ShortScale.org

Previously titled - Anyone have any experience buying second hand from GAK?

They've a guitar I'm interested in that they've apparently had for quite a while. I'm going to sleep on it before contacting them but was considering calling to make an offer. Does anyone have any idea how likely they are to consider it or if they're decent people to deal with in general?

Not sure about bargaining, but I know a guy in Brighton, could ask him to have a look if he's passing. They have the 2nd hand stuff hanging on the wall.

Never bought anything second hand from them but they have done me deals on new stuff. Certainly worth a try.

The online thing is completely different from the shop (it's in your favour you're dealing with the shop); I used to go in quite a lot - disinterested but knowledgeable staff. It's a time of year when people aren't buying, so chance your hand but be prepared to go to full price. What is it, anyhow?

^^Valid point here. If you contact through the website, you're unlikely to get someone at the store itself.

I've purchased second-hand from GAK before. That said, I am only 10 mins up the road from there, so it is easy to pop in & try stuff out if I'm interested in buying something. If you need anyone to go in there & look a particular guitar over, feel free to PM me. Am happy to do this & give you an honest appraisal as to whether I think it is worth the money (some of their 2nd hand stock is pretty over-priced imho).

I'm intrigued, guessing its the ESP viper

Guild B-302 Bass - Black
This all original late 70s/early 80s Guild is a rare breed indeed! The growl and kick of the twin single coils is only matched by it's striking yet threatening looks, and what a price! Includes hard case. Please call for more information and pictures. All available upon request.
Price for this item: £699.00

The prices for these are a bit all over the place. Looking at US ebay they've sold for $450-900 without much of an obvious reason for the big difference. I saw one in an over-priced guitar shop in Bristol with Lorez and Mike and started thinking about it when I recently started thinking about getting a second bass. They have it marked at £900 though - link.

I was thinking of calling and offering £550 but still feel a little undecided.

hly sht one of my dream basses! Do it, then sell it to me 4 really cheepz!

There is a little room for negotiation instore, the secondhand gear is sold out of the shop so they will probably be able to move on the price over the phone.

Awesome bass. Reckon around the £600 is a more sensible price. I want one of these too.

£600 probably is about right, though I'd hesitate to spend that without being able to try it out first. Especially as I don't really have a solid idea of what I''d get for it if I sold it on. They have a 7 day return policy but I'd likely be paying for shipping both ways and be down £40 if I found I didn't get on with it.

Unfortunately, Brighton is a 3 hour drive away so I can't take the 'walk in with a pile of cash and a fixed maximum price' approach.

I'm quite tempted to give them a call but still not really sure.

Looks nice James, bet it plays like a dream as well.

A few have been listed on ebay since I started this thread. One started just 24 hours ago as a 10 day 99p start auction but has already been spangled up to £82 by a few idiots who don't understand their pointless low bids won't win them the auction.

link 1 - 99p start and already spangled

link 2 - £495 no bids yet

Also one I haven't seen listed before (though looking at the sellers completed listings went unsold at the same price) was listed as a buy it now

link 3 - £600 buy it now

I think I'll watch these three to get an idea of what the current UK value really is and then make a decision later. I have a feeling £600-650 for a good condition 302 is about right. Only one of these is originally a 302 and it's in fairly rough shape. I'd imagine all three are each worth £500-550. I'm in rush really, and have a few financial things to sort out anyway as well as some gear to sell that will ultimately be funding this.

James wrote:A few have been listed on ebay since I started this thread. One started just 24 hours ago as a 10 day 99p start auction but has already been spangled up to £82 by a few idiots who don't understand their pointless low bids won't win them the auction.

Do it! And to think, you were going to spend £699 on one when you could get this one for £83!

BacchusPaul wrote:

James wrote:A few have been listed on ebay since I started this thread. One started just 24 hours ago as a 10 day 99p start auction but has already been spangled up to £82 by a few idiots who don't understand their pointless low bids won't win them the auction.

Do it! And to think, you were going to spend £699 on one when you could get this one for £83!

James wrote:

► Show Spoiler

A few have been listed on ebay since I started this thread. One started just 24 hours ago as a 10 day 99p start auction but has already been spangled up to £82 by a few idiots who don't understand their pointless low bids won't win them the auction.

link 1 - 99p start and already spangled

link 2 - £495 no bids yet

Also one I haven't seen listed before (though looking at the sellers completed listings went unsold at the same price) was listed as a buy it now

link 3 - £600 buy it now

I think I'll watch these three to get an idea of what the current UK value really is and then make a decision later. I have a feeling £600-650 for a good condition 302 is about right. Only one of these is originally a 302 and it's in fairly rough shape. I'd imagine all three are each worth £500-550. I'm in rush really, and have a few financial things to sort out anyway as well as some gear to sell that will ultimately be funding this.

Bass one;
Broken pots, non original Guild knobs (trust me, they are SPENDY AS FUCK to replace), looks baaaaad man. Looks like it's had a really rough ride. No case.

Bass two;
Looks severely modded. (cool if that's what you want) Shite case. A bit tatty, but not too bad. Plus side is I'm confident you'd get this for bottom bid, or pretty close and it's all for charity.

Bass three;
Actually looks nice. Missing knobs. No case. Single pickup model. £99 for extra pickup and a case. (Not sure if case is original. Might be worth an ask)

The GAK is still the clear winner for me, unless the first bass goes for shite pence.
I've played two of these basses (neither mine regrettably) and they are the fucking balls. 70's Guilds are just such good quality, play so well and sound how a guitar should. Not to mention, this one looks ace.

I can't see exactly if the GAK has original knobs. Might be worth asking for a snap before you buy. The look right, but cannot confirm for definite.

I love Guilds... My very first guitar was a 1968 acoustic... Really fantastic guitars.

James wrote:

Not much to add other than that looks cooler than a Gibson ripper to me, and looks best in all black (like the ripper). Also, i want a guitar with that look. Maybe an Electrical alu-neck version. MMMMM

Do it James!