Too much to pay for a D4?

[DogOnWheels]

Hi all,

I'm In the market for a D4 in the UK and a(what looks to be) immaculate version has popped up on Andertons. However, the price(£900/$1,100) is considerably more than is advised to pay for one according to some older posts on here.

Is this just the direction things are going with these Westerleys, or should I keep looking for something cheaper? https://www.andertons.co.uk/second-...rdcase?tduid=8f8182bb33d94f2d48406f43d5493609

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! In the US that would be a very high price for that model, but Guild made a lot of them so they are relatively easy to find here. Guilds in the UK and EU are less common so I'll defer to our LTGers from those areas that may have a better idea of good price for that model. Good luck with your hunt!

 

[chazmo]

What GG said! If you like it, jump on it! That one looks to be (as you said) immaculate.

 

[davidbeinct]

We always have a Royal Navy officer on exchange duty at my job. They all say that regardless of the actual exchange rate you can pretty much count on pounds for dollars when comparing prices between our countries. In other words if we are paying four dollars for a coffee in Starbucks they are paying four pounds. $899 is a little high for a D4 but not necessarily outrageous for one in that shape. I’d offer them less and see what happens. It does appear to be in great shape.

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome.

If it has a case that might make the total price feel more reasonable.

I have found the first question is affordability. If I can only afford $500 then it doesn't matter whether an instrument is over, under or properly priced at $600 because I can't buy it.

If I can afford it then want/need and availability come into play. If I want/need it badly enough and intend to keep it, in several years I won't even remember that I overpaid according to some people's opinion. Similarly if I don't expect to find another one in six months then whatever I might have overpaid is just the price of six months of gratification.

I'd probably decide on a price that I could pay and would be happy doing so and see if the shop will negotiate. Also remember that since they are a shop they may not want to negotiate on the price much but they might sweeten the deal with a few sets of strings or free setup.

When it comes to buying Guilds in the UK a lot of people seize the opportunity when it presents itself because it is likely there won't be another one any time soon.

Good luck.

 

[sretsbor]

Fronobulax is correct on all counts. You have to know yourself about what is important to you in terms of condition and price. Personally, I'd rather pay more for better condition and sometimes you have to pay a premium for immaculate/mint condition, especially for a guitar of that age. Use Reverb, Ebay, Facebook Marketplace as a guide and then pay what you are comfortable paying for what you are getting.

Welcome to LTG!

Rob

 

[AcornHouse]

Andertons is a fairly well known UK shop, as I remember. Those type of outfits usually charge at the top of the market. But, they frequently have gear in better condition. I'd see if that price includes a setup, and it should definitely include a hard shell case, whether original or aftermarket.
Above all, play the guitar and go over it in hand. See if you like the sound and the feel. No sense paying a premium for something that doesn't make you want to play it.

 

[E-Type]

Immaculate guitars always go for a premium. However, if the action is bad and the saddle already lowered, then it could need an expensive reset. If unneeded, then it will be rewarding enough that paying a bit over historic values can still be a bargain. But if it needs another 400 pounds of work, you gotta think how much you like it.

 

[D30Man]

Looks to be in great condition, but yeah even with inflation, I would not go over $600 for such a beast.