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JUST IN Section below - see links at bottom of page for 1000's more pieces of gear.

NAVIGATING THIS SITE: If you're not familiar with my site, it's simple, although not fancy: (1) This page has gear that has recently arrived; (2) Links at the bottom of this page take you to most of our gear, logically arranged by manufacturer or type, e.g. Fender, Gibson Effects, Parts, Amps, PRS, etc. (3) Lastly, my "Semi-Just In" Page (click here), contains a lot of gear that hasn't made it back to the proper pages yet and is sort of in limbo until I move it. It's not a fancy site but it remains unchanged since '98 and I firmly believe, "if it ain't broke - don't fix it." All guitars and other gear have pictures. Just click on any underlined text and it should open a picture; click the picture and it may expand the pic, depending on the resolution.

2008 Fender Artist Series Eric Johnson Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (quarter-sawn neck), (trem cavity), (case/acc.). Beautiful EJ in blonde ash in NOS condition with plastic still on the pickguard and not a hint of use anywhere. I've had just about every USA Artist Series Fender has made and it's my opinion that the Eric Johnson Strats are the best of the bunch with better sustain and more of the bell tone you want in a Strat. Eric is notorious for his painstaking attention to detail with his tone and development of his signature model was, similarly, slow and exact. The guitar was in R&D for years. One example is the pickups, where 19 prototypes were evaluated before Eric was satisfied. Specs of this model include thin Nitro finish over '57 2-piece Alder body, body cavities exact to '57 specs, one-piece quaratersawn maple neck with vintage tint that's one of the chunkiest in the Fender line up, thinner vintage style headstock, flat 12" fretboard radius with larger American Series frets, thin neck cap, bone nut, master volume - neck tone - bridge tone controls, vintage trem with silver painted block, '57 style string recess, factory no back cover. These guitars inevitably set up incredibly and this one is no exception, with very low action and no fretting out on 3-fret up-bends. Accessories include vintage style G&G/Fender white case, vintage strap, vintage cable, ash tray, tags, manuals, etc. With a list price of $2930 a new EJ is going to set you back $2339 but this one is immaculate and could be sold as new for just $1699.

2001 Fender American Series Stratocaster - Chrome Red w/Maple Board, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Like the Eric Johnson above, another mint American Strat. Other than the plastic removed from the pickguard and back plate, there's not a hint of use. Fretboard is immaculate and it still has that bleached look of a new maple neck. The necks on American Fenders are hit or miss, with some of them unable to sustain low action due to humps or high frets. The set up on this guitar is incredible, definitely a cut above the average USA Strat. At 7.8 lbs., its also light weight for this model. There was one mod to the guitar - strap pins were changed to Dunlop straplocks (pic) and the locking mechanisms are included. With the factory rebate, new American Strats are down to $1199 but are you going to get one of the good ones? This is definitely one of the best and worth the $829 price. Includes original case, etc. pictured.

Gretsch G6120SHP Brian Setzer Hot Rod - Hot Rod Purple, (front/back), (headstock), (HR Filter 'Trons), (case). Immaculate condition, perfect example of an early model Hot Rod and an excellent choice for the collector types who want new guitar appearance at a used guitar price. Brian has been playing the Hot Rod more and more, and evidence by his recent appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" where Brian strapped on a Hot Rod rather than his upscale signature model (pic here). This is a very cool model and the ultimate in simplicity, which is really an anomaly for Gretsch which are known for having more knobs and switches than you know what to do with. The Setzer Hot Rod is sort of their version of the Kramer Baretta with just a pickup selector and volume control. For a lot of players, what else do you need? This '03 model still featured the Hot Rod Filter 'Tron pickups as well as the G-branded Gretsch tuners. Other features include 1959-style trestle bracing, pinned Adjusto-matic bridge, Bigsby B6C Vibrato tailpiece, neo-classic thumbnail inlays, and the coolest finishes, in this case Hot Rod Purple. Killer setup, killer tone, and beautiful in its simplicity. Click here for Harmony-Central reviews, where 24 reviews rated this model scored an incredible 9.9 in the tone department and a 9.5 overall. With a list of $3600, these sell online at $2524 but this one is barely played, 9.9 condition, and better than $1000 cheaper at just $1499. Includes Gretsch case, certificate, and serialized factory hang tag/check list.

Digitech Jimi Hendrix Experience, "Seven Tones That Changed the World". Incorporates a collection of classic tones including Fuzz Face, 100W Marshall Super Lead, Octavia, rotary speaker, Clyde McCoy wah, brownface Fender Bassman, and EMT plate reverb. For full specs check out Digitech's Site here. There are a bunch of YouTube demo's like these: (link1) (link2). If you can still find these, they sell for $199 everywhere but this one's in perfect shape in the box with power supply, cloth bag (not shown), manual, etc., and stuff and just $125.

Roman Quicksilver Flatliner, (front/back), (headstock), (Tonepros/Sperzels), (short heel/bevels), (case), (cert.). Dead mint - could be sold as new. You know him - you love him - well...you know him. Say what you will about Ed, many say he's the most arrogant guitar builder/dealer in the world, he does know woods and is one of the leading authorities in guitars in general. He builds some of the best hand-made guitars available and while they're not cheap, he justifies his price by their obvious quality and the fact that you're getting a real hand-made guitar. Think pre-CNC PRS at their old Annapolis factory. Ed's Quicksilver line used to consist of a standard model with carved top - and this slab body style called the "Flatliner". He states on his site that they discontinued the Flatliner line due to losing money on every guitar; that he made his money primarily on options and I'm guessing most of these were ordered by buyers who wanted a Quicksilver on the cheap. Without the carved top and fancy inlays, etc., there wasn't much of a markup. Oddly enough, Roman guitars don't have an upcharge for set-neck or bolt-on - they're the same price. Contrary to popular belief, set-necks aren't inherently more expensive to build than a tight-fitting bolt-on. Anyhow, enough history on Mr. Roman. This is one fine guitar and if you're a fan of a Les Paul Special, you'll love it. It has the short heel like pre-'95 PRS models and the body shape is similar to PRS as well. Features include a Koa body with figured maple cap, maple neck (signed on back of headstock), Ebony fretboard, Ebony headstock veneer with mother of pearl inlay, quality hardware including Tonepros bridge and tailpiece and Sperzel locking tuners, Seymour Duncan P90 pickups with a standard 3-way, volume, and tone. As far as pricing, the only Flatliner on Roman's site (link - #07807) has the same specs as this guitar except with a quilt-top sale priced at $2695. This one is in immaculate condition, virtually unplayed, and just $1150. Includes an extremely cool G&G case in silver tolex and certificate.

Ibanez EBL5 Master Series Effects Board, (with lid removed), (CP10 Compressor), (CD10 Delay Champ), (GE10 Graphic EQ), (PC10 Prime Dual Chorus), (TS10 Tubescreamer Classic). This is a super rare find for the Ibanez Collector - first one of these pedal board I've ever seen, much less had. The EBL5 was the companion piece during the early 80's 10-series pedals, which are quality made with metal housing, and sounds as good as the earlier 9-Series, but featured updated cosmetics. The TS10 is a very highly regarded Tube Screamer, preferred by some player over the earlier TS9 or even the very early TS808. The PC10 is a rare bird, and features two pedals in one with the ability to switch between them - use the "A" side for your basic chorus, while the "B" side can be set for chorus or add in some flange and delay and it's capable of many flanger tones. The CD10 is a quality analog delay with the warm, natural sound of the AD9 and the same 300ms delay time. All of these pedals are extremely clean, having been housed in the board since new. The board, which supplies power to all the pedals as well as stereo outputs, isn't as clean as the pedals but nice enough shape for its age. If you're a 10-series collector, or just a player who wants the simplicity of quality stomp boxes, this is an excellent find. $399 takes all 5 pedals, plus the ultra-rare EBL5. Includes connecting patch cables and daisy chain power cable - everything you need to just plug in and play.

2003 PRS SE EG, (front/back), (headstock), (gigbag). I've said, since they were first released in 2000, that PRS did their imports right, with quality electronics and hardware, but even more, their fit and finish rivals nearly every USA maker. The history of the EG goes back to around '90 with the original USA model, the EG I, which from my recollection was the first PRS guitar to feature a pickguard. The SE EG, which was PRS's version of a Strat, was recently discontinued after a 7-year run. Unlike a Fender, this guitar features a set neck and, just as importantly, a mahogany body and neck, which gives it s much fatter and warmer tone than the Alder/Ash bodies normally found on Strats. They used a tremolo which was very much like the USA model and with stock quality tuners it stays in tune very well. The 3 single coil pickups indeed sound very Strat like but, again, with the mahogany construction, never sound thin or brittle. Finished in Blue Metallic, the guitar is immaculate head to toe with no fret wear, no scratches to the body or neck, absolutely perfect. The neck is slightly chunky - a bit bigger than your average Strat and it's a joy to play with very comfortable action and bends effortless with no dead spots. PRS's quality control is top notch, be it in their USA models or their Korean imports, and this guitar will hold its own with most USA Strats costing 3X the price. Compare this to a Mex Standard Strat at $499, and this guitar will bury it in an A/B comparison - and it's just $350 with the PRS gigbag, one of the heaviest gigbags made.

1999 Gibson Les Paul Standard with SKatterbranes, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups), (case). Fantastic Standard finished in Honeyburst with a few upgrades, most notably a great pair of Skatterbrane double-cream humbuckers which I believe are the Alnico 5 standards aka Yangbranes. Skatterbrane are some of the best hand-wound PAF'S on the market. They are wound to still sound very articulate with the neck tone set at "0" and have very rich woman tones, very expressive vowel sounds, great for those who want their guitar to "talk" while playing the blues. The bridge windings are wound for great dirty tones, without being thin or piercing. Two other minor changes are Dunlop strap lock pins and a metal output jack plate replaces the cheap plastic plate. Otherwise this guitar is all original and a fantastic player with a fat but articulate tone. Average weight for a 90's Standard, so it's not a feather weight but not swiss-cheezed inside the body either. The Honeyburst finish is near immaculate on top and shines like new; back has some light buckle wear but nothing drastic, just a little too deep for us to buff out. All in all this is a wonderful Paul. With a new Standard in Honeyburst now at $2699, a lot more players are going for *value* and with this one at $1250 less, you can get a clean USA Strat and a nice combo amp with the difference. Just $1450(HOLD-Ed 11/18) for this tone monster.

PRS McCarty Archtop Pickup Set, Nickel covers, clean shape. Sells up to $129/each but get this mint pair for $165. If you have a budget archtop that is flat and lifeless, try these before getting rid of it. They'll likely make it sound at least 50% better and cheaper than getting a new guitar.

1985 Ibanez Destroyer DT-350, (front/back), (headstock), (trem), (case). On the heels of the '83 DT-155 Destroyer posted last week comes this later model X-series with some updated features designed for the hard rock player. Famous rock/metal endorsers of the X Series Destroyers included Adrian Smith & Dave Murray (Iron Maiden) & Phil Collen (Def Leopard). Features include basswood body with maple neck with rosewood fretboard, dot inlays, 25.5" scale, black hardware, Ibanez Smooth tuners, "Pro Rok'r" tremolo with "Top Lok" locking nut system, master volume, master tone, and 3-way pickup selector. Pickups are V5 dual blade pickups were Ibanez hottest from the era with a smoking 16.5K output that delivers incredible power and mid-range punch. This is an excellent playing guitar with a strong rock tone, very comfortable action that facilitates fretboard acrobatics very well. Ibanez Japan was making great guitars during this era and this Destroyer is a fine example. They resurrected this series in the 2000's but this time from Korea and they just don't have the same vibe as the originals. This may not be the best choice for the overly discriminating collector as it has a small chip on the back/tip of the headstock and the control cover isn't original (pics here), but otherwise is in nice shape for 24 years and has apparently been well maintained. Especially for the player, this is a nice value on an older Japanese Destroyer at $429.

1981 O'Hagan Shark, (front), (headstock), (neck/back), (headstock), (heel), (case), (control cavity). You've gotta check this out - rare model from one of the early American "boutique" builders built in their shop in Minnesota. This is only the 3rd O'Hagan I've had, which isn't surprising since they didn't build many, at most 3000 total for all models, and they had back orders for 1200-1500 more. Of the up to 3000 total production, most were their traditional double-cutaway "Nightwatch" models, while only 100-150 Sharks were built. At their peak in '81, O'Hagan had beefed up to their peak of 9 employees. Some of you might remember the Shark as it was the featured guitar from their Guitar Player ads around the time this guitar was built. From my recollection, it was the one model that was most distinctly O'Hagan, while their other models tended to borrow from Gibson designs. Sure it might resemble an Explorer, ever so slightly, but like all O'Hagans, it's more ergonomically designed. It's much more comfortable to play sitting down and the rounded heel area of this neck-thru is easier to get around on than the set-neck Gibson. Sammy Hagar was once a proud O'Hagan player and purportedly owns his O'Hagan V to this day. The Shark was O'Hagan's first model, debuting in 1979, and although one of its most rare, it's the most recognizable due to advertising and its distinct look. Remember the early 80's, when radical shapes were really in vogue for rock guitar. It was obviously built with considerable handy work with the entire top of the guitar, as well as the headstock, having a German carve on the edge. O'Hagan used a number of wood in their guitars, with varying degree of appointments. Like snowflakes, I don't think any two are exactly alike. This one features a 3-piece maple neck thru, with maple wings. Pickups are DiMarzio, controlled by dual volume--both with push/pull coil taps--master tone, and 3-way selector - plus a mini two-way selector for the bridge pickup that I think is a phase switch. It also features gold hardware including Schaller tuners, Badass bridge, gold pickup covers, brass truss rod cover and of course an 80's favorite, brass nut. In the neck pickup cavity there are inked numbers, "228" and written below, "2310-120", as well as what appears to be Jerry's signature in pencil. I have no idea what the numbers mean. In '81, O'Hagan's company officially changed to the "Jenmar Corp." combing Jerry (O'Hagan) and Mary's names. The serial number for this Jenmar model dates it to '81. Much of my info is from Guitar Stories Vol. I, which is a great book for some rare and off-the-wall brands. A copy of the chapter can be found online at VG mag. If you haven't checked out Vol. I and Vol. II, they're one of the best references written on guitars that are ignored in virtually all other books. This guitar exhibits almost no actual players wear as evidence by the lack of wear to the gold parts and immaculate frets, but it appears to have been owned by a careless person, thus it has a number of small finish dings, but no structural issues at all and this guitar is 100% solid; 100% quality. O'Hagans are held in high regard by players. They're truly fine guitars and their main problem was probably the fact that they built such a good product at too low a price point, with the Shark with case selling around $650, which was way low or a hand-built guitar, even in 1981. As with the last O'Hagans I had the craftsmanship is absolutely superb, the tone fantastic and Martin did some magic on the setup that makes it an absolute killer player. If these guitars were built today, they would certainly be well over $2K and would probably be largely machine made. This one is in exceptional condition and I consider it a unique piece with a very unique history and an imminently playable guitar, for just $850. Includes excellent quality original case.

1999 Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus, (front/back), (headstock), (fretboard). Killer player; desirable crafted in Korea model. If you're looking for low action, the kind of guitar that almost plays itself, you don't have to pay $700 or more, all you need is a straight neck with the nut cut properly and a pro setup. This came in as a mediocre player, the kind you'll find among a "full wall" at your super store. Martin did some of his magic and, boy, what a difference. It now plays as nice as good as a Gibson LP Standard and even stock Alnico humbuckers sound good. Also features vintage Kluson style tuners, inlaid logo, trapezoid inlays, bound body and neck, and chrome hardware. Although this guitar presents very well from the front, there are some touch-ups with a Gibson touch-up pen around the edges (as shown here), but the frets are perfect and overall it's in nice shape for a used guitar. As a plus model this has a nicely flamed top and, quite by accident, one of the best looking fretboards I've seen on an Epi - looks like the fretboard wood they use on Gibson's Historic series. The new Epi LP's are made in China and they dropped the list around $100 from the Korean Standard Plus. If you're a player who is looking for the best playing Paul for your money and don't mind a few minor flaws, you can get this great MIK model for $200 less than a new Chinese Plus. Just $349 for this one. New deluxe gigbags available for $25.

1980 B.C. Rich Mockingbird, (front), (back), (headstock), (control cavity), (5-pc neck-thru), (case), (lacquer cracks "before"), (lacquer "repair"). Absolutely stunning USA Rich with all the options - neck-thru, active electronics with 3-way selector/rotary selector/4 mini switches, Grover Imperial tuners, Walnut headstock veneer with inlaid pearl "R" logo, diamond inlays, birdseye maple wings with center section of shoreline gold. Martin called Bernie Junior about this guitar and Bernie confirmed that this is indeed an original finish as Bernie Sr. sometimes painted the center section if the figuring wasn't impressive enough. The wings on this one are certainly impressive with loads of birdseye in a solid piece of maple. You'll notice in the last pics above, this guitar has one cosmetic flaw - the paint cracked just below the fretboard on the bass and treble sides during transit to me. The previous owner was, naturally, heartbroken, but not as much as me. It is rare to come into one of these original high-end Riches, especially in this condition which was pretty much museum quality. Where does that leave us? I sent the guitar out for cosmetic repair and after around 9 months I asked to have it returned, regardless of status of repair. As you can see in the "repair" pics, the color match leaves much to be desired. It did stabilize the finish so no more will fleck off but it leaves much to be desired for aesthetic purposes. I've toyed with the idea of sending it off to GMW or another pro finish expert but after thinking about it for over 2 years, I'm just going to offer it as it sits, since a player will appreciate the huge savings. Let me reiterate - there is no cracking in the wood or separation of the fretboard, merely the paint cracked in this area and it's as strong as the day it left the factory. To be cosmetically restored to its previous state, it really needs to have the whole center section repainted, from the bottom edge of the body to the tip of the headstock. Bernie built the finest American solidbody guitars from this era and this one is no exception. The action is low and wonderful while the electronics suite offers an unprecedented selection of tones from a dual humbucker guitar. It's been a while since I've been inside this guitar but as I recall, the bridge is a DiMarzio Super Distortion; the neck a zebra Duncan Alnico II. I can verify if it's important. These guitars were insanely expensive back in the day. Now, nearly 30 years later this one's a steal, especially if you're a player, but at $1499, it's discounted sufficiently to get the finish professionally done and still be into the guitar at a reasonable price. Includes original tolex case in nice shape.

Agile PS-100, (front/back), (headstock), (compensated tailpiece). Agile's version of the PRS Standard 24, with a similarly shaped body style and headstock, and other details such as the neck humbucker located against the butt of the neck and PRS style stoptail - plus the short neck heel that PRS used on the pre-'95 models which makes playing the high notes much easier. Features dual cutaway mahogany body, set-in mahogany neck, gloss headstock overlay, 3/side Grover tuners, master volume and tone, and 3-way pickup selector. This guitar is in mint condition and one of the best values I've seen in a Korean set-neck, especially with a killer set-up by my man Martin. It plays like a guitar costing 5X the price. I've had around 5 Agiles and every one set up very well and offered incredible value for the money. You might find one of these at a great price but to find one that plays well is a bit more difficult. Problem solved. Own this beauty, in brand new condition, for just $149.

Takamine Limited 2009 Grand Auditorium Acou-Elec w/upgrade, (front/back), (headstock), ("Cool Tube" preamp), (Optional Tri-Ax pickup), (appointments), (case). Every year since 1987 Tak has offered a Limited model, each one uniquely different from production models, never to be built again. For 2009 Tak chose their popular NEX body design in a Grand Auditorium size, and outfitted it with fine tonewoods, attractive ornamentation, and a fantastic "Cool Tube" (specs and clips) preamp for stage and studio work. Note that this guitar is also outfitted with an optional Takamine Tri-Ax soundhole pickup (specs). It isn't stock on the Ltd but was actually designed to work in conjunction with the Cool Tube and is controlled by the "Aux PU" knob on the Cool Tube. The Cool Tube is one of the best sounding preamps available. With its unique 12AU7 tube, you not only boost/cut of frequencies, plus a mid-frequency shift, you can select the amount of tube effect from 0-100%, choosing from a high degree of "cut" for aggressive strumming; expanded "sweetness" and harmonic density with fatter lows and rounder highs; or levels of rewarding richness for finger style players. Electronics aside the Ltd is, above, all, a fine acoustic guitar, featuring a solid spruce top, scalloped X-bracing, mahogany sides, solid mahogany back and ebony fretboard. It features a gorgeous abalone inlaid rosette and a mother-of-pearl inlaid pickguard, deluxe shell fretboard inlay, and inlay at the bottom edge of the lower bout, in addition to multi-ply body binding front and back, neck binding, and a bound headstock with shell inlaid logo. Other features include smooth gold-plated Gotoh tuners with pearloid buttons, bone nut and saddle, 1 11/16" nut width, and gloss finish in Vintage sunburst. Takamine builds some of the finest production guitars on the market, used by such high visibility artists such as Springs teen, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, and many others, and their annual Limiteds are built with the same quality, plus unique features and low production numbers which will guarantee it will be cherished in future years. With a list price $2579, the '09 Ltd sells new for $1799 but by this "as new" beauty and have enough left over for a nice acoustic amp; just $1199 - or if you want the Tri-Ax included ($169 in stores), $1319(HOLD-Chris, Local).

1993 Fender Stratocaster Plus Deluxe - Natural Ash, (close-up), (front/back), (headstock/neck), (clean frets), ("Plus" case). Stunning condition - body is virtually flawless, frets are look barely played, hardware is in clean shape, and even the lettering on the Lace pickups, typically the first signs of wear, is clearly visible and not worn. One issue that we took care of: it came in with the lacquer cracks on the back of the neck which didn't feel good and made the neck feel "slow". Martin sanded it down with some 0000 steel wool and now it's smooth as silk. This guitar is the 2nd generation Pus Deluxe, with Blue-Silver-Red Lace Sensors (neck, middle, bridge, respectively); the first version ('87-'89) came with Silver-Silver-Blue. This version offers more versatility, with the hot Red bridge pickup and the P90-sounding Blue in the neck, which gives you loads of tonal range. The Silver middle pickup is a fatter mid-range tone that sounds especially good in positions 2 and 4 for Strat's signature "out of phase" tone. Other features of the "Plus Deluxe" includes locking tuners with staggered height eliminating the need for string trees,, Wilkinson roller nut, Schaller strap lock pins, 2-point fulcrum tremolo, and tone control for neck pickup with a TBX for the middle and bridge pickup. These Lace Sensors were truly a revolutionary design - they're non-magnetic and without the magnetic string pull the strings vibrate longer plus they're designed for zero-hum so they eliminate the #1 complaint of vintage pickups. The locking tuners and Wilkinson nut are a simple but effective alternative to a locking tremolo system and even with considerable tremolo use these guitars stay in tune very well. This was a very upscale Strat 16 years ago commanding a price $200 higher than the American Standard. With an excellent setup and these pickups you'll have a Strat with great tonal range that you can pay effortlessly all night - for just $1050(HOLD-Chris H 11/20). Includes original "Plus" case with the upgraded latches, all of which are intact, as well as original key and trem arm.

1996 Fender '62 Stratocaster "Custom" - Olympic White, (front/back), (headstock), ("Inside" pics), (trem), (relic wear). This is a custom built Strat, with some quality parts, but the story here is incredibly low action - rivals custom shop - with no fret outs which is remarkable on a vintage (7.25") radius. It came in as a good enough player but Martin did some magic on it and it's just incredible now. Features include a '96 Made in Japan '62 Reissue neck that's a fairly chunky C-shape, USA Vintage '57/'62 pickups with cloth wires, CTS Pots and switch, Fender '62 RI big block trem, aged plastic parts on a 3-ply white pickguard, and Fender/Ping vintage tuners. I'm not certain of the body but it's solid Alder and the routing and worm track are consistent with and 80's Japan Standard Strat. As you can see in the pics, it has some small finish chips on a few edges but is otherwise very clean with no heavy buckle or pick wear. If you're not concerned about pedigree and you're just looking for the best playing, best sounding Strat you can get for your money, this is an excellent choice. Twice as good as a Mex Classic Series for $224 less; just $525(HOLD-Andy 11/18) for this absolute monster of a Strat - and a lightweight 7.6 lbs! Includes Fender gigbag.

I hate to repeat descriptions, but this one came in at the same time and is basically the same story:

2002 Fender '57 Stratocaster "Custom" - Candy Apple Red, (front/back), (headstock), ("Inside" pics), (trem), (action - 12th fret). This is a custom built Strat, with some quality parts, but the story here is incredibly low action - rivals custom shop - with no fret outs which is remarkable on a vintage (7.25") radius. It came in as a good enough player but Martin did some magic on it and it's just incredible now. Features include an '02 50's Classic Series V-shaped neck, 90's Fender Japan '57 Reissue body, Fender Custom Shop Fat 50's pickups with cloth wires, CTS Pots and switch, Fender 50's Classic big block trem, white single ply 8-screw pickguard with white parts, and Fender/Ping vintage tuners. This is a very clean guitar with the worst flaw being a small ding in the top. If you're not concerned about pedigree and you're just looking for the best playing, best sounding Strat you can get for your money, this is an excellent choice. Twice as good as a Mex Classic Series for $200 less; just $549 for this absolute monster of a Strat - and a lightweight 7.4 lbs! Includes Fender gigbag.

