How much for a Gibson J50 acoustic?

[wilkinswp]

I have a friend that's interested in an early 60s J50. The asking price at--of all places--Guitar Center is about $2400. It sounds amazing.

Is this a reasonable price? Is there anything that he should check on before buying it? Can this sort of purchase be negotiated at Guitar Center?

[Pohaku]

That, unfortunately or fortunately depending if you already own one, is about the going "asking" rate. The prices for 60s J-45s and J-50s have escalated considerably in the last 10 years or so. I'd say you get to haggle some from there. The local market will also affect the price. The same guitar will likely go for more on either coast than here in the Midwest. I own a relatively pristine 1966 J-45 that I bought for $1200 in 1996. At that time J-50s were cheaper, but that seems to have changed. The early 60s round shoulder model will go for a little more than the latter 60s square shoulder model.

For that price, it should be in very clean condition with no cracks, repairs or major dings. I'd expect some wear on the neck and belt buckle wear, small scratches, finish crazing and small dings - nothing significant though. Look closely at the bridge and tuners. These were "adjustable bridge" guitars. Sometimes the bridge has started to pull up and will need to be reglued. If it isn't an adjustable bridge (actually an adjustable saddle), it has already been replaced which is an arguable benefit -- it may sound better, but it will no longer be original. The tuner buttons may have started to disintegrate as the plastic shrinks. Not a big deal as there are appropriate replacement tuners available that fit the screw holes exactly. Keep the old tuners if you replace them. If you ever sell the guitar, the buyer will probably want them. Each of those issues should affect the price of the guitar as you will need to spend some money to have some work done.

Here's some more info:

Vintage Gibson Guitars: Gibson J-50

While they are not Banner Headstock Gibsons, I think they are very nice guitars and record very well. Good luck.

[wilkinswp]

Thank you for the great info, Pohaku. Will have him look into these things. Above all and without collectibility concerns, he just wants a nice sounding instrument that feels good. And it did for him. Assuming it's in good shape, this very well may be the guitar for him. Thanks again.