Masterpiece Brazilian Rosewood Classical Guitar. Millenium, 200+yrs. Rosewood, Arm Rest; Superb sound! Start Price USD 7,500.00 Current Price USD 7,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 8,500.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 02, 2008 End Time Monday, July 07, 2008 Location Keene, Texas See more about 'Masterpiece Brazilian Rosewood Classical Guitar.' Description saulofernandes Store Masterpiece Brazilian Rosewood Classical Guitar. Folks:This guitar was being initially offered at $10,500.00. This is truly a once in a life time opportunity if you are looking for the very best the world has to offer in terms of classical guitars. Big Savings! Similar world class masterpieces, perhaps even inferior in sound projection, quality, and sustain are being sold in America and Europe for more than  US$20,000.00, no joke. However, thanks to the unbeatable Brazilian cost/benefit relationship, you can have such an exquisite instrument for only a fraction of the price other competitors are charging. UNPRECEDENTED IN LUTHIERY: Brazilian luthiers didn't use to be regarded as great as the Europeans builders, however in the last 20 years this scenario has been increasingly changing. Specially with the work done by Segrio Abreu and now the Carvalho brothers. Both are internationally known makers, however, the Carvalhos have been ranked superior by offering breakthrough technology (see building process below), being categorized by many leading luthiers unprecedented in Brazilian Luthiery history.LIMITED EDITION SERIES: The number of these Special Edition Guitars is limited, as only a few will be made. Half of them are being sent to me, to be offered to the American and European communities, as I officially represent the Carvalhos in America and Europe. This is a unique opportunity of acquiring an unique and very rare instrument, made with Brazilian Rosewood cut in the 18th century! It's amazing! A true collector's item! The bracings are lattice (with carbon fiber), not exactly like a Smallman guitar, but as powerful and preserving the great sound quality of good old fan braced guitars, and with fabulous sustain. To play one of these masterpieces is a one in a life time experience. To own it, can be considered a great achievement in life, for they are indeed second to none, precious treasures. If you are looking for the very best guitar, dream guitar, then this is it! It comes with  a three day money back guarantee. (Serious bidders, please. I appreciate it.)Good Luck!NOTICE: I have been selling and buying guitars on eBay for a few years now, and know for a fact that guitars like this one usually don't receive many bids. It is more likely that just one buyer, perhaps two, will bid on it for it is an instrument for a professional, and professionals like to make sure the guitar they are acquiring is really "the guitar." Also, is quite an investment. I just though I should add this note in case that there may be an accomplish guitar player out there with fine musical taste and perceptions that is a potential buyer but one who may be feeling funny about this guitar since there aren't many bids on it, or nonexistent ones yet. It is my experience that this is very common when selling high end guitars. In case that a potential buyer have any doubt that this is really a world class concert guitar, feel free to contact me and I will be more than glad to address any concern.  You may also read the entire ad below for testimonials, building process, warranty, waiting list, etc..  Thanks.Master ConcertThis is another 2008 Samuel Carvalho Concert Master, Special Edition, numbered 368. Please see my other guitar for sale. I am using this same description for both, as they are equally outstanding guitars.This one is priced higher than the other one, due to its arm rest feature plus extra purflings.Every one of these Special Edition guitars are truly remarkable! You may call each one of them, a dream guitar. They are built with Brazilian Rosewood very old, and this one has on it a set from the 18th century. Imagine that! It is extremely difficult to acquire Brazilian Rosewood that old, very rich and in excellent conditions like this one. It will make a one of a kind graduation gift. I took this newer release Carvalho Special Edtition, numbered 368, to virtuoso and teacher Christopher McGuire in Dallas, whom after playing and observing it  concluded: "this one is even better than the other one you showed to me previously, which was already excellent. This is amazing!" Mr. McGuire has performed hundreds of concerts all over the world and in his website http://www.christophermcguire.com you can see the great Andres Segovia making a fine statement about his playing technique. So, if Mr. McGuire rates a guitar as an excellent one, it is because it really is. He is currently the director of the Allegro Guitar Society of Dallas (http://guitarsociety.org ), owns two Smallman guitars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Smallman, For testimonials about Carvalho guitars, see below under "Who plays a Carvalho Guitar?"Carvalho's Concert Master Special Edition Guitars are Second