Fender MIK Yngwie-style Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock). This was previously a Korean Standard Strat, with the serial and country of manufacture rubbed off, as shown here (this headstock is pictured over a non-modified example). The defining characteristic of this guitar is the entire fretboard has been scalloped, which has been used by great success by Neo-Classical great Yngwie Malmsteen. Cosmetically, the scallop job is good, although probably not professional, but it's a lot better than I could. Functionally, it works flawlessly and will allow you to do trills by just pressing down on the fret rather than the side-to-side conventional method. Finished in vintage white, which has the appearance of a yellowed-out Olympic White, this guitar is also accented by a tasteful combination of gold and chrome hardware, such as the bridge which is chrome, with gold saddles and gold wood screws. I'm not sure what kind of bridge this is, but it's definitely a quality unit, with a large tremolo block of steel rather than the cheap mix that would have been stock on this model. As far as the rest of the hardware - gold output jack and gold tuners, which are excellent quality tuners from a Japan designer series Strat, made by Gotoh and feature pearloid buttons. Since most players who like Yngwie style music will stick to the bridge pickup, that has been changed to a DiMarzio Fast Track DP-181, a high output Strat pickup which provides the single coil tone, with hum-canceling side-by-side coils. Not pictured but included are a back cover. Cosmetically the guitar has a few small finish chips (shown here) as well as a few fine finish cracks in the normal cutaway area, and by each strap pin. If you're looking for the essence of a Malmsteen signature model, this one's almost $1K cheaper and an excellent playing Strat. $399. Note: We can install a '69/'70 vintage logo for additional cost if desired.

1983 Kramer Voyager - White, (front), (headstock), (back/plate), (Floyd), (Pickups), (case). Very desirable year for a Voyager as it's the first year they used the Floyd Rose and the first year they offered dual pickups. In '85 they went to the longer, pointy wings which makes an '83/'84 the only years with Floyd Rose trem, dual pickups, and the shorter rounded wings. Also has the "Pat. Pending" logo and a rosewood fretboard which very rare on a classic headstock. I think is the first Classic headstock/rosewood board I've had on any Kramer. If you're looking for a clean Voyager, it doesn't come any cleaner, with a super pro refin that most people would never spot. It looks like a factory finish, but like a 2009 finish rather than a 26-year-old finish. Only real flaw is the typical lacquer crack next to the neck pocket. Likewise, the Floyd is near pristine, other than a little bit of brass showing on the edge of the fine tuners. Features include original Schaller Golden 50's pickups , "classic" headstock with Voyager Pat. Pending logo, C-serial plate with correct strap pin in the center, Gotoh tuners, original Floyd Rose tremolo and nut, maple neck with rosewood board, master volume and tone with mini-switch 3-way selector, and side mounted barrel jack. Tuners are original Gotoh "old style", the same tuners used on original San Dimas Charvels, which had been commanding $250+ on the vintage parts market. If you're a player who's looking for a very rare combination of features on a near pristine Voyager, this is your guitar. $639 for this beauty. Includes Gator hardshell case with stabilizers in the right spots to hold the guitar securely in place.

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, (front), (back), (headstock), (electronics), (sandwich body), (case). Fairly rare bird in beautiful shape. According to Gibson shipping totals, only 14 Deluxes in Wine Red (previously called "Cherry") were shipped in '76 (only 142 in all colors) - compared to 1973 where there were over 10,000 Deluxes shipped. It has the "sandwich" body used in this era, which was a layer of maple sandwiched between the mahogany back and maple/mahogany top. Features of the Deluxe were basically identical to the Standard except for pickups, where the Deluxe used the mini-humbuckers and the Standard used the PAF style humbuckers. A number of players prefer the mini-hums for their brighter tone; they fall between a PAF and a P90 to my ears. Cosmetically this guitar presents itself extremely well. The finish shines like new with the only real flaws on the top being a few very minor dings (shown here), and on the back there are some small finish chips in impressions (shown here). Keeping in mind that this guitar is 33 years old, its extremely clean and definitely one of the cleanest 70's Pauls I've had in years. Tuners have been replaced with recent Gibson Deluxe, which are identical to the original Kluson with the exact same footprint should you ever want to switch back to some bad tuners. I've seen both speed knobs and the metal cap dome knobs on this model, although most of my books show the speed knobs so knobs may or may not be original. Frets are in excellent shape and this guitar is set up very well with low action and no issues anywhere on the neck. Look around the web and you'll see '76 Deluxes going at $3K in rather rough shape. This one is a steal at $2000(HOLD-Charlie H local), with trades very much desired.

1963 Gibson Les Paul/SG Junior, (front), (back), (headstock), (untouched solder/bumblebee), (case). Most of these on the market have been owned by several players/collectors and passed around through a dozen dealers but this is the first time this guitar has been seen by the public. I recently obtained it from the original owner who, at age 14, bought it new in 1963 from Chuck Levin's Washington Music. He played it in a local dance band for a few years, lost interest, and it has literally been in the closet since the mid-60's. As far as provenance, included is an email stating its history as well as his name and contact info. I'm a Junior fanatic and to me mahogany and a P90 are the perfect marriage, and the simplicity of a single pickup and wraparound bridge make this the perfect guitar. I've had dozens of old Juniors over the years and this is one of the cleanest I've ever had and original own states that it's never been messed with. What about the non-compensated bridge, which supposedly ended in '61? He says it's original and knowing that Gibson did some wacky stuff back then, I attribute it to either a special order, factory mistake, or they ran out of compensated bridges briefly and used the older style. If this bothers you, no problem, I have an original nickel compensated bridge in my spare parts and will swap out if desired. This guitar presents very well, with strong color and no major wear anywhere. These cherry finish on Gibsons are notorious for fading, to a light red or almost brown color, but the color on this one is very strong, front and back. The back of the neck, commonly worn to a brown finish, frequently with deep capo impressions, has strong color and is very clean overall. The pickguard, commonly warped, lays down nicely with gaps between the guard and body. Worst aspects of this finish, visible upon close inspection, are light finish checking and light dimples in the lacquer as shown here and a few light rubs, shown here. There aren't even any of the typical lacquer cracks in the heel or output jack areas (shown here). These are all very minor issues on a 45+ year old guitar and any expert would agree that this guitar is an extremely clean example of a '63. Electronics are all original with original pots, bumblebee capacitor, and all original solder - and a very hot original P90 pickup. It sounds like a Junior should, with a fat, hot tone with a drive that responds well to the volume control, and some sort of voodoo in the tone control that goes from fat & hot - to a very warm velvet tone as you roll it back. The neck in this era isn't the chunky variety, it's thin and very easy to get your hand around. Action is comfortable with only moderate fret wear, and it's a load of fun to play. Original brown alligator case is better than average shape, with latches and hinges intact, and handle still in one piece. There will always be a lot of Juniors on the market. At new prices well under $200, Gibson sold a ton of them. You won't be the original owner of any of them but a few, like this, will make you the 2nd owner. Add to this the condition, which is certainly in the top 10% of Juniors that I've seen, and you have a guitar that's truly a "Keeper". I've seen well-worn examples selling for over $4K and clean ones going for $5999 and up. All things considered, this is the own to own at just $3999.

1988 Charvel Model 5FX, (front/back), (headstock), (Pickups/Trem), (case). Pearl White beauty and an excellent quality shredder guitar from the glory days of Charvel. We sold as many of the "Model Series" (Model 2, 4, 5, etc.) as we did Kramers back in the days when metal was king. Models 1 through 4 were excellent guitars that comprised Charvel's bolt on line. The 5FX, along with the Model 5/5A and Model 6, were the high-end neck-thru series that represented Charvel's version of the Jackson Soloist. This pearl white finish (detail), has some metal flake in it and it really looks great under stage lights. Features include maple neck-thru with poplar body, Jackson JT-6 double-locking tremolo with fine tuners, Jackson locking nut and standard nut, Jackson tuners, slanted pointy headstock with older squish logo, 24 jumbo frets, compound radius (12" at nut to 16" at top fret), double-expanding truss rod with one round and one flat rod, dual humbuckers with a slanted single coil (stacked) in the neck, and serial number engraved on top fret. Controls are simply a volume control and 3-way pickup selector. Pickups have been upgraded from the Jackson J-95 and J-200 to a pair of Duncans with a JB and hot rails. Also includes a set of Dunlop strap pins and locks (pic). Charvels in this era were built in Japan. The quality was every bit as good as their USA counterpart, Jackson, and in fact we sold the Model 5 for the same price as the Kramer Pacer Imperial. The neck-thru Charvels always set up with the best action imaginable. They consistently have perfect necks, and we've yet to come across one with a twist or hump, claims that I can't make about a few Jacksons I've had. This guitar is incredibly clean, without any buckle or pick scratches to speak of and looks more like 1 year old than 21 years. A 5FX is a rare model compared to the 5 and 6, and in my opinion one in this condition is a steal at just $579. Includes original "chainsaw" case in nice shape with 3 of the four latches present, which is pretty good for this case. Note: part of a description for a previous 5FX inadvertently appeared here with a different price and a "hold" on the guitar. This guitar IS available and is not yet on hold.

Gary Kramer Crusader Deluxe, (front/back), (headstock), (Orig Floyd Rose), (case, etc.). Virtually unplayed, plastic still on the pickups, pickguard, etc. I'd been wondering what Gary Kramer had been up to. Once a partner with Travis Bean, which evolved into the aluminum neck Beans that have become very collectable, he used this design features with the startup of Kramer guitars and when he shelved the aluminum neck and started building traditional SuperStrats, his company virtually rules the 80's in all price points. Gary sold his stake in the company, still built under his name, moved to the west coast, and quickly became a member of the "where are they now" club. Fast forward to 2005, Gary began working with acclaimed luthier Leo Scala to bring out a new line of guitars under the name Gary Kramer Guitars (Gibson currently owns, and builds guitars under, the "Kramer" name). Their first model, the Delta Wing has was displayed at the Kramer Expo in 2005, and 2006 Winter NAMM. He is now selling directly to the public, which saves the player 30-40% compared to the price if it went through a regular dealer network. If you want more info on Gary's story, click here for the bio on his site. The Deluxe line was designed to emulate the great Kramer guitars of the early-80's, with that fat mid-range tone and pronounced highs. By combining an Alder body, all maple neck, Original Floyd Rose tremolo, and well balanced alnico humbuckers, the Deluxe an excellent choice for any type of rock music - just like the early Pacers. Specs include: 25.5” scale, maple neck with 10" radius on a one-piece maple neck, black dot markers, 22 jumbo frets, alder body with slanted neck heel, metallic finish, non-recessed original Floyd Rose tremolo (double-locking), R2 locking nut and chrome hardware. Pickups are dual Alnico II Gary Kramer humbuckers, (voiced to sound like a JB and Jazz I'm told), controlled by master volume and tone with a 3-way selector and a mini-switch that splits both pickups for 6 tone choices. This is an excellent playing, excellent sounding guitar, very comparable to the Jackson So-Cal with a similar vibe and feel. It retails for $1049 but because its sold direct to the pubic, you can get one for $499 without case. If they're all as nice as this one, I think that Kramer has a real bang-for-buck winner with this model. This one was bought directly from Gary, immediately traded to me, and apparently has never been played. You can get this one with case for just $399, or with the case for $465.

Line 6 POD XT Live, the latest and greatest in the POD line with more innovations than any other upgrade to date. I recommend you tour the POD XT Live page (click here) to get a full rundown on this amazing unit. It's an uncomplicated, gig-ready tone machine that’s portable and adaptable to different real world stage and recording environments. Can be used as the ultimate multi-effects pedal in front of any guitar amp, as a complete direct PA solution, or as the world-standard guitar recording workhorse in the studio. Includes 80 "must have" stomp box and studio effects models, 36 amp models, 24 cabinet models, and loads more features. For a bunch of YouTube demo's, click here. These sell new for $399 but this one's barely used and just $229. Sorry, box fans but no box with this one but it includes original power supply and a copy of the manual.

Line 6 Variax 600 Modeling Guitar - Sunburst, (front/back), (headstock), (features dial), (gigbag/box), (footswitch/acc.). "As New" condition; ships in original box. As I've said before, this beats Fender's VG Strat at around 1/2 the price. The Variax takes it 10 steps further with loads more guitar models and tuning options. It's like having 25 guitars in one! For a complete listing, click here for Line 6 site. For many of us setting up for a gig means lugging at least two electrics and probably a 12-string and an acoustic. Imagine a single guitar that plays fantastically, that can replace your Les Paul, Strat, ES-175, Dobro, Rickenbacker, jumbo 12-string, and many more. With a seeming endless variety of sounds from classic acoustic and electric tones all the way to sitar and banjo - plus without magnetic pickups, your notes come out crystal clear without any noise whatsoever. Variax also allows you to plug into a computer and customize your tone or apply alternate tunings to any of the 25 presets. Line 6's exclusive Variax Workbench software lets you fine-tune all the details of each tone, or change your tuning to Open G, DADGAD, D-MODAL, Drop-D, or any tuning you can imagine, without ever needing a tuner. It also integrates seamlessly with POD XT Live and Vetta II - not only powering the guitar but also letting you control the entire signal chain right at your feet. It can also run either on batteries or by the included phantom adapter - or receive power from Vetta II, PODxt Live or POD X3 Live. Other features include Comfort-contoured basswood body, one piece maple neck, 22 medium profile frets, 25 1/2" scale, 9.5" fingerboard radius, custom L.R. Baggs tremolo bridge, standard 1/4" guitar output jack plus digital I/O jack for PODXT Live, POD X3 Live, Vetta II, and Workbench connectivity, volume and tone controls, included XPS A/B footswitch selects between two outputs: 1/4" standard guitar output for connection to any guitar amp or XLR balanced output for sending acoustic sounds to a separate amp or PA. For a quick rundown on some of the stock sounds, click here for a YouTube demo; there are also some brief samples of banjo, resonator, sitar, etc. here. This is a very impressive sounding guitar, especially at an $1119 list price. This one could be sold as new, plays exceptionally well, and priced at $679. Includes a very high quality gigbag, and all the accessories pictured. I also have this guitar in stock in Vintage White.

Marshall JCM900 2100 Head, (panel), (top), (back), (back panel). AKA 100W High Gain Master Volume MK III. 100 watts of bone-crunching Marshall all-tube power. I just installed a new matched quad of Electroharmonix EL34's so this amp needs nothing - quiet at idle and all the power you expect from a 100W Marshall. The JCM900 series replaced the JCM800's and they were still very basic amps compared to recent TSL's, Mode 4's, etc., but when it was made in the 90s, it included a lot of features for a Marshall. It is basically the evolution of the great JCM800 MK II Model 2203 I posted a few days ago, although the 2100 has more gain and a few more features. Do *not* confuse it with the JCM900 Dual Reverb 4100, which are lower-gain and lame in comparison. Features of this great amp include footswitchable boost channel (boost has independent gain/volume control), 100W/50W switchable, effects loop with level control, direct output and recording-compensated output, tube failure LED's, and fail-safe circuit which keeps you running to the end of the gig in the event of tube failure. To give you an idea of how well-regarded the 2100 was, Slash chose this circuit for his Slash signature model which is basically the 2100 with one additional preamp tube. It's extremely well suited for rock music, brown sound and all, and for heavier stuff it's higher gain makes it better than the JMP/JCM800 2203 MK II. Overall its in very nice shape other than a little tape residue on the front panel and it's missing the back grill, which can be obtained through Marshall parts dealers or any metal shop. Just a killer 100-watter for $699. I think I also have the proper metal one-button footswitch in my spares but, regardless, I'll include something free of charge.

1972 Gretsch 7660 Chet Atkins Nashville, (front/back), (headstock), (side), (bridge/pickup), (case). Looking for an absolutely killer playing Nashville with a perfect, original neck set? Look no further. I've been saying that the recent Japan Gretsch's all play better than all the old USA ones but this is an exception. The action is low at the nut and stays low all the way up the fretboard and no fretting out on bends. Overall this guitar is in great condition with a clean, original finish, little to no fret wear, and all original except original owner flashed it up a bit by painting the pickguard black with a red racing stripe and putting a matching red cap on the knobs, click here for a comparison pic. One of the common Gretsch problems, cracks in binding are non existent (pic) and the only hint of deterioration is a small spot on the heel shown here. Features of the Chet Atkins 7660 include: laminated maple body with 2 real f-holes, body 16" wide - 2.5" deep; ebony fretboard, fully bound including body, neck, fretboard and f-holes; adjustable truss rod with gear box at base of neck (that's a truss rod cover on back of body); 25.5" scale joined at the 18th fret; ebonized headstock overlay; inlaid neo-classic thumbnail inlays; adjustamatic bridge with adjustable saddles; gold hardware; Gretsch/Bigsby tailpiece (nickel). This guitar is a pickguard and 3 knobs away from being a very clean original Chet Atkins but more importantly, is one of the best playing vintage Gretsch's I've ever played and at almost 40 years old, it's priced less than the new Japan models sold for at just $1850(Tent. Hold - 2 inquiries). Includes original Gretsch case.

2007 SPG Custom Prototype #1 Leo Snakehead, (front/back), (headstock), (bridge/pickup), (Build Sheet), (case). I've seen a number of this type of guitar, including a Rick Kelly Protocaster I had last year, based on Leo Fender's Prototype Esquire from the late 40's. This one from SPG Custom is a slightly different from original model with an ash body, the later style control plate, 3-way switch, smaller pickguard, and individual tuners instead of strip tuners. With that said, it is nonetheless an absolutely killer player. If you like low action - this guitar is for you. Like the original, this model has a huge neck, complete with paddle 3+3 headstock, with some beautiful flame from the base of the neck to the headstock, plus wooden dot inlays and a 9" radius, just slightly flatter than a vintage radius. Other features include white lacquer finish that's applied thin enough that you can see the grain in the finish, modern style Tele bridge plate by Wilkinson with 3 compensated saddles for near perfect intonation, plus the bridge allows you to use it as a top loader or string-thru-body. For a pickup, a Duncan dual rails was chosen, which gives you a lot more versatility in the 3-way with 3 distinct tones (single coil, HB in phase, HB out of phase) rather than the vintage Esquire with only one tone with varying amounts of treble roll-off. The action is set extremely low, indicative of a perfectly straight neck, and it has excellent sustain, and quality tone that is somehow very Tele-like in both the single and humbucker modes. This guitar is offered in pretty much unplayed condition with plastic still on the pickguard and no wear whatsoever. You'll notice a spot on the back of the headstock but that's merely an irregularity in the wood and not an actual flaw. There's a lot of hand-craftsmanship on this guitar, as shown in this pic where the edges are hand contoured, with a certain charm in the fact that they're no precisely contoured. This guitar was hand-built in Maine by master builder Eric Brown and kudos to the luthier for building a very charming guitar that could easily turn out to be your favorite. You can read a brief history of SPG Custom, now called New England Custom, at this link as well as some current info from Eric Brown and Company at their MySpace page here and more here. Nice price for an American built Snakehead at just $850 and includes a quality Kaces Tweed case.

1998 Fender Deluxe Super Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (Aged Gold Hardware), (electronics), (routing/neck pocket). Super "Closet Classic" vibe - in the best color for this model - butterscotch blonde over an ash body! This honestly aged hardware reminds me of a Custom Shop Closet Classic, i.e. a guitar that was played briefly and then put away for many years so while the body and neck show little to no wear, the hardware has rusted or oxidized - and the knobs nicely "greened out", giving the feeling that you're playing a guitar that's been around a lot longer than 11 years. Part of Fender's Deluxe Series, the Super Strat has all the vintage feature, but its own signature tone with a trio of "Super Fat Super Strat" pickups complete with USA CTS pots and switch. Another major feature for this model is the push-button switch between the two tone controls which "turns on" the bridge pickup. When engaged, with the 5-way in position 1 you get the neck and bridge pickups; in position 2 you get all 3 pickups at once - all together you get 7 unique tones. Other features include one-piece maple neck with modern 9.5" radius, Fender vintage style tuners, 21 medium-jumbo frets, brown shell pickguard, gold hardware, and vintage synchronized tremolo. Pickup cavities are factory finished with shielding paint and factory routed HHS so you can experiment with different configurations if you'd like. With a regular Mex Standard Strat selling for $549(HOLD-Robert N 11/13), this butterscotch blonde beauty with aged hardware is much cooler, priced less AND includes Fender gigbag; $529. Note: For other Deluxe Series, see my Fender page for a few Powerhouse Strats, never retailed, which have the active mid-boost, much like the Clapton Strat.

1988 Fender HM Strat HS - Black, (front/back), (headstock), (detail). I've been getting in a good selection of HM Strats, Fender's entry into the SuperStrat war of the late 80's/early 90's, against powerhouse makers with a vast history of building this type of guitar, primarily Kramer, Jackson, and Charvel. These are great guitars for rock metal guitarists with features such as double-locking tremolos, very flat and wide fretboards which are conducive to finger tapping and ultra-fast runs, and of course a bridge humbucker which completely turned upside down everyone's expectations of a Strat tone. This one is a fairly rare bird. You'll notice that it's "missing" a middle pickup and (gasp) sports a pickguard, and a Tele-style pickguard at that. You're not missing a lot in the tone selection since this model features a mini-switch for the bridge humbucker which, along with a standard 3-way, gives you a choice of 7 tones. This guitar hasn't seen a lot of playing time but is probably one more for the player than the collector. Worst flaw is on the headstock with some small impressions on both sides of the headstock (shown here) which doesn't affect the integrity of the neck in the least and is barely noticeable from a few feet away. Otherwise, this guitar is in very clean shape for 20+ years and, most importantly, has a killer setup. Unlike the common HM Strats with HSS configuration, Fender used the same DiMarzio Super 3 bridge pickup, but instead of two straight single coils, Fender chose a slanted Fender Lace Sensor (silver) for the neck pickup on this model. Tonally, it's a much more dramatic change of tones. In addition to being more quiet than the other single coils, the Lace is more articulate and "airy" sounding. Other than the pickup and pickguard, other features are the same as the more common HSS variety. If you're looking for a killer gigging guitar, and an HM that's 20X more rare than the standard HM's, this one's yours for $599. Includes original molded case in fair condition.

1983 Ibanez DT-155 X-Series Destroyer, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Many people refer to this as the Phil Collen (Def Leppard) Model, although I've only seen him in print ads playing the higher end DT-555 with upscale cosmetics, set neck, and a wacky Ibanez locking tremolo. These guitars are amazing quality as most people know. Setup is low and very comfortable with a scorching tone from a trio of Ibanez Super 70 ceramic humbuckers, boomerang strap pins, it's a true pro-quality axe at a very reasonable price. Other features include basswood body, maple 1-pc neck, 25.5" scale, dual volume and master tone, Smooth Tune II tuners, black finish only. While the DT-555 featured the Pro Rok'r tremolo, the DT-155 came stock with a non-locking system. On later models, probably beginning in '85 models they used the floating PowerRocker tremolo but everything I'm seeing for the early versions have this vintage style, screwed directly to the body. Overall this guitar is in very nice condition for its age with just a few minor touch-ups to the black and moderate wear. Frets are in great shape and this medium profile neck with jut a sealer coat feels very fast and comfortable. This is a very nice early-model X-Series DT-155, whether you're a collector or player and priced at just $499 which was, coincidentally, the retail price 20 years ago. Includes original case.

2008 Ibanez Artist ARC-500NT, (front), (back/heel), (headstock), (appointments), (Engraved Super 58's), (gigbag). With a history that goes back to the mid-70's, the Artist line began as a guitar that was uniquely Ibanez, at a time when nearly every guitar coming out of Japan was a Fender or Gibson copy. Over the years the Artist series has been represented by some very plain - and some very ornate - models. This ARC-500 is one of the most beautiful creations I've seen from this line, beginning with a stunning carved quilted maple top. The top is just the beginning. The body, neck, and headstock are all bound in flamed maple, with additional layers in black and natural along with edge of the fretboard and body, with wooden knobs, wooden truss rod cover, elegant Artist inlays on the fretboard, gold hardware, and engraved Super-58 pickups. Other features include mahogany body with a single cutaway and sculpted heel, mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, J-Craft fret work, and Gibraltar III bridge with fine tuners. Like some of the Prestige models now originating from China, this is an extremely well crafted guitar. Debuting at the '07 NAMM show, they have since been discontinued and at a $999 retail, they're a lot of guitar for the money. This one is in immaculate condition and as great example of "guitar as art" in addition to being a fine instrument. With one of the best gigbags made, this one's hard to beat at $529(HOLD-Lance B).

Jackson DK2M Dinky - Crimson Swirl, (front/back), (headstock), (low-profile Floyd), (Dunlop strap locks). Dead mint - unplayed condition. Finished in somewhat rare, for a DK2, Crimson Swirl, and a great example of Jackson's superb Japanese craftsmanship. The DK2M Dinky features a maple fretboard with contrasting black sharktooth inlays and the slightly smaller 7/8 size Dinky body. One of the most important features on this model are a pair of quality Seymour Duncan humbuckers with a JB (TB4) in the bridge; and a Jazz (SH2N) in the neck. The rock maple neck is bound and uses Jackson's compound-radius maple fretboard that goes from a flat 12" at the nut - to an even flatter 16" at the top. It also features Dinky's scalloped cutaway on top and scalloped heel on back, to make playing the upper frets a breeze. Tremolo is also top notch with Jackson's Floyd Rose-licensed low-profile double-locking system that is impervious to dive bombs and 3-fret up-pulls. Other features include: Alder body, bolt-on maple neck with scar joint headstock, black binding on neck and headstock, 25-1/2" scale, 24 jumbo frets, Black Delrin fin position inlays, recessed tremolo and control cavity plates, scalloped heel for easy access to the upper frets, 1.6875" nut width, black hardware, and 3-position blade pickup switch with master volume and master tone. The setup on these guitars is great, comparable to the DK-1 and it's one fine guitar for blazing lead work. Crimson Swirl (and Eerie Dess) are the most expensive of the DK2M line carrying a list of $1324 and a street price of $899, extremely reasonable for a guitar of this quality. This one is in "as new" condition, and $300 less than new at just $599. I also this guitar in Candy Red or Black, never retailed (see my Misc. Electrics page) for $539. Note: I compared these guitars with a similarly outfitted Jackson USA So-Cal and the DK2M seemed to me the better guitar without even considering the DK sells for $300 less than the So-Cal.

