A9 at Guitar Center at a decent price... [Archive]

Dan Co1e

Jan-15-2013, 10:02am

Did a search on used mandolins at Guitar Center. Thought I would pass this one on to the cafe...

USED 2002 GIBSON A-9 MASTER MANDOLIN WC 011413

Guitar Center Hollywood
Hollywood, California 90046
323-874-1060

Now Only
$924.

Scott Tichenor

Jan-15-2013, 10:26am

Interesting. Never looked for used mandolins on their site (http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used,Mandolins-Folk---Traditional-Stringed-Instruments.gc). See two other A-9 models but at higher prices and different stores. A few interesting items.

Marty Jacobson

Jan-15-2013, 10:37am

Their used recording gear can be pretty awesome. I got a BlueTube and a AudioBox USB for $70 each, they were like new.

Jim Garber

Jan-15-2013, 11:04am

Interesting. Big difference in price. This A9 (http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-GIBSON-A9-MANDOLIN-WC-108526133-i2898405.gc) is selling in Pittsburgh for $1599.99. Let's make sure not to call it $1,600. :)

... and another A9 (http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-GIBSON-A-9-WC-613-06142-107840718-i2572019.gc) in Cincinnati for $1100.

Michael Eck

Jan-15-2013, 11:09am

1910 A4 currently at the GC in Albany NY for $1000. Looks like the one-piece bridge has been professionally shored up to offset some sinkage, but it's not a bad little box.

Danny Clark

Jan-15-2013, 11:25am

i just returned an F-9 to the Boston store ,i was told it was mint condition , and in a HSC it came in in a cheap Alpine bag ,poorly repired headstock scroll break,wear in to the wood on the top,lots of pick scratches,chip on the neck, it did sound good just nowhere close to what i was described

Jim Garber

Jan-15-2013, 12:16pm

1910 A4 currently at the GC in Albany NY for $1000. Looks like the one-piece bridge has been professionally shored up to offset some sinkage, but it's not a bad little box.

These people know nothing. It is an A3, not an A4.

Michael: did you see and play this one in person?

I would bet there is some other issues with it as well (besides the lack of a pickguard). They are rather sparse on the info and photos, you do notice. I would try to get to the store or at least have an in-hand telephone conversation.

Clement Barrera-Ng

Jan-15-2013, 1:22pm

Once in a while you'd find some good ones on there. I remember seeing a The Loar LM700 listed for $499 once, and still regretted for not driving up to see it. However, most of the ones they have listed are import models, and the ones that deserve a closer look tend to be priced high. But then again, as I had learned recently, everything at Guitar Center is negotiable, so if you see something you're interested in, call the store and make them a deal.

allenhopkins

Jan-15-2013, 3:03pm

Michael Eck

Jan-15-2013, 4:04pm

I was in and out of GC on an errand, so I gave it a quick strum and looked at the tag. I tried to read the label but couldn't make it out. I do know that it didn't look quite spiffy enough to be a 4, but I didn't have time to do much investigation. The neck is in rough shape on the back and I'm sure it has other issues. Seemed to play in tune OK and sounded pretty good, though not as robust as my 21. I'd like to make time to go give t a good whack, but I don't know that it will last long enough for me to get up there.

Jim Garber

Jan-15-2013, 4:11pm

The neck is in rough shape on the back and I'm sure it has other issues. Seemed to play in tune OK and sounded pretty good, though not as robust as my 21. I'd like to make time to go give t a good whack, but I don't know that it will last long enough for me to get up there.

I like how they show you practically nothing. I wonder if it will be snapped up so quickly, esp since it sounds like it does have other issues. Man, you would think they could shoot larger pics and at least one pic of the back.

BTW here is a link to the page (http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Vintage-VINTAGE-1910-GIBSON-A4-MANDOLIN-OHSC-108536649-i2908084.gc) with the listing and practically nothing except for erroneous info. Hey it does have OHSC.

Clement Barrera-Ng

Jan-15-2013, 6:22pm

Apparently GC will ship used instruments between stores if you're really interested (?); I was chasing a National tri-cone guitar they had listed a few years ago, and as I remember they would send it to their local store from wherever it was.

Prices sure do vary for similar models; wonder if that reflects what trade-in allowances they gave to acquire them.

They will ship it to another store for pickup, but if memory serves, they still charge a nominal fee for shipping. I had one shipped last year, and the shipping was more than reasonable (< $10). But don't forget you'll have to pay taxes on the purchase no matter where the instrument is coming from (unless Guitar Centre is not in your state). I wanted to pick it up from the store so that in case anything happens, or if it was clearly a subpar instrument, I can just return it right there. Also, vintage instruments are exempted from the usual 30 day return policy. You can still return within 3 days of purchase, though (their full return policy here: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/legal/tac.cfm).

Josh Levine

Jan-20-2013, 2:49am

Thanks for this. I just ordered it... hopefully all is well, otherwise I will just return it to a local guitar center. Anybody need a Loar LM 520?

