Can’t decide which one to buy

[drip]

Which one would you guys buy or which one is better for the value? They are all some type of acer palmatum around $400-500. One amur maple at the end for $300. I like them all, the first and fourth one stand out to me but I don’t have an expert eye, would like ur opinions

 

[drip]

The 4th one is a small leaf variety and the last 2 japanese maples are ao kanzashi

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Hmm… seems a lot for maples in this condition of development.

Best
DSD sends

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Of those 8110...

 

[drip]

Hmm… seems a lot for maples in this condition of development.

Best
DSD sends

Please lmk if you have a different website recommendations, trying to find $100-500 maples or junipers in this stage of development where most main branches are grown and can be put straight into bonsai pot next spring. This is honestly the cheapest I could find online…

 

[drip]

Of those 8110...

I also liked that one, may I ask why u chose it though

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Honestly if this is a first maple, going out on a limb would say do not pull the trigger. Maple work is slow, a tad abstract, and 2 steps forward and 1 step back kind of work.

Perhaps, get something smaller or perhaps two something’s smaller to practice working on and build these up over a couple years. Study up, build up your technique and skills. Then go to the nearby bonsai convention and pick up something you like at that point.

But you are up to it, concur with @Orion_metalhead ‘s input on 8110

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Brent’s stuff is very good, and it helps to ask him for a few more photos before you buy because one shot is hard to evaluate. I agree on image 8110 and 8107 as the best. In terms of “value” in bonsai, you are buying time and relying on the grower to have used that time to make a good base with shallow radial roots, a scar-free trunk (for maples anyway), good movement and taper. The rest is building branches. You could make the 8110 tree into a locally-showable tree in 3 seasons.

 

[drip]

Honestly if this is a first maple, going out on a limb would say do not pull the trigger. Maple work is slow, a tad abstract, and 2 steps forward and 1 step back kind of work.

Perhaps, get something smaller or perhaps two something’s smaller to practice working on and build these up over a couple years. Study up, build up your technique and skills. Then go to the nearby bonsai convention and pick up something you like at that point.

But you are up to it, concur with @Orion_metalhead ‘s input on 8110

Cheers
DSD sends

Think i’m just gonna go full send on a species I like and one that is easy to overwinter. I do have a bunch of young 4-6 year old trees to keep me busy, just think I need something in all types of growth stages and this is the most I would spend on something like this, hopefully by the time I near finishing this one my young ones will be ready.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I also liked that one, may I ask why u chose it though

Believable, natural, and interesting trunk movement, what appears to be a satisfactory nebari, the appearance of well placed primary branches, tight internodes...

 

[drip]

Brent’s stuff is very good, and it helps to ask him for a few more photos before you buy because one shot is hard to evaluate. I agree on image 8110 and 8107 as the best. In terms of “value” in bonsai, you are buying time and relying on the grower to have used that time to make a good base with shallow radial roots, a scar-free trunk (for maples anyway), good movement and taper. The rest is building branches. You could make the 8110 tree into a locally-showable tree in 3 seasons.

Oooh i’ll ask for more pictures asap, 3 seasons meaning 3 growing seasons correct? Thanks! I really like that feminine looking tree style

 

[drip]

Believable, natural, and interesting trunk movement, what appears to be a satisfactory nebari, the appearance of well placed primary branches, tight internodes...

Thank you for the breakdown, my brain can tell me I like it but couldn’t articulate the exact reasons why. Noted for future reference

 

[Shibui]

8110 for me too. It has nice movement and taper in the main trunk. 1st branch is thick but has a nice balance to the leaning main trunk. It doesn't have any long internodes or straight sections that will cause problems with refinement of upper section. A couple of spots where branches would be desirable but they are on the opposite side Should not be too difficult to work around.

8107 as second choice. Good opportunity to style a natural JM style tree with ascending trunks. Biggest drawback would be the knobs developing in the upper section of the main trunk and not many obvious places to cut back on that trunk.

 

[Woocash]

Weird isn't it? Aside from technicalities about fewer flaws than the others, or more positives, it goes to show how intrinsic or human our eye for art and design is where we are all drawn to the same tree, even among a selection of average material. It can be explained through various means of mathematical theory and/or characteristics suitable for bonsai, but I'm sure it's more primal than that.

 

[leatherback]

At that pricepoint.. Not a single one of them.
Really, there must be better trees to be had for that money, even in the USA.

If you are dead-set on getting one of these, 8112 has least obvious challenges. That will however still need a complete rebuild. But I would expect that one the easiest to develop into a decent bonsai.

in this stage of development where most main branches are grown and can be put straight into bonsai pot next spring.

you are buying time and relying on the grower to have used that time to make a good base with shallow radial roots, a scar-free trunk (for maples anyway), good movement and taper.

Hm.. that is not what I see on the pictures.. The pots are regular tall nursery pots, most trees have extensive damage to the trunk that requires 5+ year growing out with sacrifices to close and most taper is from one or two cuts, which are not healed or have big bumps?


As a reference, some 400-500 japanese maples at one of our top-priced importers in WE

 

[BrightsideB]

These are trees grown by an amateur or someone who just doesn’t care much. Basic problems that could have been mitigated are visible. Save your money please! It is better to have the cash available when a good deal or the right tree comes around. Chicago has a big bonsai presence. Which means you have better material locally that you can see in person.

 

[Paradox]

I like 110, 112 and 114 in that order.

And you can't compare prices in the US to prices in Europe. Almost everything is cheaper in Europe across the board. There are some exceptions of course, like gasoline but most goods are cheaper.

 

[leatherback]

you can't compare prices in the US to prices in Europe. Almost everything is cheaper in Europe across the board

ever been to europe?

Cost Of Living Comparison Between Netherlands And United States

www.numbeo.com

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Luxury prices are what we are talking about here.

 

[Woocash]

ever been to europe?

Cost Of Living Comparison Between Netherlands And United States

www.numbeo.com

View attachment 601082

A little disingenuous using the Netherlands. Try comparing Germany or the UK. Or any other European country....