binding issue

[ptack]

Hey guys my first post.

I am looking to get an Avalon and currently am trying to decide between an AS-201 or a 2004 A-200. The question I have is if you had your choice which would you choose? But the A-200 has a binding issue, is that a safe guitar still?

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There are some pics. Let me know what you think. And this is somewhat time sensitive. Thank you guys for your willingness to help.

Ptack

[onemanband]

Hi, welcome to the forum.
With my limited knowledge, I think the only difference between the two guitars that you're considering is Indian rosewood or Honduran mahohogany for the back and sides tonewoods, as opposed to an unspecified scource.
I have an A200ce and it is an absolutely superb guitar. I use it for flatpicking, fingerpicking and bottleneck slide and it suited to all these styles. I regularly de-tune using open tunings and normal A440 concert, with no effect on the stability of the guitar.
I have had no binding problems; the luthiery and finish are excellent; it is simply a truly superb instrument!
JB, our excellent Avalon guru is here, and will usually answer all your queries and offer all the support and advice you require.
Hope that helps, good luck and welcome to the Avalon family.

Brian.

[JB]

Hi ptack, what sort of 'issue' with the bindings ? has it received some damage ? or a jpg I could see.

JB

[ptack]

i posted some pictures for you guys

[JB]

Ahhh ... although it's difficult to say for sure without examining the guitar in person that guitar looks as though it has suffered some moisture abuse ... the back seems to have dried out and shrunk, pulling inward.

Not a major problem but could turn worse if not remedied !

[ptack]

JB.
any suggestions? Is it worth the risk for owning the guitar?

[JB]

Very hard to advise you on it, the warranty is only valid for the first owner and even at that moisture abuse is not covered by the warranty.

If you were getting it at a very good price to allow for the damage then it might well be worth a punt.

[ptack]

hmm. Is there anyway of fixing this issue? If so would it be expensive?

sorry for so many questions,you guys are the only ones who have even heard of Avalon guitars.
Thanks

[JB]

If the damage is the result of 'dry' humidity abuse then the first step will be to buy a humidifier for the guitar and get it to proper levels again, then see how much the gap closes.

Humidifiers for guitars are not expensive, most of them are just glorified sponge holders.