Michael Eck

Jan-20-2013, 11:26am

A little after the fact JWalter, but I do remember that it was also oversprayed. The bridge work did look quite professional. Let us know your findings.

Josh Levine

Jan-20-2013, 12:42pm

To clarify... I ordered the A9.

allenhopkins

Jan-20-2013, 2:17pm

To clarify... I ordered the A9.

All right! Let us know how the deal goes, and what you think of the A-9.

Josh Levine

Jan-20-2013, 7:48pm

Definitely will report back ASAP.

Josh Levine

Jan-25-2013, 8:23pm

The A-9 has arrived. It a nice mando. It is totally different from my Morris A5. Definitely has the woodier lower tone versus the Morris's sweeter tone. The neck is slightly smaller on the A9. The trim is definitely very low key. We are still getting to know each other. I will report back in a few days when I have gotten more used to it. But as far was the guitar center purchase, it was as described and shipped promptly. The case is not the finest, but I can overlook that. Thanks for the tip.

Markelberry

Jan-26-2013, 8:19am

I bought my 2004 A9 used had a crack on the treble f hole,had it glued. Ipaid 800.00 and it is a monster! Ive wore the skin off of the top ,dents here and there,finish comin off the neck and bass f hole love it! I wouldnt take less than 1200.00 based on sound alone. I will never sell it,an example of one darn good player!

Josh Levine

Jan-26-2013, 5:26pm

It definitely has a distinctly woofy chop that I really like. I wouldn't mind getting it setup so that action were a little lower, though. I love the tone though. So different from my Morris.

Josh Levine

Feb-03-2013, 5:36pm

Update: Took the A9 to my local luthier. He said that there were some signs that it could have some exposure to different temps/humidities. The next was warped and there were some other slight issues. As opposed to sinking more money into it, I am returning it although it did sounds great... So I ordered the F9 from the Boston store that was for sale for $1500. I spoke with the rep on the phone and he did say it was in great shape other than a little crack in the headstock scroll that was stable and well repaired... So we will see. I do like that It only costs me about $15 in shipping costs to try out these instruments.

Crbrennan

Feb-18-2013, 9:13pm

Curious how the F9 turned out? I see the A9 is back up for sale in Portland for same $924.99 price you paid for it:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-2002-GIBSON-A-9-MASTER-MANDOLIN-WC-011413-108508955-i2939880.gc

Do they barter at all with you or is it always list price?

multidon

Feb-19-2013, 10:02am

fatt-dad

Feb-19-2013, 12:44pm

All I know is GC was giving 15 percent off yesterday. If I bought something there in the last 2 weeks, I'd ask about some post-hoc discount.

I played a 1970s 0-18 Martin at the Richmond GC (Broad Street) and I would have bought it on the spot if it didn't need a neck set. They had it tagged at $1,500.00, so with the 15 percent off it'd'a been $1,275.00, which wouldn't been too bad if the neck angle was right.

Completly off topic, they also had an F5G at 15% off and it was just GREAT! Fresh from the factory (2013 S/N) and just great!

Also off topic, at the neighboring Sam Ash, they had a vintage "Dobro" mandolin in a cool vintage case for just under $900.00.

f-d

Russ Donahue

Feb-20-2013, 7:35pm

Yeah, I was thinking that too, but the fine print in their sales materials said that used and vintage items weren't included in the sale.

Bernie Daniel

Feb-21-2013, 6:43am

I was told by a GC employee when I was trying to cut a lower price that they have some leeway to negotiate when it is tagged used but not if it is tagged vintage. The vintage pricing is done by a separate division headquartered in their L.A. facility. His understanding is that instruments over 25 years old arr priced as vintage and price is not negotiable in those cases.

I don' think that information is totally correct. They may indeed have separate "used" verses "vintage" policy -- but I do not think that there is no negotiation on vintage prices. I was looking a '60's Gibson A-50 at the Cincinnati store and they were more than willing to reduce the price a bit for a sale.

FYI the Cincinnati GC has at least four used and one new Gibson for sale on the floor -- '1914 F-2 (with Handels), 1910's A-model, 1950 F-12, 1960's A-50. And brand new F-5G.

pArispAl

Feb-21-2013, 10:18am

Thanks for this. I just ordered it... hopefully all is well, otherwise I will just return it to a local guitar center. Anybody need a Loar LM 520?

John I do have an A9, and am considering buying a second hand The Loar [edit: not "the Load"] LM 600 (€350). How do necks compare ?

Thanks !

allenhopkins

Feb-21-2013, 10:41am

John I do have an A9, and am considering buying a second hand The Load LM 600 (€350). How do necks compare?...

Assume you mean "Loar." I'd guess a mandolin called "The Load" would have a really big neck...

pArispAl

Feb-21-2013, 10:51am

Gotcha Allen :)

sorry for the typo.

