MISC ELECTRIC GUITARS (alphabetical listing)

1.   Ahead “Virtual Guitar”, (controls), (accessories), click here for info, PC-based guitar and game and more.  Actually a well constructed unit, made in Canada, and built to last, unlike the very cheap Guitar Hero/Rockband models.  Uses around a 6" length of real strings (shown here) in the picking area, along with sensors in the fretboard.  Comes with everything you need to install and play via your PC, guy on the box is really rocking out which might indicates to me that this must really be fun to play, $35 (I have two of these in you want a pair) .  Note that the box is somewhat tattered but the unit itself is perfect.  NOTE:  BOTH SOLD 5/26. 
2. B.C. RICH ACOUSTIC - THE ULTIMATE GUITAR FOR THE B.C. RICH COLLECTOR:  (Bernie Sr's. Last Guitar), (pic2).  More pics and full description at this link:  www.chrisguitars.com/bernie.html.  Owned by Martin Miranda, my world-class tech, who was a close friend of Bernie and this was the last guitar that Bernie ever built, albeit not quite finished, and he was working on it the very day of his untimely passing.  Click the link for a full description and feel free to email Martin Miranda directly at the address on the page.  
3. B.C. Rich USA Mockingbird, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  Off-hold and now with a decent Rich case is this most excellent 1980’s USA model with cool and rare BlueSparkleBurst finish (close-up).  Hard to do it justice in the pics but the finish looks great, with tiny silver flake in it which gives the guitar a great appearance under stage lights.  Features a great sounding pair of EMG's, with the Zakk style EMG 81/85, top quality double-locking Kahler/Floyd Rose (pic) recessed into the body, Sperzel tuners, factory original no tremolo cavity cover (no screw holes), abalone dot inlays (may be replacements), nice player and killer tone.  Played but overall nice shape with no major flaws.  Good deal on a nice semi-vintage American Rich at just $575.  
4. B.C. Rich Kerry King King V with Kahler Tremolo - EMG-KFK Upgrade, (front/back), (headstock), (Kahler).  A killer metal axe with cool looks with Tribal graphics, Widow headstock, and beveled edges which catch light and give it a very 3D look on stage.  The main attraction of this axe, however, is one major upgrade in the tone dept. - a brand new EMG-KFK Kerry King set (pic here) which includes an EMG81, EMG85, and a PA2 20dB gain booster switch.  Now this guitar sounds as bad-ass as it looks.  Features include basswood body with bolt-on Canadian hard rock maple neck, die-cast Rich tuners, master volume and tone with 3-way selector (plus added boost switch), KKV inlay at the 12th fret, 24 jumbo frets, locking Floyd Rose style nut, excellent quality Kahler-X tremolo that's very similar to the older Kahler Pro.  Originally this model had two volume controls but one of them was sacrificed to make way for the boost switch.  You won't miss it.  This model sells new for $469 and the EMG-KFK is another $240 - and with $60 labor you're at $769.  It's offered in immaculate condition for just $539 and I'm adding a matching tribal graphic strap for free.  If you're going to be on the road and want some excellent protection, here's a nice Coffin Universal Extreme case (shown here), which sells new for $149 - for just $85 with the purchase of this guitar. 
5. B.C. Rich Style - Kramer factory - Custom-Made Lacewood Mockingbird, (pic2), (pic3).  This is of interest to collectors of one-off's or other custom guitars, with an interesting history and, more importantly, a fantastic guitar in beautiful shape.  One change to my initial description is a good thing - tremolo is a Kahler Steeler (Mod. 2760) that’s arguably better than the original Floyd rose (solid steel with “harmonically tuned” plate). These trems are highly sought after and sell for quite a bit on Ebay.   Description:  Hand-made by an ex-Kramer employee at the old factory for one of upstate NY's hottest female guitarists.  Built in the late 80's near the end of Kramer's glory days with all top shelf woods and components, most notable an absolutely superb slab of Lacewood over mahogany.  Not just an 1/4" veneer, this piece of Lacewood is as deep as the pickups and as shown (in this pic), encompassing the entire beveled area of the top (see arrows).  The neck joint is beveled to allow easier access on the treble side, plus the whole cutaway is contoured, again, making it easier to finger in the upper register.  Maple neck with rosewood board and mother of pearl diamond inlays.  Excellent tremolo system with a Floyd-licensed Schaller, double  locking, with a Floyd nut.  Pickups are Duncans (pic) with a JB in the bridge and Jazz in the neck.  With gold hardware including pickup rings, knobs, tip, etc. (pic).  Includes an older pink-lined hardshell case that fits well and has been with the guitar since new.  This is an extremely well made guitar and little expense was spared in building it.  Playability and tone are superb and it's every bit as good as any USA Rich you'll play.  It should appeal to anyone who's into locking trem guitars that rock with the best of them - but are beautiful as well.   For a hand-made guitar, this one's a bargain at $950, especially with a neat story that comes with it - "Kramer meets BC Rich".  
6. B.C. Rich NJ Neck-Thru Wave Quilt Top, (front/back), (headstock).  How low do you want to go?  Super low action, all the way to the 24th fret and an absolute killer imported Rich in their NJ Neck-Thru (pic) line, which offers some of the best non-bolt-on guitars for the money.  This one is immaculate and even better than new with the addition of a DiMarzio X2N bridge pickup.  Also features a good quality double-locking licensed Floyd Rose (pic) that stays in tune perfectly.  One oddity, especially considering it's a factory mod, is the output jack was obviously changed from a barrel type to a square plate (pic) and for some reason they didn't locate the square plate over the plugged barrel.  It's definitely factory as the finish bears, and doesn't affect performance.  Features include quilted maple top Wave body style with beveled edges, mahogany body with 5-piece maple/mahogany neck thru, Ebony fretboard, recessed licensed Floyd Rose trem, black hardware, Diamond inlays, matching quilted maple headstock veneer, thin profile neck with 24 jumbo frets, Controls are straight ahead and simple with volume controls for each pickup, master tone, and 3-way selector.  This guitar is in immaculate condition, plays better than anything you'll find in stores, and with the addition of the X2N, the tone is better than stock.  Especially considering it's a neck-thru, it's a whole lot of guitar for $425 and I'll guarantee you won't find a better playing Rich - of any series - than this Wave.    
7. Boutique Tele Thinline by Joseph Zackus previously of Washington DC, tree-of-life inlay, one of the best flamed chunky necks ever, bound top&back, Vanzandt pickups, gold hardware, I know very little about this builder other than he build guitars in very small numbers, selling at cost at $1400  
8. New Brian Moore i-Series I-81 - choice of finish:  Most affordable model in the i-Series but an exceptional import in its own right.  Has the same Brian Moore signature looks including sculpted headstock, sleek contoured body, and unique rear output jack of the higher end models.  When BM went in search of factories to do their imports they did it right and the quality rivals many US makers in my opinion.  The i81 features bolt-on neck, mahogany body with beautifully bookmatched flamed maple top, classic "iM" Alnico humbuckers, and "iM" precision tuners.  All include a superb quality Brian Moore gigbag, etc.   These guitars will be shipped with optimum setup, better than your local store or online superstore and are available in the following:   Charcoal flametop, List $595,    Sale $325 Cinnamon flametop, List $595, Sale $325 Tuquoise flametop, List $595, Sale $325
9. 2000 Brian Moore i2P, (front/back), (headstock), (piezo bridge).  Piezo/acoustic bridge, Duncans, Sperzels, and drop dead killer looks.  From Brian Moore's fantastic i2000 series, which in my humble opinion, are the best quality Korean imports from any manufacturer.  I've had around 10, including 4 different models, and every one was a beautifully made, exceptionally well-engineered guitar.  The i2P features, most strikingly, a truly stunning quilted maple top finished in cherry sunburst.  The top is not only carved, it's bent (shown here), from edge to edge, and the back is likewise contoured, making this an extremely comfortable guitar to play.  Features include highly figured maple top - either flame or the more desirable quilt such as this one, Seymour Duncan humbuckers with gold covers, set-neck design, ivoroid-bound top, single cutaway mahogany body, 2-piece set mahogany neck, ivoroid-bound 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, abalone dot inlays, 1-11/16" nut width, 24-3/4" scale, gold hardware, tune-o-matic bridge with piezo saddles for acoustic sounds (uses stereo cable), gold Sperzel locking tuners, and Moore's signature sculpted headstock.  One of the best setups you'll find on any guitar with extremely low action from the 1st to the top fret.  For full specs, click here for Brian Moore's site.  List price on this guitar is currently $1995 but this used one has barely been played and is an exceptional guitar for $850.  Includes your choice of super nice Brian Moore gigbag (pic here) or an aftermarket hardshell case.  
