since Nov 05....
but they year is still young....
be cautious, be wise...ask questions..
handing over $3000 for a Steel is not quite the same as handing over $350 for another Nashville 400...but I do believe the society of Steel players, builders and manufacturers, especially linked to this forum, have a very hi degree of honor and trust .
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TPrior
TPrior Steel Guitar Homesite
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 7:05 am
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It's hard for me to get emotionally involved with an "amp". However, when talking guitars that's a different matter. When it comes to guitars, sometimes the guitar you want isn't available new or might even have been discontinued. A nice, clean, used guitar has a sort of "warmth" about it. But there is also something exciting about opening the case and setting up a new guitar and taking it for its "virgin" run. 
Erv |
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John Coffman
From:
Wharton,Texas USA
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 8:55 am
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I have purchased a steel from the forum and from ebay. Both Used one was just played two times. Ebay cost a little more. Both were fair deals. I has happy. I purchased 2 amps one on the forum and one brand new. Again both were fair deals and worked as they should no problems.
IMO I feel an informed consumer is better prepared for any purchase. You must be informed and have a good idea of the market. If your wanting a certain item do your research. Like buying a new car. Test drive the steel of similar age/type/model. When I purchased my 2nd steel (1st was a Carters starter brand new online) I relyed on a veteran steel players advice. HE WAS RIGHT! I did not have the opportunity to test drive a steel like the one he suggested. I went on blind faith on the individuals word. He better than I at the time knew the market and the pros and cons.
I guess you have to look at the biggest question of all is money a factor. It was to me. If you can afford a new top of the line steel go for it.
Just remember new does not always mean better. I am not saying the new technology has not made a better quailty steel. Just it may not be the able to create the sound you desire. Metal or wood? Lots of things to consider.
I have two Thomas steels right now one is a D10 and one SD10 both are set up for the most part the same. Both E9th have same stings and pickups George E. You would think same sound. Close but different! I dear love both and play them often. I would consider buying one more. Not due to sound or quaility but shear weight. IMO the other models have good to excellant tone for me.
The main builder today have great products so get out and try them. I have read and do believe a good player can make even the worst guitar sound good.
If you choose new or used steel use common sense and use a friend who plays or someone you respect. Use them as a sounding board for choices and ideas you have.
Take their words of wisdom and take the plunge.
Like you have heard before if it sound to good to be true BEWARE.
Everyone I have dealt with on the forum has been truthful, repectful and most of time brutally honest. Like true friends should be.
My 2 cents worth ran out. Best of luck.
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Thomas SD10 3/4 and D10 8/5 Beginner
[This message was edited by John Coffman on 19 February 2006 at 09:01 AM.] |
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Mike Ester
From:
New Braunfels, Texas, USA
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 9:15 am
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I owned 2 used steels before I bought my first new axe back in October.
I've only purchased 2 steel amps in my life, and both were new. I tend not to gear-hop around with equipment. |
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Tracy Sheehan
From:
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 9:59 am
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I always bought new ever since i started on steel back in the 50s.
As i have stated before i have owned and or played about every brand of steel made.
A short time back i bought a used D -10 from Carter steel.I play it through a Nv 112.Amazing tone and play ability.
I would never give it a second thought buying new or used from Bud and John because they are not going to let any one walk out of there with a piece of junk.
Point is,if buying used i wouold only buy from a dealer.Tracy
BTW.Please over look any typo errors i probably made.Having vision problem again.
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Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 11:13 am
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| Edited for content. [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 19 February 2006 at 11:15 AM.] |
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Uffe Edefuhr
From:
Sweden
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 12:23 pm
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Hi. In December last year I bought a used MSA 1980 model from USA, it was okey but not more! Sold it and ordered a GFI!Yesterday I got my new GFI Ultra s-10. I have played new or used guitars earlier in my life. Sho-Bud, MSA, Dekley, Sierra and some brands I cant remember! This New GFI is the best steel I ever have layed my hands on. It´s good if you can test the old used guitar you are going to buy, if not order a new one!
