What would you do? Keep or Return?

[JHN]

I can see Aceman's points here,but we all have to admit that a psychologically bitter aftertaste in transaction can spoil the beauty in the eye of the buyer.
Play it,make sure you like it a lot,then take the 250 or even bargain to sweeten more the aformentioned aftertaste,or else give it back and smile it's over,keep looking for another guitar

[Aceman]

I can see Aceman's points here,but we all have to admit that a psychologically bitter aftertaste in transaction can spoil the beauty in the eye of the buyer.

Point taken. I realize that the reality vs the photo was certainly a shock. But we need to get over that....or not.

[The Dali]

Can't disgree more with you Ace. The OP didn't say he wanted to buy an investment. He said he was worried that he'd have a hard time selling it later. Many of us buy a guitar and play it until it no longer moves us, and then we sell one (or two or three) to buy a different guitar or piece of gear. I can understand not wanting to get "shafted" with an instrument I can not sell.

Let's face it, manytimes the guitar sounds and plays like a dream during the honeymoon phase and then slowly loses its appeal and we start looking for greener pastures (kinda like dating). I think that is what the OP is concerned with...

The bigger issue to me is that you paid almost $800 for a guitar you cannot sell anyway. Bill Lawrence guitars, and the "SwampKaster" don't sell generally, and not for $800. The guitar, in this condition, is probably worth $400. It is just the way it is... might be a great axe and all, but they are not highly sought after (as far as I know).

[Gearjoneser]

What you do is your call, but I will say this...

Always establish dialogue with a seller, and ask him to list every flaw the guitar has differentiating it from brand new condition. Extra pics if he mentions any flaws.

But he was definitely in the wrong for posting gleaming pics of a newish looking guitar.

[BloodRose]

Ill say whats been said.. If it really trips your trigger, keep it but work to get as MUCH back as you can, cuz they did mis represent. The purchase price would have been fair for a nearly mint one.. If you cant overlook the flaws, or it doesnt feel like a $500 guitar to you, demand a full refund..

[Hellion]

I think, if you were looking to make an investment, you shouldn't have purchased it in the first place, because I think you overpaid (a LOT). Personally, I've never bought a guitar with the intention of reselling it, because I bought them for a reason; ie, I liked their look, their tone, their color, whatever. I still am of the opinion that NO used guitar is worth more than $450. Anything that you pay over that price, you paid because you wanted the instrument. They're still just tools, when it comes right down to it. If you like it despite its problems, keep it, but see if they'll up their return fee. If you don't like it, return it.

[speed2dirt]

The OP didn't say he wanted to buy an investment. He said he was worried that he'd have a hard time selling it later. Many of us buy a guitar and play it until it no longer moves us.

Thanks, Dali! That's exactly what I meant in my original post. I expect to lose money on all guitar purchases, I'm not an investor and wouldn't go to guitars if I was. The question I was asking myself was could I sell it (when that time comes) and just how much would I lose. A $400 instant loss seemed a bit excessive. I also think JHN's comment about "psychologically bitter aftertaste in transaction can spoil the beauty in the eye of the buyer" is also spot on. Knowing myself, I'd play it but have a negative view towards the guitar.

All in all, I decided to ship it back and get a full refund. The seller has been super cool working with me. A $30 lesson learned. Anyway, thanks for all your opinions. I was leaning that way and you guys just reaffirmed it. Thanks again!

P.S. Might have to take Lucid's advice and get a Les Paul.

[Hellion]

Thanks, Dali! That's exactly what I meant in my original post. I expect to lose money on all guitar purchases, I'm not an investor and wouldn't go to guitars if I was. The question I was asking myself was could I sell it (when that time comes) and just how much would I lose. A $400 instant loss seemed a bit excessive. I also think JHN's comment about "psychologically bitter aftertaste in transaction can spoil the beauty in the eye of the buyer" is also spot on. Knowing myself, I'd play it but have a negative view towards the guitar.

All in all, I decided to ship it back and get a full refund. The seller has been super cool working with me. A $30 lesson learned. Anyway, thanks for all your opinions. I was leaning that way and you guys just reaffirmed it. Thanks again!

P.S. Might have to take Lucid's advice and get a Les Paul.

Go with a Les Paul. They're problem children, too, but they're like a Harley Davidson (much to my chagrin). If they have tits or tires, they'll give you problems.

[UberMetalDood]

Personally I think you overpaid about $500 too much. I bought two brand new Fender American standard strats for $716. One of them is still new and untouched in the box waiting for a pickup to arrive. I can't believe someone would charge that much for that guitar, especially with the neck pocket gap like that.

The sustain can't be good on a neck pocket like that. With all the damage to the body added to it, you have a guitar that's worth as much as a used Squire. Get a refund and buy a new one. Send me a PM and I might be able to hook you up.

[BloodRose]

Cool that he worked with you. I was afraid he would be difficult because of the counter offer he made you.

[speed2dirt]

Bill Lawrence USA only had the import guitars in the 80's and the new Swampcaster. Wilde USA is Bill's newest company since he left Bill Lawrence USA (http://wildepickups.com). These were only made for a few years, which does make them "rare", moreso than the Bill Lawrence USA's imports. I'm with Uber though, that they're not worth more than a Fender USA.

[guitfiddle]

All in all, I decided to ship it back and get a full refund. The seller has been super cool working with me. A $30 lesson learned. Anyway, thanks for all your opinions. I was leaning that way and you guys just reaffirmed it. Thanks again!

P.S. Might have to take Lucid's advice and get a Les Paul.

Nah...spend that cash on a G&L.