Fender Gemini II with sentimental value - keep it or not?

rabbuhl · #1 05-09-2024, 06:19 AM

I have a Fender Gemini II which I got from my parents way back in the mid 80's. I learned to play acoustic on it and still have it to this day. When I wanted to add a pickup I took it to a guitar tech. He said it was a cheap guitar and not worth adding a pickup. I then bought a Taylor 214CE and later a Martin OMC-15ME which get most of my attention. The Gemini is still a playable guitar but I want to get a dread with a pickup to replace it but am running out of room. A most recent tech said the top was warped too. What's a possible solution?

Murphy Slaw · #2 05-09-2024, 06:28 AM

You can't put a price on sentimental.

Goat Mick · #3 05-09-2024, 06:49 AM

The tech that told you it was too cheap of a guitar for a pickup is a jerk and you shouldn't use him again for anything, ever. You can put a good pickup in any guitar for $50 - $100. For that one I think I would go with a Baggs M1 passive. A little more than $100 new, but a bit cheaper if you can find a used one.

rabbuhl · #4 05-09-2024, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

The tech that told you it was too cheap of a guitar for a pickup is a jerk and you shouldn't use him again for anything, ever. You can put a good pickup in any guitar for $50 - $100. For that one I think I would go with a Baggs M1 passive. A little more than $100 new, but a bit cheaper if you can find a used one.

It was actually several different techs who told me the same thing at different times.

Goat Mick · #5 05-09-2024, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabbuhl

It was actually several different techs who told me the same thing at different times.

If you like playing it and you want to gig with it, then drop a little money and install a pickup. For a soundhole pickup all you need to do is drill out the endpin for the jack. If you're not comfortable doing that yourself, then pay a tech to drill the hole. The pickup installation is a piece of cake.

CharlieBman · #6 05-09-2024, 08:21 AM

Old guitars with sentimental value look beautiful hanging on a wall.

rmp · #7 05-09-2024, 08:24 AM

It seems this means far more to you than what it's sellable value would ever be.

I would probably look great in a music room or den hanging on the wall. When you see it, the memories play out every time.

And if you can keep it playable, all the better.