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expired Posted by PortabelloRoad • Aug 18, 2024
expired Posted by PortabelloRoad • Aug 18, 2024

PRS SE NF3 Guitar - Metallic Orange w/Maple FB $579.49

$579

$800

27% off
ProAudioStar
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ProAudioStar has some used PRS SE NF3's marked down from $799.99 to $609.99.
Plus, as of right now the TAKE5 coupon is working for an additional 5% off.

Metallic Orange w/Maple FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html NLA
Gun Metal Grey w/Maple FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Gun Metal Grey w/Rosewood FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Ice Blue Metallic w/Maple FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Ice Blue Metallic w/Rosewood FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Pearl White w/Rosewood FB (The picture on this actually shows maple, so I don't know which one you would get)
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html

Metallic Orange w/Rosewood is sold out.
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Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
ProAudioStar has some used PRS SE NF3's marked down from $799.99 to $609.99.
Plus, as of right now the TAKE5 coupon is working for an additional 5% off.

Metallic Orange w/Maple FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html NLA
Gun Metal Grey w/Maple FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Gun Metal Grey w/Rosewood FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Ice Blue Metallic w/Maple FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Ice Blue Metallic w/Rosewood FB:
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html
Pearl White w/Rosewood FB (The picture on this actually shows maple, so I don't know which one you would get)
https://www.proaudiostar.com/prs-...-used.html

Metallic Orange w/Rosewood is sold out.

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22 Comments

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Original Poster
Aug 18, 2024
665 Posts
Joined Dec 2022
Aug 18, 2024
PortabelloRoad
Original Poster
Aug 18, 2024
665 Posts
And as it is always brought up, "used" at ProAudioStar is a bit of a gamble. You might get a brand new in box guitar. You might get an actually used guitar.
I've ordered several items from them, and it's been a toss up. Some have appeared to be brand new in box, some were definitely used.
Aug 18, 2024
198 Posts
Joined Nov 2022
Aug 18, 2024
TalentedRoad6417
Aug 18, 2024
198 Posts
I think used is a bit misleading here because they ProAudioStar don't buy used guitars off the street afaik. They're probably just returns that are possibly missing some original packaging or accessories. But they're really just returns or they're actually new but avoiding manufacturers' minimum sale prices.
Aug 18, 2024
766 Posts
Joined Oct 2016
Aug 18, 2024
NorthPurpose
Aug 18, 2024
766 Posts
Quote from TalentedRoad6417 :
I think used is a bit misleading here because they ProAudioStar don't buy used guitars off the street afaik. They're probably just returns that are possibly missing some original packaging or accessories. But they're really just returns or they're actually new but avoiding manufacturers' minimum sale prices.
2nd this. They have a storefront in Brooklyn NY but they are a wholesaler with warehouses in other states. Most of the guitars are brand new as they are just trying to get around MAP. One guitar I bought was new old stock and was clearly a rerun bc it was missing all hang tags, paperwork and some plastic on the back plates. It still played and looked flawless so I was happy.
Pro
Aug 18, 2024
215 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
Aug 18, 2024
cantdecide
Pro
Aug 18, 2024
215 Posts
Quote from TalentedRoad6417 :
I think used is a bit misleading here because they ProAudioStar don't buy used guitars off the street afaik. They're probably just returns that are possibly missing some original packaging or accessories. But they're really just returns or they're actually new but avoiding manufacturers' minimum sale prices.
Everything that I've bought from proaudiostar or adorama that has been marked as open box or used came in the factory sealed box.

The language they both seem to use is:
"open box" - a healthy discount on a new item to get around MAP
"used" - an even bigger discount on a new item to get around MAP

Aug 18, 2024
2 Posts
Joined Jan 2023
Aug 18, 2024
MikeD502
Aug 18, 2024
2 Posts
I'm in the process of going through my first return with PAS, due to shipping damage. I was talking on the phone with someone there as asked him what "used" meant. He said it was likely a customer return, which surprised me as I've gotten a used guitar there before that appeared new. The guitar I am returning in this case was marked used, and was clearly previously returned. He encouraged me to contact them to find out more info on the status of an item if there were questions before ordering, which I plan to do.