Jackson DK2 Dinky - Hot Rod Flames with EMG's, (front/back), (headstock), (low-profile Floyd). In ultra-cool Hot Rod Flame finish, hand-painted, and signed in Japanese by the artist. All of the Japan Jacksons are excellent quality guitars. On this model Jackson used Duncan Designed pickups in an HSS configuration - but this baby has one quantum upgrade: a great sounding set of active EMG's with an EMG85/EMG-SA/EMG-SA. Other specs are the same as the Crimson Swirl above. This guitar is in stunning condition, looks to have seen little to no playing time, and the finish is top notch. Set up with the shredder in mind with very low action and no fretting out or buzz. I don't know how Jackson was able to do these with hand-painted finishes in Japan, where labor is at least as much as in the USA. Considering this, and an EMG upgrade that will run you around $250 from a qualified luthier, this is a killer deal on a "smoking" (pun...) Dinky at just $529(HOLD-Scott L 11/14). Note: I just found this hot rod flame strap, complete with Dunlop strap locks. For $20(HOLD-Scott) we'll include this, plus swap out the strap pins with Dunlop locking pins.

2005 Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 4, (front/back), (headstock). Super clean - barely touched - fantastic player. The choice of more pro players than just about anything else made. By virtue of it's utter simplicity, comfort, ease of play, and most of all tone, the Stingray became an immediate classic when first introduced in the 70's. With its characteristic large pickguard and oversize pickup, the Stingray is immediately recognizable as a veritable funk machine. It's hard to picture "Flea" without seeing him slinging a Stingray. Although simple in looks, traditionally with a single pickup, deceptively versatile. When combined with an optional 3-band active EQ (bass-mid-treb cut/boost), the Stingray is capable of dialing in just about any tone to suit any situation. This bass is clean all around with perfect frets, clean fretboard, and no scratches on the body. For full specs, click here for Musicman's site. A new Stingray 4 in sunburst runs $1470 ($2100 List) but if you can deal with a well-padded gigbag instead of a case, save big time on this super clean '05 model at just $899.

2001 Gretsch Country Classic Junior 6122JR, (front/back), (headstock), (detail), (case). Classic Gretsch tone and vibe, in a very comfortable scaled-down body size. Enjoy the specs of a 6122 Country Classic without the ungainly size - just 14" at the lower bout, but plug it in and the tone is just as pure as the larger 6122, with a pair of classic Filter 'Trons and the same controls as the larger 6120. Spec's include double rounded cutaway semi-hollow bound body, laminated arched maple top and back, 3-ply laminated maple sides with mahogany lining, bound f-holes, 2-piece rock maple neck, bound ebonized rosewood fretboard with "thumbnail" inlays, pearl headstock inlay, bound headstock, ebony/metal tuneomatic bridge with Bigsby tailpiece, gold hardware, raised gold pickguard, Filter 'Tron pickups, dual volume controls and master tone on lower bout with master volume on upper bout, scaled down 14" body with 2.25" depth, and 24.6" scale. This guitar is in super clean condition with very little gold wear and a finish that shines like new. Looks more like '09 model than an '01. If you like the Gretsch vibe and tone but find the large bodies a bit ungainly, the 6122JR is for you. This guitar has a superb setup with low action and bends ring true - plus you get the classic Fab Four walnut finish - all for $1299(HOLD-Emmitt). Includes original Gretsch case.

For my wrong-handed friends, I just got in a few nice lefty's and I offer them with a reminder - you don't have to pay $400 to get a nice playing guitar. These guitars will get the same quality set-up that we give to our more expensive guitars. This is especially important to beginners and "returnees". If a guitar has low, comfortable action you're able to play faster, enjoy it more, and reduce sore fingertips.

Lefty Epiphone Les Paul LP-100L, (front/back), (headstock). Don't confuse this with the "Special II", easily identifiable with it's flat top - this is a Les Paul 100, and features an arched top of maple over mahogany body, dual volume and tone controls, matching cream pickguard/pickup rings, pearloid Epi headstock logo, and sells new for $150 more. If you want the classic Gibson Les Paul feel and sound, but find the Epiphone Les Paul Standard a little higher than your budget allows, this one's for you. With dual open-coil humbuckers, a rosewood fretboard with a bolt-on mahogany neck and great body wood give this model the powerful, sustaining tone character of the best Les Pauls. They make these in an all-mahogany model for their painted finishes, but for their transparent finishes like this beautiful cherry sunburst, a maple top layer is used for aesthetic purposes. The pickups deliver the classic Paul tone - a powerful cutting bridge pickup and a thick, warm neck pickup. With a list price of $524 these sell at 40% at a nice price of $314 new. This one is in immaculate condition, set up to perfection, and just $239. Add used Gibson gigbag for $20 (pic).

Lefty Epiphone SG Special G-310, (front/back), (headstock). The sister guitar to the LP-100 above, again featuring a pair of humbuckers with dual volume and tone controls. This one features an Alder body, which gives it a brighter tone than the mahogany body models - with a mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard and dot inlays, pearloid Epi headstock logo, and chrome hardware. As with the LP-100, this guitar has barely been played and is in beautiful cosmetic condition and it's even better than new since its been upgraded with a pair of Seymour Duncan-Designed humbuckers (HB-103N/HB-103B) which sound fantastic and quantum improvement over the stock humbuckers. This one sells for $264 new but even with these great DD pickups, you can get this beauty for less. Just $189, set up and ready to rock. Add used Gibson gigbag for $20 (pic).

Davison SG Standard Style, (front/back), (headstock). Based on the look of the '61 SG, with small pickguard, chrome-covered humbuckers, trapezoid fretboard inlays, and control cluster where the pickup selector, 4 volume/tone controls, and output jack are all located on the lower treble bout, this guitar has the look of true classic. To take it even a step further, this guitar is built with a set neck, rather than a bolt on, which many claim enhances sustain through better transfer of the string vibration from the neck to the body. Other features include enclosed die cast tuners, high gloss finish, and tuneomatic bridge with stop bar tail piece. Impeccably finished in vintage white, this guitar appears to have seen little playing time with no hints of use other than minor pickguard scratches. For a set neck guitar, this one's hard to beat for $139, especially with a real in-house set up prior to shipping. If you're a Strat/Tele player and want to add a humbucker guitar to your arsenal, this is easy-on-the-wallet and will get the job done nicely.

Line 6 Guitar Port, Note: Software disk not included but can be downloaded here. One of the coolest little tools ever made for PC-based recording and practice. Comes with some very compressive software that shows your amp or stomp box on your computer monitor (screen shot) and you use your mouse to move the dials. Clean shape and just $25(HOLD-Tom H 11/10) or $30 with a new short USB cable.

2007 PRS McCarty Goldtop, (front/back), (headstock), (bridges), (case/acc.). A beautiful McCarty - killer player - and unusually lightweight for this model. The McCarty is probably the most traditional model that PRS makes, with a nod to the 50's LP style, understandably given Ted McCarty's association with this guitar. Features include a carved maple top with mahogany body, mahogany neck, and rosewood fretboard with moon inlays. 2007 was the last year for McCarty pickups on this model (now features 245 pickups) controlled by a 3-way selector and push/pull tone pot for full selection of humbucker or single coil tones - 6 quality tones in all. Tailpiece is your choice of the PRS stoptail - or the intonatable stop tail, which is available from PRS Accessories for $239. Not that it really matters, but this guitar has a beautifully flamed maple top (pic here), underneath the gold finish. Neck is the wide-fat neck carve, which adds to its vintage appeal. All I know is, like the whole McCarty line, it's one of the best PRS's made in my opinion and if you're not into the 5-way rotary, this 3-way with push/pull is much easier to get around on. New discount price on a McCarty II is $2275 ($3250 list) but this goldtop beauty has barely been played and offered in 9.9 condition for just $1499- or $150 more with the upgraded bridge installed, and the original in the case.

CHANGE to description: 1971 Martin D-35, (pic2), (pic3), (case). I have two '71 D-35's and got one detail mixed up. This guitar does NOT have the tiny crack from pickguard shrinkage nor does it have a replaced pickguard. Martin (Miranda) removed and reinstalled the ORIGINAL pickguard to prevent the common small crack from occurring. The only real flaw on this guitar is a trace outline of pickguard before it was reinstalled (pictured here). We could have installed a new one to cover up the area but the original one was used for originality. Description follows... Insanely clean - a true "under the bed" find. I had this guitar a few years ago and was very happy to get it back in trade, still in near pristine condition. Interesting story with this one - it was purchased new by a local Martin dealer in '71 as his personal guitar. His store was Albany's main music store and they moved a ton of Martins in the early 70's; he had an opportunity to get an in-depth test drive of every one. From these countless Martins, this was THE ONE. It had that magical tone he had been seeking. It was played sparingly for a few months and then, literally, under the bed it went. This is perhaps the best sounding post-'69 Martin in my memory. It's a shame that descriptions such as "cannon" get overused as it waters down the impact of such a strong word. I'll just say that the projection of this guitar is remarkable; the balance is very good; and the clarity and note definition are superb. It has the sort of bottom end that you can feel in your chest. There aren't any scratches on this guitar. Frets are unblemished. It received a setup by one of the area's top acoustic luthiers in preparation for sale and the saddle was lowered to obtain very comfortable action - so this guitar needs absolutely nothing and is ready to jam right out of the case. I blacklighted it and there's not even as much as a pin head that's been touched up. It was a shame that all this tone has been wasted for so many years but the good news, of course, is that somebody is going to get a vintage Martin that's as clean as a lightly played recent model. Although I pride myself on good prices, this one is not a cheap guitar but as time as shown, the cleanest examples are worth the extra investment, and if it happens to be among the best sounding, that's just icing on the cake. A new D-35 is going to run $2300 from the major online dealers and will eventually be a good investment since all Martin appreciate with time. 38 years have passed since this one has been built and, investment potential aside, it's simply a monster player and nicely priced for a guitar in this condition - and less than a new one at $2250 or $75 more with a nice '71 Martin/Geib tolex case in place of the thermoplastic case. (Multiple inquiries - answering in order)

CORRECTION: This is an '83, not an '85 as listed earlier. 1983 Marshall JCM800 2203, (back), (chassis), (top). The big boy - 100-watt head Master Volume - vertical inputs. One of the true legends in rock guitar amps an identical to the earlier JMP series 2203, other than cosmetic changes of the JCM800 line which offered a big, bold look compared to the JMP's. The 2203 was the first Marshall to use the Master Volume design, enabling the player to overdrive the preamp stage, thus getting distortion at lower volume levels, i.e. not having to drive the power tubes into overdrive levels. The MV was initially a mod done for Ritchie Blackmore but soon followed, in 1975, as its own model, the 2204. Let me include my usual warning with Marshall amps - especially the 100 watters - this amp is very LOUD. To really let this amp sing, you need to be playing large stages or use an attenuator such as the Marshall Power Brake. This model is the more highly regarded vertical input version which people rave about, I suspect, because it goes hand-in-hand with the MK II Master models only. No frills on this amp whatsoever. No channel switching. No effects loop. No reverb. Nothing extra in the circuit to get between your guitar and the beautiful tone that comes from the output jacks. Controls are straight ahead and classic Marshall (front panel) with Presence, Bass, Mid, Treb, Master, and Preamp, with a high input for passive guitars and a "low", buffered input for you EMG type fans. This amp isn't a pristine museum piece with a few tears to the tolex and a small section of the top plastic grill missing but for you working players, its exactly the amp you want to take on the road. This circuit has been so wildly popular that the evolution of the JCM900, JCM2000, DSL's, TSL's, etc., Marshall has reverted to this wonderfully simple design and reissued it as the 2203 Reissue. The 2203 Reissue sold for $2039 but unless you like the smell of new plastic better than an old tube circuit warming up, why get a copy when you can get the real thing for around $1000 LESS; just $1099. Note: I have an ATA Flight Case in great shape available on my amps page - $75 with this amp or $125 alone.

2007 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded '50s Neck - CV Guitars LCPG "Peter Green", (front/back), (headstock), (detail), (cert), (Case). CV Guitars does a cool mod of Faded Les Pauls, with numerous changes, some minute such as knob pointers and mismatch knobs, some major such as upgrading pickups to Manalishi's. His guitars, termed "LCPG" combining Larry Corsa/Peter Green's initials, are well regarded and he has found a niche market with little to no advertising other than word-of-mouth. This one is LCPG-102, which is the 102nd one built and he's currently in the high 200's for total production. In all there are 24 changes and features, all of which can be found on their PG mod page here in the left had column. From a luthier's perspective, this faded finish is the best for enhancing the tone as there is nothing to limit the vibration of the wood. Ly contrast, lacquer or poly finishes only deaden a guitar's resonance. Although raw is a wood's most resonant state, it makes it prone to changes in climate thus the satin finish is the perfect compromise. Other than the finish, the spec on this guitar are the same as any Les Paul Standard with the same tuners, nickel hardware, headstock and fretboard inlays, neck binding and body binding. These tops are graded AA thus the pickguard isn't installed (but included in the case) from the factory to allow more of the figured wood to show. Click here for a video for a sound comparison and the manufacturing process which begins about 1/2 way through the clip and click here for part 2. Here's a discussion on the Les Paul Forum of some happy owners. At 7 lbs, 14 oz., this is a nice lightweight Paul. The guy I got it from said he paid $2199 but the guitars on his site right now are $1999 so there was evidently a price drop on this model or it was ordered with options I'm not aware of. Regardless, it is presented in "as new" condition without any flaws or hints of use. These Honeyburst have the look of a genuine 'burst, the way many of the original sunburst models faded. If you're looking for a well thought-out Les Paul that plays spectacularly and sounds fantastic, this one's hard to beat at $1699(HOLD-Francois 11/4). Includes original case, pickguard, and all paperwork.

2006 Fender Highway One HSS Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock). One of the cooler models and best bang for the buck in USA Fenders. The Highway One combines a vintage vibe with the large headstock with vintage logo and vintage tremolo - plus modern features such as jumbo frets, modern C-shape neck with modern 9.5" fretboard radius, HSS pickup configuration, and a master "Greasebucket" Tone Circuit that rolls off highs without adding bass. Add to this a very thin Nitrocellulose finish and you have a body that resonates better than the poly finishes and attains an honest "relic" appearance the more you play. Stock Fender humbucker has been upgraded (pic here) with a custom wound DiMarzio Super Distortion (zebra coils) in the bridge with the stock Alnico 3 single coils in the middle and neck with the usual layout of a 5-way switching system for a good selection of thick humbucker - and traditional Strat - tones. Overall excellent condition; perfect frets; excellent setup. For players who don't particularly like the satin finish, let me know and we can buff it out (upcharge applies). Fender could have made a few minor changes to this line and called them USA Hot Rod Vintage Series but instead used low key marketing and used this model to hit a price point well below the American Series. Set up is excellent and this DiMarzio is a definite upgrade from the stock Fender humbucker with better note definition and a more balanced output with the single coils. With a current list of $1129, this is a smoking Strat for just $539. Includes choice of Fender gigbag or a somewhat beat 80's Fender molded case.

1989 Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (Case). 20-year old Clapton in beautiful shape. Finished in Pewter, which, along with Torino Red, was one of the original two prototype models that Eric toured with in 1986 and is closely associated with him through the "Prince Trust Live Aid", "Live in Montreux" and "Eric Clapton and friends Live 1986" DVDs that same year. Eric played his Pewter model for 2 years, eventually having it refitted with a 22-fret neck and refinished in Candy Green in '89 and then black in '90. These early models only came in three colors and Pewter is the color I most closely associate with the artist. Eric requested a soft V-shaped neck profile as found on early Martin acoustics and by the time production started on the signature model, the "new" Lace Sensors, all Gold versions, were chosen as the pickups to get his signature tone. Originally Fender used a 12dB mid-boost circuit (MBX), which was later upped to an incredible 25dB boost, which made the guitar capable of emulating a humbucker tone. The main thing about the Laces though, they were quiet and they still sounded like a Strat. This is definitely one of the cleanest 80's Claptons I've come across recently a near perfect finish front and back and very little fretboard wear - and these fretboards wear thru quite easily. Another indication that it has seen little use is evidenced by the lettering on the Lace pickups (shown here), which is totally intact. The only real flaw is a small piece is missing from the corner of the backplate, which is an cheap replacement if you're so inclined, plus in the right light you can see ripples in the finish along the length of the body similar to finish checking but without the action check lines. In addition to its obvious cosmetic appeal, this guitar plays wonderfully with very comfortable action without fretting out on string bends. This model is based on a USA Vintage '57 model with select Alder body, one-piece maple neck (although with the modern 9.5" radius and Bi-Flex truss rod), single ply pickguard, Gotoh/Kluson nickel-plated tuners, American Vintage tremolo system with a wood block to lock it in place, and of course Lace Sensor pickups which lasted until 2001 when the change was made to Vintage Noiseless. A new Clapton Strat is running $2019 but wouldn't you rather have a beautiful 20-year-old, 2nd year example - especially at $700 less? $1319 for this beauty.

1998 Fender Floyd Rose Deluxe Series Standard Stratocaster HH, (pic2), (pic3). One of the Deluxe Series back in the 90's and sort of an Iron Maiden vibe with Olympic White finish and black pickguard. Features a killer upgrade with REAL Duncans with a Pearly Gates and '59 in the neck, plus the "good" Floyd Rose, made by Ping (specs here) which is the only licensed model, identical to the Original Floyd in specs, which is allowed to carry the Floyd Rose logo. If you're happy with average action, you'll love this guitar, but it's one of those that won't set up extremely low. We can offer it with a different neck if you like the strings very low, so just ask, options include a large headstock maple cap with '69 "Synchronized" logo, small headstock rosewood board with '67 "trans" logo. Don't get me wrong, it plays good - just not our normal very low action. When the pics were taken it was set up with DR strings that are red in color, so don't adjust your monitor. Good value on a Floyd Strat at $499. Includes fender gigbag.

2004 Fender Standard Stratocaster Floyd Rose 1HB, (front/back), (headstock), (Floyd/DiMarzio). Higher end member of the Fender Standard Series, with all the features of a Standard PLUS factory Floyd Rose double locking tremolo including Floyd Rose nut. This one has been slightly modified/upgraded with a single DiMarzio humbucker in the bridge with custom ordered 3-ply tortoise pickguard and backplate, and only two controls, volume and tone - original configuration was Hum-Single-Single Mex pickups with 3 knobs and 5-way. Other specs include Alder body, modern C-shaped neck, Fender Ping tuners, and neck tilt adjustment via neckplate. Olympic White finish is immaculate except for one tiny touch-up on the back edge of the belly contour (shown here) and the normal small lacquer crack in the cutaway, worth mentioning only because this Strat is otherwise extremely clean. This model features an excellent quality Floyd Rose, made by Ping (specs here), which is identical to the Original Floyd in specs and the only licensed model which is allowed to carry the Floyd Rose logo. This guitar has an excellent setup and the DiMarzio makes it especially good at rock/metal tones. The stock HSS Floyd Rose sells for $699 but for many of us, this single DiMarzio is cooler and better - for just $499. Includes Fender gigbag.

Alvarez Yairi DY-88 BKN Acoustic Electric, (front/back/side), (headstock), (preamp), (case). Most of you know this but don't confuse the Kazuo Yairi guitars with the "Alvarez" brand. Alvarez are generally decent utility guitars made in Korea or China. Kazuo Yairi builds lifetime guitars in Japan, heirlooms which can be handed down through generations. The K Yairi company has a history of guitar making that goes back to 1935. Kazuo, now 74 years old, took over the company from his father in 1963 after spending three years in the USA learning how the Americans were constructing & voicing their guitars. He personally oversees around 30 guitar makers in his workshop and their yearly output is in the region of a modest 4000 guitars. Yairi sets very high standards for the timber they use. All woods are naturally seasoned - no timber is kiln dried. Other than the sawmill, no machinery is used in the manufacture of the guitars; no CNC machines or UV spray booths speed up the process. Many guitars are made by a single craftsman; others are made by a team of 3 or 4 makers. The DY-88 is a unique guitar in that it's a traditional acoustic without a soundhole. While you might think this would limit it strictly to the studio or stage, it actually has a very nice acoustic tone. It's appearance is striking, all black, including a black pickguard and dark ebony fingerboard, with the entire top adorned in colorful abalone and gold hardware contrasting nicely with the black finish. Spec's include: dreadnought-shaped body with rounded cutaway, gloss black finish, solid spruce top without soundhole, mahogany sides and arched back, 14-fret mahogany neck, black-bound 23-fret ebony fingerboard with triangle inlays on the edge, ebony bridge, 15-7/8" lower bout, 3-1/4" body depth, 1-11/16" nut width, 25-3/8" scale, white-bound body with abalone top purfling, gold tuners, factory Alvarez System 500 pickup system, and 1/4" output jack. I think the production run on the DY-88's was all in the 90's. This one has obviously seen very little use in 15 years or so and looks much more impressive in person without the reflections you see in the pics. It is an elegant looking guitar and plays as good as it looks. Selling for over $1000 over 10 years ago, it's an excellent value in a true lifetime guitar at $750. Includes original Yairi 2-tone plush-lined case.

1989 Fender Stratocaster Plus - Seafoam Green!, (front/back), (headstock), (body/neck dates), (case/acc.). A rare finish for this model and this is a Strat Plus for the collector. Lovingly cared for over the past 20 years and a one-owner guitar. The Strat Plus made its debut in 1987 and this '89 model is considered a 2nd year model. These early American Standards and Plus's have come on strong in the past few years, with prices 30-50% higher than they were just 3-4 years ago. The Plus was essentially a deluxe model American Standard, with upgraded pickups and hardware. It featured a trio of the new gold "Lace Sensor" pickups, which provided a vintage tone without the annoying noise associated with standard Strat pickups. With 3 gold Laces, these were the same pickups used in the Clapton signature model and he certainly made them sound good. The Plus also features Sperzel locking tuners as well as a Wilkinson roller nut and "Tremsetter" device under the tremolo cover, all enhancements to keep the guitar in tune, especially for players who style incorporates a lot of tremolo. This guitar has a nice vintage patina to both the body and the plastic as shown in this pic. I've been saying for a few years that these early American Standards with the silver logo would be the next Fender to take off on the vintage market and they're definitely on the upswing, especially with a new American Strat now at $1199 and worth around 30% less the week after you buy it. When you can get a 20-year old Strat in this kind of condition for the price of new one, there's plenty of future value there which makes this a sweet buy at $1199(HOLD-Scott L 11/2), whether you're a collector or a player. Includes original case, factory hang tags, manual, Tremsetter manual, and even original bill of sale.

Mojave Coyote Head, (panel), (top), (back), (cover). Third one of these I've had. Last one was serial #6, this one is serial #9. If you're looking for clean headroom - look elsewhere - this amp has none. If you're looking for excellent crunch and rich distortion at all sound levels - you'll likely be very pleased. In my business low watt boutique amps are about the hottest thing on the market right now - even more than most vintage amps. They generally sound as good, or better, and don't have 30-year-old components prone to failure In fact, most of these have better components than many of the original models. The Coyote is a dual-EL84, cathode-biased amp that features dual independently voiced channels, labeled 'Bass Volume" and "Treble Volume." Each controls the two triode gain stages of a 12AX7, and the idea is that you use varying levels of each to obtain not just the amount of overdrive you want, but also the balance of bass and treble needed for your particular guitar. The dual-function system eliminates the need for separate tone controls - and the only additional EQ on the Coyote is a Tone knob and 2-position Mid Cut/Emphasis switch. Don't be fooled by an lack of knobs and switches; as many of you know, less is more. The output tranny is equipped with both 8 ohm and 16 ohm speaker taps so it will be compatible with various speaker configurations. To quote one review online: Elements of its sound are reminiscent of an old Marshall 20 watter’s, but the Coyote has a broader palette of textures to play with, and it seems to instinctively want to sound good with just about any guitar. Bottom line: If you like the idea of exploring very interactive control nuances for precise tailoring of your tones, you’ll find the Coyote fun and exciting. For full details and reviews, click here for Mojave's site - or click here for sound clips. Like the other ones I've had, this one is in bedroom condition, with the only real flaw being a tiny impression on the bottom (pic here). If you've been thinking about getting a new Coyote, they sell pretty much at their list price of $2100 but this one is super clean, one of the first ones built, and just $1450. Includes very plush Mojave cover.

ESP Mirage Deluxe 48th Street - Yellow Snakeskin, (front), (headstock/neck), (back), (heel/neckplate), (trem), (case). This is such a rare finish, I can't believe I just got in another one, just 2 weeks after I shipped out the same model. These snakeskin models are actually a very sheer fabric attached to the body and then finished with multiple clear coats. They look great and, hey, nothing screams metal like a snake skin finish. Made in the 48th Street custom shop, this early 90's Mirage Deluxe has a Strat style body with a bound neck and headstock, side block pearl inlays, non-recessed ESP-licensed Floyd Rose, non-recessed trem cover plate, ESP tuners, 5-way switch, volume and tone and ESP humbucker in bridge and a stacked ESP humbucker in the neck. Like all of these have been, it's an excellent player with very low action and excellent frets. It's in beautiful condition, around a 9 overall, without the minor lacquer cracks the last one had and also has some nice flame in the neck. With a new Mirage II in black running around $1700 new, here's a much more rare custom shop model in a rare finish, in stunning condition, that's imminently gigable - for just $1099(HOLD-EV 10/30). Includes the "good" (i.e. not foam lined) ESP case, with tolex, leather ends, and plush interior.

ESP Mirage Deluxe 48th Street - Cadillac Tailfin & Fishnet Legs Graphic, (front), (headstock), (back), (heel/neckplate), (trem), (case), (fretboard). Girls, cars, and guitars; they just go together as evidenced by this super cool airbrush graphic of some fishnet-clad legs sitting atop a 50's Cadillac tailfin. Specs are the same as the Snakeskin above with a few differences - bridge pickup is the ESP dual rail, fretboard is rosewood, tremolo is recessed, and the trem cover plate is recessed. Other than that, its the same super nice axe from the 48th Street custom shop. The fretboard on this one is some beautiful rosewood that has much of the color and figuring of Brazilian. Like all the airbrushed guitars from this era, this body is literally a work of art and hand-painted by a true artist in his/her own right. Like the snake skin above, this guitar has seen very little use and exhibits no player's wear. The only noteworthy flaw are a few lacquer cracks beside the tremolo (shown here) which only bear mentioning because the guitar is otherwise in such pristine condition. Highly recommended for the ESP collector, collector of graphic finishes, or better yet and pro player since this guitar plays fantastic with action that's built to shred and quality tone. With a new Mirage II in black running around $1700 new, here's a much more rare custom shop model in a super cool and sexy graphic, for just $1099. Includes top quality ESP case with black tolex with silver logo, leather ends, and plush interior.