to None.100% handcrafted undergoing an acute quality control criterion to ensure a final product that is nothing less than flawless. Simply put, they match the craftsmanship and sound quality of today's most sought after custom made concert guitars. They are built with the most prime, aged and well preserved woods. In particular, the Brazilian Rosewood used on the back and sides of these guitars is among the rarest available. A cut dating from the 18th century! Imagine that! Brazilian Rosewood that old and yet very rich being preserved during all this time. It is really a treasure. Some experts, like Christopher McGuire, say that guitars with Brazilian Rosewood like that is truly a collectible item and a nice investment for the future. Sound-wise, the word "divine" comes to mind. It is so captivating! Strong, clear and yet well defined basses; sweet/clear bell-like trebles, also well defined and balanced across all registers. The Carvalho brothers really strive to capture the most sough after aspects of sound quality in their guitars. Features like evenness over the whole range, sustain, excellent definition, separation, clarity, sweetness, and superb volume all balanced together in harmony such that no one aspect inhibits another. Specially they want the sound to be sweet and expressive encouraging expressive performance. A wonderful concert instrument in every dimension already open now, imagine after a year or two of playing it... A second to none guitar. For professionals, Ph.Ds., Professors, and even applied students who are looking for the very best, but can't afford to pay 20,000.00 and up, for a similar state of the art guitar (though I doubt another similar guitar would have on it a set of Brazilian Rosewood this old). So, if you fall into that category, than this guitar is the answer. No kidding, some professionals like the few mentioned below, are opting for a Carvalho Concert Master, because it offers the same as the currently most acclaimed ones at a fraction of the price. Honestly, it compares in crafstmanship and sound volume and quality to a Mathias Damman Double Top http://www.classicguitar.com/dammann.html, a Thomas Humphrey - http://www.thomashumphrey.com/flash_ornot.html#, a Romanillos www.classicalguitar.com/romanillos.html, and a Paulino Bernabe Royal http://www.classicguitar.com/Bernabe.html, to mention only a few. In sound definition, though, it has its unique sweetness in it, which for some has been more appealing than the ones above. Read more about it below under "The Perfect Guitar Quest" section.WAITING LISTI have the honor of being the official distributor of Carvalhos guitars for the US, and would like to inform all that there is currently a growing waiting list of 14 months to have one of Carvalho’s Special Edition guitars made. Such waiting list is the natural result of the positive impact generated on professionals whom testify of the excellence in craftsmanship and superior sound quality found in this special edition series. Also, this 18th century batch of Black Brazilian Rosewood acquired by the Carvalhos is limited to about 70 sets, back and sides. The majority of them have already been committed to other buyers, however, I have a contract with them to receive a few of them during 2008. You will pay more then the selling price of these guitars in Brazil, which is 5,500.00 to 6,000.00, however you don't need to wait the 14 months long, or even worst, run the risk of missing out having one of these 18th century Black Brazilian Rosewood guitars. Here is your chance to do so, by bidding on this one, which is ready for delivery. Shipping is included with BuyItNow price. This guitar is indeed divine.Who Plays a Carvalho?After years in the making of concert quality guitars, the Carvalhos have achieved such a level of perfection that today their name are showing alongside internationally leading luthiers. The key factor here is the fast growing number of recognized virtuosos whom, if not currently owing a Carvalho, are in the waiting list for one. They have been influenced by several of the great 20th century builders. You can read more about it below in "the perfect guitar quest" section. As they become more recognized the prices on their guitars will significantly increase, so whoever acquires one now will be glad they made the investment. There are many virtuosos playing with a Carvalho guitar, and below there is a short list of them:1- Joao Luiz/Douglas Lora, guitar duo. You can read about their successful international career at http://www.concertartists.org/brasil_bio.htm. They both have ordered one of the Carvalho Concert Master Special Edition Guitars, and will be using them in their 2008 - 2009 tour to the US, www.guitarsociety.org/BrasilGuitarDuo.html Joao Luiz has just received his this April 2008.2- Paulo Martelli, a "critically acclaimed guitarist from Brazil" http://cdbaby.com/cd/martellipaulo, he is now concertizing with a Carvalho guitar. Watch his flawless performance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t63DKv5vBHw.3- Paulo Bellinati, "a musical thinker, he has crossed idioms and oceans."www.brazzil.com/musmay98.htm. His