Taylor 310 price question

[SigFig]

Hi everyone,

There's a scratch and dent Taylor 310 at my local music store going for $799.
It's just some dings in the finish on the front, purely cosmetic. Their normal
310's are listed at about $950. I was wondering if $800 is a good price
considering the circumstances. I am also looking into a Martin D-16GT, and
this store's price is about $100 more than Elderly quotes me. Since I can't
get a Taylor quote, I was wondering if you all had any insight into what a
"good deal" is on a 310, and how much I could/should negotiate down because of
the dings.

I was not actually planning on buying anything until next year, but I don't
want to pass up a great deal especially if I can bring the price down a little
more. Thanks for any advice,

Jana

email: chapja at aol dot com



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[David Ingram]

Post by SigFig
I was wondering if you all had any insight into what a
"good deal" is on a 310, and how much I could/should negotiate down because of
the dings.

$799 might be a little high... or might just be their starting point. I
assume this is being sold as a used instrument, with no warranty? If this is
just the non-cut Taylor 310, going rate on ebay seems to be in the 570-650
kind of range. Give 'em a bit more since they're your local store, see if
you can walk out with it for 700, but go to 750 if you have to? And
remember, if they are minor, the dings are only there to save you the
trouble of banging the guitar into the doorjamb yourself. It also saves you
the trauma and heartbreak of inflicting the first ding, which is always the
hardest.

David

[Garrett]

Post by SigFig
Hi everyone,

<snip>

Post by SigFig
Since I can't get a Taylor quote, I was wondering if you all had any
insight into what a "good deal" is on a 310, and how much I
could/should negotiate down because of the dings.

Hi there,

Why not call Elderly and get a quote? Here is the info off their website:

"We are an authorized Taylor Guitars dealer. Call us toll free at
888-473-5810 for information on the full line of Taylor flattop steel
string and classical nylon strung guitars"

I've called them before (although not for Taylor quotes), and they've been
great at just providing a quote.

Although I suspect it is the standard 60% of retail ($808.80). You can
get all the retail prices at: http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/models/
and clicking on "Price List". (Don't quote me on that 60% - that seems to
be the lowest I've seen for Martins.)

Hope you end up with a guitar you like,
-Garrett

[SigFig]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

I think I might just wait a bit longer and hunt around for something used. A
new Taylor is exceptionally tempting, though. Shopping around is tough, I tell
ya. :)

Thanks again,
Jana


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[Sheldon]

Actually, many people prefer used guitars, as most acoustics tend to sound
better with age. Fortunately, the small shop where I got my Martin doesn't
move a lot of merchandise quickly, so most of the guitars on the wall have
been played quite a bit. Mine was actually two years old, and he always
throws in new strings, which makes them sound even better.

Two good things about dealing with this guy, and a lot of small shops:

1. You get a guitar that often sounds better than a new one, but is still
brand new.

2. Because he doesn't turn things over much you can often get a great
price.

Keep looking, but keep in mind that every acoustic guitar is going to sound
a little different, even the same brand and model. If you find one that
lights your fire, dings or not, you might want to grab it. I usually get
the best mail-order price I can and then deal from there, knowing that a
small store can't meet that price, but can often come close enough. The
extra service is always worth the extra few bucks.

Sheldon

Post by SigFig
Thanks for the advice, everyone!
I think I might just wait a bit longer and hunt around for something used.

A

Post by SigFig
new Taylor is exceptionally tempting, though. Shopping around is tough, I tell
ya. :)
Thanks again,
Jana
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