1991 Ernie Ball Musicman EVH, (front/back), (headstock), (case), I haven't had one of these in 4 years. Some of you will remember I had a rush on these, getting in 5 of them within two months in late 2005. These are fairly rare guitars on the secondary market, most are in the hands of collectors, and I have no idea how I was able to come across so many of them. Players and collectors alike favor the Musicman EVH, which was Ed's first signature model, before he went on to Peavey, then Charvel, and now with his own EVH/Fender model. These are fantastic playing guitars and this one has a perfect setup. This guitar has been lightly played throughout the years but has been well cared for and is excellent condition. All of these feature varying degrees of figuring and this one's nice. Neck has nice birdseye maple and the body has an attractive chevron pattern. Black flame is one of the more rare colors on this model, with only around 600 produced. Compare this to the most common colors: red, gold (amber), blue and purple, all of which had production runs of around 1400 of each. You'll see a wide price range on these and, like the stock market, they seem to have peaks and dips. When I see them come up for sale, almost inevitably the seller thinks they're holding the holy grail and ask insane prices. When I had my "rush" of 5 pieces back in 05 they ranged in price from $1850 to $2100, but they were all the more common colors. This one is definitely low market and a great value on a trans black at just $1999. If you're a real EVH fan, you need the original signature model but if you're a player, you'll appreciate what a truly killer player this guitar is. Includes original case.

2002 Ovation Standard Balladeer 12-string Mod. 6751, (front/back), (headstock), (case), (preamp). Long recognized as a great stage guitar that's nearly impervious to feedback, these higher-end Ovations have a quality acoustic tone that's frequently overlooked. The 6751 is meticulously crafted and features a bookmatched solid Sitka spruce soundboard mated to a mid-depth bowl with cutaway, A-bracing, attractive black&white oak leaf cluster rosette, walnut bridge, 1 7/8" nut width, 25.5" scale, and Dunlop locking strap pins. Two pieces of mahogany set with the grain in opposing directions make the neck naturally stable. The Kaman Bar reinforcement makes the neck virtually unwarpable and provides a precise and solid joint with the body. The rosewood fingerboard is a radiused 10" and has 20 hand-finished frets. The OP-30 preamp has 3-band EQ with 400Hz/1kHz center frequency shift, EQ bypass, a preshape circuit that lifts the bass and treble and reduces frequencies below 40Hz, and if that's not enough, a quality chromatic tuner built in. Click here for Ovation. The 6751 was part of Ovation's Traditional Series and was recently discontinued in favor of the 6121 LX. They listed for $1499 and sold online discounted to $1049 but this one is immaculate, with extremely comfortable action, and just $599. Includes original case in similarly perfect condition.

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, (back), (top), (control panel), (Accessories). One of the most popular all-tube club amps and capable of a wide range of applications for a Fender. The unique blend of vintage and modern tones, combined with Fender's classic narrow panel styling, made the Hot Rod Deluxe a classic almost from the day it was released. It does the Fender clean very well with natural sounding tube-driven reverb, but has lot more gain than your average Fender and does the Rock/Metal tones very well. At 40 watts, it's perfect for medium/large clubs and 3 selectable channels (Clean - Drive - More Drive) give you a good selection of tones selectable via included footswitch - and perhaps best of all, at 45 lbs., you can tote it from home to a gig with ease. Mint condition and accessories include cover, footswitch, manual, and tags. Click here for Fender's info and here for a brief demo on YouTube. These sell for $699 everywhere but this one's perfect, never used out of the home, and just $529. If you want a more traditional Fender, check out my tweed Fender Blues Deluxe lower on this page.

2004 Fender American Series Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.-click to enlarge) This was a local buy-back and appears untouched from when I sold it a year ago, other than plastic being removed from the pickguard. As with the Tele below, Martin was this guy's tech and it just had a complete tune-up including a fret polishing so bends feel as smooth as glass. With its sunburst finish and maple fretboard with Spaghetti logo, this has that classic vintage look which makes this combination one of the best sellers I get in. All stock in beautiful shape and at just 7.4 lbs., very light weight for an American Series. I'm not going to list all the specs for American Series as they've appeared here 100's of times in the past, but let me know and I'll email a link. A new American Series with sunburst upcharge now at $1249. This one is $420 less and is barely played with perfect frets, an immaculate set-up and probably 1 to 2 lbs. lighter than one you'll order online. Includes case and all accessories pictured. $829 for this beauty.

1993 Fender American Standard Telecaster, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Where have all the American Standards gone? I'm not talking American Series, or the 2008 Standards, but the pre-2000 American Standards that used to be my bread and butter guitars. For whatever reason, I never get them in any longer. As odd as it sounds, I get a little excited whenever I get them in these days - especially in one of the "old" colors like this Electric Blue beauty. Where are all of these? Either folks like them too much to trade/sell - or a few Ebay parts specialists have parted out virtually ever one circulating on the secondary market. Then again it could be "vintage fever" and folks are seeing these as a hedge against inflation. I've already seen a bump in 80's models and I think many of you are hanging on with the knowledge that nobody ever lost money by hanging onto their American Fenders. The first year American Standards (1987) are now 20 years old and clean examples are going for more than a comparable new model, which is the definitive indicator that a guitar has acquired Vintage value. About this guitar: Although the Tele is Fender's workhorse guitar, this baby has seen very little work and is as clean as it looks in the pics. I'm not going into great deal on the specs - you already know 'em - just know that this guitar has never been circulated and I was the first person to ever have a look "inside". All original down to the last screw. Some folks like these better than the later American Series for various reasons but one thing's for sure, there are a lot more later American Series on the market than these '87 - early '90's with the bold silver logo. This was purchased from a local player who uses Martin as his tech. It just had a complete tune-up including a fret polishing so bends feel as smooth as glass. A wonderful player in exceptionally nice condition with clean, original Red Badge case for $749(HOLD-Dave C).

2008 Gretsch G5122 Double Cutaway Electromagnetic Hollowbody, (front/back), (headstock), (detail). "As new" condition. The newest model from the Electromagnetic line, the G5122 has the vibe of the early 60's Gretsch 6122 (Country Gentleman), with the double-cutaway body, thumbnail inlays, Bigsby vibrola, thinline body profile and best of all, it's finished in Walnut, which should appeal to George Harrison (George's '63) fans who can't pony up 4X the price for the higher end G6122. This is an improved version over one I sold a month ago, with a painted pickguard instead of the clear one. It may seem like a minor change but the overall presentation is dramatic - with the painted guard it's a real head turner and has the dead-on appearance of a Country Gent. Specs on this model, new for 2008 include: laminated maple double cutaway hollowbody; 16" lower bout; 2.25" body depth; maple neck with standard Gretsch scale (24.6"); rosewood fingerboard; 21 medium jumbo frets; Bone nut (1-11/16" wide); Vintage style open-back tuners; 2 newly-designed Gretsch dual-coil pickups; #1 tone pot control setup; G-Arrow Knobs; Adjusto-Matic bridge on rosewood base; Bigsby® B60 vibrato tailpiece; Neo-classic thumbnail inlays; inlaid headstock logo; bound on all edges - body, neck, and headstock; Gretsch knurled strap knobs; Chrome hardware; high-gloss Urethane finish; and 125th Anniversary commemorative badge on back of headstock. These new humbuckers sound good in this guitar and like the rest of the Korean Electromagnetic line, the craftsmanship is first rate. This model sells new for $699 but you can get this one in dead mint condition, with plastic still on the pickguard - with a setup that's guaranteed to be better than anything you'll order from the superstores - for just $529.

2005 PRS McCarty Standard, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Rather rare model for me. I get in a lot of McCarty Soapbars and McCarty's, but very few of these with PAF pickups. The Standard has all the features of the maple-top McCarty model, except with a one piece mahogany body. There's a certain vintage appearance of the McCarty line and especially with this one in Vintage Cherry with a carved mahogany body and a pair of McCarty humbuckers with a PRS Stoptail bridge. Features McCarty switching with a 3-way and push/pull tone pot for 6 great tones. Neck is the wide-fat neck carve, which adds to its vintage appeal. This 2005 model also features the 20th Anniv. truss rod cover. This model was discontinued in 2006, followed briefly by the PRS Korina, which has also been discontinued. In our opinion, whether it's the Soapbar model or this model, the McCarty Standards - or older PRS Standards and Studio's - with their all-mahogany construction, are the sweetest sounding guitars PRS has ever made. Also if you're not into the 5-way rotary, this 3-way with push/pull is much easier to get around on. I'm not sure why so many people pay $2200+ for a new PRS when there are so many wonderful examples on the used market. This one is in beautiful condition and, indeed, a very sweet PRS for $1450.

1985 Mesa Boogie MK III Simulclass Head, (back), (front panel), (back panel), (top), (custom cover), (footswitches). Highly regarded "blue stripe" model from the mid-80's with all the options - in a short box with custom blonde tolex covering. The MK-III's when through a number of iterations, gradually refining the circuit, and the blue stripe is, arguably, the best of the line. The Mark III introduced a third channel - a "crunch" rhythm sound right in between the rhythm and lead channels. This amp has a two-footswitch system; one footswitches between the current rhythm mode and the lead mode, and the other selects either the clean rhythm mode or the crunch rhythm mode. The two rhythm modes share all of their controls, while the lead mode only shares the rhythm modes' tone stack, featuring independent gain and master volume controls. Back when this head was made Boogie was still basically a boutique company, and their amps could be ordered with any options and this one has just about everything - Simulclass, Graphic EQ, and Reverb . This one is an early MK-III as it still has the older "Boogie" badge on front; later models III's had the "Mesa/Boogie" badge. Tonally, this amp is a gain monster, and at 100 watts - Boogie watts - it's insanely loud although capable of some quality tones with the master volume turned down. Power tubes are two Tesla EL34's on the outside with a pair of Boogie 6L6's on the inside. For some players there are so many choices for tweaking tone it can be feature overload but basically you'll find the tone that's right for you and you'll just stick with it. For some good info on the MK-III series, including some technical info on the evolution of this amp, click here. I just did a full test drive of this amp and the tone is absolutely incredible. Any tone I envisioned could be easily tuned in, between all the gain stages, push/pulls, and the EQ. If you're a gain freak I can't imagine any amp in the world that produces more *useable* gain than this MK III. I give it 3 thumbs up (or should that be index and pinky?). It is the best example of the old style Boogie head I've heard since a MK-IIC+ I sold a few years ago. This amp is in outstanding cosmetic condition with no noteworthy flaws - it's as clean as it looks in the pics. For a blonde MK III with every option and custom made D2F cover, this is a steal at $1199 and less than it cost when ordered 24 years ago.

Line 6 POD XT, (pic2), (stock pic). The XT takes the good old POD 2.0 one step further with more amp models, speaker models, and effects, plus a backlit screen to make it more user friendly. Many home studio users have found this unit to be a simple solution to having a huge arsenal of amps and effects, and even professional studios will, inevitably, have one of these on hand. The XT isn't just for the studio though - one of the best live tones I've hard was in a local club where the guitarists had no backline setup, nothing but a small kidney bean shaped thing mounted on a mic stand. I talked to him during their first break and found out their killer tones were coming from nothing more than POD's, running both through the monitors and the house system. His tone sounded just like "the CD", with both his amp tone and effects perfectly emulating the original songs. For full specs click here for Line 6's site and a good manufacturer's overview view at Todou.co. This unit's in good shape and includes original box, manual, and power supply. Even if you've got the original POD or 2.0, the XT is such a major design change that it's worth picking one up. Or you could opt for the XT Live but it's more expensive and isn't a small desktop unit. This is an amazing sounding little thing and priced around what you'll pay for a new digital delay at just $145(Tent Hold - Ty 10/27).

2004 Gibson Flying V, (front/back), (headstock), (case). A real classic in the Gibson tradition, all the way down to the Nitrocellulose premium finish. A fantastic metal guitar, or equally at home in rock as found by Hendrix and Kravitz. Features include solid mahogany body with premium nitrocellulose finish for optimum tone and vibe, extended neck joint for stability and solid sustain, tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, and rosewood fingerboard with premium chrome hardware. Original ceramic pickups (496R and 500T) have been replaced by much better sounding Alnico Classic 57's with nickel covers. This V is in mint condition, with no scratches or fret wear, not even any of the lacquer cracks at the neck joint (pic) that most of these develop. With these pro-installed 57's and featured in the best color for a V, a nice deal at $929. Includes deluxe black Gibson case with pig blanket.

1981 Fender Lead I, (front/back), (headstock), (flaws), (case). Fairly rare yellow finish with rosewood board. Fender's Lead Series had a very short run, from 1979 to 1982, but they're excellent utility guitars, built by the same craftsmen who built the Strats and Teles from that era. With the I, II, an III, the Leads were offered in 3 pickup configurations. This I featured a single humbucker; the II featured dual single coils; the III featured dual humbuckers. While this Lead I might seem to have limited tonal options it's actually very versatile and, in fact, the pickup was designed by Seth Lover of Gibson fame. You'll notice two switches by the control knobs. There is a 3-way coil selector switch (back single coil, both coils, front single coil) - and a separate 2-way switch which is a series-parallel selector, in the circuit only when both coils are selected (middle position on the selector switch). At around 13K, this is definitely a high output humbucker. Features include alder body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard, string-thru-body hardtail bridge, truss rod adjusts at the heel, Fender F-tuners, soft-C neck with vintage 7.25" radius, 25.5 full scale, and 21 medium jumbo frets. I remember Fender had a very aggressive ad campaign in Guitar Player mag when these were being produced and I was one of the 1,000's who were taken with this "poor man's Strat". I played my Lead II for around 5 years and this guitar reminds me of what great guitars they are. Sets up fantastic and with it's normal wear and finish checking, this one has a nice relic vibe. This is another example of affordable vintage, an American guitar that's over 25 years old that sells for less than a new model would sell or today, had they continued making them of course. A totally gig-worthy American Fender, with original molded case, for $550(HOLD-Greg C 10/27).

2006 Fender '60 Stratocaster Relic - Olympic White, (front), (back), (headstock/neck), (samples of wear), (case). Another great Custom Shop Time Machine series, built to emulate the 1960 Strat, which was a pivotal year for the Strat now being produced with a rosewood "slab" fretboard, clay dot inlays, and a smaller C-shaped profile. For many players this is the perfect choice from the current line up of Relics which include the '56, '60, and '69. It has the pre-CBS vibe with the spaghetti logo and green guard plus it's the only one with the popular C-profile. This particular example is only moderately worn, with just a number of small nicks, mostly around the edges, but the nitro finish is moderately checked all over. Like a snowflake, every one of these is different, since they are distressed by hand and this one is very accurate compared to original examples I've seen, especially the buckle wear which is the most realistic I've seen on a Relic. Hardware is oxidized nicely, with just a little bit of rust. Other features include 2-piece Alder body finished in Olympic White with proper tooling marks, nitro finish on the body and neck, 7.25" vintage radius, custom 60's pickups with cloth wires, Fender/Gotoh vintage tuners, American Vintage tremolo system, nickel-plated hardware, 3-ply green pickguard, and aged plastic parts. At 8 lbs., it's an average weight for a Relic and slightly lightweight compared to all USA Strats. This is a very resonant Strat with the classic bell-like tone and very good acoustic tone. Sells new for $2899 ($3644 list) but this one is barely played, set up wonderfully, and just $1999. Includes era-correct brown case, strap, certificate, 3-way switch (5-way installed), care kit, ash tray, and misc. tags and paperwork.

2005 Sadowsky NYC Vintage S-Style, (front/back), (headstock), (switching), (case). Quite possibly the best Strat style I've had....ever. Between the superb construction, tone woods, and electronics, this guitar plays spectacularly and, more importantly, has an incredible selection of quality tones. Between Sadowsky's Hum-Canceling pickups, 5-way selector, and 3-position mini-switch, and push/pull pot to engage the bridge pickup on any setting, this guitar can chime like no other and with high-gain settings and the tone control rolled back, has the most impressive violin tone and sustain I've ever heard on a Strat. Features include Alder body, maple neck, Brazilian rosewood ($300 upcharge) fretboard with 12" radius and 1 11/16" nut, chrome hardware, fulcrum tremolo, and Sperzel locking tuners. At 7.5 lbs. it's the perfect weight. This is the first Sadowsky guitar I've had, having owned only basses in the past, and I can only describe the quality superior to all others. I've had a number of Master Built guitars; none were better, which might explain why there's a long waiting list to get one built. Even if you don't want this one, if you're getting ready to plunk down $5K for a customer order Master Built, I highly recommend you consider a Sadowsky. This guitar sells new for $3550 new and this one, #4463, recently sold off Sadowsky's site (link here close-up here) at $2950 simply because it "could pass for new." It remains in brand new condition and is priced $1000 less than a new one - and without Sadowsky's current 5-6 month wait to get one built. $2550(HOLD-Jay 11/13).

1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio Gem, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Gibson's Gem series, produced from '96-'96, were a limited edition run which featured custom colors with cream plastic parts and, most importantly, P90 pickups. This one is finished in Amethyst, which is sort of a dark burgundy metallic. It is not collector approved but for a working guitarist on a budget who is looking for a carved top Les Paul with P90s, it's the only alternative I can think of to the Historic series, specifically the '56 Les Paul Goldtop, which is the only model with P90's and Tuneomatic bridge. This guitar doesn't have any serious issues such as breaks or repairs, but it does have some finish touch-ups, primarily on the top of the headstock, as well as some scratches on the back and minor finish checking on the front around the control knobs. Features include mahogany body with carved maple cap, gold hardware, dual Gibson P90 pickups, pearloid trapezoid inlays, Gibson deluxe tuners, and cream plastic parts. Includes original brown Gibson case. This is an excellent player with no issues other than cosmetic flaws and with a clean '56 Historic going for around $2500, this guitar provides the same tone and feel, at almost 1/3 the price, just $899(HOLD-Elton 10/27).

1994 Tom Anderson Hollow T, (front/back), (headstock/neckplate). Immaculate...ultimate Tele... What a stunner in trans blue ash body with maple binding (pic here) with matching headstock. I'm always happy to get in Anderson's as they're consistently as fine as they come and like the Suhr's, Giffin's, Tyler's, Kammerer's, etc. that I've been getting in - truly hand-made guitars. I hate to say that pics don't do a guitar justice but the fact is reflections partially obliterate the nice grain of this ash and the color, sort of a Chlorine Blue, is much more vibrant in person, plus I accidentally shot these at low resolution. One of the signature features is the easy access cutaway features (pic here) with deep hand sculpting in the cutaway, with the neck joint beveled such that it's very thin on the treble side but strength is assured with the thicker bass side. Nicely rounded neck, not quite chunky, very sleek feel with thin sealer coat - and tall/thin fret wire. Other features include locking Grover/Anderson tuners (staggered height), strings-thru-body construction, dual strap pins on the lower bout, clay dot fretboard inlay, 3-ply pearloid pickguard, nicely grained ash body with maple binding and gloss finish. It is real twang king with a killer pair of Anderson pickups (5-way pickup selector) and a setup as low as you want. Although this guitar is 15 years old, you wouldn't think twice if it was hanging with new ones in a store - virtually unplayed condition. Click here for Anderson's site. Get Masterbuilt quality for around 1/2 price - Just $1799. Includes formfit Anderson case and manual. Oh, did I mention it was 6.8 lbs.?

2007 Gibson '58 Historic Les Paul Standard VOS, (front/back), (headstock), (bridge/pickups), (case). AKA R8 Plaintop. Although I'm not impressed with everything I see coming from these guys as of late, I think Gibson scored a winner with the VOS series. Not quite a "Relic" as built by Fender, the VOS models feature a very thin finish with a patina much more like a vintage model, not highly glossed like the older Historic series - as well as hardware that has just started to "turn", again, not relic'd but without the luster of bright new nickel. Features of the model include: special VOS aging, carved plain maple top, solid mahogany back, Burstbucker pickups, thin toggle washer and jack plate, nickel hardware, aluminum stopbar, early '50s rounded neck with long tenon, CTS pots, and bumblebee caps. I should also point out that this neck is very large - huge in comparison to a '60 thin taper neck. As with all custom shop guitars since Dec '05, the neck received a Plek during manufacture, which allows for a virtually perfect set-up. The Plek is a computer controlled machine that very precisely measures the fret and fretboard height under each string, taking 132 measure points to create a precise map of the fretboard. From there the robotic arm machines the frets to 1/100th of millimeter...1/100th of a millimeter! Since VOS by design may have slight cosmetic flaws it's hard to grade the guitars. This one has a few miniscule cosmetic flaws, but judging by the frets, which have zero wear, this guitar has seen minimal use and is overall in very clean shape. Very nice weight for an R8 at jut 8.8 lbs. Included are the Historic case and the usual huge assortment of vintage-style literature and hang tags, manual, unsigned warranty, and certificate. This model now sells at the super stores and online at $3699 ($5174 list). This is a great sounding, great playing Les Paul and $1400 less than a new one at just $2299(HOLD-Jeff S 10/24).

2009 Giffin Model T Special, (front/back), (headstock), (heel/cutaway), (bridge/pickups), (tortoise binding), (certificate/spec's), (case). Update: For a great review of Giffin guitars, check out the January 2010 issue of Vintage Guitar. This is a fine, fine guitar. The best Les Paul Special type guitar I've had...ever. You can feel the quality before you even strum the first chord and within 60 seconds, you'll likely agree with me. Griffin offers quality custom handmade guitars all based in classic designs for a vintage appeal, with modern day enhancements. They are true boutique guitars, built one at a time, each one built to the personal spec's of the new owner with several custom options to choose from such as woods, pickup configuration, color selection, inlay design, neck specifications and more. He does not use a dealer network and sells his guitars direct to the public which saves your around a 30% markup. Current wait time for a built is approximately five months. Roger Giffin started building guitars in England through the 60's and later moved to the USA where he designed the prototype for Steinberger's "M" series (see my GM4S below!) guitar. He later headed Gibson's west coast custom shop while building guitars for players like Eddie Van Halen, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Jimmy Page and Malcolm Young. About the Model T Special: Specifications include Mahogany body, Mahogany and Maple neck - laminated for strength, South American Rosewood fretboard; tortoise bound fingerboard - tortoise pickguard and backplate; Gibson scale - 24 3/4 inches, (optional) mother-of-pearl dot inlays, black headstock veneer, Tonepros bridge/tailpiece combination, Gotoh mini tuners, and high gloss polyurethane finish. For pickups, this guitar was ordered with a smoking pair of Amalfitano P90 pickups (link) with a dog-ear in the bridge and a standard soapbar in the neck. These are high output (9.6K/8.6K) single coils with the neck RWRP for hum cancellation in the middle position. To me there's nothing that beats the simplicity or comfort of a wraparound bridge and this Tonepros has all the advantages, with none of the disadvantages. It's fully intonatable and feels very comfortable when damping strings with your hand. The neck is spectacular, very thin like an old Gibson double-cut, with binding for comfort and cutaway very deep into the body It's also uniformly thin from the 1st fret to the 22nd, rather than getting chunkier as you go up the neck but he profile is a very subtle soft V at the lower frets, gradually flattening out to a D-shape at the top of the neck A Special is a great design for playing in the upper register and this model is the best, with virtually no heel and a deeply beveled cutaway. Super comfortable. For pricing and details on this model click here for Giffin's site. You can order direct from Giffin for $2400, which is extremely reasonable for a hand-made guitar of this impeccable quality - or if you don't want to endure a 1/2 year wait this 2009 model is in unplayed condition and a nice buy at just $1750. In closing, as many of you know, I'm a huge Junior/Special fan. I feel that this Giffin Special is as good - or better - than any Gibson LP Special that I've ever played, including some fine ones from the golden era 50's.

2006 Epiphone Ltd Ed Casino w/Bigsby, (front/back) (headstock), (case). Immaculate condition. From the Custom Shop comes this timeless classic - in keeping with the popularity that the Beatles began in '65, Epiphone continues to offer some very cool Casino's for fans and players. The Casino is a true hollowbody, with no center block, so it is lightweight and the acoustic properties are more pronounced than the ES-335 style guitars. This limited edition version includes a Bigsby vibrato with traditional vintage sunburst finish. Other features include excellent sounding Alnico P-90-pickups; mahogany neck, sides, and back; maple top; bound rosewood fretboard with parallelogram inlays; layered pickguard; top binding; and chrome hardware. This was a limited edition model with a very short run. Most are probably in the hands of Beatles collectors since it's basically the Bigsby-equipped model used by George Harrison starting in '65 (as shown here, pickguard removed). Paul had his own Casino with Bigsby which he used on the leads of "Taxman", "Drive My Car", and others. List price on these back in '06 was $1165 but I don't believe that included the case. This one's in perfect shape with a nice setup and a fairly inexpensive addition to your Beatles gear collection at $679(HOLD-Steven C 10/20), less than half the cost of the current Elitist model. Includes Elitist style Epiphone case with smooth leatherette covering with arched top as well as Casino poster, manual, unsigned warranty, etc.

Deering Boston B6 6-String Banjo, (front/back), (headstock), (case/spec sheet). For the guitarist who doesn't want to learn a new instrument! I recently sold a Deering Boston and found it to be one of the finest banjos I've ever had but like every banjo I've picked up, I had a hard time figuring out chords and lead patterns. Problem solved. The B6 is built exactly like the Boston banjo but is strung, tuned, and played like a guitar. All guitar chords, licks, and tricks are played exactly the same as on your favorite axe, making you and instant banjo player. It features a large 3/16" steel rim for a crisp, clear tone, tone-friendly satin-finished mahogany neck and resonator with an arched, polished ebony fingerboard with precise fretwork, and features a low-profile neck which makes it very easy to play and is strung with extra-light acoustic guitar strings. For full specs, click the "case" pic above and then click the pic to enlarge. With a list of $2145, this model sells new for $1619 but this one is barely played, without a scratch, and just $1099. Includes one of the best cases made, and assorted paperwork.

