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Richard Jernigan -> RE: Purchasing a guitar...that you've never touched (Dec. 14 2015 2:56:15)
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I lived on a remote tropical island for 18 1/2 years. During that time I bought two very expensive used guitars, you might say collector's items, made by two of the most famous luthiers of the 20th century. So i was pretty careful about the risks.
I had both guitars appraised and authenticated by a very reliable luthier and scholar of the guitar. I also discussed with him the reputation and reliability of each of the dealers. I spoke to each of the dealers more than once, to be perfectly clear about the right of return if I didn't like the instrument, how long I could keep it to decide, who bore responsibility for damage during shipment each way. The dealer was responsible for damage during shipment to me. I was to inspect the instrument before accepting it from the shipper. If I returned the guitar, it was my nickel if it got damaged, but insurance was available from the dealer's insurance agent.
Both the appraiser and one of the dealers expressed doubts about recovering damages from shippers like UPS or FedEx.
Shipping was the source of a little suspense. Neither FedEx nor UPS had regular facilities at the island where I lived. The instruments went to Guam, then onto normal air freight. This made tracking the shipments a bit complex, but in the end it could be done.
One of the customs agents in the country where I lived was designated as an agent for FedEx. This worked out well for the first instrument. I was at the airport when the instrument arrived. We opened up the shipping box and checked the instrument for damage. It was fine, so I signed for it.
The customs agent was away from the country when the second instrument arrived. His brother-in-law filled in for him, and wasn't familiar with the proper FedEx procedures. I had to chase the guitar around the island for an afternoon, but in the tiny population, word traveled fast, and I caught up with it. One thing that disappointed me was the air freight company had attached an air bill to the exterior of the box showing the insured value of the instrument.
I kept both instruments, and within a week of buying each I received offers from Japan for 20-25% more than I had paid. I still love to play them both, and they have appreciated in value in the years since I bought them.
Be sure you have a chance to try the guitar for a few days, and to return it if you don't like it. Be sure everyone is clear about who is responsible for what.
Good luck, and I hope you love the guitar!
RNJ
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