10. Carvin DC-200, (front/back), (headstock).  Carvin remains one of the best buys on the USA guitars - especially on the used market.  They're quality is top-notch but as Carvin sells directly to the public there is no retail store to take a bite of the profit.  This one comes in a high gloss black finish with features that include neck-thru construction, dual Carvin humbuckers, Carvin/Wilkinson fulcrum tremolo, graphite nut, Sperzel locking tuners, Ebony fretboard with block inlays, active electronics with easy access battery door on back, indestructible stainless steel frets, and Schaller locking strap pins.  The electronics suite in this one include the normal 3-way selector plus mini switches for coil splitting and in/out phase for each pickup.  Excellent playability and endless choice of tones.  At $529, this is a great buy on a USA neck-thru guitar.  Includes free gigbag or substitute used a hardshell case available for $55.  
11. Charvel USA Standard San Dimas 1HB, (pic2), (pic3), (pic4).  Another fantastic USA San Dimas with one of the coolest necks around - the profile seems to get thinner as you go up the neck and around the 7th to 12th frets it seems skinnier than at the lower frets - just super comfortable and very easy to get around on.  You may remember the snakeskin graphic I had a few weeks ago and this one is less flashy, but it's every bit as fine a guitar.  One of the greatest necks of all time and more, the complete package, very reminiscent of the original early 80's Charvels on which this guitar was based.  The time was finally ripe for these guitars to come back, with vintage models climbing above the $5K mark, with a huge demand with virtually zero supply.  Charvel was originally a parts supply business, sort of the All-Parts of its era and starting in 1979 they started building their own guitars, essentially parts guitars from various suppliers.  Within a few years they had a thriving business, eventually joining Jackson as "Charvel/Jackson", with Charvel taking care of the bolt-on models and Jackson producing the neck-thru's.   The San Dimas NOS 1HB model features include Alder body, quarter-sawn Eastern hard rock maple neck with thin oil finish, early 80's pointed headstock, 1 11/16" nut width, 22 jumbo frets, 25.5" scale, compound neck radius, Seymour Duncan TB-14 Custom 5 Trembucker pickup, "NOS" brass tremolo and black hardware. These guitars are built to the same high quality specifications as the originals, including the famous "broken in" neck feel, with each being hand built using the finest wood, hardware, and pickups, to product a true Hot Rod Guitar at a truly affordable price.  Many NOS (New Old Stock) Charvel parts are used, along with the newest advances in parts technology.  It is, in fact, among the best playing guitars I've had with super low and even action - and the neck is the best feeling neck ever made, identical to the originals that I've played.  Offered in near immaculate condition with the only flaw being some finish had started to lift on the headstock (before pic - after pic) which has been repaired such that you can only see a faint line if viewed from an angle and barely noticeable from straight on.   List price for this guitar was $2099, with a street price of around $1550.   If you don't mind one barely noticeable flaw on an otherwise mint guitar, save big time on this beauty.  Just $1099.  Includes original G&G case, and vintage style trem arm with metal tip.  
12. 2008 Charvel USA San Dimas "Style 2" 2H, (front/back), (headstock), (Floyd/close-up), (neckplate), (gigbag).  This is the 4th one of these new USA San Dimas models and the first in the "Style 2" (Tele body).  Charvel is known as the original "hot rod" guitar brand and this new series are killer rock/metal axes in the Charvel tradition.  Part of the new "USA Production Model Series", originally released in July '08, 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.  Features include Alder Body, 1-Piece Maple Neck, original-style San Dimas neckplate, Seymour Duncan pickups with a JB bridge and '59 neck, Compound Radius neck 12" to 16", wide neck - 1 11/16" at the nut, genuine Floyd Rose Tremolo, Dunlop strap pins, Grover Mini Tuners, black hardware.  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 now sell new for $1099.  I'm surprised Charvel didn't street these around $300 higher, but with a recent $100 price jump, I think they're still 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.  I've had other recent USA Custom Shop Charvels and this series is 95% as nice for $100's less.  It's a true bang for the buck winner, especially this mint example at just $779.   Includes Charvel deluxe gigbag and trem arm. 
13. Charvel Charvette 150, 1990, features a nice sounding set of pickups with a Charvel Ceramic Plus in the bridge and a Carvel high-gain single coil size stacked humbucker in the neck.  These are high output pickups but the tone isn't at all harsh to my ears.  Also has a Floyd-licensed tremolo system with fine tuners.  Has one mod that bears mentioning - someone removed the locking nut and replaced with a plastic cover.  Not necessarily a bad thing unless you like to do dive bombs.  Overall this guitar is in very nice shape with a near perfect finish that shines like new.  Frets are near perfect and it has an excellent setup.  Compare this to the Chinese guitars you can get for $200 today and this is an excellent value at $175.  
14. Unique Mahogany Body Style Custom Made Strat Head, (pic2).  For the player who wants something truly unique...this is a one-off Custom made guitar.  Very unique looks, top-notch parts, and quality woods.  The body style is a cross between a Les Paul Single Cutaway, although with a much rounder upper bout and deep & pointy cutaway - while the lower bout is something straight out of the builder's imagination - there really isn't a comparison that I'm aware of.  The neck appears to be custom built as well and is perfectly straight, featuring a rosewood board and Strat headstock.  Please note that we relocated the string tree to the traditional position and plugged the small hole where it is located in the pics.  Excellent electronics all around with a cool blend of Fender, Les Paul, and acoustic.  Pickups are a DiMarzio DP-181 Fast Track in the bridge, Gibson PAF in the neck, and a Fishman HS100P piezo bridge for acoustic tones.  Switches are 3-way selector for the magnetic pickups on the upper bout, 3-way mini-toggle near the knobs to select magnetic - magnetic and piezo - piezo alone.  Control knobs are master volume, master tone, and Piezo volume (white knob).  Body is one-piece mahogany (end view) which yields a very warm and full tone.  Control cavity is shielded, neatly wired, and contains the circuit board for the Fishman system and 9V battery (pic here).  Output jack is conveniently located out of the way, in the cutout area at the end of the body which also features a bird in flight Abalone inlay (pic here).  This is a great playing guitar and should appeal to players who want a lot of versatility but, especially, want to strap on something that's truly unique and a hand-built one-of-a-kind instrument with top quality components.  Very cool piece for $750.  
