Tough Decision, need advice

[berkeleybear]

So today I bought two guitars online at music 123 for a tremendous deal.

 

One is a Epi Masterbilt (thanks for the previous threads on this collection!) EF500RCCE (auditorium body, cedar top, rosewood back and sides, cutaway, and pickup). Got it new for $499 using a GC price match (regularly $699)

 

I also noticed that they had a closeout of a Breedlove Focus (concert body, cedar top, rw b&s, cutaway and pickup). Got it for $1,799 (new, but open box stock). This sells at MF for $2,999.

 

I obviously need to play them both before I make a final decision, but I welcome any advice you can offer to help me choose. I am slightly better than novice at this point, so the Masterbilt is plenty of instrument for me at this time. However, the price for the focus is unbeatable, and I would hate to pass on a potentially great instrument for an exceptional price.

 

Of course, I could keep both, but since they are so similar, I would need a good reason to do so.

 

What would you do if you were in my position? Thanks,

[fats]

Play both for a bit...you might be able to make money on the Focus reselling it! Nothing wrong with having two guitars...but you might discover the Breedlove (or the Epi) is just not right for you - that'll make the decision easy

 

Otherwise...well, all things being equal (or perhaps equal *enough*), I'd keep the Epi. I'd be less afraid that something bad would happen to it.

[Terry Allan Hall]

If you decide to keep both, one could be kept in an alternate tuning.

If you're ever going to perform, you need two guitars, anyway...strings often break at inconvenient times!

[Abando]

Berkeley, they are selling this guitar at GC for 499.00? Any links?
I would like to see that myself.

[gill]

Just found this on GC's site--it's in the April Buyer's guide (PDF file)
reason #16 http://www.guitarcenter.com/buyersguide/index.cfm

[Bernie P.]

BB, I think your really going to like that Epi. I certainly did. Sorry no exp with the other.

 

Abando, last I saw GC was a good bit higher but they have in store specials that vary from one location to the next. I just ordered the same guitar from 123 for 489/free ship. It's listed at the site as "Used b grade". I called and asked what that meant and they said it was just a return not one of those stamped "Used" jobs you see on Ebay all the time. He assured me the guitar was mint and comes with the full factory warrenty which those "refurbished" gits dont. Cant lose with the 45 day trial so I jumped in.

[guitarist21]

I would send the Focus back. I looked at both guitars when I was in the market and went with the Epi. Just seemed like it was better-made and I liked the tone of the Epi better. More complex, with more overtones.

Good work for ordering both, though. Try them both and see which one feels better because everyone is different.

Ellen