official web site is: www.bellinati.com.4- Joao Paulo Figueroa, playing a 2006 cedar top Carvalho guitar at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1iBcsuOg9k. He is currently living in the US, finishing his guitar Ph.D. studies in Florida. Among many of his honorable acclamations, one worth mentioning was his inclusion among the chosen 15 finalists for the  largest prize international guitar competition in history. He performed at the competition with his Carvalho guitar. His picture and name appears together with the chosen competitors at: http://www.pepperdine.edu/arts/parkening/.5- Paulo Porto Alegre - One of the greatest virtuosos in Brazil. See him playing a 2006 Carvalho spruce top at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1049153998351560156.More Testimonials "This guitar is excellent! Even better than the previous one." - Christopher McGuire, http://www.christophermcguire.com . "Better than the best double top guitars from Rumenia." - Robert Guthrie, head of the Southern Methodist University Guitar Department, http://fortworthguitarguild.org/FWGG_old_site/guthrie.html. "I wish I could keep A guitar like this!" - Andrew Zohn, http://music.colstate.edu/events/guitar/artists.asp#Andrew_Zohn. Mr. Zohn made this statement to the Carvalhos after receiving their Indian Rosewood, Concert Master guitar, which was offered as the 1st. prize for the CSU Guitar Competition recently held in Georgia. http://music.colstate.edu/events/guitar/competition.asp. Some of these "Concerto Master" guitars will be showcased at the Allegro Guitar Festival of Dallas this coming April. Please visit http://guitarsociety.org/GuitarFestival.htm, where you can read more about it.The Carvalhos have a website (Portuguese) at: http://www.samuelcarvalho.net/conteudo/index.asp?id=114, (Portuguese). It is a basic web site, as they are gifted in manufacturing outstanding guitars, not outstanding web sites. However, if you acces their site, click on the link "Galeria Multimidia," then click on "Fotos," to see some pictures of their work. If you scroll the page down you may be able to see a couple of pictures of these special edition series. I am currently making the English version of the website, which will be available in a near future.Building ProcessThe building process of these guitars is truly one of the finest in the world. All of the several steps and phases have their intricate science and particular touch from the Carvalhos, and all are worth displaying to the eBay community. However, for time sake I will briefly comment on only a few of them. Those are: The box with the sides, the back and the top. A word on the preservation of the wood is in order. All of the Carvalhos' woods are kept for years in special rooms for proper drying of its resin, specially the tops. In regards to the Brazilian rosewoods, The Carvalhos have a considerable stock of wood dating 50 to 100 years, plenty to building hundreds of guitars. This wood is carefully stacked in a special room for preservation. And since Brazilian Rosewood needs several decades for natural drying of resin, it is nice to know that their wood is that old. So, practically all the guitars they make comes with Brazilian Rosewood naturally dried at least for more than 5 decades. Naturally dry resin is important because the more dry the lesser the probability of developing cracks in the wood. In fact, Brazilian rosewood naturally dried for a period of 70 years of cut, has almost zero probability of cracking. Now, back to the building process. 1- The Box and the Sides: The Carvalhos make a guitar box so solid and extra reinforced/locked, that some refer to it as the "indestructible guitar box." Bars running from top to back, are placed at every three inches for extra firmness and support. Then for added strengthening a 180 degrees one piece wood belt is attached inside the box. This wood belt surrounds the lower bout from one side of the sound whole to the other. This is a solid structure, adding extra strength to the already solid box. Now, as if that was not enough, they add yet another reinforcement. This time it's a V joint support. The joint of the V meets at the bottom of the lower bout near the top, with each of its extremities attached at the sound whole level also near the top, and about the same level as that of the previous wood belt. I have personally seen the entire process and when comparing it with the work of other renowned luthiers, one have to conclude that the Carvalhos' is definitely superior for solidness, firmness, materials used and durability. Samuel argues that all this extras are highly important for sound projection, for the firmer the box, the freely the top will vibrate and produce outstanding volume and sustain. However, such a process requires more time, materials, and extra sections in the low humidity room, resulting in a more valuable instrument. Nevertheless, the owner of such a guitar has a instrument that will last generations. 