Finally joining the Santana club!

[guitar_man_man_man]

NICE! Welcome. I like the III's. Less pretty, more "work-like." OK, maybe it's just because I can afford one.... Love mine.

Honestly, I think it’ll be kind of refreshing to have more of a workhorse guitar around again. The rest of my current PRS stable is definitely in the “I’d be sad if I accidentally dinged it” category. Plus, feeling comfortable being a little more loose probably adds to the mojo!

Congrats on a great guitar!

Some good values can come from GC, I bought 4 SEs (returned one) and a Core from them and as you said the downside is almost none.

Yeah, GC can be hit or miss, but there are occasionally great deals and of course the generous (IMO) return policy. I personally have had luck just rolling the dice on 10 tops that are at deep discounts because GC can’t take photos worth a damn and PRS hardly ever misses.

 

[guitar_man_man_man]

OK, so the guitar arrived today and it seems like the price was about right for the shape that it's in and the fact that it shipped in possibly the shoddiest gig bag I've ever seen (though well-packaged with no shipping damage). There is a ton of clouding on the back and sides, and a fair amount on the headstock and in the upper front right horn with some light clouding extending between the pickups. In addition to that, there are some gnarly chips on the edges of the guitar. All in all, it's definitely seen a lot of love.

Given the above, it would have made things easier if the guitar had functional issues, but unfortunately it plays great! The action is super low without buzz, the neck feels well-worn and not sticky at all, and the guitar stays perfectly in tune. The pickups on this thing are awesome in a way that's hard to describe - full-sounding with a nice bite and warm without being muddy. I plan to shoot them out against my \m/, 85/15, and 58/15LT equipped axes soon to see if there's as much of a difference as I'm perceiving.

So now I have a hard decision to make in terms of whether to keep or return - the wear on this guitar is definitely the most intense I've seen on a PRS which prompted my wife to say (unsolicited) something to the effect of "you paid $2000 for that?" The 10-top is not as flamed as I would have expected which is a bit of a bummer, though it does have some nice symmetrical vertical figuring. I'm also unaccustomed to the neck shape which seems a bit more D-shaped (maybe?) than my pattern thin and pattern necks, so it may take a few days to see if that's something I can get along with. Definitely curious to know what you all think on the price ($1899) for a guitar in the shape that this one's in. Pics below!

Glamor shots:

Clouding:

Chips:

 

[Moondog Wily]

Tough call! It is an "aul Reed Smith", so you were aware going into it that something was missing ;~)) I say keep it and love it being that it seems to play well and sounds good! The cosmetics can always be fixed later! As for the price, no clue, but any core for $2k is pretty good in my view considering the current prices new.

 

[SinSir]

The top is killer! Plays great and sounds awesome.. duh It's a Santana! The necks are definitely on the chunkier side, but I like it. I play in a good way different.

Now, $2k for it.. No. I've paid far less for core in much better condition. PRS in this condition do not sell. They sit and sit. Plus, GC just had a sale on all used gear too. If you called the store or main number they might give you a partial refund. I just had an issues with MF. The discount wasn't enough for me to keep, but the phone rep did tell me if I wait to Labor day, a huge sale was happening and they could offer me better then. How's that for odd customer service? I can't today but in 2 months sure! Lol

But it really comes down to if the guitar is all that for you. I'll look past some damage for a great guitar that works for me. Good news is it's a PRS Santana there will be more and prices are continuing to trend down. If it's not all that for you. I doubt you'll ever see your money back. Atleast not any time soon or a timely sale.

 

[direwolf08]

Speaking for myself only … that would be a “No” from me in that condition. But, I’m not you. The price is good for a Santana for sure, but that guitar was well-loved and ridden hard. I just don’t think I would want to buy a guitar in that condition. Refinishing is definitely possible … but also not cheap. Tough call for sure.

 

[bodia]

Well, y'all know I'm a huge Santana convert. That thing has definitely been hit hard. Tough call, for sure. If it's a rad guitar, I might keep it. I love the top, but I can't decide which bothers me more, the clouding or all of the dings/chips. If it were me, I'd send it back and then spend a little more for this one from Dave's. It's loaded with 57/08 and also has the original Santana pickups. Plus, it has a case and not some janky gig bag. I'd call Dave's and see if the can do anything on price by avoiding Reverb. At the very least, they won't ding you for tax if it's a phone order, and you're not in Wisconsin. Although, it may cost you some coin to refinish it from the hideous color!

https://reverb.com/item/83269877-paul-reed-smith-santana-iii-02

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I think the clouding would bother me more than anything.

But… I dunno? There’s the one at Dave’s and there’s a Retro on ‘verb under $3k that might be feasible depending on your finances.

I’d probably camp a bit on it for a few days and see if it’s love or not.

 

[frankencat]

That's a great deal on an old-school Santana. Enjoy!

 

[Gtrbldr]

Hate to say it, but that would be a no for me. Way too much damage for 2k. Even with a refin that guitar is not going to be 100% ever again. Your call, but there is a lot to be had for 2k on the verb

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Hate to say it, but that would be a no for me. Way too much damage for 2k. Even with a refin that guitar is not going to be 100% ever again. Your call, but there is a lot to be had for 2k on the verb

But none of them are Santanas.

 

[Gtrbldr]

But none of them are Santanas.

I never said they would be ;-)

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I never said they would be ;-)

I’d rather pay $2k for a trashed guitar than $2k for a trash guitar.

