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Why are there so many new, un-warranted Gibsons?

Joined
Apr 26, 2018
Messages
93
Over the last few years I’ve seen quite a few Gibson custom shop guitars being sold as “Mint, unplayed, unopened, etc.” It seems that a lot of dealers or specific shops have quite a few available at the same time. These guitars are sold without a warranty and come directly from the factory to the shops. A buddy of mine recently purchased an R9 from one of these vendors and got a fantastic deal. The guitar looks fantastic and plays pretty well but it’s not the greatest I’ve played or heard. In fact we have both agreed that something seems off with it. Both of us have started to wonder the origin of these type of guitars. Are they factory seconds, duds, demo guitars, over stock?
 

jrgtr42

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
2,308
Is this in the US? If they are new, then why aren't they warranteed?
 

S. Cane

Active member
Joined
Dec 10, 2014
Messages
656
A couple of years ago I bought a Gibson '61 Reissue SG, which was a model no longer in production. Bought it new, from an authorized dealer. And not in the USA. The guitar came with a cracked fingerboard. I contacted the Gibson customer service in the country and they gave me a brand new one, it was warranted indeed.

If these guitars you mentioned are being sold without any warranty, I'd definitely investigate the source before buying.
 

jrgtr42

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
2,308
A couple of years ago I bought a Gibson '61 Reissue SG, which was a model no longer in production. Bought it new, from an authorized dealer. And not in the USA. The guitar came with a cracked fingerboard. I contacted the Gibson customer service in the country and they gave me a brand new one, it was warranted indeed.

If these guitars you mentioned are being sold without any warranty, I'd definitely investigate the source before buying.
That's what I'm thinking. If it;s a real Gibson, through an authorized dealer, and it is in fact new, there's no reason there should be no warranty.
 
Joined
Apr 26, 2018
Messages
93
Is this in the US? If they are new, then why aren't they warranteed?
Yes, in the USA. Guitar shops selling “like new” or mint condition guitars. Specimens that have never been played. They come directly from the factory, boxes and all, and are sold as used inventory.

I was hesitant to name any particular vendor, but I will use Breaze Guitars as an example. They get Gibson stock all the time, selling in like new condition but are not an authorized dealer.
 

S. Cane

Active member
Joined
Dec 10, 2014
Messages
656
There’s the answer. The guitars are not really new and/or the seller isn’t an authorized dealer, so they can’t provide warranty.
 
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