2 - The back and the top: After the required materials and time in the low humidity room are due, then they begin to attach the back. After properly and carefully attaching it, the box returns to the low humidity room for several days. By the way, the back is also very strong, made with two solid book matching pieces of Brazilian Rosewood of at least 2.5mm thick, but not more than 3mm. After several days the box is removed from the low humidity room and it is then carefully checked for every bit of wood residue. Then they cover the inside of the whole box with a coat of a special chemical, for smoothness and further closing of wood. The top  also exemplifies their pursuit to excellence. The two well aged and extremely high quality halves are assembled 2 to three months before being attached to the box. This allows plenty of time for placement in the low humidity room during the assembling process of the top. The thickness of the top varies all over it, according to Samuel's private research and findings. The bracings are a blend of traditional fan bracings and crossed ones made out of balsa wood and carbon fiber, all strategically placed where Samuel's research, experience, and genius demonstrate to contribute for producing the best sound quality possible, strong, clear, sweet, with a bell-like sound and optimal sustain. After the top is glued and clamped, the whole box returns to the low humidity room, for several more days (two to three weeks). During this time, Samuel is paying close attention on how the structure is adapting and siting together. At this phase, he likes to tap on various parts of the top checking for resonance response levels. Taping the top produces vibration that results in a sound, which he calls singing. Depending on the magnitude of such vibration/singing, Samuel can determine the quality of sound volume and definition the guitar will render after it is finished, with about 90% accuracy. Only boxes that render a superb vibration/singing will continue to be finished and signed by him as one of his Concert Master Special Edition Guitars. Boxes that have a response less than superb, will have their tops removed and replaced again and again until the satisfactory vibration/singing is produced. The rest of the details, mounting of the neck, fretting, assembling of bridge, arm rest,  rosette, finishing, etc... I can gladly display to anyone willing to know more about them. Just contact me. It is a long and tedious process, quite extensive to be completely displayed here in details. However, their demonstrated persistence and extra work is what make their guitars second to none and so coveted by many.WARRANTY The Carvalhos offer lifetime guarantee on any of their Concert Master Guitars for as long as they are physically able to be luthiers. Buyer pays only shipping costs. I understand some may have concerns in regards to the cares and costs involved in shipping a guitar of this caliber abroad, in this case to Brazil. However, when properly and well packed the instrument can travel anywhere without suffering any alterations at all, as long as shipping doesn't occur frequently. I have previously received and sent guitars abroad through DHL, for instance, and they have demonstrated great care. In regards to the costs of shipping it to Brazil, it is just a little more than if shipping within the continental US. Samuel, personally inspects each of these guitars for control quality, to ensure a satisfactory and excellent final product. This guitar will last generations if it is properly taken care. In addition, because they want to get established and well recognized as luthiers in the US, the Caralhos are offering a special opportunity to those acquiring their guitars during 2008. Any one acquiring one of this second to none guitars, can actually exchange it for another Carvalho at no extra cost, but shipping. This is how it works: if you are the winner of this bid, you can request a second Concert Master Special Edition Guitar and have it for up to 7 days to compare both and decide which one to keep. Isn't that wonderful? At the winner's request I will ship a second one so he/she can choose among two of these second to none guitars. This is really an amazing opportunity. (This offer only applies after the 3 days money back return guarantee expires and buyer pays the shipping, which could be UPS Ground and not necessarily next day air. In order to keep the second guitar, the original one has to be in as new condition (no scratches, marks, dings, etc...)SpecificationsBack and sides: Black, rich Brazilian rosewood, 18th century cut! Polyurethane finish.Top: Superior grade and aged Cedar. French Polishing. Arm Rest: Aged Brazilian Rosewood.Neck: Superior mahogany.Body: Medium size. Very comfortable to play.Scale: African ebony. Elevated scale. Incredibly easier to play on the high frets. (See pictures). Length: 650mm.Bridge: Aged Rosewood, featuring 12 holes for superior bridge-bone/string angle performance. (See pictures).Headstock, front and back: Aged Brazilian Rosewood.Tuners: Sloane. (The Carvalhos also use Graph if requested. Extra fee applies).Purflings: On Sides (junction with Top and Back); On Top (junction with sides); On Back (junctions with sides); On center of back (so gorgeous!); On Bridge (same style and design as the one