 

[Gtrbldr]

I’d rather pay $2k for a trashed guitar than $2k for a trash guitar.

Who said anything about a 2k guitar?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Who said anything about a 2k guitar?

Literally you?

Hate to say it, but that would be a no for me. Way too much damage for 2k. Even with a refin that guitar is not going to be 100% ever again. Your call, but there is a lot to be had for 2k on the verb

 

[DreamTheaterRules]

Honestly, I think it’ll be kind of refreshing to have more of a workhorse guitar around again. The rest of my current PRS stable is definitely in the “I’d be sad if I accidentally dinged it” category. Plus, feeling comfortable being a little more loose probably adds to the mojo!

This is how I feel about my NF3!

 

[Gtrbldr]

Literally you?

Haha, I know, but I think I drove the tongue in cheek one too far. ;-)

 

[Rod/]

Amazing price for a real Santana III……2002… enjoy it. Those particular guitars are Les Paul killers.

 

[guitar_man_man_man]

The top is killer! Plays great and sounds awesome.. duh It's a Santana! The necks are definitely on the chunkier side, but I like it. I play in a good way different.

Now, $2k for it.. No. I've paid far less for core in much better condition. PRS in this condition do not sell. They sit and sit. Plus, GC just had a sale on all used gear too. If you called the store or main number they might give you a partial refund. I just had an issues with MF. The discount wasn't enough for me to keep, but the phone rep did tell me if I wait to Labor day, a huge sale was happening and they could offer me better then. How's that for odd customer service? I can't today but in 2 months sure! Lol

But it really comes down to if the guitar is all that for you. I'll look past some damage for a great guitar that works for me. Good news is it's a PRS Santana there will be more and prices are continuing to trend down. If it's not all that for you. I doubt you'll ever see your money back. Atleast not any time soon or a timely sale.

Yeah, I think I’ll take a few days to see if I really bond with it and see whether I want to return or try and get a discount.

Well, y'all know I'm a huge Santana convert. That thing has definitely been hit hard. Tough call, for sure. If it's a rad guitar, I might keep it. I love the top, but I can't decide which bothers me more, the clouding or all of the dings/chips. If it were me, I'd send it back and then spend a little more for this one from Dave's. It's loaded with 57/08 and also has the original Santana pickups. Plus, it has a case and not some janky gig bag. I'd call Dave's and see if the can do anything on price by avoiding Reverb. At the very least, they won't ding you for tax if it's a phone order, and you're not in Wisconsin. Although, it may cost you some coin to refinish it from the hideous color!

https://reverb.com/item/83269877-paul-reed-smith-santana-iii-02

Oof, I am definitely in the royal blue haters club so that would not work for me! And I’m not sure I’d want to drop an additional $2k on a refin, but appreciate the thought!

I think the clouding would bother me more than anything.

But… I dunno? There’s the one at Dave’s and there’s a Retro on ‘verb under $3k that might be feasible depending on your finances.

I’d probably camp a bit on it for a few days and see if it’s love or not.

Yeah that charcoal retro is a possible option, just not my preferred color. Will definitely be putting it through its paces the next few days to see if it’s a match for me.

Hate to say it, but that would be a no for me. Way too much damage for 2k. Even with a refin that guitar is not going to be 100% ever again. Your call, but there is a lot to be had for 2k on the verb

Yeah, and that might be OK for me personally if it’s just gonna be a beater rock machine that functions perfectly. It’s been hard to find Santanas in good colors below 3k of late.

 

[aamefford]

I'm probably late to the guitar in hand discussion. I got my '03 Santana III last year. It was a CL local, so no tax. It's not a 10 top, but has a nice top. It's the "Tri Color" burst, per the MOD CAT info? Anyway, it has been played, just based on swirls and pickup cover wear and oxidation, and someone put 10's on it - it left the factory with 9's, at least per PRS Customer service. It came in the clearly 20 year old OHC - expected 20 years of wear on the case instead of the guitar. It is in significantly better condition, honestly as good a condition as a 20 year old used guitar could be - minor superficial dings, no clouding, some swirls. If the asking on yours was $1899 before tax, I gave a couple hundred less, but a cash and carry, good luck sir CL deal with no tax and no recourse. I think I got a hell of a deal, but it had sat on CL for a month or so while I talked myself into it. That said, EVERY PRS on CL seemed to be sitting for a long time. Heck, I see some of the same guitars there still. For the cosmetic condition of yours, it's not a $2k looker IMHO. On the other hand, if it fits you, feels right, you are OK with the Santana neck carve (love or dislike, it seems to me), and the bones are good and it plays well, who G.A.F. what it looks like? So yeah, I'm with the majority here, she's pretty, but has lived some life already. I guess it boils down to what you want? A "good deal?" Arm Candy? A Partner? If it's the last one, and she fits, then you got a great deal. If it's the last one, and she doesn't fit, well...

 

[SinSir]

Yeah, and that might be OK for me personally if it’s just gonna be a beater rock machine that functions perfectly. It’s been hard to find Santanas in good colors below 3k of late.

They pop up but takes a lot of patience. A sweet '11 Santana yellow Sig popped up for $2450 last month. Still kicking myself for not pulling the trigger. The new owners NGD FB post was especially hard lol

If you end up liking it and the price works for you. What about giving a refin yourself a shot? There's other options out there besides PTC too. The excessive clouding would be my thing before the bangs and knicks. Either way you get to experience a Santana. Win!