2006 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom - Cherry Sunburst, (front/back), (headstock), (appointments) The Cadillac of Les Pauls, finished in classic Cherry Sunburst, now made by Gibson's Custom Shop division. The ultimate in looks, tone, and playability, the Les Paul Custom features multi-layer binding on the body and headstock as well as bound neck, gold hardware, Ebony fretboard, pearl block inlays, and a 59 rounded profile neck. Woods are mahogany neck and the classic combination of mahogany body with a thick maple cap. They're now doing the Les Paul Custom tops in unfigured maple. There's enough style and elegance to a Custom that you really don't need a flamed top and with a plain top it looks much more like the vintage cherry sunburst Customs. Superb tone via a hot pair of Gibson 490R/498T humbuckers. As I always mention, no other Gibsons set up with the low action of a Custom. I don't know why, it's just a fact. This beauty appears to have never left the bedroom and is offered in very near mint, 9.9 condition with just extremely slight oxidization to the gold hardware and very slight fading to the gold on the bass side of the tuneomatic bridge. With a list price of $5245, it sells at discount for $3899 but buy used and save. This beauty is $1500 lower, and cleaner than many floor models, at just $2399(HOLD-Glyn K 10/23). Includes custom shop case, manual, warranty, and certificate.

1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite - Sienna w/Rosewood Board, (front/back), (headstock), (controls), (case). The Cadillac of Fenders back in '83 and this one's in very nice shape with no major cosmetic flaws, a great setup, and remarkably fat tone with excellent sustain. Sienna Sunburst is much less common than Black, White, and Natural and equally uncommon is the rosewood fretboard. From my experience, 80% of the ones I've had were maple boards. Rather than using long descriptions, click here for a page I've created which outlines features of this innovative model. These guitars are historically significant in both innovation and the fact that some of these features went on to become standard on USA Strats for the next 25+ years. A good buy for the Strat collector but these guitars are still cheap enough, lower than a new American Standard, that's it's within the price range of working guitarists. Includes your choice of the plastic molded case or the tolex case pictured plus original trem arm. Very sweet Elite for $1350(HOLD-Robert P 11/5).

2007 ESP Ltd EC-1000 Deluxe, (close-up), (detail), (headstock/back), (features), (case). The Cadillac of the ESP Ltd line and one of the most stunning guitars--from any manufacturer--made. More thank killer looks, the EC-1000 Deluxe is a true pro-line instrument with features such as ESP locking tuners, active EMG-85 and EMG-60 humbuckers, TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, Earvana compensated nut, binding along every edge, set-neck construction, and ultra comfortable styling with a body that's thinner than a regular LP style and nicely contoured in all the right places. Visually, it's a stunning as they come with a gloss black finish accented by gold hardware, and multi-ply binding with loads of Abalone inlay - all around the body, along the edge of the fretboard, surrounding the headstock, and in the flag fretboard inlays. With its all-mahogany construction, this is a very warm and fat sounding guitar that's a much more cozy tone than most LP style guitars. This baby is flawless, untouched condition, with a setup that rivals ESP's at 3X the price. It has a thin/wide U-shaped neck that's extremely comfortable and the body design provides easy access to the 24th fret. This model sells new for $839, which is an amazing price for a quality built guitar with all these features. New price does not include case or gigbag. Here's a much better deal: this EC-1000 is in flawless condition AND includes a new $70 Guardian Featherlight (canvas over foam) case for just $659(HOLD-Scott L 11/14).

2006 ESP Ltd Viper 400, (front/back), (headstock), (Earvana Nut), (Contoured Heel). Killer Viper with factory EMG's, again in super clean condition. The only real flaw is a tiny hole (pic here) where apparently somebody was going to move the strap pin. We can plug and refinish the area for $20 if desired. The 400 is the top of the line in the Ltd Viper series, with top quality features and quality craftsmanship that reinforces the fact that some great guitars are being built in Korea these days. The Ltd line was originally conceived to be a less expensive alternative to ESP's Japan-made guitars. It's been my opinion that they're every bit as good as their ESP counterparts and I actually have found them to be better built guitars on the whole. Their shortcomings were electronics and hardware that weren't quite as good...but Viper 400 is certainly an exception. Starting with a set of active EMG-81/85 pickups, Grover tuners, and an Earvana nut that makes the intonation much closer than a standard nut. The body shape of the Viper is pretty much like an SG, except slightly thicker and the upper horn is slightly longer, rather than symmetrical like the SG. It also features the same all-mahogany construction of the SG with the same Tuneomatic bridge and tailpiece, 3/side headstock, and beveled body edges. ESP left off the pickguard and used black hardware which give it a more elegant look. Phased out earlier this year, the Viper 400 sold for $599 but this one's in beautiful shape and just $439 with a new $70 Guardian Featherlight (canvas over foam) case - or just $399 with a used gigbag. This is a killer playing guitar and like the EC-1000, definitely good enough for pro use.

2006 ESP Ltd Viper 400, (front/back), (headstock), (Earvana Nut), (Beveled Edges), (Contoured Heel). Same model as the Viper 400 above, except has the factory Seymour Duncans instead of the EMG's. Most of these came with EMG pickups but for a brief period they featured this Duncan setup with a JB bridge and '59 neck. These are outstanding pickups and this guitar is a total winner. Originally sold in stores for $599 but this one's in beautiful shape and just $399 with gigbag or $439 with Featherlight case. .

1974 Gibson Marauder, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups pickups/pots), (case). Excellent example of affordable vintage. For players who don't want to pony up a few grand for a Junior or Special, these guitars have all the quality at less than 1/2 the price. Marauders are excellent utility guitars, with quality tone, a good variety of tones, excellent playability. and a cool vibe. The Marauder was one of Gibson's attempts to steal some of Fender's market, just as Fender was trying to grab some of Gibsons. The body shape is similar to a Les Paul, but the Marauder, along with the single coil bridge pickup, sports a very un-Gibson bolt-on neck. While the Marauder series ran from around '74 to '79, a fancier Custom (bound neck and rosewood fretboard with block inlays ) was only produced in '75 and '76. Pickups were custom built by Bill Lawrence and sealed in clear epoxy, a feature which was considered ahead of its time, and these pickups are highly prized for their excellent tone. The neck pickup on this guitar is a replacement - an old DiMarzio PAF. Pickup layout is like a Tele Custom, with a humbucker in the neck position and a slanted single-coil, solid-blade style in the bridge position. This layout along with the overall construction, gives this guitar a tone and feel that's very similar to a Tele. Pickup selector on these early models was a simple 3-way switch, which was later changed to a continuously variable rotary switch around '76. It also sports a Schaller "wide travel" tuneomatic bridge, black dot inlays including 1st fret inlay, black screened logo, 3/side tuners on a Flying V style headstock. Original tuners on this era Gibson aren't the best and tuners are a common mod. This one has a very old set of Patent Applied For Grovers. There have been a few notable players of the Marauder, past and present, including Paul Stanley of Kiss (shown in this ad), as well as Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Joshua Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Deryck Whibley of Sum 41, and others. Dating Gibsons can be somewhat futile. 300,000 series serials can be '74-'75. The serial number of this guitar is 399010 and the pots are from early (12th week) of '74. The body stamp appears to be 1974 (pic of neck butt and cavity). Bottom line is I think it's a '75 due to the fact that the finish of this one is "Natural Satin," which began in 1975. Only one Marauder was shipped in 1974, and it happened to be a Natural, but in a gloss finish. For more info, click here for some good Gibson archive stuff. Cosmetically this guitar is in average condition for its age with typical buckle wear and scratches, but nothing horrible like wood chips or cracks. The frets have had a recent dressing and the set up is very comfortable with low action and no fretting out. I don't know if they'll ever go crazy on the vintage market but that's almost a moot point. It's a good value in strictly the utility value of a nice sounding, nice playing American guitar. I'm offering it with the Gibson Faultless case (pictured above) which is identical to a Les Paul Model case from this era for $799 - or with an old generic hardshell case at $699.

2007 Fender John 5 Telecaster, (front/back), (headstock), (gigbag). A unique Tele indeed, and signature model for John 5, who rose to fame as guitarist for Marilyn Manson and David Lee Roth. This Tele covers a wider range of styles than your average Tele - plus the looks are certainly unique with a glossy black finish over an Ash body with white binding - very classy looking - plus a mirror pickguard and polished chrome hardware, plus a large headstock, as found on a Fender 12, with quality Fender ping tuners. The tones out of this baby are killer, with a Fender Enforcer humbucking bridge pickup and a Custom Shop Twisted Tele neck pickup, separate volume controls for each pickup, a 3-way selector, and a unique 3+3 tuner array. This guitar is overall in beautiful shape, without a single scratch on the back and only some pickguard scratches on front, but there was one finish chip on the font edge, shown here, which we've color-matched and sanded flush, and looks better than the pic which was shot before the touch-up was finished. This model sells new for $1169 but this beautiful used one is almost 1/2 price at just $599. Includes Fender gigbag.

Amp Stand, new in the box, safely holds up to 130 lbs.. High frequencies are very directional and most of these frequency are aimed below your waist with your amp on the floor. These stands angle your amp up toward your head so you can better hear what's actually coming out of the speaker and in a club setting, you'll hear what the audience hears. Lists price is $75; new in the box - $25.

Amp Stand by On-Stage, (pic2), used clean shape. Same purpose as stand above. Features double-locking height adjustments. Very good quality stand. $29(HOLD-Brian C).

Michael Kelly Patriot Hot Rod, (front/back), (headstock), (detail). Super nice Korean import. I think this is only the second Kelly I've had but I'm really impressed with the quality which is just one more example of how far Korean quality has come in the past 10 years. The Patriot is MK's LP style guitar with set-neck construction, carved top, dual humbuckers, single cutaway, 3/side headstock, dual volume and tone controls with a 3-way selector on the upper bout, and multi-ply binding on the body and headstock, and bound neck. Unlike a stock LP, the Patriot Hot Rod features push/pull knobs on both of the tone controls to either - or both - humbuckers. There are some more obvious departures, most notably a very unique and comfortable neck joint that makes playing upper notes easier, strings-thru-body rather than a stopbar tailpiece - which serves to enhance the sustain. The Hot Rod model also features some cool cosmetic enhancements - an abalone "flame" fretboard inlay in the lower frets as well as a "Sonic Art Bridge", also flame-shaped, which adds additional mass and it's increased bridge-to-body contact improves tone and resonance. It features all-mahogany construction for a fat, warm tone, which I'm beginning to favor over a maple cap. If you haven't tried PAF's on an all-mahogany guitar, you should give it a try. This guitar plays beautifully with low action and no fretting out, perfectly finished fret ends, and remarkably nice tone for a guitar that sells new for under $500. The stock PAF style pickups are fat, quiet, and warm sounding, plus the addition of the two coil splitters gives you an excellent selection of single-coil and humbucker tones - 6 tones in all. Finished in black Satin with lots of chrome hardware, this guitar is a definite eye catcher. When you combine playability, tone, looks, and overall quality, few guitars can touch this guitar at this price - just $379 AND includes free gigbag.

2008 Charvel So-Cal Style 1 2H, (front/back), (headstock), (Floyd/controls), (gigbag/acc.). Virtually unplayed condition and one of the great new models from Charvel USA, virtually unplayed, and a killer rock/metal axe in the Charvel tradition. Part of the new "USA Production Model Series" with an official release date of July 15th '08 and they're termed Charvel "bumper to bumper", meaning they are tooled and built with the same specs as the originals including little touches like the recessed back plates. The Standard color is black, with a new custom color each quarter. Features include Alder Body with gloss finish and black matte pickguard, 1-Piece Maple Neck, DiMarzio Tone Zone and Evolution pickups, Compound Radius neck 12" to 16", wide neck - 1 11/16" at the nut, genuine Floyd Rose Tremolo - not a "licensed" or Floyd II, Grover Mini Tuners, black hardware. Controls are simply a volume control, and 3-way selector. To me, USA Charvels have always had one defining feature - the gunstock oil neck. As soon as you run your hand down it, it feels like the neck you've been looking for your whole life - and it's just as friendly to sweaty palms as it doesn't "stick" the way lacquer does. Click here for all specs on the new USA Production Series. This model sells everywhere at $1099. I'm surprised Charvel didn't street these around $400 higher, which they certainly could have done, but I think they're selling at a marginal profit with the hopes that they'll make it up on quantity on this very affordable guitar. The quality is top notch but there is one factory flaw worth mentioning. I've had other recent USA Charvels that sold for nearly twice the price and this one is every bit as good quality, playability, and tone. Zero player's wear - perfect frets, no pick scratches, button scratches, or wear of any kind. It's a true bang for the buck winner, especially at $325 less than new at $775. Includes Charvel deluxe gigbag, factory checklist, and factory sealed accessory bag with Dunlop strap locks, tools, trem arm, paperwork(HOLD-Scott L 10/27).

NEW PICS: 2009 Swart Atomic Space Tone (AST) Head MK II & Cabinet, (head), (back), (front panel), (top), (label), (acc.), (chassis-Swart site). Serial #62, second one of these I've had recently and this one is totally immaculate in original boxes. A killer 20-watter, now in a head/cab version - one of my favorite boutique amps was the Swart AST combo I had a year or two ago so I was really happy to find this brand new model AST MK II, which takes the original AST a step further. Hand-wired point-to-point all-tube circuit with perhaps the most lush reverb I've heard in a one-knob reverb circuit - and a tremolo circuit that's simply the best. Although Swart has added a Master Volume circuit to this model, he didn't forget you purists, and the master section has a bypass where it functions as if it were a non-master and, in fact, the "Volume" control isn't even in the circuit in the Bypass position. Take your pick of tube types, this baby runs on 6V6, 6L6, and now EL34 power. Another cool feature is the weight. The head weighs just 19 lbs.; the cab just 26. Description: All Tube circuit 18-20w twin 6V6 High Class A Biased AB; can be powered by 6V6, 6L6, and now the EL-34; cathode "AUTO" Biased (no need to bias); JJ 12AX7(3) - JJ 12DW7 - Tung-Sol 6V6 - JJ GZ34 tubes; Tube Rectification ~ GZ-34 or NOS 5Y3; Sub NOS 5Y3 for earlier breakup/increased compression; 100% Tube Reverb & Tremolo ~ Quality Spring Tank; Hi/Lo Inputs for better PU Output matching; Hand wired point to point ~ Made in USA; Standby Switch ~ Amp warmed up|extends tube life; carbon Comp Resistors for BEST TONE; Mallory, Sprague and JJ Caps, selected for Application; Finest silver tinned cloth & Teflon covered wire; Twin Outputs to run two Cabinets; 4 / 8 / 16 Ohm selectable ~ Rear Panel Switch; Dedicated 2 button foot switch included; extra Large Rubber Feet for Vibration/Protection; Solid, finger-jointed Cabinet ~ Lacquered Tweed; 1x12 cab standard with Mojo BV-25. This amp was only briefly owned and never out of the living room. Offered in "as new" condition and ships in original boxes. For the whole skinny on this killer amp, click here for Swart's spec's and description. Also, Click here for some YouTube demo's. Swart is running a special on the head/speaker combination at $2498 plus S&H for the set. This set has seen only a few hours of use and a nice deal at just $1799. Includes original footswitch and cables.

1988 Steinberger GM4S, (front/back), (gigbag). I've been lucky to get a few nice recent model GM4's recently and they're excellent guitars, but I can't remember the last time I had a genuine Newburgh, NY model - probably 10 years ago. Gibson later switched production to Nashville and the American models simply dried up over time. Presently, the only Steinbergers you can get are the import "Synapse" series. This is the GM model, also called the "Mike Rutherford Model" by some, due to his personal involvement in development and design, as well as his high visibility with Mike and the Mechanics and Genesis, which coincided with the release of this body style. This "M-style" was the most traditional body style, compared to the radical rectangular and triangular body shapes of the L- and P-series. These guitars were entirely assembled in Newburgh and feature a bound maple body, graphite neck that's impervious to climate changes, 5-bolt neck attachment, and EMG pickups in an HSS configuration with an 85 humbucker and a pair of SA's. It features an excellent tremolo system, the S-Trem, which uses a beaming pivot like the T-Trem (TransTrem), but lacks the transposing feature. For players who don't use the transposing feature, this is a less complicated unit, much easier to maintain and set up, and based on that, actually a better trem for many players. This guitar is in excellent condition with the worst flaw being wear on the corner of the neck pickup, very slight pitting on the trem, and moderate fret wear - nothing that prevents this guitar from having a super nice setup. There are some light scratches front and back which will be buffed out prior to shipping and graded at a solid "8.5" overall. Steinberger will always be remembered as one of the most innovative builders in the history of electric guitars. They have a very interesting history and, to me, their demise was unfortunately and unnecessary; a victim of corporate mentality. They will always be highly regarded instruments with a strong and loyal following. Click here for Steinberger World, probably the best source of information with pics, articles, forum, and serial number database. Not many of these Newburgh's are in circulation with most in the hands of collectors or players who won't part with them. It might be another 10 years before I get another one but for now, this one's $1850.

1981 Guild X-79 Sky Hawk, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (honest relic wear), (case). A rare guitar among a very rare model. The X-79 Skyhawk was introduced in 1981 and throughout their 5-year run only 172 of them were built. That's around 35 per year! What makes this one even more rare is the traditional Guild headstock with center hump, pearl logo, and pearl Chesterfield headstock inlay. By the 2nd year of manufacture they were using a more radical headstock that paralleled the body lines (shown here). I'm not sure why this model never took off but like a few other Guild models which they attempted during this era, their styling was perhaps just too radical for a company known for building ES-style archtops, SG-style electrics, and EB-style basses. I say these because newer companies like Dean and B.C. Rich had great success with some radical new styles and that was actually their main selling point, besides being great guitars. As you can see in the pics, this guitar hasn't been a closet queen and has seen plenty of use in its 28 years. It's quite presentable from a few feet away but upon close inspection there is plenty of finish checking, finish rubs, paint crack along the neck seam, misc. dings, and a small extra hole on top. The fretboard markers are just stickers and can be easily removed if desired. Original dot inlays are underneath. If you're a collector of the cleanest examples available, pass on this one. If you're looking for one truly killer player, it's hard to beat this for a fantastic set up. The neck angle is perfect and the fretboard is immaculately straight, which allows for a very low set-up despite the fact that the frets have been dressed once or twice. Some of you might prefer to have it refrettted but with a fresh fret dressing it now has the feel of an old Gibson "Fretless Wonder" LP Custom. The deep cut of the body gives you an unobstructed access all the way to the top frets. Despite all this character, there are no structural issues such as cracks or repairs and this guitar has no issues whatsoever. It's all mahogany construction gives it a very warm tone and with a pair of Guild humbuckers, the tone isn't unlike an SG. It also features an Ebony fretboard, 24 3/4" Gibson scale, 24 frets, 3-way switch, dual volume controls and master tone. It's metallic blue finish has faded to a greenish-blue. I would guess that the Guild headstock was only used for the first year, which would make this perhaps one of only 25 or so of this style. In terms of playability, rarity, and just plain coolness from this wacky era, it's hard to beat at $799. Oh, did I mention it weighs around 6.5 lbs.? Includes original Guild case which is around 50% thicker than a Fender case and provides excellent protection.

Parker P8ETB Acoustic/Electric, (front/back), (headstock/neck wood), (electronics), (back), (detail), (labels), (case). Leave it to Parker, designer of the most radical electric to come along in the past decade, to come up with a truly unique guitar for their first acoustic model. From it's stylish asymmetrical body, unique "notched" headstock with nearly perfectly straight string pull, to is multi-ply binding and attractive abalone accents, this guitar is truly a work of art. The body style is somewhat reminiscent of a Breedlove CM, except the CM lacks the lower horn. To provide the most bang for the buck, Parker went to all parts of the world for materials and construction. Designed in the USA, finish applied in Japan, and constructed in China, this guitar features American maple, Canadian cedar, African ebony, USA Electronics, and Mexican abalone. Building a guitar "worldwide" gives you the best possible tone woods and construction at the best possible cost. A sophisticated electronics suite makes this guitar is especially good for the stage or studio, but the acoustic tone definitely holds its own with a bright, articulate tone and very good projection. This guitar has high end features throughout including: solid American flamed maple back, laminated American maple sides, Canadian cedar top, Indonesian mahogany neck with 3-pc construction for strength, gloss finish throughout, African ebony fretboard, rosewood headstock overlay, unique headstock design with notched center cut, bone nut, lightweight steel truss rod, dovetail body-neck joint, Grover Sta-tite tuners, 25" scale length, elongated oval soundhole with abalone rosette, microdot inlays, bass-balanced ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle, and gold hardware. Electronics consist of a Fishman magnetic humbucker in the neck position plus a Fishman Acoustic Matrix System controlled by top-mounted master volume - magnetic/piezo blend knob - bass cut/boost - treble cut/boost. It also features 1/4" and XLR mono/stereo outputs. There are a number of B-stock P8E's with blems or repairs, easily identified by a partially obliterated serial number or factory "used" or "second" stamp - but this is not one of them. It's an A-stock and appears as new, in unplayed condition. There are a number of YouTube demo's on this model, with some very good ones by Derek Usher here. The P8E sells online at Music123 and M.F. for $1609 ($2299 list) but this one is perfect and just $979. Includes a super quality brown case with Parker logo etched into the top, crushed velvet interior, and embroidered interior shroud.

Fouke Industrial Lap Steel - ES222W, (back), (front/headstock), (detail). Haven't had one of these in years. Built largely of spare industrial parts, brushed aluminum and steel, with an excellent sounding Kent Armstrong humbucker ($25 option) with volume, tone, and coil switch. 22.22" scale length, Allen wrench screws around entire body with Allen screw "fret" markers, Grover tuners. Like a snowflake, every one of these is different. I don't think Fouke uses a template as there are slight differences in the curves between identical models. This is a well made piece and very comfortable to play. Perfect shape and a nice lap for $399(HOLD-David G).

1982 Gibson Les Paul Custom - Silverburst, (front/back), (headstock), (case), (cavity). Rare color around 30 years ago. Silverburst first appeared in '79 and was offered for just a few years. Wisely, Gibson chose chrome hardware for this finish and together it presents a very striking appearance. These guitars have commanded higher prices on the used/vintage market over black, sunburst, and red, prompting Gibson to re-release a Limited Edition model of the Silverburst Custom. White, specifically yellowed-out white, is likely the hottest color due to the Randy Rhoads association. Without being too repetitive, the Custom is the Cadillac of Les Pauls with the finest appointments and, inevitably, the best electrics Gibson has made. From its multi-bound body and headstock, bound neck, pearl split-diamond headstock and pearl block fretboard inlays, and sleek ebony fretboard, the Custom is the solidbody equivalent to the L5 or Super 400 archtops. When you hold a Custom you know that you have the ultimate in design; the ultimate in beauty - and nothing plays like a Custom. Without exception, every Custom I've had set up with amazingly low action. I don't know how to attribute that, I only know it to be a fact. The action is incredibly low at the nut and with an amazingly straight neck and perfect fret work, it's low all the way to the top fret. If you've never played a perfectly set-up Custom, you're missing out - more than any other guitar made these are guitars that truly seem to "play themselves." This guitar is in lovely shape for a vintage guitar with all the luster of a new guitar and no fading or greening out of the silver. Top is near immaculate, 9.8 or so - a few dings on the side and buckle wear on the back in the clearcoat only, make this around an 8 overall. Frets are near perfect, 98%. You will note that the tuners have been changed to quality Sperzel locking type but NO modification was required AND the original ones with the flip-out "crank" are included and in excellent condition. We will ship with the originals in the case - or restore the originals and ship with stock tuners only. Electronics are all original with metal cover inside the cavity, all original pots 35th week of '81, and original PAF Patent Engraved pickups. As I mentioned, Gibson has released a limited edition reissue of the Silverburst, at a cost of $3899 and if you hold onto it for 25 years, it will likely be worth considerably more. Why not consider this one, already a vintage guitar at 27 years old, and $1000 less than the reissue, just $2899(HOLD-Don L, local). By the time the reissue is 25 years old, this one will be 52 years and worth seriously more money. Includes the Faultless hardshell case rather than the Protector (plastic) case that was offered during this era.

Nik Huber Dolphin II, (front/back), (headstock), (neck joint/control cover), (case). As most of you know, the USA is not the exclusive builder of world-class hand-made guitars. Nik Huber and his team of 5 luthiers have been building fine guitars at his shop near Frankfurt German since 1997, currently building around 120 instruments per year. If you frequent the guitar forums, you know his reputation as a builder is unsurpassed. This guitar was displayed at the 2006 NAMM Show and features and upgraded flamed maple cap over a Honduran mahogany body, mahogany neck with ebony fretboard and stunning dolphin inlays of fine abalone, dolphin headstock inlay, Schaller tuners with ebony buttons, maple pickup rings, aluminum bridge - carved from a single piece of aluminum, 25.5" scale, Harry Haussel pickups which are made exclusively for Huber, and push/pull tone pot for coil splitting. As soon as you pick this guitar up you'll sense the elegance and attention to detail, perfect fit and finish, all the way down to the mahogany control cover that closely matches the grain of the body. This guitar is ergonomically precise, it feels great when playing seated or standing, your right arm feels comfortable over the edge, and the unique neck joint makes playing in the upper register effortless. A thick maple cap, finished in Mediterranean Blue is truly stunning, top to bottom, side to side including the flamed top edge which is left unstained. For details of the Dolphin, click here for Huber's site and here for a brief demo on YouTube. This guitar sells new for $5500-$5700 in the USA, very reasonable for a hand-made guitar of this quality, but who doesn't want to save $2000 these days. This beauty is in immaculate condition and consigned at just $3499.