on center of back).Action at 12th Fret: 3.5 on the 6th String (low E), and 2.5 on the 1st (High E). Extra lower bone, is included for players who prefer a lower actionCase: Luxury padded black case included. THIS GUITAR IS A MASTERPIECE!ONLY SERIOUS BIDDERS, PLEASE. I APPRECIATE IT.GOOD LUCK!Family HistoryThe Carvalhos' father, made a living out of handcrafting violins, violas, harps and Flutes. Many believe that some of the later spilled into the new generation, passing on to the two brothers an added talent for luthiery. Samuel, became at one point in his life the main distributor of high grade Brazilian Rosewood to the most recognized luthiers in Brazil, a job that helped him to acquire great knowledge about coveted rosewoods, learning how to select the best existent woods and grains, including discovering new sources of rare, aged, and well preserved Brazilian Rosewood. Samuel began to handcraft guitars on his own, and a few years later his brother Emanuel joined him. From when Samuel first began up to now, they have built about 400 guitars, a lot of exprerience! The Perfect Guitar QuestThe Carvalho's natural gifts of persistence and applied self-discipline have led them for years to carry out experiments in the quest of handcrafting a guitar that encompasses the desired combination of rare/aged/rich/well preserved wood, excellent craftsmanship, flawless finishing, impressive volume, sweetness, evenness, sustain, and excellent definition. In other words, the perfect guitar! One factor that has helped the Carvalho brothers in this quest is Samuel's musical sensibility. Being himself an accomplish guitarist with a major in classical guitar and having this gift of evidencing levels of sound definition beyond what the average person would be able to, he will not build a guitar thinking of its results mainly in terms of volume, but one that convenes both an impressive volume and a crystal clear definition. In his words, "if a guitar has an impressive volume but offers only an fair sound definition, then it is not The guitar." The Carvalhos have always been very particular about sound definition, in fact, this is the work policy factor that has helped the most in establishing them as leading luthiers in Brazilian guitar luthiery. So, for them a great guitar must have both an impressive volume and an excellent sound definition.However, this so desirable sound quality is achievable only through years of persistent work. One must have not only a drive to build great guitars, but most importantly to possess the gift of wisdom in understanding the "how to" of luthiery science. In addition, a true master luthier will hold traits of character such as patience, perseverance, excellence in work, self-discipline, honesty, and humbleness to recognize the need for improvement in his own technique. The latter, makes him capable of learning, assimilating, and incorporating into his work the accumulated experience of competitors, which helps him to achieve superior levels of results that others who lack humility never will. In fact, this lack of humility is  sometimes the key ingredient that determines the difference between a luthier and "The" luthier.  Perseverance, is another trait that the lack of it alone can establish that difference, for it takes a lot of it in order to carry out all the required experiments until a guitar maker, again, becomes himself "The" luthier. Luckly, the Carvalho brothers have been gifted enough convening all the required characteristics, a fact that is witnessed in each of their most recent special edition guitars, fruit of years of work and experience. That is why these  guitars offer so much more than their predecessors, which already were fabulous. The Carvalhos have been influenced by some of the best traditional guitar builders such as Hauser, Bouchet, Esteso, Ramirez, Smallman, Damman, Humphrey, and others.. However, for the final experiments leading to this Special Edition Series, they assembled four special guitars each having a specific top, precisely a Smallman, a Damman double top, a Humphrey, and a Robert Ruck one. Each one was assembled to a Carvalho guitar box built with very, very old Brazilian Rosewood. Believe me, Carvalhos' guitar box is second to none in strength, structure, and the aging process it goes through before having a top assembled to it. After allowing the required time, they could compare the results and draw their conclusions. Mainly, the Carvalhos were able to developed a guitar top structure of their own, having their unique discoveries applied to it. Not so much that they are completely different from those acclaimed guitar tops, but in that they combine some of their best elements together with the Carvalhos' years of previous experience. In summary, the guitars from this special edition series are offering a significant increase in sound volume as well as an unprecedented sound definition. Volume wise, it has a superb volume really impressive. It is almost the same as a Smallman, or a Damman double top. Really that close to compare. However, in matters of definition, it is superior than those ones. With the results acquired through