Need input on possible purchase

[dknelson]

Hello folks. I am new here and just posted my info in the introductions area. I am going to look at a G&L Legacy USA tomorrow and am hoping to get a bit of feedback from all the experts here before making a decision.

I am 55 years old and pretty much a beginner. As posted in my introduction thread, I have an acoustic Epiphone that I bought new about 40 years ago and a Seagull acoustic/electric that I bought a couple of years ago but have decided that I want an electric now.

I've always thought that I wanted a 335 style semi hollow body. I actually got a good deal on a Washburn HB30 a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful guitar in natural maple finish. I've been playing around with it though and now I'm not sure that it is really what I want. It is in great shape and plays very nicely I think but I'm just not sure that I'm connecting with it the way I had thought I would.

Like I said, I am very much a beginner. My preference in music is pretty wide. I'm not into metal but I like pretty much everything else except the hip hop junk. James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger and a variety of country along the lines of Willie, Randy Travis...many others.

I also really like the Blues and that is what I'm really working on at this time. So I want a guitar that will do for most types of music but especially the blues at this time. Tomorrow I'm looking at a used G&L Legacy USA. I'm not sure yet how old it is but it appears to be in like new condition. I like the finish and it has the perloid pick guard. I think that was an option but not sure.

The sellers description is as follows:
This guitar is in perfect shape. No blemishes, no dings, no scratches. This is not the Tribute Legacy. Swamp Ash body, Maple neck. All hardware is first class. The honey burst swamp ash model is hard to find. If you find a swamp ash Legacy it is usually the blonde version. This guitar has only been played a few times. Includes G&L hardshell case. This guitar is in perfect condition. Not a mark on it, and it sounds great.

If I buy this guitar, I'll have about $800.00 in it.

So, your opinions would be much appreciated. I'm attaching pictures but they are small, don't know how much you can tell about it.

[dknelson]

Just got this following additional info from the seller. Looks like it is a '97 model.
It has a four bolt neck. It was probably made in 1997. That's the year they switched to four bolt. They changed the serial number format that year to start with CL (for Clarence Leo), then changed it again the following year to CLF (Clarence Leo Fender). G&L serial numbers are not chronological, so it's a little hard. This one is easier because the serial number format was only used for one year.

[SouthpawGuy]

Do a search in the registry in the range cl00000 to cl99999. There are a few cl***** from 1998. You might also want to check the pickups have not been replaced, the G&L Vintage Style Alnico V pickups should have the G&L logo on the covers. It looks like a nice guitar by the way.

Just my 2c.

[dknelson]

Thanks. I'm not too concerned whether it's a '97 or '98 so long as the condition is as nice as described. I am a little bit concerned about the price. Do you think that $800 is high for it?

[Miles Smiles]

It looks very nice, and it has a matching head stock, which is an option I guess. Is the neck from birds eye maple?

800$ would be a usual price and I would try to say fair too, but just in relation to the market, as G&Ls are still underrated. And If the neck is birds eye, 800 would be a very good price, at least in my opinion.

You might get a Legacy for a slightly lower price too (700?), but I think not such a beauty, anyway you may try to bargain.
But I'm just watching EBay, which may not be the very reference.

[dknelson]

LOL...yea...I've been bargaining for a couple of days. He started out higher but I think it's not going to get any cheaper. I too have been scouring Ebay but just haven't found anything exactly the same. I've seem some that are pretty close but I really am a fan of the more natural wood finishes.

I think you are probably right though. I don't know if the neck is bird's eye or not but I doubt it. I expect it is just regular maple. I'm thinking that if the neck is regular maple and the guitar is close to mint condition, then $800.00 is just an OK price. I think I'm OK with that though because I really do like the finish as opposed to the ones I see on Ebay. Now if money were no object...and it always is....I would be buying one with the flame maple top and birds eye maple neck and probably in semi hollow body. $2000.00 is a bit much for a guitar for a beginner though...at least this beginner.

[Ches]

Nice looking Legacy. I do like that honeyburst finish. Not a big fan of finished headstocks, but that's just me.

I just did a quick check of completed auctions on ebay. Most Legacy's I found on ebay sell for less than $800, and I think that would hold true for a 13 year old Legacy. I'd immediately discount all the stuff about the finish/wood combination being rare, etc. Any time I see the word "rare" in an ad for a routine production guitar, my alarm goes off!

You're the buyer, and in this market that puts you in the drivers seat. Since you're in Oberlin, you could shoot down to Columbus next Sunday and go to the Ohio Guitar Show. There are usually several G&L dealers there, and the few times I've gone to that show there were always used G&L's for sale. Another option is to check out used equipment at some of the well known G&L dealers, like Buffalo Bros, Wolfe Guitars, and Guitar Adoptions. Wolfe has four 2007 Legacy's in stock. Might be worth a phone call to see what they're asking. If you're not aware of Buffalo Bros, check out their website and in particular, their 100% upgrade policy. I don't think Guitar Adoptions is very big on used gear, but you never know.

