Ballpark value of my steel?

Alan Faulkner · Post by **Alan Faulkner** » 23 Jun 2008 6:01 pm

Hi,
I'd like to know what my steel is worth. The general info is in my signature and here are some pics. The mark on the left leg is a sticker which has been removed. As you see from the underneath view there are 4 knee levers. Since I took the picture I lowered the others as they were fastened up in the case. It has been raining since so I am unable to rephotograph.

PS. The steel is in better shape than the patio

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 23 Jun 2008 6:44 pm

Bud Pro I.. Square front, single raise and lower.. nice shape... I would say maybe $1350 low- $1650 high..
It depends.. Some guys like more unique colors and will pay a premium for them... Yours looks like that charcoal grey that sho bud made.. I don't think thats a real "hot" color..
Its certainly a nice guitar and will sell at a good price in any case... bob

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 23 Jun 2008 6:58 pm

That's a double Raise/Single Lower 12-string Sho~bud.
Made around 1976; square front.
Great shape top and bottom.
Worth 1500.00 to 1800.00
Ricky

Alan Faulkner · Post by **Alan Faulkner** » 27 Jun 2008 8:13 am

Here is a better picture with the knee levers more visible as a group

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 27 Jun 2008 8:27 am

We've already compared notes/photos of our very similar guitars. The biggest difference is my 5th (vert.) lever. I bought my Bud last Oct. on ebay from a Denver music store for $1500. I was the only bidder. I was willing to go to around $1700 I think. Bottom line---I'm a 12 string player, I've wanted a Pro1 for a while and 12 string Buds don't come around that often.

Pricing is an odd science since 12 string steels are a market-limiting factor---far less action on an S-12 than an equally desirable S-10 or D-10 and hence the potential for this to depress the price. But then, as a 'specialty' item with a very specific hungry buyer (like me last year) you could see someone willing to pay for this not-so-often-seen steel.

Both factors played out in my purchase---I was willing to pay a premium for this guitar but I didn't have to because there was no other interest.

What can you do with this insight? Beats me.

---edit----I just reviewed some notes and I find that I was ready to bid up to $1900 if I got caught in a bidding war and if I didn't get cold feet about an unseen, unplayed guitar.
One aspect of the ebay thing---I got lucky. The steel is good. But if I weren't an experienced steel tinkerer I'd have had to send it to someone to get it playable. It was so far out of adjustment it would have been a disaster for a novice. But a few hours of work gave me a real winner. That's ebay for you. If you are selling your guitar as 'certified' to be in good playing condition....well that's gotta count for something.