Where Do All the Broken Guitars Go? (And Why Refurbished Isn't Bad, It's Better-and Cheaper!)

Franklin, Tennessee's MIRC/Franklin Guitar Works saves more than 20,000 busted guitars every year, and can even make them play better than when they first left the manufacturer. Learn how and shop an ongoing sale (through August 21) here: bit.ly/3OYqrWs

[@Reverb]

You can check out what Franklin Guitar Works has at any given time by Saving The Shop on Reverb: shorturl.at/puPU2

[@ariefaundes]

They got nothing!!

[@YoureNowOnTV]

I'm confused that link has zero listings. Is there a different seller I should look for on Reverb? BTW isn't MIRC a computer chat/network program?

[@snelled]

@@YoureNowOnTV Try again there were around 200 guitars I saw this morning. This is a great idea, not quite as altruistic as he wants you to believe but a solid concept.

[@barbmelle3136]

Several years ago I bought one of those refurbished guitars with the serial number changed. It is a Epiphone SG. It has a great set up, plays perfectly, and no cosmetic flaws either. I cannot figure out what was originally wrong. I thought it was a gamble, but have been very happy. No regrets

[@stuwyatt7135]

We have been a MIRC dealer since 2001. The guys in the repair shop are excellent.

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

there honestly should be more companies like this. Especially when you think how many trees you have to down to make guitars on an industrial scale to begin with. There's a lot guitars are perfectly good instruments left to rot, because it's not part of the hype. This shows another way of doing things.

[@ThatGuysGuitars]

I’m a dealer with these guys Fantastic company. The guitars are awesome, and allow little guys like me, to try out, keep, and sell gear I’d never be able to afford, or even get in the door as a dealer on (Gibson/Fender)

[@EffBee_Tip]

I’m all for this process. Wish that I was close enough to become a team member for their repairs.

[@thomashoffman92]

I worked there a decade or so ago, it was an amazing place to cut my teeth as a repair tech. After a while of being there they had me specializing in fixing broken Les Paul headstocks, and sometimes that's all I would do for weeks at a time. I still find MIRC instruments at shops around the country from time to time and it's good to know that instrument has been in good hands.

[@Natethegr809]

All broken guitars go to heaven

[@SunsetPunk]

Stairway to heaven

[@justaguy2365]

Is heaven like guitar center? With millions of people noodling all at once?

[@gunsofsteele]

SGs are not allowed in heaven. 👹

[@rikkousa]

Where do Gibson Robot tuners go?

[@Snej-n2r]

@@rikkousaTake off the shoes before you enter the room.

[@tito.tarantula]

Kudos to Franklin Guitar Works for their ingenuity and commitment to the environment in today's throw away society.

[@nellayema2455]

I recently received 2 guitars that were damaged by FedEx during shipping. The retailer took them back without hesitation, but I wondered what ultimately happens to them. I'm happy that there's a company that repairs them, saving them from the landfill.

[@mab2112]

Wow, this is great! I had no idea this company existed. Hopefully this will allow a lot of people who could not afford these new guitars to get a quality instrument and start/continue their musical journey. Awesome!

[@guyisntcool5576]

not to bring their name down at all, but they mostly are like ebay for anything music related. awesome site

[@mackymaca]

Love what you guys are doing not only for the music industry but for the Earth, as well.

[@skateborg]

So glad I watched this. Now I know the real meaning behind that "USED" stamp on the backs of the headstock of the MIRC / Franklin Guitar Works inventory. Great work you guys!

[@mattbehr1136]

A quick KZbin search reveals that Franklin Guitar Works has just ONE video out there. I just subscribed in hopes they will consider making more videos of repairs. I would love to see all the cool stuff they can do!

[@J.C...]

I'd take a splined headstock any day as long as it's done right. It'll be a lot stronger than it was before it broke.

[@thomashoffman92]

I did probably a few hundred headstock repairs at MIRC 10 years ago, and I'd trust one of those splined necks better than new.

[@PG-ex3kl]

Gibson should sell all their guitars pre-splined.?

[@gunsofsteele]

I just bought a b-stock Fender American Pro II for half price of new. For 3 weeks I could not find anything wrong with it then I pulled the pickguard. 3 of the screw holes have 1/16th-1/8th finish chipping around them. Pickguard on & they can't be seen. Great guitar!!! Thanks Reverb!

