Garrison OM-20 . . . Price?

[SpookyReverb]

Hello all,
I have a Garrison Octave Mandolin that's very cool, but I just don't play it. I want to put it onto craigslist, but I'm not sure how much to ask. I don't know if people like them, I don't know if people want them . . .

Let's say it is in "Good" Condition.

Does anyone here have any idea of value?

And just so nobody gets the wrong idea: Please do not contact me about purchasing this. I'm not looking to sell it on here, just for an idea of price.

Thank you very much for any info. Finding information about the Garrison OMs online is actually kind of difficult. I'm kind of wondering if I bought the only one, haha

Thanks,
Austin

[clarksavage]

Is the OM-20 the birch model? I don't recall. I looked at the rosewood version (the OM-50?) at a local shop about two years ago and it was in the sub $1K range, I recall they were ready to order me a birch model for about half that, but then Garrison folded up shop and was purchased by Gibson. I did see one a few months ago for sale in our classifieds, don't recall what it sold for. Hope this helps a little bit. You might do some wide searches on craigslist and eBay to see what the OM's are bringing.

Clark

[Tavy]

A quick rule of thumb would be to start at 2/3 the new price and be prepared to haggle from there.

The only thing is, these appear to be no longer made, which may add to the demand a little...

HTH, John.

[IanBowden]

I have one of the birch versions, which I purchased about two years ago, new, from a local music shop for about $650 CAD (that's Canadian dollars - which, at the time would've equated to about $500 USD).

I like it. It's comfortable to play and is somewhat different looking with its cedar top, but really isn't all that "spunky" an instrument, having not too much volume.

I'd figure you might be able to get 700 bucks for it - especially since they're not made any more.

Cheers!

Ian

[Marcus CA]

A quick rule of thumb would be to start at 2/3 the new price and be prepared to haggle from there.

Forgive my naivete here. I've heard that rule a lot, but I don't get it --- although I have benefited from it. I have bought several instruments that are a few years old and in mint condition unless you break out the magnifying glass. To my ear, they sound better than their brand new counterparts, having begun to open up a bit. Why do they have less value?

[allenhopkins]

Forgive my naivete here. I've heard that rule a lot, but I don't get it --- although I have benefited from it. I have bought several instruments that are a few years old and in mint condition unless you break out the magnifying glass. To my ear, they sound better than their brand new counterparts, having begun to open up a bit. Why do they have less value?

Buy a new Toyota, drive it off the lot, then try to sell it the next day, and you'll get the same (or greater) price decrease.

Don't mix up "price" and "value." A carefully cared-for two-year-old instrument, with a particularly nice sound, may have more "value" to you than an unexceptional new one. But it will almost invariably bring a lower price than a new instrument of the same make and model.

New instruments sometimes have "original purchaser" warranties, which have some value -- though I'm skeptical about factory warranties in general. But the current market confers a premium upon unplayed and unused instruments, although their musical quality may not deserve that premium.

If you hold on to a quality instrument long enough, it's price may start to rise, reflecting inflation in new instrument prices, and, eventually, "vintage" status. (Compare the original price of a Lloyd Loar F-5, even adjusted for inflation, with today's market price.) My '50's F-5, which is not an amazing instrument by any standards, will bring a price many times its original list.

But over the first few years, "used" is cheaper than "new," for no other reason than that.

[Tavy]

Forgive my naivete here. I've heard that rule a lot, but I don't get it --- although I have benefited from it. I have bought several instruments that are a few years old and in mint condition unless you break out the magnifying glass. To my ear, they sound better than their brand new counterparts, having begun to open up a bit. Why do they have less value?

That's a fair point, and since all my instruments are second hand - some vintage some not - it's a point I have taken to my advantage. Like Allen says it's just the way things are, not necessarily the way they should be. Just a <shrug> I guess.

John.

[catmandu2]

Why do they have less value?

The question is: why don't instruments appreciate sooner, rather than only after reaching vintage status? There are many factors determining which instruments begin to appreciate and when--some of which are based upon supply and demand, and others less apparent. The boon to us players, of course, is that we can score really good-sounding instruments--often better than new--at less than retail prices.

[allenhopkins]

The question is: why don't instruments appreciate sooner, rather than only after reaching vintage status?

Well, as long as the Shmergel factory is turning out Devastator bouzoukis, there are new ones to buy, and the older ones are more likely to be considered "used" than "vintage."

Exceptions: (1) a significant change in construction materials or methods -- the old Devastators were made with Antarctic walnut, the new ones have Siberian poplar, most people think the old ones sound better;
(2) association with a particular famous musician -- Felix Flashfret is now playing a 1958 Devastator, and all the Felix wannabees are cruising the hock shops and flea markets looking for '58's;
(3) fad and fashion -- Felix appears on Austin City Limits, the limited output of the Shmergel factory is bought up on the spot, with years of back orders, and supply and demand puts a premium on the Devastators out there.

Some old instruments never become "vintage"; you can buy bowl-back mandolins, in some cases, for less than they sold for new in 1925. And there are many many conscious attempts to create supply/demand imbalances by manufacturing "limited edition signature" models that supposedly are instantly vintage. Shmergel's "Felix Flashfret" model Devastator, with the '58 inlay pattern and pre-corroded tailpiece, may or may not be successful, but betcha it's being listed at a 50% premium price above the stock model.