*** Edited to add ***
I didn't mean to sound like a total downer on the deal. If that guitar lights you up, then the money isn't a factor. It's not like you'd be grossly over-paying. If you want to check prices in your area, the guitar show would be a good place to do it.

[dknelson]

I appreciate the replies folks. You all gave me some things to think about. I am going to look at it today and won't make a decision until I see it, hold it, play it. If I decide it's not the deal for me, I very well may try the show in Columbus next weekend.

I also agree about the "rare" finish stuff. I don't think it's rare at all but it is one that I like. I think that the reds, sunbursts, etc. are beautiful also but I've always just been a fan of the more natural finishes.

So, if it rings my bell, I'll try to make a deal on it and thanks to all of you, I will be doing so with my eyes wide open and knowing that I am probably paying top dollar for it. That's not a problem if it's a guitar that I really want. If I were doing it with the intention of re-selling it and thinking I could make a few bucks, I would certainly not buy it.

Thanks much.

[offplanetfilms]

If she plays right, and the look is what you like, I don't think it's too steep a price. I paid a chunk more for my swamp ash/maple necked legacy 2 years ago (I'm a learner too), because it was exactly the finish & look I was after. (also, G&L's are pretty thin on the ground in Tasmania.) It's become my all-time fave guitar... sounds fantastic through a small tube amp (you'll know what I mean when you get there!) ...play her... if it's a match, you'll know it! ...the price is fine if the shoe fits you well.

[vinnyk]

Hi and welcome to the wild world of electric guitars!
That is a very nice example of G&L Legacy for sure.
If you love the tone also, I would just grab it.
I would recomend that you first love the tone of a guitar, and then accept whatever finish that tone has.
Also liked the guitar show recomendation as at the very least, you would be able to pick up and play and feel a lot of nice instruments.
As far as I know, that is not a rare finish and if you were just dead set on it you could find one cheaper.
Just might take a couple of weeks.
If you do have a chance to shop around a bit, I would also give the S-500's a look as they are different in tone (MFD's instead of Alnico pick-ups) and I love those MFD's!
But to me, the real value is gonna be in the tone of the guitar and not the finish.
( gotta love te GAS attack eh?)
Happy hunting and Cheers!
Vinnyk

[Muleya]

I bought a used '98 Legacy a little over 3 years ago. It was in immaculate shape and I paid a little over $700...maybe $740? It's the tobacco burst guitar in my avatar. I feel that it was a great deal, though I know some have gotten better deals. But the last few months I was looking as used Legacy's and if it really is in that good of condition, I think it's a fair price, based on what I've seen. Those that are selling for less seem to be the solid-color ones, or some that have been banged around a little.

So, if you like the finish and it's in the kind of shape described, I think it sounds reasonable.

I ended up placing an order for a new HB model, because I couldn't find any used ones cheap enough to be worth while, considering the money I would have put into mods. I suppose I might have, if I would have had more patience!!

[dknelson]

Well, I haven't bought it and am thinking that I'm going to wait to find exactly what I want. I really started looking at the G&L models when I ran across a semi hollow Legacy that I fell in love with. I decided I didn't want to spend that much money but now am thinking, what the heck. I may as well buy what I really want when I buy one. I did run across another guitar this week while in Indianapolis. It is another cheaper model and most of you G&L, Fender and other name brand players will probably ridicule me for it but when I saw it, I loved the look and then when I played it, I knew that it would be a good guitar for me to take with me on my travels. I drive every week on business trips. I always take a guitar with me so that I can practice in the hotel room at night. I've picked up a little Danelectro Honeytone amp that I use with headphones so as not to bother the folks in adjoining rooms. So, I really want a Legacy semi hollow but don't know that it's something that I want to throw in the case and possibly beat up by dragging it all over the country.

So, I did buy a cheaper guitar to take along on those trips. It sounds amazingly good and the neck feels great. The frets need to be dressed as the are a little sharp on the ends but I'll either do that or have it done when I get a chance. Otherwise, it has a nice low action and plays well.

Oh well, I guess I'm rambling because I fear that I'm going to get ridiculed for this one but oh well.......it is what it is.

Cort M800 hollow body. Made in Korea in 2004. To be honest, I haven't taken a picture of mine but this one is identical except that mine is in a Fender Strat case. Mint condition.

And my quest will continue for my dream G&L.

[Ches]

Congrats on the Cort! Some may pick at you a bit, but making a purchase is about getting what works best for you for the purpose you intend. The Cort seems perfect. Just be careful of the cold temps with a semi-hollow.

I travel too, mostly driving. I used to take a guitar with me on every trip for the exact same reasons and I'd plug into my Honeytone amp! I still have the amp, but my "travel" guitars are long gone.

Enjoy the Cort, and if you're bored on Sunday and manage to put the Cort down, hit that Columbus show just to see what's there. Might be fun.