2008 Fender Road Worn 60's Stratocaster - Sunburst, (front/back), (headstock), (examples of wear), (deluxe gigbag). "Mint" Condition. I've had a few of the 50's models, but I think this is the first 60's Road worn I've had in and I'm similarly impressed with the value of these, which are sort of a poor man's Relic series. For many players, nothing beats the feel and vibe of a genuine vintage guitar, complete with chips, finish wear, oxidized hardware, and especially a broken in neck. Back when they were just "used" guitars, selling in pawn shops for a few hundred bucks, they were a great bargain but by the 90's, original examples were selling for the price of a new home. Fender smartly came out with the Custom Shop "Time Capsule" "Relic" series, which opened up ownership to many more players, however, not everybody could afford $2600 for a Strat. Fast forward a decade and Fender now has their Road worn series, a genuine Fender relic guitar within the price range of many more players, built just over the Corona CA border at Fender's Ensenada Mexico factory. These guitars are excellent guitars in their own right and like the Relics, they feature an alder body with nitrocellulose finish with misc. finish wear, chips, dull finish, aged-looking parts, green guard, etc. They also smartly chose to use large 6105 frets, which are frequently changed on vintage guitars as an improvement over the old small vintage frets, while retaining the vintage 7.25" radius. The back of the neck has a worn finish for a great broken in feel, and that's what really makes these a joy to play. Likewise, the hardware is dull and lightly oxidized, as with a guitar that has been exposed to the elements for half a century. Not just looks alone, these guitars are loaded with quality USA electronics and quality Tex-Mex pickups, known for their snap and bite, preferred by many over the Custom Shop Texas Specials or the Vintage '57/'62. Also features the quality tremolo with heavy steel trem block. You might think Fender would use their lower grade Alder on these guitars but not in this case. This baby weighs in at a scant 7.2 lbs., lighter than most of their custom shop Strats costing 3X the price. Click here for Fender's site dedicated to this very cool series. With a list price of $1179, this model sells new for $949. This used one appears to have seen zero use and is offered in "worn-mint" condition for $749(HOLD-Dylan M 10/15), set up to perfection and an excellent sounding lightweight Strat. Includes the new style deluxe gigbag.

2009 Fender Road Worn 50's Precision Bass - Sunburst, (front/back), (headstock), (examples of wear), (deluxe gigbag). "Mint" Condition. Without repeating everything I've written about the Road Worn Strat above, suffice it to say that this is a similarly cool model for the bassists looking for vintage vibe and tone, without spending a couple of grand on a Custom Shop or the price of a new sports car for a vintage example. For their bass model, Fender chose the '57 era maple board with gold anodized pickguard, perhaps the most iconic electric bass of all time. Like the Strat it exhibits the heavy wear you would expect of an old bass that has been played night after night in smoky clubs with the finish worn through to the body, various chips and dings, and oxidized hardware. Like the Strat, it's finished in sunburst, except 2-tone as found in the 50's, with nitrocellulose lacquer. It's also a very lightweight example at just 7.8 lbs., which is a remarkable weight for a Precision. This one has also been upgraded with a set of Thomastik-Infeld flat wound strings for the real vintage tone and a very smooth feel without the string noise of round wound strings. The maple board models also show fretboard wear, consistent with a bass that has been heavily played, although the frets are, of course, like new. Other features include nickel hardware, vintage style reverse tuners, and 7.25" vintage radius. This is a great playing bass, with the fat bottom tone that makes it especially well-suited for classic rock or oldies, but has found its way into virtually any type of music being played today. Click here for Fender's site dedicated to this very cool series. With a list price of $1500, this model sells new for $1199. This used one appears to have seen zero use and is offered in "worn-mint" condition for $899, set up to perfection and an excellent sounding lightweight Strat. Includes the new style deluxe gigbag.

2008 Fender Elvis Costello Jazzmaster, (front/back), (headstock), (flame maple neck), (case). From the USA Artist Series we have an immaculate Elvis Costello finished in Walnut stain with a very rare and beautiful flamed maple neck. If you look around the web, specs for this model were for plain maple so this is truly a bonus to anyone who appreciates the beauty of flamed maple. Elvis' prized Jazzmaster went through a number of changes over the years. Fender picked 1977 as the year they would recreate for this tribute guitar, just as it appeared when Elvis released his debut album "My Aim is True." In addition to the Walnut stain, this model features an early 70's neck design and a tremolo with easier and greater travel, a feature which allowed one of his signature tones as heard on "Watching the Detectives." Features include Alder body with Nitrocellulose Lacquer; maple neck with rosewood fretboard; vintage 7.25" radius; 21 vintage frets; 25.5" scale length; 1.65" nut width; Fender/Gotoh Vintage Style Tuners; Vintage Style "Floating" Tremolo with Tremolo Lock Button; 4-Ply Brown Shell pickguard; Special Design American Vintage Jazzmaster Single-Coil Pickups with cloth wires; 3-Position Toggle (Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup); 2-Position Slide (Up: Lead Tone Circuit, Down: Rhythm Tone Circuit); and Volume/Tone controls on both the "Lead" circuit and "Rhythm" circuit. Here's an interesting video (link) of Elvis discussing his new signature model. Above all, this guitar is a Jazzmaster, which is a favorite of indy musicians and the definitive guitar for Surf music (video explanation here). This model sells in stores for $2019 ($2530 list). For way less money you can get this killer player with the added beauty of a flamed neck, in flawless condition. Just $1399(HOLD-Dylan M 10/15). Includes Fender/G&G vintage case and accessories.

2007 PRS McCarty Korina Soapbar with Birds - Brazilian Fretboard, (front/back), (headstock), (fretboard), (case). One of the lightest McCarty's on the planet at just 6.6 lbs., offered with your choice of stock Duncan Soapbars, or Harmonic Design Z-90, considered by many to be the cream of the crop. This is one of the "new" McCarty models, using all Korina wood instead of the solid Mahogany or Mahogany/Maple cap of the earlier McCarty's. Korina is a top shelf tone wood, both lovely looking and a wonderful tone wood. This guitar also features the optional Soapbar pickups and Bird inlay option. This one, finished in Vintage Cherry, has some mild flame which isn't all that common with Korina. With a solid carved Korina body and Korina neck with wide-fat carve, this model ventures even more into the Ted McCarty era as he was at Gibson's helm during production of the original Flying V and Explorer models, both made of Korina. The first 500 of this model were built with a Brazilian fretboard, making it even closer to McCarty's original classics. Other features include PRS stoptail bridge, vintage tuners, 25" scale, Full (not outlined) Abalone bird inlays, Seymour Duncan Soapbar pickups, master volume and tone, and a standard 3-way selector. This guitar plays exceptionally well, is extremely lightweight (6.6 lbs.!), and has excellent acoustic tones. This is a one-owner guitar, collector owned, and offered in immaculate condition. For full specs and more info, click here for PRS. This model as outfitted sells new for $2359 with the standard Indian rosewood but why not get one of the original run Brazilian board models for way less - just $1750 - with your choice of the Duncans or Harmonic Designs.

2002 Marshall JCM2000 TSL602 2X12 Combo, (panel), (top), (back), (back panel), (footswitch), An instant classic from the inventor of the rock sound, Jim Marshall. The Triple Super Lead (TSL60) features 3 Independent channels (Clean, Overdrive, Crunch), 60 Watt EL34 power section, individual reverb levels for Clean and Overdrive, effects loop with level selection and front panel Mix control, Marshall's famed speaker emulation circuitry for direct recording/external power amp/P.A. system, Deep switch adding low end resonance, Tone Shift facility on the Crunch/ Lead channel for instant tonal re-shaping. This is, of course, an excellent Rock/Metal amp but more than most Marshalls, this one can also cover jazz, country, etc. For more info, see Marshall's site here and some Ultimate Guitar reviews here. Includes 5-way footswitch with LED's: (1) Clean channel; (2) Crunch channel; (3) Lead channel; (4) Reverb and (5) Effects Loop. With a list of $2200, these sold at the discounts for $1549-$1599. This one is in super clean condition, other than a small repaired tolex snag on the back and perhaps the ultimate stock factory Marshall combo for just $850(HOLD-Jeff). Note: I might be able to switch this over to a head if you need a TSL60 rather than a combo.

1993 Ibanez S540BM Custom, (front/back), (headstock), (trem), (case). Quality Japan-made Ibanez with a lovely burled mahogany top with antique violin stain (S540BMAV). Like quilted maple, burned mahogany is highly figured and few trees have this natural anomaly which. When cut at the perfect angle (an art in itself), these logs yield woods which are incredibly beautiful. Originally called the Sabre, which debuted in 1987, the S540 features the same body, which is probably the thinnest body ever made, measuring less than an inch or so at the edge (example here). This guitar is a shredder's dream with a very thin Wizard All Access neck and a killer set of Ibanez USA pickups (F1, C3, F2). In additional to the attractive top this model is outfitted with gold hardware, including gold metal pickup rings, Abalone oval fretboard inlays, and bound neck and headstock. You'll notice it also has a "Custom Made" inlay on the 12th fret. I have yet to get the definitive word on why this is only featured on a portion of these guitars but they weren't actually "custom made", just regular production guitars. Other features include solid Mahogany body, 1-pc maple Wizard neck with "All Access" neck joint, 22 jumbo frets, and the double-locking Lo-Pro Edge tremolo. This model was produced when shredding was still highly respected and Ibanez had more hot players in their stable than any other maker (they probably still do). A few very minor flaws, including some typical gold plating wear, but overall this axe is in beautiful shape with clean frets and a perfect setup. They are some of the finest metal/rock guitars ever made, especially at prices that were 1/2 of their comparable USA makers. All the comparable Japan models are now part of the Prestige series with prices at $1000 and up. Here's a really nice one for just $650. Includes original Ibanez case with center latch missing.

Schecter C-1 E/A, (front/back/side), (headstock), (detail), (Schecter Gigbag). Still another one of these fine C-1 series, the C-1 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar with Piezo Pickup. For me this guitar had an immediate vibe of the PRS Hollowbody with its dual F-holes, and slightly thick body that's 2" on the edge to around 2.5" at the center of the body. The first thing you'll notice, as soon as you see it, is the perfectly bookmatched quilted maple top, finished in vintage sunburst - absolutely stunning in person. Neck is a fast and comfortable 3-piece Mahogany set into the body with a unique sculpted heal-joint, allowing for easy playing access to the upper register. With a pair of very good sounding Duncan Designed HB-103 humbuckers, plus a quality RMC piezo bridge, with your choice of summed or split output, this guitar is capable of many, many tones. You'll first think jazz or blues with the hollowbody design, but this guitar was engineered to be feedback resistant and despite using the highest gain settings on my practice amp, I didn't get a hint of feedback. Just pure quality tone. Like it's electric sound, the RMC piezo does a good job of delivering acoustic tone which for many players means one less guitar to lug to gigs. Features include: Quilted maple top on bound mahogany body with traditional F-holes, split crown pearloid fretboard inlays, 25-1/2" mahogany neck, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, Grover tuners, TonePros bridge, Duncan-Designed HB-103 humbuckers, RMC Piezo pickup system, Mixed or separate signal operation, Quilted maple top, Bound mahogany body, 25-1/2" scale, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, Grover tuners, and TonePros bridge. This guitar plays perfectly with nice low action and no fretting out. For looks, versatility, and tone, it's hard to beat this model. It's remarkable that Schecter could build a guitar with these features for just a $999 list, without gigbag. This used one is immaculate and one nice hollowbody for $550. Includes well-padded Schecter gigbag and optional stereo cable for running into separate electric and acoustic amps.

1981 Fender Strat Pots. Now that Vintage '57 and '62 Strat have soared into the ozone in prices, it's more important than ever to make your guitar "original" before you sell it, or just to know that your prized 1st year Fullerton is 100% Jake. These are from the 32nd week of '81 and include original tan capacitor. They are suitable for an early V57 or V62, the California Series Gold-Gold Strat and Walnut Strat, or the "Smith Strat" from '81/'82. $150/set.

Sabine RT7000 Rackmount Tuner, (pic2). A top quality American-made tuner with all the features you want on stage, primarily one that's easy to read on the fly (as shown here). For full specs click here for Sabine's site. Sells new for $159 but this one's super clean and just $89(HOLD-Glyn K 10/26).

Line 6 X2 Digital Wireless, (pic2). Top notch specs with 24-bit linear AD/DA capture. Greater than 117dB dynamic range and 5 selectable frequencies. Designed to sound like a guitar cable, without the unnatural companding (compressed and expanded) found in other systems. Get full info here at Line 6. Lists at $499 but this set is mint in the box for $149(HOLD-Bill A local).

Fender Deluxe Electric Gigbag, good protection for your beloved Fender and around twice the thickness of their standard gigbag. Note: I have both this brass badge and new gray colored logo available. Your choice, $25.

Fender Super Deluxe Electric Gigbag. I don't know if "super" is the proper term, but this is thicker than their Deluxe and has three storage compartments on the bottom, two at the top, plus well padded shoulder straps and a hanging strap. $29.

2000 Ibanez SR406 Soundgear 6-String Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (case). A great playing 6-string in one of the most popular bass series of all time. Ibanez Soundgear have stood the test of time and from my experience, they're the 2nd most popular basses, behind Fenders P and J basses. The higher end models like the SR406 have higher end features than the vintage style Fenders, having been designed in the 90's instead of 5 decades ago. Don't get me wrong, Fenders are fantastic basses but in terms of versatility, it's hard to beat Ibanez' active tone circuit with 3-band EQ, volume, mix, and DX6 pickups. This allows you to dial in a wide variety of tones to suit the song or compensate for the venue. Want the big bottom of a Precision - just boost the bass and cut the mids and highs; for a Jazz, boost the mids, etc. With its body of light American maple with a clear gloss finish, this looks like a bass player's bass. Add in a thin but very wide fretboard and deep cutaways and you have a neck that's very easy to get around on - from the first fret to the top. For a bunch of reviews, click here for Harmony-Central where it scored a 9 overall. This bass plays superbly, with action lower than many of the so-called boutique basses I've had. If you're thinking about moving up to a 6, you don't have to spend 4 paychecks to get a nice one. These ran around $900 new but this ones in nice shape and just $529 with a high quality Canadian wood/Tolex case (pictured above) or if you'd rather have a gigbag, just $489.

Peavey MP4 Plus Mixer/Amp, (top), (back). Mint condition. At 80 watts through 8 ohms, this isn't loud enough for clubs, but for a soloist or duet in a bar, or institutional use like churches or schools, it could be just the ticket. Features include: 4 input preamplifiers with quality op-amps in a variable negative feedback configuration yielding high input impedance, extremely low noise, and good dynamic range to avoid overloading the inputs; Frequency contour control on each of the four channels; Each channel features an effect-send control, thus enabling a secondary effects/reverb mix to be achieved; Master section includes two independent mixing systems and an active three-band equalization circuit; Low and high frequency equalization circuits are of the shelving type, while the mid range consists of the peak/notch configuration. Each channel features both low- and hi-Z inputs to accommodate 1/4" jacks or XLR jacks. Peavey is one of the best designers and builders of sound equipment and in these days when virtually everybody is making their mixers in Asia, this is a quality American made mixer. Offered in flawless condition for just $79(HOLD-Ted 10/6).

2003 Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster - Sonic Blue, (front/back), (case/acc.). USA Signature Series designed for, arguably, the best shred guitarist of all time, and certainly the best neo-classical shredder. Finished in Sonic Blue, this guitar is mint condition and features his trademark scalloped fretboard, brass nut, two DiMarzio YJM pickup and a DiMarzio HS-3, special neck shape, late '60s large headstock with "synchronized" logo, mint-green pickguard with aged plastic parts, Schaller vintage F machine heads, and medium-jumbo frets. Other than the plastic being removed from the pickguard, this guitar is in mint condition with a killer setup and searing DiMarzio/Strat tone. Current list on this model is $2530, discounted to $2019 at the online super stores. This one's perfect and nicely priced at $1399. Includes original tweed case, paperwork, and accessories.

2002 PRS Custom 22 with 10-top and Birds, (front/back), (headstock), (tag), (case). A real beauty with Teal "10" top with matching back/neck/headstock and colorful bird inlays. Features of this great CU22 include wide-fat neck profile, which is just slightly thicker (1/16") than a wide-thin; PRS locking tuners; PRS tremolo; Dragon II Treble and Bass pickups with nickel covers; 5-way rotary selector with a combination of humbucker and single coil tones; and a perfectly bookmatched flamed maple top over mahogany body. PRS are perhaps most noted for their superb playability and this one's no exception. Frets are in great shape and the setup is low and even all the way up the neck. It has a very lively body with excellent sustain and overall very clean shape for a lightly used guitar with no noteworthy flaws anywhere. The new list on an '09 Custom with these options is $5689, discounted to $3894, which makes nice used one, especially in this color, the best value ever at less than 1/2 the current new cost. $1850(HOLD-Mike S 10/5).

Electroharmonix USA Micro Synth. One of the coolest funk boxes ever made to give your guitar (or bass) fat, analog synth tones. This pedal emulates the tones of the early Moog keyboard synths with similar waveform sliders. Has individual sliders for Trigger, Sub Octave, Guitar, Octave, Square Wave, Attack Delay, Resonance, Start Frequency, Stop Frequency, and Rate. The layout isn't sophisticated and there's nothing digital going on here - just tweak the sliders until you get the right amount of warp, flutter, bounce, etc., and that's it. The new ones have different cosmetics but the controls are the same as is the tone. They also make a separate unit made specifically for bass now but this unit works very well for either instrument. New ones are running $277 but this clean used one is just $175. Includes power supply.

Electroharmonix USA Q-Tron Envelop Filter, Reissue, super funky envelope filter/auto-wah that does the Mu-Tron tone plus a whole lot more. Does the Bootsy Collins Parliament/Funkadelics thing to a tee. Analog circuit and layout is easy to dial in loads of cool tones and works equally well on guitar, bass, or keys. EH has a new "mod" looking model out now but this earlier reissue is just like the classic 70's model and sounds great. Nice shape and a lot of fun for just $99. Includes power supply.

Ibanez DPL10 Pan Delay, (pic2), (catalog). One of the rare ones - and in museum condition. I've had over dozens and dozens of Ibanez 10-Series pedals but this is the first one of this model I've had. Can be used as your basic digital delay with 800ms delay time (same as Boss DD-2/DD-3) but also doubles as a Pan delay with the delayed signal panning between the left and right outputs (400ms delay in panning mode). Depending on how you dial it in, can be used as a panning delay, echo/reverb, slapback, or regular delay. If you check google images, you'll see these with either blue knobs or, like this one, green knobs. The knobs and everything else is 100% stock and in 9.9 condition with no finish chips or wear. 10-Series are very collectable since there were over 25 pedals in the series and the prices are well below the earlier 9-series. I would guess that very few collections have this model and at $139 you're getting what may be the cleanest example of this very rare pedal.

Prescription Electronics "Experience", (pic2). One of the coolest Hendrix clones ever and this early model features that wonderfully trippy "lava swirl" finish. With a coveted "must have" rating by Guitar Player Magazine, the Experience is the best octave/fuzz available and most closely recreates the classic Jimi tones. Also features the 'Swell ' mode which simulates a backwards tape effect. This swirl finish indicates very early production and features point-to-point circuitry, top notch components, and rugged construction for decades of cool tones. This one's in collector's condition with original box and manual for $275(HOLD-Jeff S 10/30).

Fulltone Clyde Deluxe Wah, (pic2). The Clyde Deluxe is the souped up version of the original 60's Vox Clyde McCoy. It can nail the tone of the original plus a whole lot more via a 10-step variable input level control and features true-bypass with a bright side-viewable low-current pilot light status indicator, and 3 selectable modes: Wacked, Jimi, and Shaft, each with their own voice. The "Jimi" is based on the vintage Clyde McCoy used by Hendrix which is the same as Fulltone's Standard Clyde. "Whacked" has a broader range and more bass response as found on the old ColorSound wah. "Shaft" has more upper range and nails the 70's funk sounds like the "Theme from Shaft." There's an input volume pot which lets you add more gain and grit to the signal. There's also an internal resonance pot which lets you change the gain and bass response. For a true wah connoisseur, this is the one you want. Check out Fulltone for more info. Click here for a good YouTube demo and here for Harmony-Central reviews. Sells for $289 at the USA's biggest online retailer but this one is in perfect shape in the box for just $175(HOLD-Scott L 10/27).

Fulltone Choralflange CF-1. Many call this the ultimate in good old analog modulation. Say what you want about the digital age and modelling effects, and I'm a big fan of them for all-in-one processors, but they don't sound like the real thing. The Choralflange has a wide range of tones - everything from thick bent-pitch vibrato of an old Boss CE-1 to the transparent splits of the high-end chorus pedals, but without sounding sterile. And it does all of this very quietly and in stereo if you need it. There's also loads of headroom to keep it from distorting when playing aggressively or using heavy strings or bass. You can even dial in a killer sounding Leslie simulation which sounds great into your amp but really comes alive in stereo. This circuit allows you to use max flanging depth without the artificial metallic feedback of most flangers. You can use this pedal last in your signal chain to drive your long cables with no tone loss or change in your sound because of Fulltone's extremely high quality JFET's used in the audio path. It is the first pedal to offer a choice between true bypass mono operation and high-quality low impedance out (stereo or mono) via a mini DIP switch accessible through the bottom hatch. It runs on a 9V battery or power supply via wall wart or your pedalboard. Click here for a good YouTube demo and here for Harmony-Central reviews. These were recently discontinued but sold for $265. This one is in beautiful shape and could be the ultimate modulation effect for your pedalboard for just $185.

Frantone "The Sweet" Germanium Fuzz. If you're looking for an extremely versatile germanium fuzz, and one that's actually controllable when you want it to be, The Sweet is for you. Hand-built by Frantone in the USA with the finest components and, of course, true bypass. Frantone describes this pedal as over the top in every way using the classic tone of germanium transistors and the longest sustaining and smoothest sounding all-transistor fuzztone you will ever own. Frantone designed many fuzztones, including the 2000 New York City Big Muff for Electro-Harmonix, and Frantone says this is the most extreme one he's ever made. The full bottom and crisp highs will astound you, and the endless sustain will make you cry like a baby. Hearing is believing, so Click here for a good YouTube demo and here for Harmony-Central reviews. Full specs are at Frantone's site here. Sells for $345 direct from Frantone but this one's mint in the box for $239, including shipping. I've had many germanium fuzz units, including every vintage one made. This is by far the best of the lot.

Ross Phaser, How many of us had one of these back in the day? The Ross Phaser was one of the most popular of its era in the early 80's, with a sound quality on par with the various MXR units and unlike the Phase 90, this one features an intensity control rather than a preset level. It sounds as good today as it did 25 years ago and is a good value in a vintage pedal at $85.

Ross Phaser - Collector's Condition, (pic2), (pic3), (pic4). Same model as above except virtually unused. Original owner used it 3-4 times, put it in his closet, where it has sat for the past 25 years until now. If you're looking for the cleanest example on the planet, complete with sticker, catalog, and warranty card in the box, here you go. $150 for this museum piece.

Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble, an excellent chorus pedal and the 4th pedal in Boss Chorus Ensemble line, going back to the famed CE-2 and the original CE-1. The CE-5 added a level control and a high and low filter control and has been in production for 18 years - which is far longer than any other chorus in the CE series. Click here for a good YouTube demo. Clean shape other than Velcro on the bottom an with new ones going for $79, a nice buy at $45(HOLD-Steve 10/6).

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay, wildly popular delay, remains in production even while Boss released the DD-5 and DD-6. With delay times up to 800ms, it's not much of a looper but it sounds great, is easy to get around on and the "hold" feature does endless repeats. These are my hottest selling delays by far. New ones cost $109 but other than Velcro on the bottom this one's in nice shape for just $69 (HOLD-David G 10/6).

Digitech Whammy 4 with Midi. 6 Whammy modes including the popular 2 Octave Up heard on numerous recordings; 10 Harmony Bend modes including 2nd Up to 3rd Up simulating pedal steel bends; Expression pedal controls dive bombs and bends; pitch detection engine designed specifically for guitar delivers fast accurate shifting; MIDI In & Out/Thru to control pitch bends. For a good YouTube demo, click here. One of the most fun pedals you'll ever play and at $199 new, this one's near immaculate for just $129.

Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Pair, Includes a hot middle/neck at 10.57K - and an even hotter bridge at 16.75K. These sell for $76/each ($152 pair) in the stores but get this clean used pair for $99.

Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue, (top), (panel), (back), (acc.). Fender's modern take on their classic vintage designs with the look of a 50's combo but a circuit and features that make it a much more modern amp. Blues Deluxe's are perhaps the best bang-for-the-buck all-tube 1X12 combo's made and along with the Hot Rod Deluxe, are the world's best selling tube amps. This version has a much cooler vibe than the black tolex with silver and black grill cloth with its 50's vintage tweed covering, wheat grill cloth, and vintage chrome panel with chicken-beak control knobs. Released in 1993, the Blues series was an immediate hit, covering the demand for a versatile, all-tube combo, at a reasonable price. It's hard to imagine reissue of a '93 model but after its initial release, the Blues Deluxe fell away to the Hot Rod Deluxe as tastes changed during the 90s, Now the public is looking for a more traditional tone, rather than screaming high gain; the Blues Deluxe is reborn. It's basic description is a reinterpretation of original 50's tweed Deluxe, and it does a good job of covering that ground, but with modern features such as channel switching and reverb (footswitchable by the way), and a master volume to allow breakup at lower volume. Features include 40 watts via a pair of 6L6's with 3 12AX7's in the preamp, special design 12" Eminence speaker, selectable Normal and Drive channels, independent gain and master volume controls on the Drive channel, Bright switch for the Normal channel, effects loop, tube-driven reverb, and lightweight construction as just 45 lbs. This amp has seen only limited home use and with a new one going for $749, a sweet buy on a barely broken in model at just $529. Accessories include brown cover, footswitch (channel & reverb), footswitch stage cable, and manual.

