Hi! I had a few hours to kill today and found myself at our area GC. They had only 1 mandolin in stock...and it was intriguing to say the least.
Here's the link to it:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Gib...ne-Mandolin.gc
They don't identify it as such, however this appears to be an EM-200
I examined it as best I could...definitely some condition issues. The pictures don't show it well. The finish on the bottom edge has all but been chipped off. The finish on the face isn't "crazed" as much as it looks like it has lines going across it (side to side)....almost like someone tried to refinish it (or clean it with the wrong product) and used too much and it ran. From the nut down the first 6 or so frets were VERY worn - I'm no expert but they looked to me like they'll need replacing in the near future. It appears to have the original pick guard and tail piece, however most of the gold plating has been worn off. The binding all the way around was quite yellowed, and you could see in a few spots along the neck where the finish had chipped away that it was originally a white / light ivory color. There's a spot on the back of the neck about the size of my thumb where the finish is gone...not due to friction from playing or due to a "speed neck" but it looks like solvent / finish remover had been dripped on it and not wiped away. It does have the original EM-200 bridge (rosewood base with brass top) and from what I can tell the original pickup.
I played it and all of the electronics appeared to be working. The volume knob doesn't "zero out" but that is likely an easy fix...pull the knob off and put it back on in the correct position.
I'd love to add a Gibson to my stable, however I'm thinking that this one is overpriced given its condition. I've checked online and it looks like when they're in excellent condition they're going for around $2600 / $2800.
What do you think? I liked it....but I'd like it a lot more if the price was lower. I did ask and was told that they would not negotiate on the price...but to keep checking and if it didn't sell they may drop it a little.
Thanks in advance for the input / advice!
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