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GFI Ultra S-10. Nashville 400. Goodrich 120! |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 4:39 pm
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For me, it's about expectations. With a used guitar, you can't set your expectations too high. All my steels were bought used, and I learned a lot of lessons along the way. It took me a while to learn about what "excellent condition" means. I think for a 20+ year-old pedal steel, it means the usual bumps and dings, a few minor issues here and there, and maybe a need for a few small replacement parts. There is a wide berth with such descriptions, and if you're buying from a distance you should ask for many detailed pics. I wouldn't simply trust the seller's word that everything about the steel is "excellent". However, I did learn a lot about the mechanics of a steel by having to fix problems on my own. If I had to buy new, I'd probably still be clueless.
Although I've been generally happy with my used purchases, my next steel will be a new one. Alas, if only Sho-Bud were still making steels.  |
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John Davis
From:
Cambridge, U.K.
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Posted 19 Feb 2006 4:56 pm
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If you buy from a master craftsman (and there are several that spring to mind here)
IMHO you get a product that is better than when it was new!
I have bought Three guitars from Tommy Cass nobody could have put more care and dedication into a rebuild and "Blondie" 1970 model could still pass for brand new today! My heroes are Tommy Cass for P/pull Emmons, Ricky Davis for Sho-Bud , and Greg Jones For ZB I will bet you guys can add to this list .....but its sure not bad for starters............... |
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Ian Finlay
From:
Kenton, UK
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Posted 20 Feb 2006 2:19 am
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If I could buy a new Fender 1000, Bigsby or double-8 anything I would seriously consider it.
I don't think the new "59" Bassman reissues are a patch on my original one though.
Ian |
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Keith Murrow
From:
Wichita, KS
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Posted 20 Feb 2006 10:04 am
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| .. [This message was edited by Keith Murrow on 25 May 2006 at 05:29 PM.] |
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 20 Feb 2006 10:19 am
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To each his own, the pros and cons are described well in the above posts.
For me, I've never purchased a new PSG, and I've owned five. I like saving a bit of the initial depreciation. I've also paid an expert, Al Brisco, to set up each of them.
For me, it's been a good choice.
FWIW, the PSGs I've owned are:
1970's MSA Classic S-10
1998 Carter D-10
1999 Carter SD-10 (was only 8 months old when I bought it. Still have it and gig with it.
1970 Emmons S-10 (Still have it and gig with it.)
1980 Emmons D-10 (Still have it. Kept in the home studio)
I don't buy new cars either. |
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Darvin Willhoite
From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
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Posted 20 Feb 2006 11:08 am
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I've bought new and used both. If I buy a used one, I can count on working on it for several weeks, or sometimes months, before I can play it. It took me two years to restore and set up the last Emmons P/P I bought. I have to raise all of them up a couple of inches, and usually change most of the pedal setups, and all of the knee lever setups. I use two RKL's and I usually have to build brackets etc. myself to add these. I have my own shop, but I don't have a lot of spare time.
On the other hand when I buy a new one, I have it set up like I want it when I get it. I bought two new MSA's last year and they played great right out of the box. The second one arrived on a Friday, and I played it with our Praise band on Sunday morning. It needed nothing but a little tuning tweak and it was ready to go. Johnny Cox did a great job setting up both of them.
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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording
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Billy Carr
From:
Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)
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Posted 20 Feb 2006 10:06 pm
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| I sell equipment from time to time on the forum. I try everything out before I ship it. If somethings wrong with a guitar or amp, then I won't sell it. I'll get it repaired and in top shape, then it can go. I stand behind anything I sell. If a person doesn't want it, then they can ship it back and I'll refund there money plus shipping cost. I'll lose money on something before I'll screw somebody on anything. "New or Used", sometimes you can find a good deal on used stuff. It's just a chance we all take from time to time. |
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