Pawn shop Standard

[JoDo]

There is an Epi LP Standard at my local pawn shop. This is a commercialized "chain type" pawn shop not a Mom&Pop It's an Ebony model that I'm quite fond of. They usually have reasonable prices but this one bothers me and I'll tell you why: The price on it is $349. It has a "2nd" stamp on the back of the headstock. Also there are hairline cracks on each side of the nut on the neck. Due to the symmetry here I'm inclined to think it's a breech in the wood not just a finish check. The big thing is the last two numbers of the SN are scratched over. Like I said this is a corporate type pawn shop and I'm sure is not in the practice of carelessly selling stolen stuff. The scratched out numbers wouldn't be a result of being a factory 2nd, would it? To me this is a $200 guitar if not stolen. And not to be bought if it is. Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[ampedone]

I'd pass - it's not a rare guitar.

 

[AK Epi Player]

No real worries about it being stolen. Many guitars come out of the refurb centers with either the more common "Used" stamp, or "2ND". It is common practice for them to scratch off the last 2-3 numbers of the S/N, so no one tries to sell it as "New". Most often there is a BS sticker with some gibberish "S/N" number over the real one, but they peel off easily. Some very fine guitars come out of those places (I own one), just search under "MIRC" for more info.

Ebay is full of them around that price, but not with a cracked headstock!! Run away from that one! You can find a much better example somewhere else for the same price, as there are lots of the Black Standards available these days.

With the cracked headstock/neck as you described, $200 would be too much.
Just my 2cents, and good luck

 

[JoDo]

Thank you AK.

 

[Paulie C]

Pass on that one. I have been watching all the "bargin" Lp's on ebay. The prices with shipping are way to high for a used and sometimes "abused" instrument. Usually selling for low to mid $300's, IMO,none of them are worth it. AMS has new LP's starting at $299 with free shipping and full warranty.

 

[Brians Evil Twin]

Here's an LP Standard (not a second) with case for $300: Epiphone les paul standard

Here's a gorgeous plus top with case for $480: Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Honeyburst

And an ebony Standard w/ case for $325: Epiphone Les Paul Standard and Fitted hard case

Seems to me whoever took in that guitar got snookered, or is incredibly optimistic about it's resale value. I'm not sure it's even worth $150 with the neck cracks.

 

[Paulie C]

Here's a bargan: Gold top for $299
Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar

 

[JoDo]

All sounds like sound advice. Thanks again.

 

[Dun Ringill]

Seems like the Ebony tends to run less than other colors as well so I also agree that $150 would be a lot more realistic considering it is a 2nd and has issues.

 

[Barcham]

You can find a new one for about 50 bucks more. I sold my Ebony Standard with hard case, both in like new condition, for $275 a few months ago. They are very common and easy to find on the used market.

 

[AK Epi Player]

Thank you AK.

You are welcome! As everyone else here has pointed out, lots of others to be had for around the same amount. And while you're at it, try to get one with a hard case too, especially if it is going to be shipped to you! I am still dealing with the P.O. for a claim on a Standard that was shipped in a skinny box and arrived with a cracked neck. A big pain-in-the-ass that could have been avoided: waste of time, money, and a nice LP that didn't deserve to be broken.

Back to used/2nd's. A few Months ago, I picked up a very nice '05 Standard Plustop in Desertburst (at least that's what I call it), which has a "2ND" stamp, and the full S/N. The only flaws I can really see are a "ridge" on the back that runs along one of the seams between two of the body pieces, and two small "depression like dents" on the top, but there is no sign of damage to the finish. So, maybe they were there from the beginning.
It is a 10lb monster that has had a full fret level and polish, Gibson T & V pots, switch, etc. Got it for $375 w/case.

Anyway, keep hunting and you'll find the right one soon enough!

 

[Scotty67]

That would be a walk in my book