Rate this guitars condition

[GreenRiver]

Based on the definitions below please rate the condition of this 2002 Gibson Les Paul Historic. All original + straplocks. Rate as though there are no other imperfections beyond the worming shown and a few (5) edge dings - none of which go through the finish.

Brand New Unused, no previous owner.

Mint No imperfections. No wear and tear. All original, no repairs or changes.

Excellent Only the slightest wear. No repairs or structural changes.

Very Good Light cosmetic damage and/or imperfections and wear and tear. May have some changed parts.

Good Average cosmetic damage and/or imperfections and wear and tear but plays and functions well. One or two alterations from original condition.

Fair Above normal wear and tear for the items' age. Cosmetic damage or imperfections may be present. May have multiple major repairs and changes from original condition.

Poor Less than fair condition. May have missing parts, major structural and cosmetic damage, wear and tear and/or imperfections. The item may not be playable or repairable.

 

[MIKE20]

...VGL...

 

[Guitar Whiskey]

Good average. Too much wear on a recent guitar to be VGL.

 

[GreenRiver]

Thanks for the quick replies. I just bought this guitar and was under the impression it was to be in near mint condtion. Please keep the ratings coming as I'd like a broad opinion base. I want to make sure I am not off base with my rating before going back to the seller for further discussion.

 

[Biggles58]

It would help to see more pictures but if the back has the only marrs then I would say GA

 

[Joe Desperado]

Good average...if the rest looks anything like that back. If the front is clean, maybe closer to VeryGood-light

 

[MikeSlub]

Thanks for the quick replies. I just bought this guitar and was under the impression it was to be in near mint condtion. Please keep the ratings coming as I'd like a broad opinion base. I want to make sure I am not off base with my rating before going back to the seller for further discussion.

There's no way that guitar could be described as anywhere close to "near mint" with that amount of buckle wear and dings. It is perhaps a "very good" or maybe "very good plus". :wah

 

[Wally]

"Rate as though there are no other imperfections beyond the worming shown and a few (5) edge dings - none of which go through the finish."

If there are no mods and it is as you state above.....VGL. Pity...and what an odd place for that kind of wear.
As to 'near mint'...no way. Near mint..read: excellent... to me means that you can tell that it has been played, but there are no dings, scratches, and the like.

 

[The Boz 56]

Good average...if the rest looks anything like that back. If the front is clean, maybe closer to VeryGood-light

The condition descriptions are "Very Good" and "Good" - you're throwing the first word of the definition into it by saying "Very Good Light", etc.

 

[Joe Desperado]

Gotcha...I say it is good condition due to the back rash.

 

[GuitarDean]

VGL +1

 

[AndyC]

VG

 

[LesterP]

Another VG here (and that's assuming the front is much better).

Not even close to mint

 

[plaintop60]

Assuming that is the worst damage I would call it good to very good

 

[Mikester]

VGL, at the most.

 

[thefishingline]

I do not think you can rate the guitar as a whole without seeing the whole guitar...if that is the only problem and everything else is mint then it might be a VG+

 

[kink56]

Very Good. AT best, it makes no difference what the rest of the LP looks like. If the rest is perfect, this rash brings it down to VG at best. And This rating system does not take age into account. A VG guitar is a VG guitare whether it is new or 50 years old. It is funny, to do this on this forum! I have read so much lately about how buckle rash does not matter. On Ebay section, everyone went GA GA over a 2003 R0, and how the dings and rash did not affect the value etc. And then we have the other threads about aging. And a professionally aged LP is worth more than MINT, and they are both worth more than naturally aged and dinged up! I am glad to see some sanity here on this thread! IF you payed a mint price, or it was described as mint, you deserve your money back, and return the LP. OR 1/2 your money back and keep it. A VG guitar is worth about half a mint one!! HALF a mint one!

 

[thefishingline]

I wouldn't cal this a full buckle rash though..although it is well on it's way but it is not there yet..

 

[GreenRiver]

Thanks to everyone that replied. I contacted the seller with what I considered its condition and also pointed her to this thread to confirm that your opinions were in the same ballpark. She insists she took it to two professionals for appraisals before sellinig it and is certain it is in near mint condition. It is a very nice looking guitar that plays and sounds good too. It would have been a good deal if in near mint condition.

 

[Panama Red]

That definitely is not near mint! LOL