Watch out for the new "distressed" instruments

[Capt. E]

Here http://www.ebay.com/itm/Washburn-M11...item33a04b22c6 is a Washburn 117SWK for sale on ebay with a price just about equal to the discounted new prices out there.
I wonder how many people think these "distressed" instruments are old in exceptional condition. No really deceptive language in the ad, but an interesting marketing strategy.

[Timbofood]

It says it's a used instrument. I completely agree with the "selling point" of factory distressed finishes! How far must the marketers go?

[JEStanek]

Your link doesn't mention distressed except for the distressed open gear tuners...

[Tobin]

I like how the seller says, "There are absolutely no dings or scratches on it, whatsoever." Look at the photo of the back. I see both dings and scratches. Some mild belt buckle rash, as well as a fair ding below one of the points.

[Steve Ostrander]

Seller is Marshall Music, located in East Lansing, MI. Been in business for 50+ years.

[Petrus]

I like the looks of that Washburn. I don't have a problem with "distressed" finishes as such, though I wish they'd come up with a different name. But used distressed models do indeed bring up the issue of what points on the actual instrument are part of the designed look versus what was inadvertently added during later usage. You might have to compare a new distressed model side by side with the used one. Then again, some damage should be pretty obvious. But then it also brings up the issue of, if you want to buy a "distressed" instrument, why be so picky about added dings and dents?

[kkmm]

I love the distressed look, went to guitar center and tried one, it really stands out on the wall full of mandolins and it sounds good too. Should it be called "rustic" finish ?

[lenf12]

It's not at all bad looking from the OP's link. It doesn't look like any other manufacturer's model while still paying tribute to the famous two point models of the past. The "distressed" nomenclature doesn't bother me either. They managed to get the finish to look old and the herringbone trim is a novel touch for a mandolin. Who knows, there may be a market for them out there. Almost wish I needed one.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Timbofood]

I was watching a cooking show once and the guy was cutting vegetables pretty haphazardly, he said " now, remember this is "rustic" not, sloppy!
I laughed so hard a dropped a whole handful of mashed potatoes and gravy!

[Londy]

I was watching a cooking show once and the guy was cutting vegetables pretty haphazardly, he said " now, remember this is "rustic" not, sloppy!
I laughed so hard a dropped a whole handful of mashed potatoes and gravy!

...Lol...great post...Lol.. so funny

[JH Murray]

I played that model at my local music store. It sounded better than the other Washburn models with their heavy glossy finish. Had a much more open sound.

[Colin Lindsay]

I don't have a problem with "distressed" finishes as such, though I wish they'd come up with a different name.

I always preferred “second-hand” or ‘pre-loved', I hate the term ‘used’ - to me a tissue is used, so buying a ‘used’ instrument makes me wonder what exactly it’s been used for..

[TheOne-N-OnlyHomer]

You know I'm fairly new to the Mando game but I've been scoping out ebay for a potential deal on a mando and I'm finding I'm actually turned off when an add says "lightly used" or "like new condition" cause I'm thinking to myself, "hell the sounds ain't even opened up on that one yet". Sigh thanks alot fellas.