these latest experiments, the Carvalhos now proudly build guitars that are outstanding instruments and unprecedented in the history of Brazilian luthiery. Honestly, they have arrived at a level of guitar making which guarantees that their name will be shortly included in the list of the world's most sought after luthiers. I hope you won't loose the opportunity of owning a Carvalho Special Edition Guitar, while their prices are still way below competitors. They are indeed divine, in every aspect, a collectors item.BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD FACTSIt is mostly accepted that builders would add and extra 1,500.00 to 2,000.00 when using any set of Brazilian Rosewood on their guitars. Nevertheless, there are precious characteristics, which if found in a set of Brazilian Rosewood will significantly increase the value of it. Features such as grain, color, design, age, richness, and also very important, but often not considered, the place where the tree originally grew. Such aspects are the ones found in the guitar for sale here. I will try to clarify it better in the following paragraphs.  Brazilian Rosewood that was and still is used in special guitars, comes mainly from three areas of Brazil, specifically three states: a) Espirito Santo; b) Minas Gerais; and c) Bahia. The very colorful ones with light brown color, and very light color designs, are found in any of the three states and are for the most regarded as of inferior quality, when measured for sound projection, crack proof, hardness, and long lasting results. Even when a grain with straight lines known as "well quartered" or "radial cut" is present, they are still not ranked as the best ones. Such wood is the one found in most classical guitars out there, such as Rodriguez, Cordoba, Redgate, Byers, Ruck, etc, priced between 9 and 15,000.00. - Also, the age of these rosewoods for the most is about 70 years after cut, or even less. In the realm of accoustic guitars, we have Taylor, Martin, Alvarez, etc, that use much younger cuts in the crafting of their guitars, about 25 to 40 years old the most.  Still, these guitars are being priced in the range of 7 to 10,000.00!In contrast with that, there is the very dark wood known as Black Brazilian Rosewood, and indeed it has a black color.  Not that the whole set is a 100% black, even though it gets close too it, but it presents a great percentage of the area in black color. The brown found in the set, tends to be of dark brown color. Well, this kind of wood is only found in the state of Bahia. They are much more solid and rich compared to the other ones, lasting longer maintaining its original quality for generations. Visiting historical places in Brazil, there are still furniture pieces from the 16th and 17th century made out of Black Brazilian Rosewood looking as good as when it was originally built. It's amazing! This is the world's best wood for sound projection and definition even though some have recently argued differently. Such criticism is used to promote the selling of guitars which are not made with Brazilian Rosewood, since it became very difficult to acquire the wood after the 1992 Ban by the Brazilian Government. So, builders in other countries other then Brazil, which still make guitars using Brazilian Rosewood, are those who either acquired the wood before the Ban, or are purchasing it from authorized retailers in Brazil but at very high prices. The truth is that Black Brazilian Rosewood is still the most coveted wood for guitar making. The most expensive guitars built during the 20th century, such as the Hauser were made with such wood. (Including the Hauser that Andres Segovia played with, which is still in great shape today after so many years, and has an estimated value of US$200.000.00!). Still today, builders use them in their top of the line guitars such as Thomas Humphrey, in his Anniversary Guitar model, priced at US$30,000.00! http://www.thomashumphrey.com/flash_ornot.html#. This can give you an idea of how much more expensive a guitar made with such a wood can cost. (The age of the Black Brazilian Rosewood on this very expensive guitars, such as the one above, is around 100 years).Imagine then how precious wouldn't it be to have Brazilian Rosewood cut in the 18th century, aged over 200 hundred years!  Well folks, this is exact what you will be getting with Carvalho's Concert Master Special Edition. Imagine that! Holding in your hands this kind of wood, extremely rare, and priceless! Such an unique experience! I myself have felt a different kind of emotion when playing it. It feels like a magical thing.  When playing it, one can go on for hours without sensing the time passing by, specially because of its soul captivating sound quality. It is like holding a rare treasure in your very hands. You will certainly impress your audience. The best part of it all is the cost/benefit relationship found in Brazilian Luthiery. Thanks to that, you can acquire this exquisite concert hall instrument for about half or less of the competitors price. THIS GUITAR IS A MASTERPIECE!ONLY SERIOUS BIDDERS, PLEASE. I APPRECIATE IT.GOOD LUCK!  Place a Bid!