15. Daisy Rock Debutante Short Scale, (front/back), (headstock), (case).   I just got in a few of these for the holidays.  If you've got a young player, not quite ready for a full scale instrument, but you want to buy a *real* guitar rather than a toy at the department store, this is an excellent choice.  The quality is equally on par with Fender's Squier series with good quality electronics and hardware and after Martin does his magic on them, they set-up with very comfortable action, which is imperative for beginners.  If a guitar is difficult to play, it's not going to get played.  At 22.5" scale length (distance from bridge to the nut), it's 2"-3" shorter than a full scale, just enough to make it easy to get around on but nothing that they're going to grow out of in a few months.  With a list price of $249, in my opinion this is an excellent buy on a "real" guitar at just $149 which includes a pro setup prior to shipping.  Comes in pink with white accents.  
16. Daisy Rock Tom Boy,  (front/back), (headstock), (thin, rounded heel).  Never retailed, unplayed, immaculate.  Don't let the name fool you.  Daisy Rocks were originally aimed for the "girl" market but there's particularly girlish about this guitar.  The Tom Boy closely resembles a Tele Custom in style and function with a traditional Tele pickup and bridge plate plus a PAF style humbucker in the neck.  This model has more sonic versatility though as both are humbuckers with single coil capability, each with a slider switches for choice of humbucker, single coil, or off.  Pickups are very good quality Duncan Designed Alnico humbuckers.  Other features include a thin and lightweight agathis body, maple neck and fretboard, 24-3/4" (Gibson scale) with a slightly narrow neck make it easier for smaller hands to get around on.  Also features string-thru body construction, Grover tuners, plus dual volume controls and master tone.  These pickups do a good job with a wide range of tones, from crunchy and heavy to clean and twangy.  With a list of $499 the Tom Boy sells in stores for $349.  This one's new, old stock, and set up better than factory for just $279. 
17. Danelectro '59 DC, (front/back), (headstock).  "Kool Kopper" finish.  Reissue of a true American classic guitar.  Even touring pro's who can afford any guitar they want frequently have one of these in their rack, ready to make an appearance 4-5 times per show.  I've seen Clapton use this model as well as Dave Matthews just recently and, of course, Jimmy Page was probably the pro most associated with the '59 DC.  I get in loads of '56 U-2's but rarely one of these, for reasons I can't explain, but since it's been discontinued I rarely get in any 59DC models.  Specs are much the same as they were back in the 50's with a Hardboard (aka Masonite) top and bottom with plywood frame, Hard maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, 25” scale, 21 frets, taped "binding" around the body, chrome bridge with rosewood saddle, headstock painted to match body, stacked pots for individual volume and tone controls with 3-way selector, "lipstick" pickups - brass tube w/chrome plating with original formula 50’s style Alnico magnets.  This is one of the later models with the improved "D" tuners, although it's pre-"Pro" model. I don't know why Dano saw fit to "improve" upon this model with the '59 DC Pro but from what I can tell the '59 Pro is a cheaper model and, in fact, less of a "pro" guitar.  With the newer "Pro", gone are the stacked knobs in favor of a master volume and tone and the rosewood bridge, which gave it much of it's feel and tone is gone, replaced by regular old stamped metal saddles.  If you missed this model during it's production in the late 90's/early 00's - and a "Pro" just doesn't cut it - here's a chance to get one that's near immaculate 9.9 condition with a simply killer setup - for $399 with gigbag.
18. 2004 Danelectro '56 U-2 - Upgraded, (front/back), (headstock), (bridge/controls).  Finished in desirable Limo Black and features a few upgrades including excellent quality Gotoh tuners, metal saddles that are individually adjustable instead of the wood block, and a piezo pickup controlled by a mini 3-way switch (piezo only, piezo and lipstick pickups, lipstick pickups only).  The single coil lipstick pickups are controlled by the regular 3-way switch with stacked volume/tone knobs to give full control to both pickups.  The piezo system isn't really an acoustic tone, but it does add a lot of body to the sound, especially in the middle position, when combined with the magnetic pickups.  I last had this guitar around 3 years ago and it appears as though it was unplayed since it was last in my hands.  Finish has all the luster of a new model and frets are perfect.  These Dano's are every bit as good as the original 50's Dano/Silvertone models and one of the best values on the market.  Nothing sounds like them and once Martin gets a hold of them, nothing plays like them.  His setups on Dano's is simply incredible.  If you're looking for a great U-2, with some very smart upgrades, this one is only $50 more than market price on a stock one.  $349.  
19. Danelectro '56 U-2 in dark blue, Blue Suede, getting harder to come by since Dano discontinued all their guitars a few years ago (they're now making one model only).  Player's love these, even if only to pull them out for one or two songs per set.  But they set up flawlessly, are feather weight, and, hey, nothing sounds like these vintage lipstick pickups.  Stacked knobs give you volume and tone on each pickup plus the usual 3-way selector.  Very clean shape with barely a mark, and just a little discoloration on the tape binding.  Pro setup and ready to rock for $299.    
20. Danelectro '56 U-2, cool reissue of the famed 50's model and in Limo Black this one's just like Jimmy Page's (if you don't count the number of cutaways).  Incredible player with low action all the way up the neck and some of the coolest tones you'll ever coax out of a budget guitar.  They haven't made this model in years and it's still a great value at $299.    
21. 2006 Dean USA Hardtail , (front/back), (headstock), (side), (keyring), (case).  Simply gorgeous figured maple that looks great from any direction - from top - bottom - or either side.  Dean called this one a quilt but I call it wide flame.  Either way, it's gorgeous.  This guitar is absolutely perfect, never retailed and unplayed condition.  I get in just about every higher end production guitars made and this is, without a doubt, one of the finest production guitars made - with looks, tone, and playability as good as it gets.   This guitar has one of the best acoustics tones I've ever heard from a solidbody electric.  The Hardtail was the first guitar designed by Dean Zelinsky after his 12-year hiatus from Dean, with 3 years in the making, finally debuting at the 2001 NAMM show.  Dean uses only the finest tonewoods - hand-selected mahogany with the highest quality figured maple, as well a fine Ebony fingerboard, wood binding, quartersawn neck, Abalone inlays on fretboard as well as headstock logo and model, nickel hardware with Grover tuners - Tonepros bridge -  and Duncan pickups.  Very nice weight and extremely comfortable to play.  For full specs see Dean's Site here.  If you're a fan of PRS this guitar should appeal to you - the vibe is similar and the quality is as good or better.  Current list price on this guitar is $3850 and this one is in unplayed condition - at way under 50% off, just $1750 and one of the best tops you'll see on this model.  Includes excellent quality formfit Dean case.
22. Dean Razorback V Standard - NOS - Black or Candy Apple Red, (front/back), (headstock/V neck profile).  Personally designed by the late, great Dimebag Darrell in 2004 before his untimely passing.  By this year Dimebag had returned to Dean and had begun work on several signature models with this Razorback V being one of his final contributions.  It cuts a figure much like the time-tested Flying V, only more dangerous looking with a few more jagged edges and actually more comfortable with the addition to sleek body bevels.  The Razorback V features a mahogany neck and body, a rosewood fretboard with a super flat 16" radius, and a very comfortably contoured neck heel (shown here) which allows very easy access to the upper frets.  Pickups are a Seymour Duncan Dimebucker pickup at the bridge with a Dean humbucker in the neck with the edges taped down, Dimebag style.   The neck is a radical departure from rock/metal axes, traditionally outfitted with a very thin profile.  The neck on this model is quite substantial, with a rounded-V profile that feels a lot like a '56 Strat.  Quality hardware with Grover tuners and a recessed, double-locking licensed Floyd Rose tremolo (pickups/trem) keeps it in tune perfectly.  Controls are straight ahead 3-way selector with master tone and volume, with easy grip circles on the volume.  With a list of $1550, these were selling for $999 but I have a few in stock, never retailed, first quality, and perfect, for 55% off list, $697.  With a pro in-house setup, these guitars are an incredible value for the money.   Includes Dean hardshell case and comes in gloss black finish or Candy Apple Red metallic.  