[@drumdiscussion7776]

The ultimate goal of a musician is to create music. Sometimes it takes years to find that special instrument to connect with. MIRC/Franklin Guitar Works has created a need that fulfills it with everything not new. Being an older musician, it is very encouraging to carry on with an instrument to repair and create new music with. The mojo is still there.

[@CianRourke]

In 2016 I started using MIRC as a supplier. It was overall a pretty good experience. My only real issue was their forcing of sellers to adhere to MAP (minimum advertised price) though the guitars were stamped “used”. You are not going to force me to sell a used guitar at a minimum price set by an arbitrary “standard” based on new prices.

[@troywilliams37064]

I too was an MIRC reseller back around that time, I am local in Franklin so I spent at lot of time there in person. That MAP ordeal caused some pretty heated arguments between me and the leadership at the time.

[@Fretjoe]

I have been a MIRC dealer for about 20 years and the ONLY time I can remember them doing a MAP price was on ONE model for a brief period of time because some dealers were devaluing that model, which hurt everyone. I have no idea what you are talking about, your comment is very misleading

[@ronnynast]

I bought a b stock from sweet water. 400 bucks off than new. The bridge was leaning forward and the truss rod adjustment hole was painted over to much. Fixed the bridge and sanded the hole to be usable, One of the best playing guitars I own now. If you can do your own setup and fixing you can save lots of cash on b stocks.

[@Jake_AC]

This is confusing. I don't see any way to filter by refurbished or decorations on reverb.

[@fishpotpete]

I've purchase a lot of refurbs through the years. Really haven't had any issues - whethers it's a guitar, camera, laptop, etc. Like the gentleman says - with a refurb you know someone has taken the time to check everything out and make sure it does what it's suppose to. Looks like a fun place to work 🙂

[@bobbiejoe4726]

3 days after this video goes up and all the Reverb listings are gone and the store is empty. mission accomplished.

[@drewnorth3816]

Store looks full to me. Over 400 items for sale.

[@T10elC]

I pre-ordered a Fender 75th Anniversary Strat, paid for it, and eagerly awaited for it to arrive. Fender never shipped it. When I inquired about the order, I was told my order was canceled. I inquired more, and I was told the guitar had a flaw, so they couldn't ship it. Hmmm. I would have been happy with a discount. I suspect they really oversold the 75th anniversary Strats, and I got screwed. If the guitar really was flawed, after watching this video, I assume MIRC/Franklin Guitar Works ended up with the guitar. It's wonderful you are saving so many guitars.

[@deandee8082]

so where are the deals? I shopped your site and don't see any at all? what am I missing? not only are these guitars flawed they're used as well so they in no way no matter how good the repair is should they go for the same as new? for instance I see a fenner vintera 50s tele going for $878 new you're asking $1078? what am I missing here?

[@werewolflover8636]

Same here! I’ve never seen ANYTHING on Reverb that’s 50% off! Nowhere close to that!

[@kaitlyn__L]

The irony with B-stock is I often think the messed-up looking instruments have the most character. I even like it when people do a refurbishment for personal use and leave any damage which won’t affect playability. (I totally get why for commercial refurbs that wouldn’t work tho.)

[@Scott__C]

In my book it's better than "relic"

[@jamiemorgan4146]

I bet you buy dented cars too.

[@freespirit1776]

Great video. Do more of these spotlights, this is a fascinating service.

[@crubenbauer1]

As a long time MIRC Dealer, I can honestly say that the value for the end user is amazing. Hey Folks, the notes are all in the same place. And the $$ is in our pockets. BTW, we have close to 300 Refurbished MIRC Guitars currently in stock. Thanks, Adam and Jason.

[@markbrown7103]

I think that is really super cool😎 I love guitars. I am a solo instrumental. Guitarist been playing for several years since 1974. I love these instruments. I’m glad to see they don’t go to waste. I think you have a wonderful shop and you do an excellent job putting them all back together. I’m glad to see that nothing is wasted, and I think that is really cool.😎 and a lot of people may not want to buy refurbish guitars, but I think they’re just as good especially when they’re rebuilt by professionals. Thanks for your video. Love it.👍🏼😁😎🎸🎼🎶🎵😀

[@tymstewart]

I love Reverb and Chicago Music Exchange. I bought a B-Stock Squier CV Jaguar 70s CME exclusive on Reverb. It's one of my favorite guitars. Great video highlighting and detailing this!

