What would you do? (Page 1 of 2)

Hi Dino,

Be honest, tell them that you would give your eye teeth to own that guitar but also point out to them that it is a top make and because of its age it could be worth quite a bit of money.

If they still want you to have it you will sleep at nights (probably with it at your side ) and if they sell it you will have the satfisaction of knowing that you you did the right thing.

Roger

Hi dino48,
A delicious dilemma!  A agree that if the instrument is very valuable that you should tell them about that fact.  But to offer them money might be seen as an insult - so make them aware of it's potential value and graciously accept the gift if they want to bestow it on you.

For non-players, old instruments may have a high degree of sentimental value that is more important than any possible monetary value.  The idea of converting that sentimental value into money may be distasteful.

If they decide to give you this gift, you should do them the honor of learning who it belonged to and how it came into their lives.  Ask a lot of questions and let them tell you all about the history of the guitar and it's former owner.  There are probably many stories they would love to share.

See what they go for on Ebay and tell tem what it's worth.  Then at least you have tried.

Thank s too all of you,I pretty much intend too offer them the value of the guitar,my friend said they will not take money as they are in good shape money wise,I am thinking I could give them a nice mini vacation close by,and/or donate some money too thier favorite charity .Glad too see such good positive thoughts from all of you. It is nice too be part of a site that has Good moral Integrity.                dino

Thats a great Idea southpaw,but im not that good of a songwriter. These people do have everything,they are Rich.  I am thinking of getting them a nice surprise ride In a hot air balloon,that was one thing my friend thought they had not done.Well I will see the guitar in a few more days.I will let people here know how this all turns out.            dino

Thanks russell,I can write but i am mainly a blues person, and tunes like crosby, stills nash and young. Mabe some one can think up something I can use,If not I think the hot air balloon ride will give them a great thrill as they are both in thier eighties.               dino

Hi Dino.Lots of good advice here.I like the hot air balloon idea of yours.I also like James and Southpaws idea.Ask them a lot of question about the history of the guitar and that will give you a lot of material to write a song for them that will have true meaning.It will also let them know that the guitar has found the right home. 

KAP54

That's a great thought Old Doll. Pass it along as a gift to another worthy recipient when the time comes. The mojo in that git will be sure to bring great things!

TopDown (aka worthy recipient )

P.S. Be sure to post a pic when you can!

I think it would be responsible and right for you to inform the person that the guitar may be valuable, that older Martin's are well sought after instruments.  If they don't care or continue to want to give it to you, then you are free to accept the instrument with a clear conscience. 

This situation is an interesting metaphor for Christian faith.  I can't speak to other faiths, because I don't know them well.  But Christian faith relies upon a gift (Jesus' sacrifice) and someone being willing to accept that gift (forgiveness of their sins).  Many people do not wish to accept the gift because they think they are not worthy of it.  The thing about gifts, though, is that you don't have to be worthy in your eyes but only in the eyes of the giver.  If the criteria this person has set for the guitar is that they want someone playing it, and you would in fact play it, then you have met the criteria of worthiness in the giver's eyes.  There is no cause for guilt.  Just accept the gift and be grateful, with the caveat that you first have informed them of the potential value of the guitar. 

- Zurf

Hello all,first of all thank you all for your great comments and replys.Got the guitar today.It is a gibson C8 ,not totally positive as the paper inside is partilly torn away. It is in great shape and sounds too sweet too describe,It seems alot heavier than anything I have picked up latlely. Well I got them two tickets too ride a hot air baloon at a location near san francisco . They Are very excited they  have been and done almost everything and that was one thing they have never done,I plan too take them out too a good restaurant after the ride,                  dino                                                       ps I know when I can not play guitar anymore I will give this too someone who will appreciate the Insturment.[pay it forward]

Thanks old doll,and yes i  think the karma and gods will shined down on me. I wont forget it as I know acouple of good young people who llove too play guitar and when I stop I will give it too one of them,thats the pay it forward part.                            dino

good stuff Dino,
hope you enjoy the guitar and hope they enjoy thier hot air balloon.

All the best

Ken