What an instrument's "worth" is really what you can get someone to pay for it. I owned a 1962 D-18 Martin guitar in 1975, and I took it to the store where I bought it, and played a 1957 D-18 I liked better. I said, "I want to trade in mine for the '57." The store proprietor said, "You're nuts, they're essentially the same guitar, but I'd have to charge you $100 just to cover overhead etc." I said, "I like the '57 enough better, to be willing to pay the difference." I did, never regretted it, and still own the '57.

[man dough nollij]

Exceptions: (1) a significant change in construction materials or methods -- the old Devastators were made with Antarctic walnut, the new ones have Siberian poplar, most people think the old ones sound better;

I'd really like to see that. The last time trees were seen around here was around 20 million years ago.

[Tavy]

I'd really like to see that. The last time trees were seen around here was around 20 million years ago.

Exactly, just think how well seasoned they would be :grin: :grin:

John.

[catmandu2]

Some old instruments never become "vintage"... bowl-back mandolins ...

Those, and tenor banjos (although becoming less so..)--two of my favorite market pillaging items. The others are vintage Yamaha guitars..:), and Hohner button accordians..

[Gerry Cassidy]

Is the OM-20 the birch model? I don't recall. I looked at the rosewood version (the OM-50?) at a local shop about two years ago and it was in the sub $1K range, I recall they were ready to order me a birch model for about half that, but then Garrison folded up shop and was purchased by Gibson. I did see one a few months ago for sale in our classifieds, don't recall what it sold for. Hope this helps a little bit. You might do some wide searches on craigslist and eBay to see what the OM's are bringing.

Clark

I remember when Gibson bought them out. What did they (Gibson) do with the line? I'm guessing they put them "On the Shelf" and you can't get them anymore? That would play on the value of a used one I would imagine.

I really like these little guys. The Garrison and the fella up in Newfoundland that build them inspired me getting my Pura made for me. Simple appointments yet having the handmade mojo thing going on.

I was also inspired by seeing a few different players wail on them in seisiuns. They are seisiun animals! :mandosmiley:

[Marcus CA]

Buy a new Toyota, drive it off the lot, then try to sell it the next day, and you'll get the same (or greater) price decrease.


The question is: why don't instruments appreciate sooner, rather than only after reaching vintage status?

Ah, reality as it is, and as it should be. Thanks to all for your insightful explanations.

I agree that a one-day old Toyota shouldn't be worth $1,000 less than a new one. A one-day old Buick, maybe. :) However, after a couple of years, an instrument opens up. After a couple of years, parts of a car wear down.

I can understand a young instrument being devalued if it shows wear-and-tear, but plenty have little at all, and still have lost 1/4 - 1/3 of their original value. I'll definitely think twice before I buy a new instrument again. (My last four have been used.) There's a pretty cool Devastator bouzouki on eBay right now which I'm tracking. :))

[Eddie Sheehy]

I've stayed out of it up until now... after all everyone has an opinion... the guy that said you SHOULD get $700 for it SHOULD be the one to give it to you. Truth is, I've bought, sold and traded for one particular OM-20 over the last 2 years on the Classifieds. It maintained it's price at $650 last year and this year dipped to $500 (when I bought it back). I have since traded it at a $600 value. If anybody here tells you it's worth more than that ask them to produce the cash...

And yes, Gibson only produce guitars at that location now.

[clarksavage]

I remember when Gibson bought them out. What did they (Gibson) do with the line? I'm guessing they put them "On the Shelf" and you can't get them anymore? That would play on the value of a used one I would imagine.

Hi Gerry - Gibson builds guitars there now, it is a less expensive line and decent in my opinion.

My worry about Garrison nonexistence is that the factory warranty and service is no more. That, and the unique bracing may provide a challenge for future repairs by any local luthier. I like them, but that lowers their value to me.

Clark

[Gerry Cassidy]

Hi Gerry - Gibson builds guitars there now, it is a less expensive line and decent in my opinion.

My worry about Garrison nonexistence is that the factory warranty and service is no more. That, and the unique bracing may provide a challenge for future repairs by any local luthier. I like them, but that lowers their value to me.

Clark

Ah..Okay. Thanks for the update. It's kinda sad they aren't made anymore. I have only had the chance to play one of them. Great little axes, especially for the $$$.

[bjanes]

Hi. Did you sell this mandolin already?
Thanks

[Richard Morrison]

There's a brand new Garrison octave hanging in a music store near my home. Been there at least 2 years and i know the store owners desperate to get rid of it. I could get the number if anyones interested.

[astroboy]

Well, as long as the Shmergel factory is turning out Devastator bouzoukis [snip]

Allen,

As a total email nerd, I must doff my digital chapeau to a masterful, pithy, and humorous example of deft text communications.

Exemplary. Kudos.

Richard

[allenhopkins]

Allen,

As a total email nerd, I must doff my digital chapeau to a masterful, pithy, and humorous example of deft text communications.

Exemplary. Kudos.

Richard

Thank you, sir!