23. Dean Boca 12-string, (front/back), (headstock).  If you're looking for a bang-for-the-buck semi-hollowbody 12 string, this is probably the winner.  Nothing fancy, but it sounds excellent and plays as easily as 12's costing 4X the price.  Cosmetically, it features abalone inlays on the fretboard and headstock, as well as bound F-holes but this guitar isn't about fancy appointments.  It has a body that's sort of a scaled down Dot, perhaps a tad deeper but smaller in the upper and lower bouts.  The cutaways are very deep which allows easy access to the top frets, should you want to venture into some high 12-string leads.  The stock humbuckers sound good, controlled by a master volume and tone, but I think if we drop a PAF size P90 in this thing, especially in the neck, this would be an even more versatile guitar.  I don't know how these play from the factory, probably okay, but after Martin does his thing, it's very easy on the fingers.  Cosmetically, it's in beautiful shape, save one long scratch on the back in the finish only.  A really cool 12 for just $285 and we'll include a gigbag with it.  
24. Dean Dimebag Far Beyond Driven Tribute ML, an incredible guitar that's a fitting tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell, with excellent quality and top-notch features including flame maple top, a mahogany body with a set-in mahogany neck, a Floyd Rose licensed tremolo bridge system, and the classic Dean Series II V headstock with a screened collage of Dimebag. Other features include a rosewood fingerboard, cream body and neck binding, a vintage Brazilliaburst finish, Dimebag Traction knobs, a Dimebag Quad image sticker on the body, and a Dimebucker Treble pickup (bridge position).  Killer setup, killer tone, a super axe all around.  For complete details, check out Dean's Site.  Between Dean and Washburn there have been a lot of Dimebag models released and it's somewhat confusing to many customers.  Having had most of them I can attest that the best of the lot are the Korean set-neck models, and that this is the best of the lot.  Even the case is superior, with a very heavy Canadian Hardshell Case rather than the newer&cheaper lightweight Chinese case.   List price on new is $1539, selling everywhere for $999, but this one was collector owned and offered in mint condition for just $699.
25. Dean Baby ML,  (front/back), (headstock).  Now offered at lower price with stock pickups installed.  Ultra-cool ML looks in a "fun-size" scaled down body - but don't get it wrong, it's a full scale and the tone is huge.  The ML is a cool guitar because it has unique looks but is still very well balanced for such a radical body.  The edges are nicely contoured, an improvement over the Explorer, V, and other radical shapes, and it utilizes strings-thru-body which is an tonal improvement over a stop bar and tuneomatic.   Cosmetically, no player's wear but you can see the remnants of "System of a Down" (pic) on the back side and a Wylde sticker on front (we can probably remove if desired).  Dean makes some good quality imports and this is a good example of good playing guitar at a modest price.  Very cool axe for just $199.
26. 1998 Dean USA Chrome Custom ML Showpiece, (pic2), (pic3), (pic4).  Here's one for the collection - one of a kind Dean USA ML with aircraft aluminum.  This is the very guitar featured on page 4 of the 1998 Dean catalog, which is included with the guitar (catalog pic).  Aluminum body was bolted together with recessed bolts, thus no control cavity on back, every piece is chromed and polished, one of a kind fretboard inlays, mahogany neck, original V headstock, Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups, construction supervised by Ben Chafin, only one ever built.  Please note that this guitar is impossible to photograph properly and you'll see many things in the finish that aren't there.  In person, it's dead mint and beautiful.  Let's face it, this guitar is aimed at the collector, to the 5% of the buying public for which rarity, uniqueness, and condition mean everything.  To be the only one in the world with this model guitar; that sums it up nicely.  Not one of 50; one of 12, one of 5.  With the collector in mind, it's in all probability, the heaviest guitar I've had tipping the scales at around 19 lbs.  I had a 70's Les Paul Custom once that was around 14 but this eclipses that record.  It's actually a good sounding guitar with excellent resonance but for most of us is going to be more comfortable to play while seated.  Original price was around $6K and this is the find of the year for a Dean collector, nicely priced at just $3000.  Includes Dean case, catalog, and certificate (picture).  
27. Dean USA Bel Aire, (pic2), 1983, in very cool Silverburst.  Shape isn't as radical as most Deans from that era but the quality is definitely there.  Features HSS pickup configuration, nicely flamed maple neck, and 3+3 Dean headstock.  Cosmetically, has some finish touch ups on the edges but top is nice and overall very presentable.  Highly recommend for anyone with a Silverburst collection or just a good gigging guitar for less than an arm&leg.  $450.  
28. 2005 Dean Black Gold V,  (front/back), (headstock).  An upscale take on the classic Flying V accented by a flamed maple top in transparent black, gold hardware, and binding on all edges.  The Black Gold V utilizes the tried and tested maple top over a mahogany body to provide warmth and sustain, with a nice "snap" on the attack.  Also contributing to the sustain is the set-neck construction and strings-thru-body design.  Cosmetic features include multi-layer binding to the body and headstock, bound neck, pearl block inlays with "Black Gold" at the 12th fret, and fully covered (no pole holes) humbuckers.  Also noteworthy, this beauty hits the scales at under 7 lbs., which makes it a pleasure to play for long sets.  Setup is low and comfortable and these high-output humbuckers sound great.  Offered in pristine condition - plastic film is still on the pickups - and could be sold as new.  These sell for $649 in the stores, with a $999 list, but this one is perfect and a killer deal on a V with these features for just $499.  
29. Denyle Walnut & Maple Single Cut, (front/back), (headstock), (back/neck joint), (pickups).  Very unique guitar in terms of looks and design, totally hand-crafted in USA in very low numbers.  I think this builder has only made a handful of guitars and the hand-built aspect is very obvious, definitely no CNC machines used on this guitar.  The body shape is unique, sort of a highly exaggerated Tele style, except with rounded edges.  It features a center second of quilted maple, with mahogany wings, with a set-in poplar neck with ironwood fretboard.  Pickups are a Gibson humbucker in the bridge, with a P100 stacked P90 style in the neck.  A striking headstock, which combined with the billowy body, bring to mind Prince's Cloud guitar, or something of that ilk, in fact I think this guitar would look great with an off-white or yellow finish.  Tuners are Grovers.  This guitar is the very one pictured on Denyle's site (4th one down) and you'll notice it had a different tailpiece at one time (more factory pics).  Some time before it got to me the unusual tailpiece and bridge were changed to a stop bar/tuneomatic. If you look closely you'll see telltale signs of the earlier hardware but it's not very noticeable.  If you're looking for something truly unique and appreciate the quaintness of a small builder, this one is priced around 1/2 of the original price at $850.  
30. Ernie Ball Musicman SUB 1, (front/back), (headstock). Lightweight 7.8 lbs.  Musicman quality at an affordable price.  Basically a stripped down version of a Silhouette Special, the defining feature of the SUB is a textured finish is cheaper to produce, one of the primary reasons that these fine USA SUB's are such a good bargain.  Features include solid poplar body, diamond plate pickguard, locking tuners, satin finished neck and headstock, single Musicman humbucker with volume and tone controls, signature Musicman 4/2 tuners/headstock, and vintage style tremolo.  This single humbucker model appeals to players who only use one tone, who feel extra pickups just get in the way.  Also features the locking tuners that go with the trem-equipped models.  25.5" scale with a 10" radius and a nicely rounded neck profile that Musicman is noted for - feels great in the palm.  This guitar is immaculate, very lightweight, and an excellent value in a well made American guitar at $450.  Includes free gigbag or used Fender/other case optional at $59. 
31. 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. 
