Guitar guys?

[motion]

I have someone that wants to trade a 1957 gibson L-50 acoustic guitar for some vintage JBL 4311 speakers I put on craigslist. I don't play, and know nothing about guitars, but could be a nice investment. I'd likely just stick it in a closet corner for the next 20 years. Should I? Speakers are worth $600ish for the pair.

[stomachmonkey]

Depending on condition it's worth $1,000 easy if everything is there and it's playable.

Pristine $1,500-$2,000 retail.

Have it checked by a luthier.

Sounds like a good deal.

I once traded a Peavy PA case for a 60's Hagstrom II.

I got the PA case from a guy who owed me $40 bucks.

The Hagstrom is not worth 59 Les Paul money but it's increased nicely in value over the years.

[motion]

Thanks. Any idea what questions I should ask him via email? Wonder why he doesn't just stick it on Ebay.

[stomachmonkey]

Oh, it's someone you don't know and not local?

Not sure I'd want to get involved unless I could see the thing in person.

Do you know where it's located? Find a local mom n pop music shop to do a PPI on it.

[motion]

He's an hour away. I don't know him. Requested pics and a better description from him.

[craigster59]

You'd want to check condition, fret wear, neck, cracks and repairs. here's an idea of the L-50 market.... Find Gear | Gbase.com > Guitars Amps & More

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by motion

He's an hour away. I don't know him. Requested pics and a better description from him.

Pics help.

And with old guitars pristine can include patina.

Wear from use does not really diminish value.

Broken, cracked, non OEM mods will hurt the value.

[Aragorn]

Do a little research before you look at the guitar:

Vintage Guitars Info - Gibson collecting vintage gibson guitars

Further look on ebay and other sites to see what price people are currently asking for that model guitar.

I would guess the reason the guy is willing to trade is because he either has no patience for ebay or just wants to get rid of the guitar for some reason. Sound him out and listen to his answers. Could be a fake or stolen guitar. Big guy on Pawn Stars bought a fake gibson mandolin if I remember correctly.

[Nostril Cheese]

You really need someone who knows guitars to look it over. There's too many variables here.

[Rapewta]

As mentioned in above posts... You need someone qualified to go over the
guitar. Any mods will diminish the value.
Heck... it could be a copy. You don't know so just be careful.

I picked up a Gibson B45 12 string in perfect shape many years ago for
$70.00 from a junkie.
I felt bad for the guy but if I didn't jump on it right then and there, others in the room would have.

Still play it. Hanging on my wall as I type.

Good luck.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Find a local mom n pop music shop to do a PPI on it.

This. NOT Guitar Center or Sam Ash.

[Christien]

Instruments are like cars - they don't store well. Better not to stuff it in a closet for 20 years, especially if you're treating it like an investment. Good excuse to learn to play!

[stomachmonkey]

An hour away in MO or CA?

Find a local shop somewhere in the middle.

Meet up there and have it looked at.

We are talking about a nearly 60 yr old wooden instrument.

If it has not been stored properly it might not be worth more than kindling or wall art.

[craigster59]

Also, the acoustic arch top market isn't as hot as electrics or regular acoustics.

[scottmandue]

My first knee jerk reaction is HELL YEAH!
But, as others have said the devil is in the details... this is like asking the value of a 1972 911... many points to ponder.

Oh dude... a Gibson in Montana! You could go all Gene Autry, learn some three chord cowboy songs... get a big ol cowboy hat and kick back on the porch singin to the doggies.

Tumbling along with the tumbling tumble weeds...