[@the-heads]

I got a Squier neck from these guys not knowing what refurbished ment and that was discarded because it had "weird wood grain" turns out, the weird wood grain turned out to be gorgeous Birds Eye maple. It feels and plays like an absolute dream. I had no idea it went through this level of care. The frets feel amazing for a Squier.

[@DandamanV]

I love this so much. I'm a big advocate for breathing new life into discarded or imperfect guitars. A massive amount of work goes into building a guitar from scratch and you just don't appreciate it until you try it for yourself. Stopping imperfect guitars from hitting the scrap heap is so important, and besides, anyone who can claim to hear a cosmetic blemish is a liar!

[@1FastKawboy]

I see opportunities for people to carry on the unique set of skills that you can not get just anywhere. The next generation of craftsmen. Much needed in the community and manufacturing level.

[@toddinrancho290]

this is fantastic!!! we need more Franklin Guitar Works!!!

[@jcsolomon6470]

To me,Its in the Wording!😮People,can be very particular when it comes to Choosing their Refurbed or Repaired guitar,if picked at all!

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Reverb, this is awesome and I had no idea about this. However, I gotta say on the app at least it’s not easy to find this stuff on purpose.

[@richardclark.]

i had to google franklin then let it take me to the reverb shop. idk why they make it so hard to find shops on the app?

[@McFlyGuitarsandStuff]

A guy started selling me guitars. Like $1200 vintera fenders for $300. They all played kinda crappy. (Because fender dosent want to do decent fret work or even any remote kind of setup) I would put them on my bench. Find all the high frets, address them, polish them, cut the nut, complete set up ect. Do all the things the factory wont. They turn out incredible. It really makes me happy to make a guitar play 'fantastic'. This place is Way cool! Just watching this makes me want to work on guitars!

[@juancblum6445]

Awesome. Finally, no more guitars go to the dumpster for convenience. Today this practice is called Circular Econony, waste from one is the raw material or the input for someone else. No more waste. And more guitars playing and making all of us happy people.

[@Boris_Chang]

Funny how the slightest blemish makes the manufacturer say “oh no, we can’t put our name on that…”. Meanwhile, in the custom shop next door, a specialist smacks and bashes and scrapes a brand new guitar that then becomes a distressed new old stock…

[@ronj9448]

Good point. B-Stock really should be in line for the "Relic Shop". Like French Toast is made with stale bread.

[@Boris_Chang]

@ Exactly!!

[@drewburgess525]

Wow, I wish I went to work for these guys when I was younger

[@brushstroke3733]

This is an awesome story. This makes me very happy! Waste not, want not. Repair what can be repaired. Make good use of everything. This is how to think and live sustainably. Build to last as well. If I ever buy another new guitar, I will buy it from you.

[@pinpindesarapin6228]

I bought one of their Tele player acoustasonics. Listed as mint condition but arrived like direct from the factory. Bang of the buck!

[@bodhi9464]

my very first acoustic guitar was a second hand ~ Alvarez .. I still have it , 44 years later ! 🎸🇦🇺🎶

[@billynamer]

Just bought a guitar from them from one of their divisions for a very affordable price and I’m glad I bought from them after watching this video. Proud and happy to see them selling in my home town region.

[@jerichostevens2711]

I bought two bstock guitars from reverb. they're both just fine... a player strat, and a player tele.. each cost me about $500. I think it's a good deal.

[@RsSquier51]

I can vouch for these guys. I bought a Fender Aerodyne (white) for half price of list and it is perfect with no flaws and no B-stock stamp or anything.

[@monmixer]

Most of the B stocks are finish cracks, normally around the neck pocket on the body of the guitar or Demo models.

[@barrettKiwi]

This is awesome, and what a great guy, he's clearly very passionate about the refurbishment and re purposing of instruments and keeping them out of the landfill. Would definitely be interested in checking out their store.

[@Sammywhat]

Franklin Guitar Works can have some really great deals. I've built a partscaster from their fender parts - best guitar I've ever owned!

[@Reverb]

Indeed, and they've been adding kind of a crazy amount of the past week or two, gearing up for Black Friday.

[@RobMods]

Awesome stuff. This is why I don't build guitars anymore. There are just so many instruments out there that can be repaired and modded.

