How much would Gibson Charge to replace a Sunburst face?

Kitchen Guitars · #1 11-27-2007, 10:56 PM

There is a great sounding New Advance Jumbo Sunburst in a shop. The face has a full split from bridge to bottom. It looks like it has been epoxied to hold. Not for looks! Like I said, it sounds great...... I'm curious what a full Gibson sunburst face would cost to have factory replaced?

George W. Kerry · #2 11-27-2007, 11:49 PM

http://www.gibson.com/press/corporate/pr/service.html

Jeff M · #3 11-27-2007, 11:54 PM

I'd imagine it wouldn't be cheap.
Have to remove the top & bracing from the sides/neck, likely remove the neck to do so,then replace everything.
As most of a guitars tone comes from the top/bracing, there is an excellent chance it won't sound identical to what it sounds like now.
Be chaper to just look for another new one and see if you can find one you like.

Antz_Marchin · #4 11-28-2007, 12:14 AM

I wouldn't even want to guess.......won't be a pretty dollar figure by any means

Kitchen Guitars · #5 11-28-2007, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff M

I'd imagine it wouldn't be cheap.
Have to remove the top & bracing from the sides/neck, likely remove the neck to do so,then replace everything.
As most of a guitars tone comes from the top/bracing, there is an excellent chance it won't sound identical to what it sounds like now.
Be chaper to just look for another new one and see if you can find one you like.

I wanted to know the cost to use as a negotiation. I want to buy her r e a l cheap and use her as is.

Jeff M · #6 11-28-2007, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yamaha Junkie

I wanted to know the cost to use as a negotiation. I want to buy her r e a l cheap and use her as is.

Ah. Didn't pick that up from your original post.

Kitchen Guitars · #7 11-28-2007, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff M

Ah. Didn't pick that up from your original post.

Lets face it. She's really opened up lol! I'm gonna try to get them to knock off about $1200. I'll call Gibson theis morning and get the low down.

Randal_S · #8 11-28-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yamaha Junkie

I'm gonna try to get them to knock off about $1200.

Good luck with that.

mikelhenry · #9 11-28-2007, 07:33 AM

Seems to me there was a thread within the past few months that discussed the cost of removing and replacing a top. Don't remember the cost, but there was some good input from luthiers about it.

fearlu · #10 11-28-2007, 08:32 AM

E-mail the folks at Gibson service (the link is on their website) and they will get back to you with a price range/quote. (My guess is it will be nice and high for improved negotiating!)

PWoolson · #11 11-28-2007, 08:59 AM

I would guess your in the ballpark of $1000-1200. Though Gibson can give you a real number.
If you are going to the store with that ammo, it would behoove you to use the terms "top" or "soundboard". Calling it a "face" sounds a bit naive as that's not a term we, in the biz, use.

bransonb · #12 11-28-2007, 11:47 AM

They play 'em hard in Guitar Centers, don't they?

Maybe some repair folks will weigh in, but if the split is from the bridge down a total top replacement may not be necessary. Just a repair of that area. Cosmetically the fact that it's sunburst probably complicates things. If it were natural it would be easier to blend a new section of spruce without a total refinish. But I'm betting that, as described, this may not be as serious as a complete new top. I don't know whether that saves you much money, though.

Kitchen Guitars · #13 11-28-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PWoolson

I would guess your in the ballpark of $1000-1200. Though Gibson can give you a real number.
If you are going to the store with that ammo, it would behoove you to use the terms "top" or "soundboard". Calling it a "face" sounds a bit naive as that's not a term we, in the biz, use.

Split face sounds nasty though. I'm getting there

Freeman · #14 11-28-2007, 11:59 AM

Remember that the usual reason a guitar's top splits is that it was exposed to very low humidity for a long time (see the wonderful article on Jean Larrivee's site). I would expect other humidity issues, but of course you could have those fixed when (if) you have it retopped. However, if it were me I would run from this one...

As someone who has built a few, retopping would be hugely expensive and the git would never be the same. Remove neck, remove binding, take the top off without damaging the kerfing, build and brace the new top, install top, bind (the channel is routed into the sides), refinish (including the 'burst), install bridge and set neck angle - you would have a damaged repaired guitar with no warranty and no pedigree (old Marties and Gibbies are sometimes retopped because they are valuable guitars).

However, since it is worthless to the store, you should be able to negotiate almost any price you want.

Kitchen Guitars · #15 11-29-2007, 08:49 PM

Estimate from Gibson. $1750 to $2K

I have a meeting with the GC guy tomorrow.