So my experience has been:
Open box Dean: appeared new
B stock Sterling: cosmetic issues, factory b-stock
B stock Sterling: no obvious issues, possibly a customer return
Used Jackson: appeared new
Used Dean: customer return
Last edited by MikeD502 August 18, 2024 at 08:27 AM.
Aug 18, 2024
126 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
Aug 18, 2024
PurpleThread611
Aug 18, 2024
126 Posts
Quote from NorthPurpose :
2nd this. They have a storefront in Brooklyn NY but they are a wholesaler with warehouses in other states. Most of the guitars are brand new as they are just trying to get around MAP. One guitar I bought was new old stock and was clearly a rerun bc it was missing all hang tags, paperwork and some plastic on the back plates. It still played and looked flawless so I was happy.
The MAP explanation doesn't work on a guitar that's been out for only a month. These are returns which means you might have signs of wear and use depending on the buyer.
Pro
Aug 18, 2024
215 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
Aug 18, 2024
cantdecide
Pro
Aug 18, 2024
215 Posts
Quote from PurpleThread611 :
The MAP explanation doesn't work on a guitar that's been out for only a month. These are returns which means you might have signs of wear and use depending on the buyer.
Length of time a guitar has been out doesn't matter for MAP, especially now when guitars aren't moving and manufacturers are sitting on stock. Places like adorama and PAS aren't like sweetwater - they sell on price, but MAP does't let them sell on price so they play games to get around it ​

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Aug 18, 2024
126 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
Aug 18, 2024
PurpleThread611
Aug 18, 2024
126 Posts
Quote from cantdecide :
Length of time a guitar has been out doesn't matter for MAP, especially now when guitars aren't moving and manufacturers are sitting on stock. Places like adorama and PAS aren't like sweetwater - they sell on price, but MAP does't let them sell on price so they play games to get around it ​
Source for "length of time a guitar has been out doesn't matter for MAP?"

The experts around here used to say MAP was skirted because Fender, for example, made way too many guitars during the lockdown era. That made sense. This is a new guitar from PRS and has been well reviewed. Do not see why too many would've been made to where they need to unload them by calling them used and getting around MAP.

Also, is it verified that PRS has the same MAP rules that Fender does?

I get that a lot of people around here are excited about deals and want to encourage people to purchase, but in this case, speculating these are new guitars doesn't seem responsible without further information. It is most likely they are returns from people that tried out this new guitar and it didn't like it for whatever reason. So signs point to you getting a used product--as it's listed.
1
Original Poster
Aug 19, 2024
665 Posts
Joined Dec 2022
Aug 19, 2024
PortabelloRoad
Original Poster
Aug 19, 2024
665 Posts
I just bought a used Line 6 Pod Express Bass from them that was listed as used.
The box was beat to snot. The pedal had obviously been opened and used but was in overall great condition.
So "used" or "return", same result. It was used.

The acoustasonic I got from them was the same. It had issues with the knobs and a few light scratches. Luckily I was able to fix the knobs on my own, and just live with the scratches for the discount I got.
Last edited by PortabelloRoad August 18, 2024 at 06:06 PM.
Pro
Aug 19, 2024
215 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
Aug 19, 2024
cantdecide
Pro
Aug 19, 2024
215 Posts
Quote from PurpleThread611 :
Source for "length of time a guitar has been out doesn't matter for MAP?"

The experts around here used to say MAP was skirted because Fender, for example, made way too many guitars during the lockdown era. That made sense. This is a new guitar from PRS and has been well reviewed. Do not see why too many would've been made to where they need to unload them by calling them used and getting around MAP.

Also, is it verified that PRS has the same MAP rules that Fender does?

I get that a lot of people around here are excited about deals and want to encourage people to purchase, but in this case, speculating these are new guitars doesn't seem responsible without further information. It is most likely they are returns from people that tried out this new guitar and it didn't like it for whatever reason. So signs point to you getting a used product--as it's listed.
It's the same source as your claim that "The MAP explanation doesn't work on a guitar that's been out for only a month."

