Rule 1. Know what you are buying.
Many retailers do not provide adequate information about the instruments they advertise.
Both guitar factories and individual guitar makers build a variety of guitars in different
price ranges. Although it is often hard to comparison shop for individual luthiers
who make only 25-50 guitars a year, it is impossible to do so unless you know
precisely the model of the guitar in question. Otherwise you may be comparing apples to
oranges, and find that what seems a bargain isn't. For example, an advertisement for a
Ramirez for $1800 could be a bargain or not. If the Ramirez for sale is their
hand made "Model 1a" from their Madrid workshop, it would be a great
bargain if it is in good condition. Ramirez, however, also sells guitars which they have
made for them in factories in Valencia. If the guitar is a Ramirez 1-R, a factory
made student guitar, it would be overpriced.
The models listed on my web pages are taken directly from the
price lists provided me by the makers.
Rule 2. Ascertain the guitar's condition.
Unless you are buying a new instrument, condition is of
concern. Some obvious questions to ask, has the guitar been repaired or is
in of need repairs. Are
there scratches or dings? How is the action? If it is high, the neck may be warped. Such
problems may affect the price of the guitar significantly, making the seeming bargain an
expensive buy.
Rule 3. Know who you are buying from.
Unless you know someone well, buy from a reputable dealer.
Some indicators are that they accept major credit cards; that they have fair return
policies; and if requested can provide evidence, business license, state tax
license, references etc. Reputable dealers are also knowledgeable. They can answer
any questions you may have about the instruments they sell. As many guitar builders
in Spain sell not only their own instruments, but lines of guitars in which they put their
labels that are made in factories to their specifications, reputable dealers can tell you
who makes what for whom, whether a particular model is made by the luthier or
factory made for him, etc. Reputable dealers are often players themselves, and so can also
offer you a players perspective on instruments-- discussing such matters as tone,
sustain, responsiveness, balance, volume, action etc.