32. 1996 ESP Mirage - Custom Shop, (front/back), (headstock), (tremolo), (case), (pickups), (neck/body markings).   A real stunner - immaculate condition and a just a gorgeous custom order *real* ESP, which are really getting hard to come by unless you want to plunk down $2K for a new one.  Even better than its looks is the playability.  This one came in as barely mediocre at best but Martin worked his magic and has transformed it into one of the best playing ESP's I've had.  Back in the 80's/90's you could, probably still can, custom order ESP's with any configuration you wanted, as indicated by the "Custom" seal on the back of the headstock.  At one time these were all supposedly USA models but I don't have any hard info to support that.  Doesn't matter though as Japan ESP's are as well respected as most USA makers.  This one was ordered with a highly figured swamp ash body with matching headstock veneer, reverse headstock, Sperzel locking tuners, Wilkinson bridge, black hardware, "ESP" inlay at the 12th fret and Abalone dot inlays elsewhere.  Pickups are in an HSS configuration, with a DiMarzio Tone Zone humbucker in the bridge, Duncan Cool Rails Strat Humbucker in the neck, and DiMarzio Fast Track Strat humbucker in the middle - controlled by 5-way selector, master volume, and master tone.  Although 13 years old, this guitar looks like it was bought this year but the price is likely less than it cost back in '96 at just $950.  Includes original ESP case.  This is one nice Mirage.  
33. ESP Vintage S - Daddy's Series, (front/back), (headstock).  Not an especially rare model, but an extremely rare series, commissioned for Daddy's Junky Music, probably the country's #1 dealer in used gear, around 25 years ago.  I called Daddy's corporate office to get the rundown on this model and spoke to Chris, who was actually around when these guitars were built.  The story goes like this:  In the early 80's, ESP had very few dealers in the USA and they were hot to increase their distribution stateside.  At a NAMM show a fellow named "Toschi" from ESP approached Daddy's and Daddy's placed a fairly large order.  According to Chris, he thought that there were probably 50 or so, but no more than 100 of the entire series, which were essentially ESP's Vintage Series, with a special "Daddy's Series" logo.  They came in various finishes and appointments, with this one being Olympic white with black and white plastic parts.  It's a well made guitar, typical of Japan quality in the 80's, with good quality woods, hardware, and electronics.  The bridge pickup has been replaced with a Duncan Quarter Pounder (pic here) - middle and neck are regular stag pole vintage style.  Pots are the full size Japan pots; switch is the vintage style blade, both shown here.  This guitar is in extremely clean condition with no scratches to on the body or neck; frets are 98%, almost new.  The only noteworthy flaws are some natural relic'ing to the nickel bridge and some of the pickguard screws, as shown here.   The rarity of a Daddy's Series may only appeal to a handful of players, but it's an interesting story, and one that has little to no web documentation.  Thanks to Chris from Daddy's corporate headquarters for his help.  Rarity aside, this is a very good quality Japan S-style in superb condition - for $550.  Includes gigbag.  
34. 2006 ESP Ltd EC-1000 Deluxe, (front/back), (headstock), (more abalone trim), (pickups), (case).  The Cadillac of the ESP Ltd line and one of the most stunning guitars made.  Best of all, it’s a true pro-line instrument with features such as Sperzel locking tuners, active EMG-85 and EMG-60 humbuckers, TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, set-neck construction, and ultra comfortable with a body that's thinner than a regular LP style and nicely contoured in all the right places.  Visually, it doesn’t get any better than this with a red quilted maple top with gloss finish and more Abalone trim than on any other model I've seen - Abalone adorns every edge of the top including body, neck, neck joint, and headstock.  The body, neck, and headstock all include multi-ply binding in addition to the Abalone trim.  Abalone flag fretboard inlays with the model name at the 12^th fret.  This guitar is barely played, with plastic still on the back plates and barely a trace that it's ever been played.  It also has a killer setup that's sure to please.  In the see-thru black cherry, this guitar lists for $1349 and sells for $879 without case; $999 with this case - or you can get this beautiful used one, set up to perfection, for just $659(SOLD 5/26).  
35. ESP Ltd George Lynch GL-500K w/Custom Shop Upgrades, (front), (headstock), (back), (beveled heel/output jack), (upgrades), (case).   Not your average GL-500K, this one has been pro upgraded to ESP Kamikaze 1 specs with a genuine Floyd Rose tremolo in place of the licensed Floyd and *real* Duncans in place of the Duncan-Designed.  Pickups are Seymour Duncan George Lynch Screamin' Demon in the bridge, and a Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Pro Strat SSL-6 in the neck, and like the ESP K1, selectable via volume control push-pull pot.  As good as the stock Duncan-Designed pickups are, these *real* Duncans are a quantum improvement and along with the genuine Floyd Rose trem, makes this a pro quality guitar.  Features include alder body, bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fretboard, black hardware, side-mounted Strat-style output jack, single volume control with push/pull function to select neck or bridge pickup, Kamikaze graphics on body and headstock, 25.5" scale.  Unlike a lot of shredder guitars, the GL-500K has a fairly substantial neck that's fairly chunky from the first fret to the 22nd.  The setup is great on this guitar with low action and no fretting out, perfect for doing blazing leads.  ESP has discontinued the GK-500K but if you missed one during their run, here's one in beautiful condition with around a $400 upgraded done at Parkway Music.  Killer deal for $699(HOLD-Robert 6/19).  Includes original Ltd Signature case.   
36. 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.  
37. 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(HOLD-Dave H 4/26) with Featherlight case. .  
38. Fender Tele Copy - SX Traditional Series Tele Style, (front/back), (headstock).  The few SX "Traditional Series", I've had have been very good guitars for very modest money, and this Tele style is a good example.  I was told this was Lacewood but it doesn't have the characteristic look like my BC Rich Lacewood (pic here) so I'm not sure what to call the wood.  It is, however, an attractive grain and very lightweight at just 7.4 lbs.  This one is "as new", with plastic still on the pickguard and pickups.  For looks, vintage vibe, and quality tone, it's hard to beat this for the price.  With a pro setup prior to shipping, an excellent value at just $145.
39. Floyd Rose Redmond Model 3,  (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.).  USA, "as new" condition - could be sold as new.  The Redmond series were a very innovative model from one of the most inventive designers of the hard rock decade, Floyd Rose, the man, the legend  One of the most innovative features of this guitar was Floyd’s new Speed Loader system that makes changing strings a breeze – stay in tune as well as a double-locking trem without all the hassle.  The most striking aspect of these great new models are the “open” headstock, facilitated by use of fine tuners only, at the bridge.  The Redmond Series Model 2 features two Floyd Rose“ vintage series humbuckers and a three-way pickup selector switch.  This unique combination of wood and electronics makes the Model 2 the instrument of choice for musicians who love a classic fat tone.  Very sleek neck with 12” radius, 1.65” at the nut and lightweight Alder body.  Controls are merely a 3-way selector and a volume control – nothing else in line to suck your tone.  List price on this model was $2450 and they sold at discount at numerous dealers for $1995.  I got a pair of these from someone who apparently never played them and they're priced less than 1/2 of what these sold for when they hit the stores in 2004 - just $799(HOLD-Ira D 8/18).  Includes original Floyd Rose case and accessories. 
40. Floyd Rose Discovery DST1-R w/accessories, (pic2), 2004, new-old-stock, these cool Floyd guitars now come in an affordable, quality-made import model.  They use the same unique patented Speed-Loader system.  Features the new Floyd Rose Speedloader tremolo bridge, 3 high-output single coils, Basswood body, and the cool, low-mass headstock that's constructed largely of "air".  The best thing about the Speedloader system is string changes can be done in less than a minute - it's truly a no-brainer easy job.  For specs on this bridge, click here.  These guitars are very well constructed as you'd expect with anything that Floyd would put his name on - with excellent setup and quality tone.  These are $399 everywhere for the guitar alone but this one includes genuine Floyd Rose accessories including gigbag, strap, picks, cable, and tools for just $389 - plus a pro-setup that's better than factory.   