[@OblivionAviator]

This is really, really cool. I did not know any of this. Kudos to this guy & all his employees for doing the right thing ...refreshing.

[@manonbassguitar]

I’ve bought a few things from Franklin Guitar Works. They’re awesome & saved me some cash on perfectly new stuff🤘🏼

[@WDShorty]

This is so silly since reverb doesn't even have a "refurbished" filter, so how would you even know, in most cases it just says used-new $100 off

[@miahconnell23]

Heard. I saw an archtop on Chicago Music Exchange: a pre-Fender era Gretsch 6120. Critical-for me-was that it didn’t have trestle bracing. I wanted that more minimal bracing the Gretsch was doing on their earlier Setzer Hot Rods. Not exceedingly rare, but rare enough that you’ve gotta wait until someone feels like selling. It looked REALLY abused. If I could’ve been certain that is was only cosmetic stuff, I’d have purchased the s*** outta that guitar. To be know if the damage is cosmetic or structural, ya gotta look inside. The broken pickup bezels made me suspect the guitar may have fallen on its face in the past. That would be a dealbreaker. Repairing broken archtops is luthier purview. Pricey, and justifiably so. Their sales guy was too busy to give it the inspection I required. This company in this here video would’ve been helpful, methinks.

[@michaelsnydermusic]

I guess just search their shop for now (until reverb fixes this) or search refurbished (model). But yeah, it’s way to difficult to find and know who refurbished it.

[@mst646]

Thank you for sharing! Didn't know this existed at this scale; thank you so much for giving a "second chance" to those instruments so they can be appreciated and valued once again. I love music instruments and see 'em being taken care of like some sort of animal shelter but in this case an "instrument shelter"! 🎸Makes me sleep better at night. 🙂

[@guitartec]

How many in your staff? Man, it takes a lot of manpower to get 100 repairs done / day. Not saying it can't be done, just need a shitload of techs/luthiers. In my younger days, I once setup 100 Washburn D10 2nds in a single day (arrived 2 wks before Xmas), so I know how to crank. It was a big effort that took all day and most didn't need repair or restore, just setup w/strings. Had helpers unbox/box. Whew!

[@manonbassguitar]

I got a killer deal from Franklin Guitar Works, on a brand new Vintage white (yellow) Squier Tele that only available in Europe & Japan. Its killer , I didn’t find anything wrong with it

[@buaidhnobas1ify]

I'm sure this word has been used a lot here...but Wow!! The multi-colored strip gold top...Wow! This is great.

[@ernestochang1744]

I got a 2019 B.C rich Prophecy series with an evertune it's a 50th anniversary model off Franklin guitar works which i believe is one of those B stock sellers, and it was such a good deal and the guitar basically looked brand new, in this dark green colour you can see it in my channel in my newest video but essentially i cant believe i got such a rare instrument for that price its my favourite guitar now it plays so nice, definetly worth it to check out B stocks and refurbished on reverb

[@thebenefactor6744]

I just want those little axes to find their forever homes. It breaks my heart to look into those sad little f holes and know they won't be able to snuggle up in front of a warm roaring half stack this evening.

[@phihelix8777]

Great view about these wonderful instruments. They all have potential to change the world and people's lives.💖

[@emo_galaxy9413]

MIRC is the biznatch! Great stuff for sure. I really like what this guy has to say and i am happy to hear that they are saving all that they can. That is outstanding. That is whole point of sustainability, to repair, reuse, and recycle to the point of other items from the original. I trust their stuff more than from factory!

[@andrewa2646]

Got my new Charvel from these guys for 600 bucks. Literally brand new

[@CorbCorbin]

Which guys?

[@GerryBlue]

@@CorbCorbin The ones in the video

[@dickiewalshclearlightsauna140]

Seriously, this is one of the coolest company videos I've ever seen.

[@doknox]

I have a 73 alvarez acoustic. Great guitar.

[@itsgmani]

Very cool. But no listings on their site?

[@stephennault5666]

I love your concept, Keeping stuff out of the landfill is great, I just wish you sold direct to the public, but you do not. All the sales on your page are through 3rd party sellers, I know you stand behind the sales, But as the buyer i have no idea if what i am buying went through your shop or justis for sale on-line.

[@mitchronshaugen8245]

I've bought from Franklin. Great company!