Hughes and Kettner 20th Anniversary Tube Edition Combo, (back), (top), (panel). "The Classic Tube Combo", which was built to commemorate H&K's 20th year of manufacturing, is a great sounding small combo. At 20 watts, it's the perfect choice for home, practice, studio, or most clubs, much the same as the 22-watt Deluxe Reverb. The Edition Tube 20th Anniversary is compact and easy to handle while its two channels cover the full spectrum from vintage clean to blues-approved crunch and rock lead cream. A key factor in this amp’s sweet sound is the power amp and special design of the enclosure. The two EL84 tubes (with a pair of 12AX7's in the preamp) supply smooth saturation and compression even at moderate levels, and the combo’s closed back enhances low-end response for a sound far bigger and punchier than its size suggests. With Clean and Lead channels and a retro design, it looks cool and sounds fantastic. Like all H&K products, the key to its quality was in superb engineering. The ultra-responsive, the preamp reacts dynamically to touch and packs a punch when you attack hard. The almost-fully-closed back cabinet provides additional bottom end for the 12" Eminence RockDriver Cream speaker. It also has Accutronics variable spring reverb, an effects loop, an external speaker jack, and, perhaps most impressively, a built-in H&K Red Box DI, one of the best speaker emulators you can get. The clean channel features just a volume control while the Lead channel features both a Master Volume and Gain control to allow breakup at lower volume levels. Click here for a YouTube demo and for around 40 reviews, click here for Harmony-Central where it scored a 9.3 on sound quality. This was a limited run amp but there are still some new ones out there at $750. This one is in mint condition, and a fantastic sounding 20-watter for $529.

1995 Marshall JTM60 1X12 Combo, (back/panel), (front panel), (top). All-tube, feature packed combo that was introduced in 1995 and combined Marshall's classic sounds with many modern features. The JTM60 (changed to JTM600 in '97) came in four models: This JTM612 with 1X12; JTM610 with 3X10's; JTM622 with 2X12's, and the JTM615 with 1X15. All were loaded with special designed Celestion Heritage speakers. This line was aimed at the amateur, semi-pro, and pro player, with features that made it equally well suited for the stage, practice room, or studio. Each channel has its own 3-band EQ plus its own reverb, a deep and natural spring reverb, so you can dial in the right amount for your clean or overdrive settings. In the rear this amp features both series AND parallel effects loops, extension speaker outs, a Master Presence control, DI output utilizing Marshall's acclaimed speaker emulation. The Normal channel is not your regular Marshall clean, which was pretty much "less overdrive" and actually delivers a nice glassy tone that's great for blues, or cranked up, a nice Bluesbreaker tone. Many players will find every tone they need on the Clean channel and when pegged out, the tone is rather close to a Deluxe Reverb. The Boost channel is loaded with the vintage drive that Marshall is famous for, and even more gain than vintage Marshalls. It cranks out 60 watts through either 8 or 16 ohms, which means you can run this with a 16 ohm cab and get the same power output as with the internal Heritage G12 only. Click here for a YouTube demo - it's the 3X10 version but it'll give you an idea of the range of clean and overdrive tones. This amp is in beautiful shape; appears to have never seen a gig or logged any club hours. The tubes, a pair of EL34's and four ECC83's, sound fine and this amp needs nothing. For tone and features, this is a hard Marshall to beat for $599(HOLD-Mike W).

Epiphone Valve Junior Head & Cabinet, (back), (tops), (panel). These heads and combo's arrived to rave reviews when they came on the market around 3 years ago after their success, Epi started offering the extension cabinet as another option. You can now have an all-tube 1/2 stack that doesn't take up much room and actually looks at home in the studio or den. In addition to obvious cool looks, it's a very well-built cab including a high quality Eminence 12' speaker. Built with solid birch plywood, and loaded with a 70W Eminence Lady Luck speaker (16 ohm), this cab sounds great with the little Junior or it's also easily capable of handing a 50 watt head. The famed 5-watt Valve Junior is a single-ended tube amp with an EL84 power tube with a 12AX7 in the preamp section. Controls are as follows: Volume. That's it...volume. It has a nice clean sound at low volume but gets a good saturated tone starting around 4 and attaining increased breakup at virtually every number above 5. It features outputs to run in 4, 8, or 16 ohms. There are a number of mods available for this amp, including a very popular one by Mercury Magnets which guarantee boutique tone at around 1/2 the cost of a boutique amp. There's even a site devoted to this cool lil' amp, http://www.valvejunior.com/. While I'm sure these mods are nice, it actually sounds very good in stock condition. With a list of $439, these sell nicely discounted at $249 new. This one is in perfect condition and an inexpensive but useful addition to your home studio or practice space. $175(HOLD-Bill W Local) takes it.

Fender 1 966 Stratocaster Firemist Silver Metallic Closet Classic LTD, (front/back), (headstock), (Cert), (case). From the initial run of just 200 pieces, this killer Strat in one of the holy grails of custom colors, Firemist Silver. Offered in true mint condition, with zero player's wear and sealed accessory bag with all the goodies inside. For those not familiar, Closet Classic treatment has the look of a guitar made in 1966, played a little, then put away in a closet until now. It may have a few dings, and features finish checking, lightly oxidized hardware, aged plastic parts, and it plays with a broken-in feel of a real vintage guitar. Built by a team of skilled luthiers in Fender's Custom Shop, it's true to the specs and style features of the 1966 including the large headstock and C-shaped neck profile, and it features a silvery nitrocellulose lacquer finish and a 3-ply parchment pickguard. Other features include maple-cap neck, 2-piece alder body, '65 C-shaped neck that's rather chunky, modern 9.5" radius, '65 vintage pickups, 5-way switch, American vintage trem, and limited edition case. These 1965 Custom single-coil pickups have the middle pickup reverse wound to cancel hum in switch positions 2 and 4, which is a departure from the original spec but wisely used when they designed this model. This model currently sells at the super stores for $3999 ($5000 list) but why pay 4G's when you can get this one in dead mint condition - never even had the accessory bag open - for almost 1/2 off. Just $2199 for this "as new" beauty. Includes Limited Edition Custom Shop certificate, all the accessories, and special Tolex case with "Limited Edition" Custom Shop seal embroidered in the lid.

1989 Fender HM Strat With Genuine Floyd Rose, (front/back), (headstock), (trem), (case). For the player who loves the HM Strat, one of the best shredding guitars ever made, but whose playing style demands a real deal Floyd Rose. Martin retrofitted this guitar with a genuine Floyd Rose tremolo and Floyd nut, which was a $200 upgrade parts and labor. The only other change are metal top hat knobs (pic) replace the original plastic ones and Schaller strap lock pins replace the vintage style. This green is one of the most popular colors for this model and along with the pink model, screams 80's metal. Overall this guitar is in very good condition for 20 years but it does have a few cosmetic flaws that should turn away the collector types. As show in this pic, the maple neck, which leaves the factory with very little finish, has developed wear spots as these maple boards easily do, but the frets are barely worn. Judging by the frets and lack of scratch patterns on the body, this guitar hasn't seen extensive use at all. Body finish is in nice enough shape, other than one touch up on the bass edge, shown here as well as some minor dings and chips around the edges. Like 99% of HM Strats, this thing is a killer player and low action fans will be delighted - you can shred to your heart's content and this guitar will not slow you down. I frequently cite metal as the primary use for these guitars but the fact is, add a pickguard and a vintage trem, and it's very close American Standard Strat. The neck and middle pickups, as well as the pots and switch, are identical for the two models so in positions 1-3 (and position 4 if it's set for the single coil mode), it sounds like the good old Strat you know and love. It proves that a stock Strat can certainly be used for metal. Not clean enough for the collector of the finest examples but very nice overall and very little player's wear other than the fretboard. For many pro players, nothing is acceptable except a real Floyd so here you go - a super Floyd Rose HM for $699(Tentative Hold - Lexis 11/19). Includes Kaces molded case and trem arm.

1990's Carvin LB-76 6-String Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (Wilkinson Bridge), (active circuit), (case). Simply gorgeous - green flame top with gold hardware - and it plays as good as it looks. Perfectly bookmatched and a thick slab of maple, not a thin veneer, that's perfectly bookmatched and would easily be graded a Gibson AAAA top. The LB-76 features all maple construction, neck-thru design, with other high-end features including matching flamed maple headstock, Sperzel locking tuners, Wilkinson bridge, and a killer sounding active preamp with bass cut/boost, treble cut/boost, pan, and volume. Between these two Carvin pickups and this preamp, I was amazed at the variety of excellent tones this bass was capable of. The wood alone on this bass would be and $780 upcharge on PRS; well over $1K on Gibson. Carvin are one of the best values in USA custom guitars and basses and this one is another great example, just $699(HOLD-Rick C 10/1), which is a steal for an American 6-string bass of this quality and less than 1/2 the cost of a new one. Includes TKL case.

Conklin Groove Tools GTG-7 Guitar with Case, (front/back), (headstock), (Neutrik Jack), (beveled heel), (case). Conklin, one of the big names in 6- and 7-string basses, made a run at the guitar market several years ago. Not many of these were made but judging from this one, they're definitely a high quality import and highly recommended for anybody who is thinking of trying out a 7-String but doesn't want to spend a fortune. Its a well engineered guitar with some design features I especially like such as the Neutrik output jack that locks the cable into place, eliminating accidentally pulling it out mid-song; the strap pin is located on the back of the horn rather than the front, which provides perfect balance; and the body is gently beveled into the neck to provide the thinnest possible neck joint which allows for ease of play in the upper register. Instead of a single piece of maple for the neck, Conklin chose a 5-piece neck for strength and stability, with two strips of purple-heart sandwiched between 3 pieces of maple. The pickups sound great on this guitar and it's one of the few Korean imports that shouldn't need replacing. With a push-pull tone pot and 3-way switch, this guitar provides 6 cool tones with a lot of flexibility in music and playing styles. Overall this guitar is extremely clean with the only noteworthy flaw being a scratch in the lacquer only, around the knob area. Apparently this guitar carried a $599 list and was only made for a year or so; not many on the used market. This one is set up to perfection and highly recommended for anyone looking for a good quality 7 at a reasonable cost. $299(HOLD-Frank Z 10/6) with gigbag; $349 with hardshell case.

2005 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded - 60's Neck - with Bigsby, (front/back), (headstock), (Bigsby). The Faded model is your basic Les Paul, except with the weathered look of a vintage model. Finish uses a genuine hand-stained lacquer process by the Gibson craftsmen and then finished in a thin satin finish. From a luthier's perspective, this is the way to build a guitar - lacquer or poly finishes do not enhance a guitar's resonance. Although raw is a wood's most resonant state, it makes it prone to changes in climate thus the satin finish is the perfect compromise. Other than the finish, the spec on this guitar are the same as any Les Paul Standard with the same tuners, nickel hardware, Burstbucker Pro Alnico V pickups (uncovered zebra on this model though), same headstock and fretboard inlays, neck binding and body binding. These tops are graded AA but if you look around at some other examples, you'll see some very random figuring, some with only a few parallel streaks over a small section of the body. From what I see on the web, this one is, quite frankly, the nicest flame I see when compared to the online super store examples (this guitar here - online examples here). The flame goes all the way up into the upper bouts and is very consistent all over the top - closer to a AAA+ rather than the spec AA grade. Two mods to this guitar - a genuine Bigsby vibrola has been added - and Grover tuners replace the original Gibson Deluxe. I *think* this finish is "Faded Tobacco", but it might be called "Faded Heritage Cherry", as it does have a slight red hue around the edge. As with most "Plus" tops, no pickguard is installed at the factory, allowing as much of the top as possible to show. Not one for the collector of pristine examples, with some light scratches here and there and two noteworthy flaws: a finish rub on the lower horn and touched-up finish chips on the side of the headstock (shown here) - but the frets are immaculate and original, and the set-up, perfect. This model sold new for over $2K, with a final list price of $3143. If you're a player - especially one who enjoys a Bigsby - this is a great stage guitar for just $1299(HOLD-Joe). To accommodate the Bigsby, included is the new SKB case (shown here) with ATA-style latches, the same model now used by Fender. (Press Release on this model)

2008 PRS McCarty Korina, (front/back), (headstock), (case). The new McCarty model, all Korina wood, which is both lovely looking and a wonderful tone wood. With a solid carved Korina body and Korina neck with wide-fat carve, this model ventures even more into the Ted McCarty era as he was at Gibson's helm during production of the original Flying V and Explorer models, both made of Korina. Other features include Rosewood fretboard, PRS stoptail bridge, vintage tuners, 25" scale, Abalone bird inlays, McCarty Treble and Bass pickups, master volume and tone, and a standard 3-way selector. This guitar plays exceptionally well, is extremely lightweight, and has excellent acoustic tones. It appears to have seen no actual playing time but there were a few clear coat dings which were beautifully drop filled by Martin - shown in before and after pics on the headstock here and neck here (the vertical lines are reflections). They are now nearly invisible, re-lacquered, and wet sanded flush with the finish. Overall, its an exceptionally nice guitar. For full specs and more info, click here for PRS. This model as outfitted sells new for $2859 ($4177 list) but this one has almost no actual playing time and is $1100 less at $1759. Note: This model was discontinued in July 09 after a brief run so there won't be many circulating on the used market.

2006 Robin Medley Standard USA, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (beveled cutaway), (case). Dead mint - untouched condition. Super lightweight swamp ash - under 7 lbs.! - offered in mint condition. Robin guitars, handcrafted in Houston TX since 1982, are some of the best quality guitars in America at reasonable prices. Don't confuse this one with the import models from the 90's. Their USA guitars are finely crafted guitars and essentially custom shop guitars at mass production prices. Features of the Medley Standard include a swamp ash body with maple neck with rosewood fretboard, reverse headstock, 25.5" scale on a 24-fret neck, Rio Grande pickups (Muy Grande and Tallboy) which are actually made by Robin, master volume and tone with 5-way switching and push/pull pot that splits the coils on both pickups, string-thru-body construction, and black hardware. This one also has an optional matching headstock and a very nicely flamed neck. This was a one-owner guitar who apparently never played it. Offered in flawless condition with a killer setup and one of the best American guitars I've had for under a grand. This beauty is yours for nearly 1/2 of the new cost at just $899(Tentative Hold - Dave 9/30). Includes quality TKL/Robin case.

1989 Gibson Flying V Reissue, (front/back), (headstock), (case). A real classic in the Gibson tradition, all the way down to the Nitrocellulose premium finish. In the late 80's and 90's, this model was part of Gibson's "Designer Series". Originally designed in the 50's as one of Gibson's futuristic guitars, along with the Explorer and the ill-fated Moderne, it quickie faded into oblivion until resurfacing in 1967. Since that time there have been a number of variations including the radical V2, and recently the cheaper "Faded" series, followed by the V-Factor X, which is essentially the same reissue with in inexplicably odd name. The V is a fantastic metal guitar, or equally at home in hard rock as found by Hendrix and Kravitz. Features include solid mahogany body with premium nitrocellulose finish for optimum tone and vibe, extended neck joint for stability and solid sustain, tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, and rosewood fingerboard with chrome hardware. Pickups are 496R Hot Ceramic pickup in the neck position and a 500T Super Ceramic in the bridge. Finished in classic Heritage Cherry finish, this guitar is in spectacular condition, especially considering it's now 20 years old. Although officially considered semi-vintage, this beauty is at the point where it should start to appreciate every year and there's no where to go but up. Best of all, it plays as good as it looks so if you're a player instead of a collector, you'll love it just the same. $950. If you remind me, I have a Designer Series Poster/fold-out catalog (pic) that I'll include for free.

Hi-Watt Custom 7 Hand-Wired Combo, (back), (panel), (top), (chassis), (circuit), (manual). Model SA110, designed and manufactured in Hi-Watt's Custom shop in England. The Custom 7 is a little 7-watt Class A that features the legendary English hand-wired construction of Hiwatt's Classic Series. Designed specifically for the home and studio environments, where you want to drive an amp into the "sweet spot" without driving neighbors crazy, it is truly the classic Hiwatt sound in a small package. Using a Single-ended output stage with two ECC-83's and one EL-84 together, it features Master Volume control, individual Gain, Bass, Mid and Treble controls, High and Low inputs. The Boost knob pulls out to get a higher gain tone at lower volumes and when pegged all the way, it still puts the amp over the top. It's a very simple circuit but built with quality components throughout. A look inside reveals point- to-point hand wiring, turret tag boards (no printed circuits), and hand laced wiring harnesses. The power and output transformers are manufactured by Partridge, the original 1970's supplier to the original design sheets. The components and wires are the modern available equivalents of the vintage components, 1-watt carbon resistors, and wound polyester capacitors. They even use Fane speakers, just as they did back in the early days. For Hi-Watt's site info, click here. A quality amp of this design isn't cheap. This little baby lists at $2899 and sells at $1969 to $2100 at discount. This amp appears to have seen zero use and could easily be sold s new. Offered here for just $1379.

1965 USA Epiphone Olympic, (front/back), (headstock). A great example of affordable vintage. You don't have to pay $3K for a Junior when an Olympic is just as nice a guitar, for around 1/3 the price. With it's plain Cherry finish and single pickup, the Olympic is a no-frills guitar but for many players, me among them, that makes for the perfect guitar. Better still, these solid mahogany guitars are generally lightweight and, get this, 5.2 lbs. on this one! Perhaps best of all, look at the neck attachment in the first pic above - the neck joins the body at, literally, the top fret, making access incredibly easy. Speaking of neck joints (pic here), no cracks and a perfect neck set that allows very nice action. Overall very nice vintage condition, with original finish with moderate finish checking, the "E" is missing from the pickguard, and the tremolo has been removed (no modification required) as is common since these guitars are much more stable if you use only the wraparound tailpiece. Otherwise, all original, including original solder joints with pots dated '65 (pic here), original nickel Kluson tuners with plastic buttons, black chrome top knobs, Brazilian fretboard that Martin reconditioned nicely (pic here). Specs include solid Mahogany body and neck, one single coil pickup with volume and tone controls, "Batwing" 6/side headstock with screened logo over black finish, and pearl dot inlays. These guitars are real sleepers on the vintage market, as are most USA Epiphone's, and sell at pretty much their utility value with little allowance for the fact that they're 30+ years old. Tone-wise, it has the clarity of a single coil pickup mixed with the warmth of mahogany, a combination that I enjoy. If you're looking for a guitar that's fun to play, and has no where to go but up in value, I highly recommend Olympics, either this model or the Melody Maker style. If you're looking for one that's also the lightest one I can imagine at 5.2 lbs., you want this one. $1050(Sold - David T) - or if you want the complete trem assembly I have one in my spares and $1099 with the trem part included and installed.

2006 PRS Custom 24 20th Anniversary Artist Quilt with Brazilian Fretboard, (close-up), (front/back), (headstock), (fretboard). What a beauty. Quilted maple finished in Tortoise Shell and gold hardware...what a combination! 2006 model with beautiful "10" *quilt* top with the upscale Artist package which includes premium top woods, gold hardware, bird inlays, rosewood headstock overlay with inlaid Paua signature, and a leather hardshell case. To commemorate their 20th anniversary, PRS offered this distinctive “birds-in-flight” inlay on their Customs and Artist package models, and only a small number of these were offered with Brazilian fretboards. The unique fretboard inlays are a slight departure from PRS' normal bird inlays and feature green ripple abalone with brown lip mother of pearl wisps. These beautiful instruments bearing the anniversary fingerboards were only produced through early '06. This one is outfitted with wide-thin neck, PRS tremolo, 14:1 Phase II low mass locking tuners, Black anodized “20th” truss rod cover, HFS and Vintage Bass pickups, and McCarty switching with a 3-way toggle combined with push/pull tone pot. Although the top on this guitar is a real stunner, with some of the nicest bookmatched quilted maple you'll see, it does have a finish imperfection visible upon close inspection - some milky spots near the back edge, shown here. Otherwise, this guitar is exceptional. Set-up is how you want a PRS to be, nice low action and a fast, thin neck. List price on a Custom Quilt with Artist Package is over $5K, not counting the Brazilian board, and I would normally sell this in mint condition for around $2800. If you don't mind a slight finish imperfection, this one is otherwise a beautiful guitar and a chance to own a top of the line Artist model--with a rare Brazilian board-- for just $2250. Includes Leather PRS Artist case and all the case stuff.

2000 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special NT, USA. Super playing - beautiful condition - non-tremolo (NT) Wolfgang. When Ed and Peavey designed this hardtail model, they did it right, with the bridge base attached directly to the body which definitely enhances the transfer of energy from the strings to the body. Add to this the pickup design, which has the pickups screwed directly into the body instead of being suspended from pickup rings, and the result is a very lively body with increased sustain. For players who don't use the whammy, this is simply a better guitar. This Wolfgang has barely been played and the body has no scratches or wear, frets are perfect, and just the typical slight discoloration to the unfinished neck. Some 000 steel wool will clean it nicely but it it's impossible to keep clean unless you wash your hands prior to use and stop playing before you perspire. You might notice my old style picture above. As sometimes happens, the guitar "fell off" the web site for a long time and I just recently discovered that it wasn't on the site. Own this wonderful Wolfgang for $679 with original case.

ESP Mirage Deluxe HH - Black, EMG's, (front/back), (headstock), (Floyd Rose), (heel/neckplate), (case). Original 80's ESP Mirage with some tasteful upgrades aimed at the pro player. Although this one's in nice enough shape for a used guitar, there are a few finish touch-ups around the edge, not very noticeable with a black finish. For a player though, save a lot of cash compared to a pristine collector's piece - plus it has two upgrades that many people want on this guitar - an Original Floyd Rose, and a pair of EMG pickups. One other mod is the original 3-way blade switch has been replaced with a Gibson-style 3-way toggle, with a custom plastic plate covering the blade slot as shown in the Floyd pic above. Very fast playing neck - sleek Ebony fretboard, frets are in great shape and the back of the neck slightly sanded so it's less sticky than the original neck finish. This guitar has no issues and is just the type of guitar you'll feel comfortable with taking on a gig. It has a nice high-gloss finish that's, plays fantastic, plus you won't have to freak out if you get a scratch on it. With a new ESP M-II with EMG's going for $1399, here's one the player can afford at just $550(HOLD-Jim M). Includes original ESP in somewhat rough but serviceable condition.

1986 Kramer "American" Pacer Custom, (front/back), (headstock). A real beauty in Flip-Flop Blue, which, depending on the viewing angle, can appear blue, purple, or burgundy (as shown in 2nd pic above). As I've mentioned before, these were my dream guitars when I worked at Hotlicks in the 80's, but at $799, were around a month's salary so I had to resign myself to Striker or Focus lines. On the higher end metal guitar line, Kramer Americans outsold all other brands we carried by a mile. Having an EVH endorsement likely had a lot to do with that but the fact is they're great shredding guitars with quality Schaller hardware, including a real German-made Floyd Rose and Schaller tuners - plus Seymour Duncan pickups (JB and two Vintage Staggered). Note: the bridge pickup is a later JB but I have a mid-80's "plain" JB that we can install if desired - just inquire. Features individual pickup selectors plus a coil tap switch for virtually any combination of tones. This guitar is in exceptional condition with virtually no player's wear and a collector-approved 9.8 condition. It's as clean as some of the new floor models at G.C., almost like getting into a time machine, going back 23 years ago and getting a new floor model. We sold these new in '86 for $799 but this super clean example is cheaper than it cost back in the '80's - just $699 for this beauty, including case, all 3 Floyd tools, and complete Schaller strap lock system. Today's Kramer lesson: A lot of guys are calling the Focus cases "original" for American series which they are not - this one Includes the real original case (picture), which is black tolex, leather ends, with white piping, made by TKL. Not quite as clean as the guitar but very nice.

Warmoth Strat - Hot Rod Flame, (front/back), (headstock). Wow...too cool for words. Killer guitar that was built by my main man Martin with all top quality parts and is, in essence, a brand new guitar without a hint of use. Features Warmoth body ordered with hot rod flame custom finish and routed for single humbucker in the bridge, sort of Baretta style except non-slanted pickup (actually more of a single humbucker Pacer). The pickup is a DiMarzio Evolution in custom light blue/black to match the body finish - plus a matching strap ($48 at "Get'm Get'm"), which make for a cool color scheme (shown here). The neck is a beautifully figured birdseye maple, with Ebony fretboard and stainless steel frets, featuring side markers only, with a thin side profile. Headstock is angled, with factory routed Floyd nut. Guitar also features the original Floyd Rose tremolo - the best in the business. Neck has a Warmoth logo installed, but can be re-logo'd for additional charge. This guitar was an expensive build with all top quality parts, all brand new, and with professional assembly, the cost was over $1250 to the original owner. As some of you know, our guitars tend to play better than factory and with Martin personally building this guitar, you're guaranteed to get one of the best playing Strats imaginable. If you're looking for something with unique looks - with quality that rivals any other USA manufacturer - this is a killer deal for $799(HOLD-Robert N 10/15). Includes a new TKL tolex or Gator molded case. Note: Priority will go to anyone who inquired the last time this guitar was available.

OFF-HOLD: 2000 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special TR FMT, (front/back), (headstock), (trem/D-tuna), (case/etc.). (Note: I also have two of this model in Amber and one in rare Black opaque). The USA Special FMT is my personal favorite of the Wolfgang series and 10X more rare than flametop Standards. This Special TR (tremolo) FMT (flamed maple top) is the model that most closely resembles the Musicman EVH from which it was derived - with a flat figured maple top with maple binding rather than the carved top of the Standard. Same USA quality and the flame on these Specials is usually more consistent than the average Standard. This one's in beautiful condition, around a 9.7 on a 10 scale. Frets are perfect and, of course, it's a killer player with low action, no fret out, and trem stays in tune through heavy dive bombs. Prices on Wolfgangs began to rise as soon as Ed's contract with Peavey ended and many original owners have sold them for more than they cost new. I've predicted in the past that these particular Wolfgangs are going to be the hottest ticket in years to come. Throughout the years I've gotten in around a dozen Standards for every Special Flametop. This one is $999 which is lower than a Standard, although it's much, much more rare. Includes clean Peavey case, manual, and factory checklist.