41. Floyd Rose Discovery DSF2-BK w/accessories, (pic2), 2004, new-old-stock, same basic design as the DST-1 above except in a non-tremolo model with the Speedloader Fixed Bridge with dual hot humbuckers.  For bridge specs, click here.  These are $399 everywhere for the guitar alone but this one includes genuine Floyd Rose accessories including gigbag, strap, picks, cable, and tools for just $389 - plus a pro-setup that's better than factory.   
42. Gibson set-neck SG Style:  Fender Squier Set-Neck S-73, as new, excellent Korean model with an eye toward the SG.  The Squier S-73 is a double cutaway solid mahogany guitar with a set mahogany neck. The rosewood fingerboard has jumbo nickel silver frets and newly designed block inlays, and a 24 3/4" scale length. This guitar features two Seymour-Duncan designed humbuckers.  List price on new is $726.99 but this one is dead mint with plastic still on the pickguard and back plate and ships in original factory box for just $325.
43. 1991 G&L SC-3, (front/back), (headstock), (bridge/MFD pickups).  Excellent condition and an excellent player.  Nothing like the rarity of the SC-1 above, but a fine G&L in its own right.  The SC-3 was the evolution of Leo's original Stratocaster with a number of refinements along the way.  Features maple body with 3-bolt maple neck and rosewood fretboard - a dark & nicely figured fretboard on this one.  Other features include 2-point G&L fulcrum tremolo, locking Sperzel tuners, Magnetic Field Design pickups with adjustable pole pieces mounted on black pickguard with volume, tone, and 5-way selector.  This one is also very light for an SC-3 at 7.6 lbs.  From what I read specs called for matching headstock on this model from '86 onward so this one, with an unpainted headstock would seem to be rare, unless they had different spec's for SC-3's in black.  For complete specs and info on this, the 3rd version SC-3, click here for ggjaguar.  This is an exceptional Strat-style guitar, with a quality that just feels significantly higher than Fender's American Standard from the same era.  Body and neck both dated May '91 and appears to be 100% original and, again, very clean condition.  Includes original trem arm and aftermarket hardshell case.  I just looked around the web and saw another nice '91 SC-3...for $1799...whoa...  While that may be a tad high, compare this to a Fender from the same era - this is a better guitar for about the same price, just $699.  
44. G&L Asat Classic Pickup and Bridge, NOTE:  Parts only - removed when new so mint condition.  Includes pickup with cloth wires, 6 brass saddles, and bridge.  Impossible to find on the used market but this mint set is here and just $85.
45. G&L S-500 Swamp Ash, (front/back), (headstock), (case/cert.).  A real beauty with optional "Premier Finish" 2-tone sunburst over swamp ash, plus vintage-tinted gloss neck finish.  The S-500 is sort of a Super Strat and features a trio of G&L's Magnetic Field single coil pickups controlled by a 5-way selector and mini-toggle that allow any combination (including neck/bridge and all 3), G&L Dual Fulcrum tremolo with chrome plated brass saddles, flat 12" radius, 1 5/8" nut width, G&L tuners, and G&L's  PTB system which allows you to cut bass and treble separately rather than a single "tone" pot.  When Leo Fender went on to form G&L, he used his 50 years of experience refining the Strat in designing these guitars and I think that most players would pick this S-500 over an American Strat Ash in a shootout, in both tone and playability.  This guitar is in pristine condition, other than minor pickguard scratches, but not a hint of player's wear or use otherwise.   Compare this to an American Ash Strat, for comparable money, and you'll be getting a much better guitar at $899.  Includes G&L case, certificate, hang tag, etc.   
46. 1998 G&L ASAT Special with Rio Grande's, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (case/acc).  Special order with G&L tremolo, large neck, locking tuners, and best of all, just a killer look with Blue Metal Flake finish and mirror pickguard.  Stock pickups on this model were G&L soapbars, which are good pickups but this one has been upgraded with a *great* pickups with a pair of Rio Grande Asat pickups.  In addition to tone and looks, this thing plays like a monster and if you're a fan of chunky neck, this one is just huge, with a baseball bat soft-V shape reminiscent of a mid-50's Fender.  Has seen very little playing time and offered in exceptional condition and after Martin did some of his magic, it's one killer player.  For some of you Tele fanatics, this is the ultimate Tele style, especially if you're looking for a little flash to go along with your twang.  With options such as metal flake finish ($400), G&L tremolo ($100), graphite nut ($30), matching headstock ($150), Schaller locking tuners ($50) and mirror pickguard ($50) this guitar has $720 in options alone, which makes it is a smoking deal on a higher end Asat for just $1199(HOLD-Michael W 8/27).  Includes G&L Case.  9.2 lbs.
47. Gadow Custom Set Neck, (front/back), (headstock), (thick maple top), (push/pull pots), (case).   I get in just one or two Gadow's a year and we've been impressed by every one, from the rather plain utility "Nashville" model I had a few months ago, to this top-of-the-line Set Neck Custom.  Gadows are hand-crafted in Durham NC and compared to most other small builders, the price vs. quality ratio is better on Gadow than any other brand.  The Custom Set Neck offers a familiar look and feel, comfort, and exceptional tone - even Martin was impressed by this guitar from both a player and builder's perspective.  Starting with the classic Mahogany body with a maple cap, this guitar was built for comfort, looks and tone.  More so than any other Gadow, this guitar has pizzazz, dressed up with nicely figured carved maple tops and custom fretboard inlays.  The Honduran mahogany is just beautiful, very close to Korina in appearance and the maple cap is thicker than most, offering a little more snap than most maple-capped mahogany guitars.  Other features include Carbon fiber reinforced mahogany set neck; 25" scale neck; 1 11/16 inch nut, a pair of Seymour Duncan coil-tapped pickups with nickel covers controlled by a 3-way and push/pull pots on both the volume and tone, Rosewood fingerboard with genuine bone nut; 12" fretboard radius; Mother of pearl crown inlays; Ebony veneer headstock overlay; gold hardware; Gotoh tuners; one piece TonePros wraparound bridge; UV-cured polyester finish.  For more details you can check out Gadow at this link.  This guitar retails at $3495, selling at discount for $2799, which makes the Set Neck Custom one of the best USA guitar in its price range.  This one appears to have never been played, offered in immaculate condition, for $1300 less than new, just $1499(SOLD-Scott L).  This guitar is a steal in a high-end USA guitar.  Includes top quality Gadow/TKL tolex case with leather stitched ends and leather handle.  
48. 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 $1699.  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.  