Believe what you want to believe. I don't think anyone can convince you otherwise, no matter what they post.
Aug 19, 2024
126 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
Aug 19, 2024
PurpleThread611
Aug 19, 2024
126 Posts
Quote from cantdecide :
It's the same source as your claim that "The MAP explanation doesn't work on a guitar that's been out for only a month."

Believe what you want to believe. I don't think anyone can convince you otherwise, no matter what they post.
Seller: "It's a used guitar."

Slickdeals user: "That means it's a new guitar. Don't ask me how I know."

Who is believing what he wants to believe? I only hope people here aren't persuaded to ignore what a listing says. This is real money you're asking people to spend on your hunches.
Pro
Aug 19, 2024
328 Posts
Joined Jan 2014
Aug 19, 2024
RobertJason
Pro
Aug 19, 2024
328 Posts
My tip to knowing what you got…

At the factory, Squier/Gretsch/PRS guitar boxes are flat cardboard. Like when you buy a 10-pack of boxes at U-Haul, they're flat. When the manufacturer folds the box and put a guitar in the fold the flap "one direction" (vertical to in)… HALFWAY breaking it in. if you get it home you can tell that you are the first one to fold the box flap "the other direction" (vertical to out).

There's a resistance to opening the flap all the way, a virgin box, lol Cardboard boxes are funny in that they are broken in only once.

Not for all box types, but it seems for guitars you can tell if it's new or a return by the flaps. You want that crunchy resistant cardboard flap that feels like folding a new U-Haul box. Then you likely got a new guitar.
Aug 20, 2024
199 Posts
Joined Feb 2016
Aug 20, 2024
texas_mustang
Aug 20, 2024
199 Posts
I doubt these are returns. They just got them in stock a week or two ago. The guitar itself has barely been out a month. Of all the Proaudiostar stuff, I'd bet these are all new.
Pro
Aug 20, 2024
215 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
Aug 20, 2024
cantdecide
Pro
Aug 20, 2024
215 Posts
Quote from PurpleThread611 :
Seller: "It's a used guitar."

Slickdeals user: "That means it's a new guitar. Don't ask me how I know."

Who is believing what he wants to believe? I only hope people here aren't persuaded to ignore what a listing says. This is real money you're asking people to spend on your hunches.
I've purchased basses from adorama, who does the same thing as PAS, that were marked used. Each time they were in the factory box with factory tape, completely untouched since they left the factory.

I've purchased thousands of dollars of items from PAS that were either marked "open box" or "used". The only difference between them was the price they charged. Every time they were brand new in factory boxes.

So I have multiple real world experiences buying both "open box" and "used" equipment from this retailer. What do you have, besides a desire to argue?

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Aug 20, 2024
126 Posts
Joined Jun 2023
Aug 20, 2024
PurpleThread611
Aug 20, 2024
126 Posts
Quote from cantdecide :
I've purchased basses from adorama, who does the same thing as PAS, that were marked used. Each time they were in the factory box with factory tape, completely untouched since they left the factory.

I've purchased thousands of dollars of items from PAS that were either marked "open box" or "used". The only difference between them was the price they charged. Every time they were brand new in factory boxes.

So I have multiple real world experiences buying both "open box" and "used" equipment from this retailer. What do you have, besides a desire to argue?
I bought from them too, and think they're a good retailer. And I am persuaded that in a lot of cases, they could sell new guitars being labeled as used. In this particular instance, I'm less inclined to believe that because this is a brand new model that has been well reviewed and PRS already had to discount their entire SE to get out from under a bunch of inventory last year, so thinking they would make that mistake with a guitar that's a month old is a stretch. We are knowledgeable buyers clearly, but I'm concerned that people use this site who aren't as knowledgeable, and hear this speculation and don't get the result they were told. It says it's used. No one can guarantee it's a new guitar based on past experiences with this retailer.

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