Keeley Ibanez TS7 Tubescreamer, (circuit). Robert Keeley is regarded as one of the top pedal guru's on the market. This is obviously an early model with the only outward change being a blue LED and Robert's signature under the lid. Inside, the circuit has had a few changed components, most notably installation of an RC4558P chip, just like the old TS808's. There's a good discussion about this model on the Tele Discussion site (click here). It's a great sounding pedal, much smoother than the recent Tubescreamers, and nice shape. $99

Line 6 POD XT Live, (pic2), the latest and greatest in the POD line with more innovations than any other upgrade to date. I recommend you tour the POD XT Live page (click here) to get a full rundown on this amazing unit. It's an uncomplicated, gig-ready tone machine that’s portable and adaptable to different real world stage and recording environments. Can be used as the ultimate multi-effects pedal in front of any guitar amp, as a complete direct PA solution, or as the world-standard guitar recording workhorse in the studio. Includes 80 "must have" stomp box and studio effects models, 36 amp models, 24 cabinet models, and loads more features. For a bunch of YouTube demo's, click here. These sell new for $399 but this one's pretty much immaculate for just $229. Sorry, box fans but no box with this one but it includes original power supply and manual is on the way.

Boss DR-110 Dr. Rhythm Graphic, (case). Time-capsule condition, appears to have seen very little use since it was new in the early 80's. This is Boss/Roland analog drums at its best and the comparison to the TR-606 has been frequently noted as mentioned in this review at SonicState. ...but this one's around $800+ cheaper than a clean 606. Very simple to operate, and while it lacks the features of later units, it's all about the sound. It also feels great - the first Roland product with rubber keys. The DR-100 offers 16 preset patterns, and 16 memory locations for the user to program their own patterns while each pattern could be divided into 16 or 12 steps. It also has two "song" memories, each of which allows you to chain together up to 128 bars of patterns. Use of battery power allows this unit to retain its content when turned off (that was pretty special in 1983). The six drum voices are Kick, snare, open hh, closed hh, hand clap, and cymbal. For more info, check out Wikipedia here. There are a number of web resources devoted to this cool little booger including this one, with mods and instructions on how to operate it. This unit has sat virtually unused and is in near pristine condition - both the unit and the case. If you want to make some cool patterns on the cheap, this one's just $139.

Boss BR-600 8-Track Digital Recorder, (back/side), (case/manual). I've had a number of digital recorders, some aimed primarily at guitarists, but this is the smallest full-feature unit made, almost the exact same dimensions as the manual and only around an inch high. Super easy to get around on and with Roland's COSM technology, the guitar patches are studio ready with an excellent selection of rock, jazz, country, acoustic, and even a cool bass simulator that lets you play bass lines on your guitar. It features 8 simultaneous playback tracks and 64 Virtual Tracks. Uses Compactflash memory cards for storage, up to 1 meg. Also features two built-in condenser mics that allow you to record a live setting with amazing clarity plus it has 2 built-in mic inputs with plenty of vocal effects plus pitch corrector. It has a built-in drum machine with plenty of programmed kits and patches, plus touch-sensitive pads to input your own drumming. With USB connectivity, you can easily transfer your songs to computer to burn disks, upload to sites, or send via email to your band mates. Here's a brief overview (link) at YouTube. Discontinued recently but sold in stores for $349-$399. The original owner couldn't even remember if he ever used it but he said if he did, it was just for a few hours so it's offered in mint condition. If you're looking for a good quality digital 8-track with no learning curve that sounds great and is extremely portable, this is an excellent choice at just $199(Sold - Terry R 9/21). Includes padded carrying case, manual, and original flash memory card.

Boss ME-30, (pic2), rave review in the Oct '05 Vintage Guitar magazine of all places, in the "Gigmeister" column as I recall. Highly recommended for players who want a full selection of Boss pedals, in a handy little floorboard multi-effect. It's very much like having a Boss pedalboard at your feet, with the added benefit of remembering your settings on each pedal for quick and easy recall. You'll barely need it, but original manual is included. A great selection of analog and vintage effects plus phase trainer, tuner, analog distortion and a full array of digital effects; expression pedal works wah, volume, whammy (+/- an octave); a versatile and good sounding unit that’s less than ½ of what they sold for new at $115. The review stated that it's worth the price for the whammy effect alone!

AKG C460B Condenser Microphone aka C 460 B with ULS/61. Combines the AKG C460 swivel adapter with preamp, with the CK61-ULS capsule for a high quality cardioids mic with exceptionally flat on-axis frequency response. The dead flat response and consistent polar pattern make it ideal for critical recording and live sound applications where consistent suppression of off-axis sound is important. 20-20K Hz frequency range. Has bass roll-off switch for flat (no roll-off), 70Hz, 150Hz, and flat with -10dB. You can download spec sheet at AKG's site here. The C460 was replaced by the C480 so there's not a lot of info available, but the CK61-ULS capsule is still being made and is very popular. There are many reviews on the web including this one on Harmony Central. Original price on this complete mic was $600 some years back but it's super clean and one of the best condensers you'll find for $300(HOLD-Will 10/13). Includes original mic clip and windscreen.

AKG C1000S Condenser Microphone Pair, (detail). Excellent mic for solo vocals, choirs, and instruments, and a top quality choice for home studios - but its massive aluminum shaft and capsule shock mount reduces handling noise and makes it an excellent choice for live stage work as well. Get a pair of these to capture a stereo field and they can cover most of your recording needs including vocals, ambient room sound, acoustic guitars, and even works as a drum mic for snare, toms, high hat, or overheads for live or studio. Especially good for acoustic guitars - try one near the soundhole and another at 18" away from the top. Operates on 9V battery or phantom power - on/off switch saves battery life when running on batteries. For a great database of mic spec's, sound clips, pics, Click here for specs and detailed manual at coutant.org. With a current list of $399, the later silver model sells online for $279/each. These are the earlier version, in a back matte finish but it has the same characteristics and you can have this pair, in mint condition, for price of a single new one. $279 takes the pair. Includes mic clips, wind screens, and AKG pouch/case.

1998 PRS Custom 22 - "Orange" with 10-top & Birds, (front/back), (headstock), (close-up), (case). Killer playing Custom in rare and desirable transparent Orange finish that conjures up memories of Santana models from yesteryear. Tricked out with a stunning "10" top, with tight flamed maple, and colorful Bird inlays. All the stock features for a CU22 including wide-fat neck profile, which is just slightly thicker (1/16") than a wide-thin; PRS locking tuners; PRS tremolo; special ordered "zebra" Dragon II Treble and Bass pickups; and a perfectly bookmatched flamed maple top. This guitar has straight ahead wiring with volume, tone, and a 3-way selector. In '98 PRS started offering the CU22 with an optional 3-way switch instead of the 5-way rotary so the 3-way can be considered period correct but, regardless, a 5-way selector (rotary&straplocks) is included so you can have it your way. Also, locking Schaller strap pins are installed and we'll install the locking devices on a nice strap free of charge. Cosmetically, this guitar is in beautiful shape with a finish that shines like new, front or back, and the only noteworthy flaw is a small finish ding next to the control cavity (pic here). A typically killer playing PRS with a setup that will please any PRS fan and a stunning guitar that's a real head turner for PRS fans. The new list on an '09 Custom with these options is $5689, discounted to $3894, which makes a nice used one, especially in this color, a great value at $2000 less - just $1894 (Hold - Brian H 9/20).

Baritone Strat Style - Dark Natural, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups), (body routes). If you're thinking about trying a Baritone, here's one with higher-end features at a very modest price. Electronics are first rate with early-model Lace Sensor pickups (Gold/Blue "Dually" humbucker in the bridge and Golds in the middle and neck), controlled by 5-way switching with push/pull tone pot, master volume and tone, and a mini "kill" switch between the knobs. If you haven't heard these Lace pickups, they do a very good job of replicating the tone of a vintage style pickup without the hum. Also, they're non-magnetic so there's no magnetic pull on the strings to kill the sustain. Other features include quality CTS pots, Sperzel locking tuners, Schaller roller hardtail bridge, and Schaller strap lock pins. Neck and body are Mitey Mite with an unfinished maple neck with rosewood board and walnut stained body that's reminiscent of Fender's old "mocha" finish and, more specifically, Bonnie Raitt's trusty old Strat. The finish isn't quite pro quality but it's better than I can do with some stain and clear coat spray cans. Overall good shape for a used guitar. Neck/frets are in great shape; body has a few rubs around the edge (shown here), which is an easy touch up on a natural finish, which we can do if desired. It may not be the most beautiful Strat you'll find, but for a player looking for value, it's hard to beat. For playability, tone, versatility and tuning stability, it's a nice buy at $399(HOLD-Robert N).

2006 Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.). If you missed my Sonic Blue Yngwie, here's one in the color most associated with the man. USA Signature Series designed for, arguably, the best shred guitarist of all time, and certainly the best neo-classical shredder. Finished in Vintage White, which has the yellow look of a very well aged Olympic White, this guitar is mint condition and features his trademark scalloped fretboard, brass nut, two DiMarzio YJM pickup and a DiMarzio HS-3, special neck shape, late '60s large headstock with "synchronized" logo, mint-green pickguard with aged plastic parts, Schaller vintage F machine heads, and medium-jumbo frets. Includes hangtags, manual, care kit, strap, and assorted paperwork. Also includes one of the coolest Fender cases I've had, a Fender/G&G in silver Tolex, with crushed velvet burgundy interior with 60th Anniversary embroidered lid. Other than the plastic being removed from the pickguard, this guitar is in unplayed condition with a killer setup and a very lively body with searing DiMarzio/Strat tone and nice sustain. Current list on this model is $2530, discounted to $2019 at the online super stores. Why now get this one, "as new", unplayed condition, for just $1399.

2008 Epiphone Elitist 1965 Casino w/upgrades, (front/back), (headstock), (upgraded tuners), (case), (accessories), (label). The most iconic Epiphone ever made, thanks largely to the Beatles association, this is a fine reissue built to '65 specs. This guitar is prominently featured in the new Beatles "Rock Band" game which for many will be their first introduction to any Epiphone guitar. I've highly touted this Elitist line before, noting the high quality control exercised by the Japanese plant dedicated to manufacturing only the Elitist line. Elitists are advertised as "instruments that approach custom shop perfection" but in my opinion, they are custom shop quality. Crafted with premium woods, fitted with American pickups and circuitry - even USA toggle switches and Grover tuners - they're made at a special factory devoted to their manufacture where they are much more "hand built" than many of the Gibson counterparts. In fact, one major retailer states that this model "blurs the line" between Epi and Gibson. Specs include 5-ply maple top/back/sides, one-piece mahogany neck with inlaid headstock logo, neck set at 16th fret (aka "long neck"), 1 5/8" bone nut, Tuneomatic bridge, trapeze tailpiece, and nickel hardware. Lastly, it features USA electronics including Epi USA P-90 pickups, which sound similar to Gibsons, and perhaps even a little quieter. This guitar has also been upgraded with a new set of *locking* Grover tuners, which keep it in tune perfectly (originals are perfect and included). One other extra is a WD 5-ply black pickguard which gives the guitar more of a Gibson appearance. For details on the Elitist Series go here for Gibson's site. This guitar is pretty much immaculate with no scratches or dings and a setup that is truly spectacular, reminiscent of the 60's ES-330's I've had. With new ones going for $1499, this is definitely "one of the good ones" and even with the tuner upgrade and extra pickguard, just $1050(HOLD-David G 9/18). Includes Elitist case, hang tag, warranty, original tuners, and extra (black) pickguard.

2002 Fender American Series Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Fantastic playing American Series in my most popular color, black, this time with a rosewood fretboard. If you're tired of having to chose between low action or a Strat that won't fret out on string bends around the 14th fret, this one's for you. We have the action set very comfortably, lower than factory, with the strings sustaining beautifully on 2-fret bends. Frets are near perfect and no major flaws or wear anywhere on this guitar. A few light dings or scratches in the clear coat only but overall a very nice 8.5+ condition - very nice for a lightly used guitar. Even with the rebate, a new American Strat is going for $1199 but this nice used one is $500 less and guaranteed to be "one of the good ones". $699(HOLD-Scott M, local) and includes original Fender case.

2008 Ibanez RG770DX Prestige Limited Reissue, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups) (case). Dead mint condition. It's hard to believe it, but the RG line has been in production for over 20 years now. For those of you who are RG fans, to find an original Laser Blue 770DX in mint condition would be a dream come true. Ibanez is one company with a finger on the pulse of their users and wisely reissued this model as a limited run in the summer of '08. Offered in Laser Blue and Ruby Red, as part of their esteemed Prestige series from Japan, this guitar features an original Edge tremolo, DiMarzio/IBZ pickups, colored sharktooth inlays and Wizard necks with original 1987 dimensions. The neck of the reissue is actually a little better than the original with the same profile but now with a 5-piece maple/walnut combination. Other features include Basswood body, jumbo frets, bound neck, IBZ/DiMarzio F4/C3/F2 pickups, and black hardware. The one change is the addition of Schaller strap lock pins. This guitar is in unplayed condition, with plastic still on the pickguard and not a single flaw or hint of use. They sell for $1299 new ($1733 list) but this one is "as new" with a killer in-house setup prior to shipping, and just $850(HOLD-Gene S AU 10/26). Includes Prestige case, manual, hang tags, etc.

1989 Fender USA HM Strat - Classic Pink Finish, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (case). Nothing says metal era more than a pink guitar and this is one of the finer examples I've had. Like virtually all HM's, a killer player as well. HM Strats, from my experience, and the most consistent SuperStrats from this era when metal reigned supreme and locking trems, jumbo frets, flat fretboards, and at least one bridge humbucker, on a Strat-shaped body, were requirements. Compare these guitars to Jackson, Charvel, Rich, Hamer, Kramer, etc., and the HM's consistently have the best necks and, almost without exception, set up with the lowest possible action. There is a lot of confusion on HM's regarding country of origin and depending on the guitar can be made in USA, in Japan, or a collaboration between USA and Japan. Personally, I consider it largely a moot point since I don't notice any difference in quality in any of these guitars. For those who care though, I'll add that it's my opinion that this model (i.e. this guitar), with the "E" serial number prefix, usually and E8 or E9, with the cursive/bold "Strat" logo with paint swipe underneath, *are*, the USA models. Pickups are a DiMarzio bridge humbucker, with American Standard middle and neck single coils. With the 5-way switch and coil split mini-switch, this guitar does all of the classic Strat tones plus the hot&fat humbucker tones that were popular in music of the day. Other features include a Kahler Spyder double-locking tremolo (licensed by Floyd oddly enough), quality Gotoh tuners, Kahler locking nut only (rather than the locking nut behind the standard nut found on the Kahler Pro, flat fretboard (17" radius) with 24 jumbo frets, 25" scale, Strat shaped body with the cutaways and heel beveled to provide maximum ease in playing in the upper register. This is one of the nicer examples of an HM that I've found recently with no pick scratches, button/buckle scratches, and overall in a beautiful 9.5 condition. Beater HM's are going over $500 but you can have a real beauty for $750(Tent. HOLD-Bud H 10/30). Includes square Fender molded case as well as a rare strap with the "Strat" logo in fair condition, and an original HM Strat manual.

1990 Jackson USA Fusion w/JE-1500 Preamp!, (front), (back), (headstock), (neck/pocket), (case). Finished in the popular Eerie Dess finish, the Fusion is one of the baddest guitars Jackson has made. A blend of classic Strat styling, higher-end cosmetic appointments, top-notch locking tremolo system, shorter 24 3/4" scale length, and wide variety of tone selections set this guitar apart from every other Jackson made, when it was in production. With its HSS pickup layout with 5-way switch, you already have a good choice but add to that Jackson's JE-1500 mid-range sweep (via mini toggle switch) and every one of the 5 stops along the pickup selector has a variety of tones depending on where you set the mid-sweep knob. The most basic description for the JE-1500 would be a wah pedal with a knob instead of a rocker pedal. Depending on where you set it you can get some mid-boosts that will make our tone jump out front - or mid-cuts that are perfect for Thrash or Metal. With the switch in the off position the knob functions as a normal tone control. Another great feature of this guitar is the neck - not the sleek, bound Ebony fretboard or the mother of pearl shark tooth inlays - but the oil-finished neck which after 19 years of moderate use, has a sleek feel that C/J fans love. Other features scooped treble cutaway and scoop around the neck joint on back for easy access to the high notes, double-locking German Jackson/Schaller Floyd Rose tremolo, 24 jumbo frets, and (replacement) Bill Lawrence 500XL bridge humbucker with original Jackson J-200's (stacked humbuckers with a single coil tone) in middle and neck. There are a few finish chips on the edge which were touched up and lacquered over nicely (shown here), but very little in terms of player's wear - overall nice shape for a used guitar with near perfect frets and a great setup. It's also serial #000043 for anyone who cares. Jackson stopped making the Fusion years ago and it's pretty rare that I come across one. If made today, this model would be priced at over $2200 in a premium finish. An excellent value in a versatile Jackson at $879(Tent. Hold - Jim C 9/20). Includes formfit Charvel chainsaw case with, remarkably, all latches intact and in nice shape.

1990's ESP Mirage Deluxe - 48th Street Custom in Yellow Snakeskin, (front/back), (headstock), (neckplate), (Pickups/Trem), (case). Unlike Ltd models, which have flooded the market, real ESP's are getting harder and harder to find. I've been searching for them and I had a little luck, posting a few nice custom models recently and I hae 3 cool ones coming up including this killer 90's in rare yellow snakeskin. This early 90's Mirage Deluxe has a Strat style body with a bound neck and headstock, side block pearl inlays, ESP-licensed Floyd Rose, ESP tuners, 5-way switch, volume and tone and ESP dual rail humbucker in bridge and neck. Like all of these have been, it's an excellent player with very low action and excellent frets. It's in beautiful condition overall, but it has a few typical lacquer cracks in the cutaway as well as a small one next to the pickup selector, as shown here. With a new Mirage II in black running around $1700 new, here's on in a rare finish, in nice shape, that's imminently gigable - for just $999(HOLD-Jowita 9/15). Includes original ESP case in good shape, but not as clean as the guitar.

CORRECTION: 1992 Fender American Standard Telecaster - With Lollar Pickups, front/back), (headstock), (case/etc.). Popular Vintage White with maple fretboard. Excellent player and like most American Standards, a great utility guitar that will deliver night after night with minimal tweaking or modification. Appears to have seen only moderate use judging by the finish which is pretty clean other than two places in the back where it was whacked (shown here). Only other noteworthy flaw is some sight wear to the edge of the fretboard near the bottom frets, very common on 90's maple board Fenders. One major upgrade on this guitar, which is a pair of Jason Lollar Pickups ($190), considered by many to be the best Tele pickups on the market. Otherwise, all original other than Dunlop locking strap pins. If you're looking for a solid workhorse Tele, you can't go wrong with an American Standard. This model was built from '86 to '99, virtually unaltered, and it is a true modern classic in my opinion. This guitar won't appeal to the collector types, but for a player looking for an excellent player with the best pickups you can get, this one's a killer at just $775(HOLD-Carlos) with original Fender case.

2001 Fender Iron Maiden Stratocaster, front/back), (headstock), (pickups/Floyd), (case/etc.). Very rare high-end Japan model from Fender's Artist Signature Series. This is a striking looking guitar, with its gloss black finish and mirror pickguard, accented with black pickups and knobs. On the headstock it features a vintage spaghetti logo plus the logo for "Eddie", Maiden's long-time mascot. Features include Basswood body finished in gloss black, silver mirror pickguard, Seymour Duncan pickups (JB Jr. bridge with Hot Rails in middle and neck), 5-way blade with usual Strat layout (B,BM,M,MN,N), 500K pots with the usual Volume-Neck Tone-Middle Tone, Floyd Rose Original tremolo and locking nut, Fender/Gotoh vintage tuners, 1-pc maple neck with 9.5% radius and black markers, 22 super jumbo frets, and black dome knobs. Fender called this a "thin vintage style" neck profile but to me it feels slightly deeper than an American Standard, definitely a C-shape that's almost a very soft V in the lower register. This Strat is in near mint condition, with no noteworthy flaws, other than some light pickguard scratches that can only be viewed from the right angle. Some of these came with 250K pots, which is the normal Strat pot but they sound very muddy if used with humbuckers. This one, however, was built with the proper 500K pots and it sounds killer. It doesn't sound much like a Strat, but for rock and metal, it sounds much better than a Strat with a fat, high output tone and all of the settings on the 5-way are humbuckers - none are split coil. Overall rated at an easy 9.5 condition. Originally these were shipped without accessories, other than paperwork which is all included, but it's too nice of a guitar to go out in a gigbag so I've paired it with a nice red-badge case priced at $950 or if you prefer a Fender deluxe gigbag, $899(HOLD-EV 9/11). If you missed these during their brief run in '01, here's a chance to get a very nice one.

2006 Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster NOS, (front/back), (headstock), (2 Neckplates), (case/etc.). From the Custom Shop comes one of the most iconic Strats in their illustrious history - an Olympic White '69 with maple board. As part of the Time Machine series (Relic, Closet Classic, and NOS), the NOS (New, Old Stock) is a model built to exact specs of the era, but is in brand new condition, as if you stepped back in time 40 years, bought a guitar, and stepped back to 2009. This one of course has the Jimi appeal and, in fact, it includes a very well made Hendrix tribute neck plate, along with the original "R" plate of course. I don't know what it is, but whenever I pick one of these up I start playing every lick from "Are You Experienced" and somehow I play them better. Perhaps it's the killer setup on this guitar or maybe just that it's an Olympic '69. This year was a pivotal period for the Strat, featuring the large headstock and the bold "Synchronized Tremolo" logo which was only used '69/'70, while the round lam fingerboard ushered in a new neck style which included this "U" shape. It also features special wound '60s pickups which are good at delivering the Hendrix tone, especially if you have those kind of chops. Offered in near pristine condition with no fret wear and no discernable wear other than, looking closely, there are some scratches in the clear coat on the back of the body. Includes certificate, cable, strap, ash tray, 3-way switch (5-way is installed), polishing cloth, original hang tags and assorted paperwork. The '69 NOS is now running $3199 online and in the super stores. This barely played beauty, with the ultra-cool Hendrix plate included, is a full $1200 less at just $1999(HOLD-Robert N 9/11).

1995 Fender Japan '62 Reissue Stratocaster, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups/neck butt). Another fine "Made in Japan" model from the mid-90's, with the anniversary seal on the back of the headstock. I used to think all Strats of the same lineage, e.g. a '95 MIJ Strat, sounded the same. Some 100's of Strats later I've learned that there are some which are simply exceptional sounding guitars. Regardless of pickups or other factors, they have tone woods that have that "something extra" that sets it apart from a good sounding average example. This is one of those guitars. It's all stock, and without benefit of some expensive aftermarket pickups, it has a singing quality with a fatness that's not common on a Strat, and excellent sustain. This model doesn't have your average C-shaped neck which Fender uses on virtually all their "Classic Series" guitars. During the MIJ era the necks much closer replicated the original with a very chunky V on their '54, the sharp smaller V on their '57, the deep chunky on their '62, etc. The '62 has a rather substantial U-shaped neck (pick here) - click here to see the difference. Other distinguishing features include vintage routing including the "worm track" in bridge pickup route; Alnico single coils with stagger pole pieces; 3-ply mint pickguard with aged plastic parts; and stamped saddles with "Fender" engraved and the heavy trem block. This fine Strat has seen very little playing time and there's little to no actual player's wear, however, there are two small pain chips (shown here), which we can touch up if desired, or if it's going to be a gigging guitar, you've got a head start on an honest relic. A lot of people feel that these earlier "Made" in Japan are better guitars than the later "Crafted" in Japan models. Personally, I think they're pretty much equal but I do see the "Made's" selling higher most of the time. One thing's for sure, this is one nice Strat and with the price of a new "60's Classic" now going for $1099, this one wonderful Japan model is a nice model - for $400 less. $699 includes your choice of a rather rough case, an era-correct Fender gigbag, or a recent Fender deluxe gigbag.

2006 American Series Precision Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (features), (gigbag). Immaculate condition and upgraded with a set of Seymour Duncan Basslines pickups, some of the best pickups on the market, as well as a 3-ply black pickguard for the 70's look. All the stock features of the American Series including S-1 switch in the volume pot, new-style bridge that allows for string-thru-body or top loading, and deluxe tuners which were reserved for the American Deluxe on earlier models. I'm not going to go into a long history about the features of the American Series since I've covered that many times. Bottom line is this is a quality American P-bass that sets up with very comfortable action, and has that fat bottom tone that we seek in a P-bass. With new American Series going for $1299 with case, if you don't mind a gigbag, save big time on this one at just $779(SOLD-Keith). Includes Fender deluxe gigbag or inquire about hardshell case if desired.

1980's B.C. Rich Case, (pic2). I forget what this went to but it fits a long body guitar (event fits many basses). Not in great shape but the lining is in good shape, tolex is decent, hinges are good. Worst flaws are extra latches added to center and right, left latch is intact. To recommended for your near mint example but for a player's grade, a decent case for $65.

Chris' Guitars, specializing in semi-vintage and clean utility guitars and basses within the price range of working musicians. My inventory generally leans toward Fender and Gibson, though I usually have a supply of PRS, Gretsch, Guild, Martin, Taylor, Jackson, etc., as well as an assortment of moderately priced--but very playable--less famous brands. Our price system is designed to keep prices below book value, rather than amassing a huge collection of full retail priced merchandise. On Vintage gear and higher end items, I tend to deal in all-original pieces but do my best to identify questionable features so there are no surprises when your new guitar arrives at your home. I also get in a lot of pro-sound, keyboard, and studio gear and, again, my aim is to price it low and keep it moving—and I’m always looking for trades. Thanks for checking out my web page and if you have any questions, please click on my email address above or at the top of any of the pages.....I'd like to take a moment to thank all of my customers who have made my humble little site such a phenomenal success, especially my valued regular customers—you are the greatest... Regards, Chris

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