49. Godin G4000, USA, excellent tone via humbucker and two singles, Schaller deluxe tremolo block, Grover tuners, nice trans-blue finish on a body that’s somewhat reminiscent of a Jaguar, excellent player and nice tone, the G-Series Godins are excellent quality and when you buy used they’re perhaps the best bargains on the market, $275    
50. 2006 Godin Acousticaster Deluxe, (front/back), (headstock), (case), (preamp).  "As new" condition.  Perfect marriage of an acoustic and electric from one of the best builders of acoustic guitars.  Built in Connecticut with quality Canadian parts, the Godin A6 has design elements from both models.  Its neck has the feel and profile of an electric guitar - with the body design an obvious nod to the Fender Tele.  Its main acoustic elements include woods (solid Spruce top with a mahogany body, and acoustic bridge/saddles).  I personally used an Acousticaster as my main  acoustic/electric for around 4 years and I'm a big fan of this model, for what it's worth.  This one is an excellent player with comfortable action and the wide 1 11/16" nut width gives you plenty of room for finger style playing.  One of the keys to the Acousticaster's tone is a body that's chambered, and has 18 tuned metal tines mounted under the bridge help to create the unique sound and makes this a surprisingly loud guitar when played acoustically.  Amplified it sounds excellent, with the L.R. Baggs bridge transducer and custom preamp.  This guitar is in beautiful shape and has seen very little use.  It has surprisingly good projection and will actually hold it's own in an acoustic jam but really shines as a stage guitar. For 6 reviews, where this model scored a remarkable 10 overall from 6 reviews, click here for Harmony-Central.  This model sells new for $995 ($1195 list) with a Godin gigbag.  I highly recommend this model for anyone looking for a comfortable and unobtrusive stage acoustic and it's a very high quality guitar, in dead mint condition, for just $699(SOLD-Tom W 5/12) including mint TKL case in place of the stock gigbag.  
51. 2002 Godin Deluxe Acousticaster Ltd, (front/back), (sides), (headstock/neck), (case).   Stunning quilted maple top and flames maple sides and back are the feature of this Limited model from 2002.  A spruce top Acousticaster was my personal acoustic/electric for around 4 years and I love the guitars.  This one is as nice a player as my old one but it's also one of the most gorgeous looking emerald Green quilt tops you'll see.  Likewise, the back and sides are nicely flamed as well.  The Acousticaster is a Tele style body that's chambered with 18 tuned metal tines mounted under the bridge help to create the unique sound and makes this a surprisingly loud guitar when played acoustically.  Amplified it sounds excellent, with the L.R. Baggs bridge transducer and custom preamp.  Very comfortable neck with some figuring in the maple and a vintage tint, 1 11/16" at the nut.  Tuners have been upgraded with locking type which have the identical footprint of the originals so no mod's were required - and strap pins have been changed to Schaller locking.  The gold hardware looks great with the green finish.  There was a label that said "Tele (6)" on the back of the headstock (as shown in pic) but if fell off.  This is an excellent playing guitar in very nice shape, that will hold it's own in an acoustic jam but really shines as a stage guitar.  As far as looks, it doesn't get much more stunning than this.  A regular spruce top Godin A6 sells for $995 w/gigbag but if you want something much more visually appealing, this is about as nice as it comes for a Godin and just $779(HOLD-Chris H 5/17).  Includes used hardshell case.  
52. Godin Solidac Leaftop 2 Voice -  with Acoustic Bridge Tranducer in "Light Burst", 2002.  (pic2), Fantastic acoustic/electric that combines the sound of magnetic pickups with a quality Baggs transducer system for acoustic sounds.  Has the versatility of a humbucker-single-humbucker pickup configuration along with a transducer-equipped tremolo bridge.  Individual outputs for the magnetics and the bridge, with the bridge output doubling as a mix out for both signals when used alone.  There is an internal preamp voiced to provide excellent acoustic sound when used with any full range system and it produces very good acoustic tone even when plugged into a regular guitar amp.  These are exception guitars for the money and provides the same hand-finished quality that is a standard feature in every Godin.  Wide and flat fretboard that's 1 11/16" at the nut with a 16" radius.  Quality locking tuners.  These sell on the web for $699 with gigbag but this one is perfect, includes quality Godin hardshell case that fits like a glove, and is $150 less at $550.  If you' haven't tried Godin for a stage guitar, you're missing out.  Incredible features, looks, and versatility at a killer price. 
53. 2008 Grosh Bent Top Custom, (close-up), (headstock), (front/back), (3/4), (case), (specs).  One-owner, collector-owned, and unplayed since new.  One of the most visually appealing quilted maple tops you'll find and looks aside, Grosh makes some of the finest instruments that I've ever played.  Whether it's a traditional Alder body Strat or a more tricked out beauty like this, Grosh guitars are in a class by themselves.  The ultimate in playability, superb tone, and incredible sustain.  Grosh builds guitars in very low numbers - this one's serial 2004 - and the close attention to detail is obvious.  Features include one-piece mahogany body with bookmatched quilted maple cap, matching quilted maple headstock, maple neck with satin lacquer finish and Indian rosewood fretboard, medium/large roundback neck profile, 10" fretboard radius, 6150 medium frets, Abalone dot inlays, 23.75" (Gibson) scale, Grosh/Gotoh vintage 1088 tremolo, vintage style *locking* Kluson tuners, Fralin pickups (Unbucker neck and bridge with Vintage Hot middle), controls are 5-way selector - volume - tone - blender - with a push/pull coil tap.  Includes Certificate and paperwork, trem arm with chrome and black tip, and a velvet lined G&G vintage case.  For around the price of a base-model Alder custom shop Strat, this guitar is truly hand-made and a better guitar.  Just $2499 for this unplayed beauty.  
54. 1982 Guild X-82 Nova, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (1982 Catalog Specs), (case).  Insanely light - 6 1/2 lbs!!!  Update:  last owner called this finish Holoflake, rather than Black Sparkle, which would make this a rare guitar among a rare series.  It may look like silver flake and black on quick inspection, but under bright lights you can see that it actually reflects red, green, blue, and yellow sparkles as shown here.  During this era many makers were coming out with radical body shapes, ready made for the metal scene which was just starting to blow up.  This 3-pointed body style somewhat resembles an Explorer and shares the same all-mahogany construction, but the body of the X-82 is somewhat scaled down and is very lightweight for a mahogany guitar.  Other features include a 24-fret neck, 24 3/4" scale, ebony fretboard, Guild XR-7 humbuckers, Guild SP-6 tailpiece and adjusto-matic bridge, 3+3 headstock with inlaid logo, set-neck construction, and bound body.  The smaller body size, nice weight and deep treble cutaway, as well as the easy bends on the Gibson scale combine to make this a very fun guitar to play and the XR-7 pickups, which were designed for Guild by DiMarzio, sound great and the high output makes them especially well-suited for rock guitar.  It has apparently seen very little use and is in very tidy condition, especially considering it's 26 years old.  Just some very minor rubs on some of the points but overall, exceptionally clean for a vintage guitar.  For the collector of mid-line vintage - or the Guild collector who wants one of the harder-to-find 80's electrics, this is a very nice piece for $1050(HOLD-Alen D 2/16).  Includes original dark brown form-fit case.  
55. 1984 Greco "Mint Collection" Les Paul Custom Tribute , (front/back), (headstock), (features), (pickguard/trem arm).  Very highly regarded line from Greco, made Fijugen Gakki, the "Mint Collection" are essentially the same guitars as the "Orville by Gibson" line and along with Greco's "Super Real Series", represent the pinnacle of Greco manufacturing.  The quality coming from the major Japan factories during this time was easily on par with the guitars Fender and Gibson was building; some say better.  The examples they used weren't from current 70's/80's manufacture, rather guitars from the golden era, 50's/60's.  From the long neck tenon (pic), the very thin nitrocellulose lacquer, the perfect neck angle, the quality hardware and electronics, this guitar represents quality in every respect.  Greco started out building guitars under the Greco name in the 70's.  These are good guitars but near the end of that decade they started doing set neck models that were truly top notch.  This Custom from the "Mint Collection", features the Gibson "open book" headstock, which indicates it was made for the Asian market and not imported into the USA.  After the cease/desist with Ibanez, the rest of the Japan brands seemed to get on board and modified the headstock, if not the body style also, for all guitars destined for US consumption.  In addition to the headstock shape other features that outwardly identify this guitar are the Greco logo with an open "O" and the flower pot inlay.  I can't find anything to support the Kahler tremolo as being an original feature on this guitar but it's the same model Kahler that Gibson was using during this timeframe.  In addition, I believe the pickups to be replacements.  They sound fine but have thin plastic leads rather than the braided cable that runs from the pots to the switch and back.  I wouldn't necessarily change them but I do have a set of Gibson pickups we can install - and change the naturally-aged gold covers over as well. Cosmetically, it presents itself very nicely.   Top is extremely clean; back has a few dinged areas (shown here).   Just about anyone would agree it's in very nice shape or 25 years.  Frets are in terrific shape and with a very good neck and perfect neck angle, this guitar allows a very low setup, much the same as a Gibson LP Custom.  Original 4-ply pickguard is included and we can install if desired.  These guitars are excellent utility guitars, still selling at reasonable prices which makes them much more "comfortable" to take out on the road.  I've priced this one, very reasonably, at $750 and I'll include your choice of an era-correct MIJ LP-style case or quality gigbag.   
