Years ago, I worked at a music store. It was a mom and pop shop — one of the last in the area that had held out against being bought by chains like Music & Arts. We sold a little bit of everything… sheet music, instruments (including band and orchestra rentals), drums, amplifiers, and so forth. On occasion, we would also take instruments as trades.
One fine evening, a gentleman arrived with a beautiful jazz guitar. It was an Eastman. Now for those who don’t know, Eastman is a company that specializes in making cellos. Their guitars are a bit more mainstream and “normal” now, but back then, they were rare to see, very cello-like in construction, and quite expensive (even by guitar standards).
The owner dabbled with him for a few minutes, eventually turning him down. Despite the instrument’s value, it had a very niche market. It wasn’t something he wanted to take in and just let hang on the wall for years while it awaited a buyer.
Disappointed, the gentleman put his Eastman guitar back in its case. Before he left, I heard him remark how he only wanted to trade it for a starter Epiphone acoustic… and the one he had in mind only retailed for around $400.
Trading a $2500 guitar for a $400 guitar? That seemed like a no-brainer.
Naturally, I approached.
“Are you sure that’s the trade you want to make?” I asked him. I made sure he understood the difference in value — he didn’t seem to care. He said he had no use for a jazz guitar. It wasn’t the style of music he wanted to play.
So I bought the Epiphone. And we traded.
It isn’t the most expensive item I’ve ever purchased, but it’s definitely the best trade I’ve ever made. It was such a wonderful guitar.
I’d show you a picture of it, but I lost it.
No, no… I’m not talking about losing the picture. I actually misplaced the guitar itself.
Yeah. I lost a guitar.
Aerik Arkadian 
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