1911 Gibson F2 on NJ CL

[Nevin]

No personal interest. I don't have the $$'s but I would be interested in what people think. Trying to learn a bit here. http://newjersey.craigslist.org/msg/5122279579.html

[allenhopkins]

Well, to me $3K seems high, but I'm livin' in the past (when I bought my 3-point for $1.5K). Googling around, I'm finding most prices around $3K, with Mandolin Brothers taking their usual position on the high side at $4K. Even my good Rochester buddy Dave Stutzman, usually a paragon of low-competitive prices, is listing his two F-2's at $3.3K and $3.6K.

This one's got the Handel tuners, and a "period, not original" hardshell case; it looks to be in VG condition. One would need to actually play it, to confirm the seller's rosy description, but the price -- while not a huge bargain -- is in line with what F-2's are bringing, maybe a bit toward the "bargain" side.

CraigsList sellers often will negotiate, but seems to me this one's pretty informed about the current market. Stroudsburg's close enough to the NYC area to be influenced by "big city" prices, perhaps...

[goaty76]

. Stroudsburg's close enough to the NYC area to be influenced by "big city" prices, perhaps...

With the internet now Tulsa is close enough also. Just sayin'.

Phil

[Jeff Mando]

Good point, Phil. There are a couple of NYC vintage dealers who sell regularly on eBay and their prices are always 25-30 percent more than everybody else on eBay--yet, they manage to stay in business somehow. eBay has made it "easy" to compare pricing, but they must be selling service, reputation, knowledge, etc. And, I guess it wouldn't make sense for the same instrument to be priced cheaper online than in their retail store.

I look at eBay Completed Items to see what something has actually SOLD for, not what someone is ASKING for an instrument. Many of the instruments on eBay are relisted week after week, month after month, hoping for a certain price and someone to pay that price. OFTEN, the instrument actually sells for a fraction of the asking price.

On Craigslist, when you deal with an individual, sometimes the negotiation can begin on the phone before you even make the drive to see the item. Sometimes a big price will keep the "bargain hunters" away and after a few days without any calls, the seller has lessened his expectations and will take a lower price. Like Allen says, this seller seems fairly informed of the market, but sometimes a seller has a personal reason for selling--car repair, dental bill, etc., and will take less once someone shows some interest and is actually there in person looking at the mandolin.

[journeybear]

I'll tell you what I think. I've wanted one of these or an F-4 for a long time, and my birthday is coming up.

OK, I'm pretty sure Nevin is just wondering about the old price vs quality/condition dynamic. But dreams are free, even if vintage instruments aren't ...

[lenf12]

Well, to me $3K seems high, but I'm livin' in the past (when I bought my 3-point for $1.5K).

Yes, Allen, and back when I picked up a 1916 converted F-4 for $625 which I still play daily. Ah, the good old days....inflation? oh yeah, that.

I think the CL seller has it priced just about right to give himself a bit of negotiation room. Getting it for $2.8K would be a sweet deal. NFI

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Kennyz55]

Looks like it sold.