Martin Guitars Questions & Answers

Subject: ********** Banjo Dilemma ********
Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 19:7:49 -0400

Hello,

I would like to ask your opinion on something and I was hesitant to send you this email because one of the options would obviously take away from potential business for your company. However, after thinking about it, I know that you are in this business for "the long haul" and that you know that if I don't purchase an instrument from you now that I will in the future. You have been more than helpful. Anyway, I have two options.

Option 1 would be to buy a near mint 1991 model Deering GDL with gun engraving, Brazilian rosewood, Keith tuners, Shubb sliding 5th string capo, JCS tonering (that's why I emailed you asking you about the JCS tonering). Price is 2,995 and includes the case.

Option 2 would be to buy a "starter" banjo from you. Something not as nice as the GDL but still plays about the same if there is such a thing.

I'm just in a bit of a dilemma and wanted to ask your opinion. I appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Brad Mitchell

Greetings Brad,

Glad to assist you further...you'll more than likely have to follow your intuition on this one...I will do my best to give you some criterion on buying used:

1. Has this GDL been played over the years? If so, be sure to check for fret wear. If the frets are worn the instrument will not play true...and not only are fret jobs expensive, but they alter the integrity of the instrument unless performed by a master luthier...due to having to remove the binding, wood chipping from fret removal, etc. The GDL has glued in frets that require proper heating before removal...and the fretboard will pull out with the fret if a luthier is unaware of this...

2. The GDL you're referring to is even more expensive than what you would pay new (base price 2921.75)...a new GDL would have the factory warranty and established you is the original owner.

3. Even though you're purchasing a Mint Quality instrument, other concerns you might want to be careful about include: tiny fractures or cracks that may be next to invisible...on the rim, neck or peghead, neck integrity (look for any twisting or abnormal curvature), tuning key operation: are they easy to work with or do they feel abnormally tight...do they click in any one spot?

4. Are the parts all original? This depreciates an instrument immensely.

If buying a used instrument, also determine if the company/individual is standing behind the instrument for any length of time. This will protect your investment and assuage any concerns. Folk of the Wood, for instance, offers a lifetime warranty on all used instruments sold.

Hope the above gives you a starting point on buying used...

If you decide on Option 2, and as we've discussed before, you're most welcome to acquire one of our new Calico's or one of our Tennessee's until the arrival of your new GDL...once the GDL arrives, you can then determine which you like the best...and still retain your initial investment on the trade-up.

You might also call Barry with Deering to determine how the GDL may differ today from the yesteryear model...

At your disposal, Mickey