Canoedad

Feb-21-2013, 10:58am

This thread caused me to go the Pittsburgh Guitar Center to play the A9 they had listed. I called first to make sure it hadn't sold. However when I got there no A-9. It had been stolen along with other mandos and ukes. Apparently someone was using the Big Coat Season to sneak small instruments out. The only thing still hanging were unplayable Mitchells.

multidon

Feb-21-2013, 12:06pm

Wow. Never thought about shoplifting being a problem at GC. They guard the door and everything. They must really be oblivious if people are sticking mandos and ukes under their coats. This just boggles my mind.

pheffernan

Feb-22-2013, 6:21pm

FYI the Cincinnati GC has at least four used and one new Gibson for sale on the floor -- '1914 F-2 (with Handels), 1910's A-model, 1950 F-12, 1960's A-50. And brand new F-5G.

My local GC in Hallandale http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfm?location=770 has two mandolins listed as "Vintage Martin A" models, but there's not so much as a model number, a serial number, or even a Martin badge to identify them. They're in the $400-500 range, and I was wondering, as an incompetent rhythm guitarist for the last 25 years, whether I'd have a better chance of becoming incompetent on the mandolin with one of these instruments or a newer midrange model like the Kentucky KM250 or The Loar 220/520. I'm not going to be out trying to get heard in a bluegrass band, just sitting around the house like the rest of my generation fooling around with REM.

Thanks,
Pat

pheffernan

Feb-22-2013, 10:17pm

Adding links with pictures.

Sans pickguard: http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Vintage-VINTAGE-MARTIN-STYLE-A-MANDOLIN-WC-108313272-i2827379.gc

With pickguard: http://m.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Vintage-VINTAGE-MARTIN-STYLE-A-MANDOLIN-WC-W-PICKGUARD-108313278-i2827380.gc

Pat

laura809

Feb-22-2013, 11:47pm

I think you might be better off with a Kentucky or Loar (with a good setup) for a first mandolin. You may also consider which style of music you want to play and whether you want f holes or oval holes. It depends on the model, but many vintage models don't always offer as much access up the neck. I almost bought a vintage Martin once, but it would not have been very practical if it was my only mandolin. It did have a nice sweet tone though.

pArispAl

Feb-23-2013, 1:28am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sti2quR_4dQ

I had been playing my A9 as a guitar for three years when watching this video of Kris Delmhorst and Session Americana, I decided to take lessons. Actually the mando part by Sean Staples is pretty basic but it ereally adds to the song.

You want to take lessons, Pat, you'll enjoy your mando all the more

Josh Levine

Feb-23-2013, 11:35am

The F9 is amazing. I would say that it is in good to very good condition. It has some appropriate dings and pick marks, but not anywhere near the wear that the A9 had. The neck seems straight. It sounds great. The strings it originally had on it (I think Martin Bluegrass strings) were not nearly heavy enough, and it sounded off, but I put some J74s on it and man does it rip. The chop and volume on this thing are beastly. This is a bluegrass machine. If you look at the scroll on the headstock you can see where it has been repaired, but this does not affect the sound and doesn't bother me in the least. The serial number suggests it was built in 2003. I can't help but think I got a great deal on this thing at $1500.

allenhopkins

Feb-23-2013, 3:36pm

The F9 is amazing. I would say that it is in good to very good condition. It has some appropriate dings and pick marks...you can see where it has been repaired, but this does not affect the sound and doesn't bother me in the least...can't help but think I got a great deal on this thing at $1500.

Congratulations! Another testimony to accepting the "distressing" of a well-used instrument, in order to get great value for the price, and an eminently usable musician's mandolin. I have probably bought five to ten used instruments for every new one, and IMHO that's the sensible way to go.

Josh Levine

Feb-23-2013, 7:48pm

My sentiments exactly. Those new F9s sure are pretty, but for the price of one of those I can get a used F9 and Collings MT, if I look long enough. Those will keep their value in the aftermarket as well, for that ol' MAS thing when it comes along and you all of a sudden have several things you maybe should not have purchased...:whistling:

Tom Cherubini

Feb-23-2013, 8:02pm

You have to be careful with GC. Often I would try to negotiate a price only to be told that the instrument was there on consignment so no leeway was possible - the price was the price. Last month I took a classical guitar there - that I bought there, BTW, and asked to place it for sale on consignment.
I was told that GC does not take instruments on consignment but only on trade-in, or they will buy it outright (at an insulting price!)
So they have lost a customer. They are like some politicians I could name - they lie whenever it suits their convenience. To hxll with them!

Thomas

Josh Levine

Feb-23-2013, 8:06pm

I was pretty happy with the 1 month trial period on used gear. It really gives you a chance to dig in as well as get secondary opinions on the condition. You have to pay in full, but seems worth it. Not many places I can think of, aside from small builders, that allow trial periods like that.