[dknelson]

I may still try to make the show. Where is it located? It's hard for me to get motivated to drive anywhere after driving all week but it would be fun to attend.

I understand about the cold temperatures. I do leave it in the hotel room during the day so hopefully that will help. Believe it or not, this is actually a hollow body, not a semi.

[dknelson]

I did find the information about the show in Columbus. If I can talk my wife into going with me, I'll probably try to make it. I hate to go without her when I'm usually gone all week.

On a different note. I am in Indianapolis this week so went to the G&L site to see if they had a dealer here. They do show one so I decided to stop by there and see what they had in stock. Absolutely NOTHING. Not a single G&L. The guy told me that they are still a dealer but just haven't ordered any because they hang on the wall too long. He had nothing but good to say about them but he is also a Fender dealer. He told me that the Fenders sell well but that they just don't seem to have much luck moving the G&Ls. He said that he thought they were every bit as good as the Fenders though.

I know there are some large G&L dealers in other parts of the country but it just seems that a lot of the smaller dealers just don't keep much, if any, stock. Has that been other people's experiences?

[Dave_P]

They do show one so I decided to stop by there and see what they had in stock. Absolutely NOTHING.

Same thing here in RI, there's only one dealer and he didn't have a single one in stock. I was told his other location had a few Tribute models but he doesn't order in the US models. In the end I bought my first G&L off of Craigslist, having never played it or any other G&L, a bit of a gamble but it turned out well.

Oh well, I guess I'm rambling because I fear that I'm going to get ridiculed for this one but oh well.......it is what it is.

One of the best things about this board is you don't find much (if any) of that here.
Cort makes a lot of guitars for other manufacturers as well, including the G&L Tribute series. It's a great looking guitar and as long as you're happy with it that's all that matters, I bet it sounds pretty nice too

Congrats on your purchase!

-Dave

[Matt986]

I did find the information about the show in Columbus. If I can talk my wife into going with me, I'll probably try to make it. I hate to go without her when I'm usually gone all week.

On a different note. I am in Indianapolis this week so went to the G&L site to see if they had a dealer here. They do show one so I decided to stop by there and see what they had in stock. Absolutely NOTHING. Not a single G&L. The guy told me that they are still a dealer but just haven't ordered any because they hang on the wall too long. He had nothing but good to say about them but he is also a Fender dealer. He told me that the Fenders sell well but that they just don't seem to have much luck moving the G&Ls. He said that he thought they were every bit as good as the Fenders though.

I know there are some large G&L dealers in other parts of the country but it just seems that a lot of the smaller dealers just don't keep much, if any, stock. Has that been other people's experiences?

Don't know if you're still in Indy, but the best G&L dealer in the city is Guitar Works on the south side in Greenwood:

http://www.guitarworks-usa.com/

They've been a G&L dealer for 20 years and usually have a large selection on hand. My wife just custom ordered a new SC-2 from them.

[dknelson]

Good timing. I'm actually sitting in from of a Qdoba's in Greenwood right now. I'll try to check them out.

[Matt986]

Good timing. I'm actually sitting in from of a Qdoba's in Greenwood right now. I'll try to check them out.

Great! Last time I was in there I fell in love with a Blueburst Swamp Ash Legacy with an ebony fretboard. If I hadn't had my sights set on a Leo-era SC-2 I might have taken it home with me that day.

[dknelson]

Thanks for the information about Guitarworks. It turned out that I was sitting almost exactly one block from the store. Really great place. I was waited on by Kevin who is apparently the owner of the place. Very nice guy. Took plenty of time in answering any questions that I had. He even had a semi-hollow legacy and it was the first time that I actually got to see on in person. He had a nice selection of ASATs, Legacy, 500's etc. to look at in a wide variety of finishes. It was really an enjoyable visit. I get to this area fairly often and will probably buy from him when I am ready.

[Matt986]

Thanks for the information about Guitarworks. It turned out that I was sitting almost exactly one block from the store. Really great place. I was waited on by Kevin who is apparently the owner of the place. Very nice guy. Took plenty of time in answering any questions that I had. He even had a semi-hollow legacy and it was the first time that I actually got to see on in person. He had a nice selection of ASATs, Legacy, 500's etc. to look at in a wide variety of finishes. It was really an enjoyable visit. I get to this area fairly often and will probably buy from him when I am ready.

Wow. Amazing that you were so close to the store and checking the forum when I posted!

Kevin is a real G&L booster. You can tell by the prominent positioning of the guitars in the shop.

[dknelson]

Yea, I had actually stopped because I was having a problem finding an architect that I was meeting with later in the morning. That Qdoba's restaurant had free wifi so I was using it to find the location. Then I checked my email and saw that you had responded to this thread so I checked it out.

Yes, Kevin is a huge G&L proponent and has some nice guitars in stock. He has a few other brands too but the G&Ls certainly get the top nod from him.