[@larryburwell8550]

this is great. i certainly never thought about this, but this is great

[@timothyhill9146]

I always dumpster dive at Guitar Center and great useable parts!

[@TimmyJoePCTech]

Man I want to work there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheDevilsKnot]

Whomever mixed the sound, were you aiming for his voice and the music to compete for loudness?

[@ralphbenites1819]

This is my favorite site.for vintage drum parts.it’s a cool site

[@cchirone8408]

Love this! this is such a brilliant business. keep up the great work.

[@chrispile3878]

God bless the people of MIRC / Franklin Guitar Works!

[@petrekguitars]

Hey that's amazing never heard about a Company like that. I am a Luthier since 1997 and have repaired more than 10.000 Instruments and it`s so good to see that there is a big Companie out there doing this in numbers that a "One Man Show" like me need decades for. Thanks for showing I am impressed:-) Continue this amazing work. Best Regards Nik

[@everybodylovesgav]

5:53 what type of finish is that ? looks fantastic.

[@deonchase3167]

Very cool. One of the best infommercials ever.

[@glenngardin3561]

This is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I'd like to buy a guitar from them on principal alone!

[@jerrybriardy]

I don't get it. Page after page of guitars I can't afford. Where are the supposed deals?

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

Well, This is VERY COOL!! I'd Love a Lefty Electric 12-String Hybrid!! I Dig Funky Guitars, like Vox and Eastwood, Italia, etc... , no offense to those Makers....

[@epasternak4206]

We need one in Southeastern Michigan

[@johnpociecha1177]

great idea i wonder if there is something like this in the land down under

[@rikirex2162]

I checked the site...they should know the difference between hollow and semihollow or semiacoustic...that was enough to make me go back to the news...

[@jw_au]

This is a great idea… I wonder if someone is doing this here in Australia

[@trevorgwelch7412]

What does Amazon do with returned guitars ... they ( maybe ) throwing them in the trash bin . Sad . ✨✨✨🎸✨✨✨

[@NotExpatJoe]

A significant portion of Amazon's sales is driven by third-party sellers, who maintain control over their inventory. These sellers face a crucial decision regarding damaged items: they can choose to have products returned or destroyed. While Amazon typically disposes of unusable goods, such as broken guitars, this action is only carried out at the request of the third-party sellers. Thus, the responsibility for such choices solely rests with third-party sellers, not Amazon.

[@csharp57]

Only time I have an issue with refurbished guitars is if they aren’t half off the price. Anything more and don’t even waste my time.

[@andyshaw8047]

Not 1 guitar in their Reverb shop :(

[@Pickles-s5k]

Is there a way to sort Reverb for MIRC refurbished guitars? Franklin Guitar Works is one of the retailers that sells their refurbished guitars but it would be nice to just sort MIRC.

[@NotExpatJoe]

Franklin Guitar Works is MIRC on reverb. They however haven't listed anything in quite awhile.

[@SeeMick1]

Is their site showing 0 inventory for anyone else right now?

[@TheMoodyLoners]

Today I see dozens of pages of listings of guitars and guitar parts

[@Red-yx5yo]

I have a Gibson Sonex with a messed up neck. i wish i could find someone to repair it. I love that damn guitar and don't have the heart to sell for parts.

[@imageskj1]

Great presentation. Who knew?

[@stonephilips9361]

Do they have USA models

[@johnpick8336]

Excellent. Trees died to make these guitars it is good to respect their sacrifice.

[@wabisabi6875]

Very informative, thanks!

[@GaveMeGrace1]

That sounds so cool! Thank you.

[@esp901]

How can a shop this big have 0 listings in Reverb?

[@musicsurfandrats]

I would love to work there

[@Mr.P5588]

how do i apply fpr this

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

so do they describe the "issue" that was refurbished ? ie the head stock snapped off and we glued it back !!

[@barryrudolph9542]

There are also a lot of closet queens. They are guitars that were bought by people who wanted to learn to play the guitar but gave up and let the instrument sit in the closet for years. I bought and fixed these instruments for about 2 year from private online sellers for $25 to $150. After giving them the love they need to make them playable again I would sell them for a small profit I used to buy Luthier tools. It's was a hobby and certainly not a get rich scheme but it kept these instruments from going to the city dump.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I agree with the title here. Those refurbished guitars are often setup better than most factory guitars.