Vintage or Makeover?

[sws1]

Can't help but think in 10-20 years, people will be regretting these makeovers, and originality will reign supreme.

For reference, would I want to buy a 1997 R9 that was original, or one that was stripped, had the neck steamed out, the fretboard ripped off, etc buy someone who make not even be in business?

 

[alnico59]

I've never owned a HM. But I did have the chance to check one out, an R7 dark back believe it was a 2009, in person which was up for sale. Had the full package with heavy aging. The guitar looked and felt really nice. But with the asking price of $6,800 it seems like a scary proposition if it doesn't make all the dreams going in come true.

I agree with Vic on getting another guitar hand picked specifically for that project. I wouldn't send my #1.

 

[jamman]

If your look for some type of Vintage P-90 guitar , I would say a 56-58 might be worth looking at . I had stupidly sold a set of P-90's that , imo , were the best sound Vintage pups I've heard .
Better then any PAF or EP's I've played ....

 

[RAG7890]

If your look for some type of Vintage P-90 guitar , I would say a 56-58 might be worth looking at . I had stupidly sold a set of P-90's that , imo , were the best sound Vintage pups I've heard .
Better then any PAF of EP's I've played ....

I concur Jeff. Those ‘58 P90’s are awesome pickups.

Cheers, Rudi.

 

[LesPast]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

The main point in favor of a makeover is, the R7 is my #1 but it's not the perfect guitar. I really, really like its tone, but I feel it could be improved in other aspects. For example, I don't like the feel of the finish. I also tend to think the neck profile could be slightly improved removing some shoulders. And the rosewood of the fretboard, below standards for a custom shop guitar, in my opinion. The CC#8 The Beast I used to own was stellar with respect to these. Still, I sold it because the R7 is a better sounding guitar, and I am a player, not a collector.

But I tend to agree when you all say, in case the makeover changes the way I feel about my number one, I would take a major hit in case I decide to sell it.

On the other hand, a vintage 69 goldtop or a 50s special could be the right guitar, and not difficult to sell in case I don't bond with it. I'll keep looking for a candidate in Europe, located not too far away so that I can try it before buying. Maybe I could also consider a US seller, but a trusted one.

Keep fingers crossed for a NVGD!

Andy

 

[BSeneca]

@dwagar , thanks, it is indeed an option I had previously considered. Then I tried a 1960 DC junior, and was a bit underwhelmed. I am also afraid a jr. could be not as versatile as a standard (or a special).

@Duane_the_tub I have been keeping an eye on the market lately. It is not easy to find the perfect one, and it's even more difficult if you live in Italy. I necessarily have to look to the US. The primary reason for the makeover would be to improve the feel and look of the guitar, and I would be curious to see if also the tone would be further improved. Was this the case for yours?

Thank you,

A.

I owned a 58 Junior and it is possibly the most versatile guitar I have ever owned. Uber aggressive, back off and almost acoustic quality. I gig regularly and have used on everything from Badfinger to Metallica. Dont sell a Junior short. They can do alot!

 

[Sct13]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

The main point in favor of a makeover is, the R7 is my #1 but it's not the perfect guitar. I really, really like its tone, but I feel it could be improved in other aspects. For example, I don't like the feel of the finish. I also tend to think the neck profile could be slightly improved removing some shoulders. And the rosewood of the fretboard, below standards for a custom shop guitar, in my opinion. The CC#8 The Beast I used to own was stellar with respect to these. Still, I sold it because the R7 is a better sounding guitar, and I am a player, not a collector.

But I tend to agree when you all say, in case the makeover changes the way I feel about my number one, I would take a major hit in case I decide to sell it.

On the other hand, a vintage 69 goldtop or a 50s special could be the right guitar, and not difficult to sell in case I don't bond with it. I'll keep looking for a candidate in Europe, located not too far away so that I can try it before buying. Maybe I could also consider a US seller, but a trusted one.

Keep fingers crossed for a NVGD!

Andy

you cite the exact reasons I sent #2 off to get done at HM, very satisfied customer.

I don't think I will look for vintage unless the cost makes me warm and fuzzy.....

 

[thinkgreen]

Them makeovers are nice.
Bit all depends what your wanting from it.
I don' think a make over will give you any financial investment now or in future. in fact I think you would lose money.
A vintage guitar may or may not be a financial investment but I believe you wouldn't lose money in the long term.
Now personal investment for ether instrument for its looks feel and playability priceless.
My personal thinking is vintage. You have one decent guitar. And you have an opportunity to add a decent vintage guitar and double not only your instruments but also the value

 

[Johnnyslim]

For what it's worth, a very good friends advise was to always buy as much vintage as your dollar will afford.