would you buy a flawed instrument?

[tamader74]

I have (just recently) became a HUGH fan of the LL series Yamaha's (I've got a LLX16)...That was/ is new...Did not realize when I got it how taken I would be (Love a Full body acoustic) with it (electronics are fantastic). But, seeing that repair job, which may be functional...But, in no way good (could be the pic.)...You could buy a LL16 without electronics for about $500-$650. online and have just a FINE superior Fiddle...Hey, It's a Yamaha, you ain't gonna' kill it, and if you wait...There was a used LLX16 like mine that went for $750. and it was like new on ebay.Tom

[Lost_Cause]

I have one of those as well paid $550 for mine a few months ago and have a really soft spot for yamahas. I was wailing on my well worn in late 70s SG2000 today. The LL10 is nothing I have to have but I am always looking for a good deal to take the place of something I have. It is certainly a potential step up from my Alvarez Artist which has been a surprisingly better than average sounding non electric workhorse for me for over 20 years. I am kind of looking for a strat type guitar anyways right now so....

[Jim Moulton]

There is obviously something that you like about it. How does it sound? How does the crack look to you? He should definitely give you a discount.

[Lost_Cause]

Sure I have interest in the guitar. We are in two different states but I will be close soon.I usually scope the CL adds before I travel and see if anything catches my eye. I was trying to lay the foundation for a meeting and a deal. I cannot speak to how the guitar sounds. By all accounts it should sound very nice. The flaw was not mentioned in the add and only came to light in the pictures. Once I got them I asked for some explanation which I got but it was much like pulling teeth. I think I will wait a few days and see if things have settled down and we can come to an agreement.

Like I said, I like Yamaha Instruments and know from experience that they can be high quality. I have two guitars and an amp. This model should be a very nice instrument. If not for the flaw I would have bought it and had him send it to me which is what he offered to do at no extra charge before he enlightened me to the fact that the flaw existed with the picture.


It might be a great deal as it sits but he offered to ship it no extra charge so that would tell me that if I went to pick it up I should be able to get it at a slight discount unless he does not pay for shipping out of his pocket.

[tamader74]

Yup, I remember your post to my OP on the LLX16, and @ $550. you got a heck of a price on that guitar AND as I read and take in more on your post here...It sounds like you have other acoustics. Yes, Yami.'s are great acoustics, If you read my whole post on mine...I definitely DID NOT make the trade for it to keep it, quite the opposite..I loathed the thought of the trade But, was helping out my Best Friend..long story short, it was the 'Best" mistake I ever made..LOL..But, they are not the Holy Grail of acoustics...and having the answer from the seller that wood "cement" was applied to the outside of the break (yes, an end pin compression hit is a break) does not constitute "Repaired", it is going to have to be addressed (right now in it's current state a end pin jack ain't in it's future). I would FLAT move on. You also stated you were looking into a Strat./ electric guitar...For what I assume the seller is asking/ wanting for the 'git, that kind of coin will get you one Hella'va Strat., Just my couple of pennies worth. Tom

[frquent flyer]

Just yesterday I saw an Eastman guitar with a great sound but two finish blems on the top.Eastman is one of the few companies that sell their seconds at often extremely good prices.

[guitararmy]

Here's an LL16 that isn't cracked....
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=252841

[Timcito]

I would definitely buy a guitar that had a cosmetic flaw. However, I wouldn't buy one that had a structural issue like a crack. If I were skilled in luthiery and knew a serious crack from an unimportant surface one, then maybe. But I'm not, and for me the risk is not worth it.

[frquent flyer]

I agree,cosmetic flaw maybe;structural flaw no way.

[toddinjax@yahoo]

Not to be a hard ass, but a guitar with a repaired 10" crack is not "flawed", it's "damaged". All instruments are flawed, every single one of em' is imperfect.

[gtrjake]

I know from personal experience that when you buy an instrument like this, it's next to impossible to resell it. I bought an 82' Dean Z Sunburst with a very well done headstock repair. It was otherwise in excellent shape, and these are very desirable vintage guitars. When I decided to resell a couple of years later, I took it around at the Dallas guitar show. I couldn't even get anyone to make an offer on it once they saw the repair! I put on ebay and CL for a couple of months with no luck. I finally did sell it off CL, but took a huge beating off what I paid for it. Of course, when I bought it I didn't think I'd be reselling, but things change, so buyer beware!