S&P Natural Elements Heart of Cherry FOLK

 So what are you gonna do? 

I'm not sure I understand.  The NE series guitars are all basically the same except the body shape options and the 2 laminates which are very similar.  The only ones I would expect to be higher in price are the ones with cutaways because most guitar companies charge extra for that, but Godin does not if I recall correctly? 

Edit: by same price, I mean, if they have no pick up, all the same price.
If they do have pickups, they will be all the same as well, as the others in the series with pickups.

After being around the block and back multiple times, I never ever consider purchasing new guitars. These are all $300-$400 guitars mint used. Lots of people buy them new, take 2 lessons, give up and sell at half price. In fact, L&M still honor their 'performance guarantee' on resold guitars < 1 year old. Just call L&M to make sure there isn't anything owing on the guitar, and enjoy the savings.

Rant over.

With guitars, I like buying new.  There's a few of advantages to buying new.

A) You get to pick the specific guitar that you want and like.  With used, you often have to take what you can find, not as much selection.

B) You always get a free setup with a new guitar, at least, any store worth buying from will do this.  I have not actually come across a store that doesn't.

C) You get a warranty with a new guitar.  With used, not so much.  Warranties have saved me a fair expense a couple of times.

D) There's nothing like knowing you're the first to take it home.  No worries about whether it's been humidified properly, smoked around, been around pets, etc. etc.

E) Guaranteed no damage or wear and tear.  Always love this one.

F) At many stores, you have a week or more to return it if you decide you don't like it, have buyer's remorse or whatever.  Again, with used, not so much.

So, for me, I like buying new.  There's nothing wrong with buying used, this is not a rant against it, just pointing out that there's advantages to both. 

I generally like buying new for the same reasons that have been mentioned though it's never been about getting a free setup. I think a lot of places say they do it but don't, even the best dealers.

Humidity is the biggest guitar killer in eastern canada. The heating season takes its tool.

When purchasing used, I always ask the guitars history, and generally get sound answers. Ask the owner if and how they have humidified the guitar. If they just look at you with a blank stare, the real answers is.... never been humidified. I have had good luck I guess, and really seek out mint mint mint instruments. The Seagull CH SWS I picked up this summer had zero play wear, smelled new and received a free setup from the store it was purchased from. The original owner had never had it setup.

On another note ( ), I have found that L&M stores locally in Halifax are very good. Most of their staff are the existing Musicstop folks that have been with them a good long time. Most of the setups they do are very good, and if not, they will make it right.

The big advantage I like about buying used is that once your interest changes, you just flip it on Kijiji and probably make a few bucks.

 Here in the UK, 99% of new guitars sold, the seller will do a free setup, and a free six week checkup and fix it required.
 I just decline all sellers free setup offers, and definitely wouldn't pay for one. 😂