56. Greco "Device" Jackson Strat Copy, 1985, (pic2), a shredder's dream guitar with action so low it makes you laugh like a small child.  Excellent Japan model that was made for Japan distribution and not imported from what I find.  Cool color, Salmon Pink, which was a Fender custom color back in the 60's.  The body (pic here) is a dead knockoff of a San Dimas era Jackson with an identical small control plate and identical contours.  Features real Kahler tremolo and superb sounding pickups (pic3).  I don't know what model the pickups are but they're Duncan style with large pole pieces and a brass band around the sides if that helps to identify them.  All three pickups sound great.  Controls and knob layout is Jackson all the way, with volume and tone mounted straight across, with three 3-way mini-toggles (one for each pickup) to select humbucker-single-or off.  Bound 24-fret neck feels great and is thinner at the nut that most metal axes.  Also features black hardware, Grover tuners, and football output jack which is another Jackson touch.  I would hold this guitar up against any USA made during this time and, trust me, the action is as low as it gets.  It's in extremely clean, collector's condition, with no flaws of note.  A sweet metal axe that's a rare find in the USA, for $499.   Free gigbag or take a form-fitting Charvel chainsaw case for $35 with 3 of 4 latches intact.  
57. Gretsch G6122-12 Country Classic 12-String, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc).   Never retailed, offered unplayed and immaculate.  I've never had one of these before and I wasn't even aware that they had made a Gent 12 until a few months ago.   The Country Classic 12 is an update of their most popular Country Gentleman design, with that classic 12-string jingle-jangle sound that helped definite the 60's by such group as the Byrds.  As one of Gretsch's Professional series, this guitar is very well made and is likely a better guitar than Gretsch made back in the 60's.  The Country Classic 12 is a hollowbody double cutaway with all-maple construction, including arched laminated maple top with dual faux f-holes, maple sides and back, and 2-piece maple neck. Other features include dual Filter'Tron pickups, 3-way pickup switching, Volume 1, Volume 2, and Master Volume controls, 3-position toggle Master Tone switch, Standby switch, ebony fingerboard with neo-classic MOP side thumbnail markers, ebony-based 12-string Adjusto-Matic bridge, Gretsch G-Cutout Tailpiece, Gold hardware, and Grover Rotomatic tuners. Specs include 24.6" scale length, body is 17" wide and 2" deep, 1-11/16" nut width, 12" fingerboard radius, and 22 frets (plus zero fret).   This guitar plays very nicely with low action and a nice light touch for a 12.  Unplayed, first quality Gretsch and with a list price of $3075, nicely priced at $1850.  Includes Gretsch case, all paperwork, and ships in original box.  
58. 2007 Gretsch G6121-1955 Chet Atkins Solid Body, (front/back), (headstock), (leather trim).  "As new" condition.  Now that Gretsch has the Chet Atkins name again they've revamped almost their entire line.  This Chet Atkins Solidbody is one of the new models.  Loaded with Gretsch Western vibe, from the iconic "G" brand, to the cactus and steer inlays, to the leather studded binding - everything you love about the original 6120 in a solid body form.  Features include semi-hollow mahogany body, arched laminated maple top, 1-piece mahogany neck, 22 fret rosewood fingerboard  with aged inlays of wide-block pearl cactus, steer heads & fences, 1-11/16" nut width, 24.6" scale, Western style tooled leather side-body trim accented with aged furniture tacks, "G" brand on body, inlaid aged pearloid steer head & Gretsch logo on headstock, 2 DynaSonic single coil pickups, 3-way toggle switch, 2 volume, 1 tone & master volume controls, arrow knobs, Bigsby B3GBVN tremolo tailpiece, Grover vintage style Sta-Tite tuners, Bigsby compensated bridge, and gold hardware.  Sells on line for $2500 ($3575 list) but this one is flawless, new in the box condition with a killer setup for just $1950.  Includes vintage style Gretsch case, also with western trim, with velvet lining and Gretsch banner inside, as certificate, tags, manuals, etc. 
59. Gretsch G1627 Syncromatic Sparkle Jet with F-Hole, NEW, in very cool Blue Sparkle, similar to the Silver Jet but with F-hole to add retro looks and feather weight, Gretsch vibe and tone at a fraction of the price, in the Gretsch tradition you’ll find the pickup selector on the upper bout plus a master volume on the lower bout, excellent player with a pair of quality sounding Gretsch single coils, pro setup and ready to gig, never retailed and mint, with a list of $540 you can add this to your stage arsenal for only $279.
60. 2009 Hamer Newport Pro USA Custom Order w/ Brazilian Board and more (NEWPRO), (front/back), (headstock), (Braz. board), (heel), (cert./specs), (case/acc.).   For the discriminating collector of dead mint and one-off examples I am pleased to offer this fine custom order Newport Pro.  Custom features of this guitar include tobacco sunburst body with satin finish, no fretboard inlays (side markers only), ebony pickguard (spec is no pickguard), "modern" neck profile, Dunlop 6100 frets (i.e. huge), and most noteworthy, a Brazilian rosewood fretboard that is some of the finest you'll see with minimal streaks and no inconsistencies to the color.  The satin finish is very much a player preference but it is an upcharge at Hamer and to me it gives the guitar more of a vintage look than a high gloss finish.  The Newport debuted in 1999 as a traditional hollow body guitar with a hand-carved solid Spruce top with dual  f-holes Honduras Mahogany neck and body.  Stock features of this fine guitar include Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers, arched top made of 5/8" hand-carved spruce, dual F-holes, Mahogany body with 17.6" lower bout, bound body, bound headstock with pearloid inlay, bound neck, mahogany neck with vintage rounded profile .900" to .960" thickness, fingerboard radius of 14.5", 24 3/4" scale, 1.65" nut width, Schaller Super Rotomatic (stair-step) tuners, Tonepros System II bridge and Tonepros tailpiece.  A STOCK Newport Pro retails for $3900 and sells at discount for $2999; add on the 5 custom specs and you're up to a guitar that sold a year ago for $3500.  This one is "as new", not a hint of use, and priced $1100 less than new - $600 less than even a stock Newport Pro - at just $2399.  I've hyped the quality of Hamers for many years and this one is no exception - tone and playability are top-notch and better than comparable brands that have been around or over a century.  
61. 2005 Hamer Duotone Brazilian Custom, (close-up), (neck/headstock), (back), (MOP detail), (side), (pickups/specs), (cert.), (strap locks), (case).   The Duotone is Hamer's hybrid acoustic-electric.  They're great guitars but this custom order Duotone puts it in a class by itself, absolutely loaded with custom shop touches which make it a great example of "guitars as art."  Starting with a stunning Brazilian rosewood headstock face and Brazilian fretboard - to the Brazilian bridge.  Hamer inlaid mother of pearl around the entire soundboard, edge of the fretboard, headstock, and around the bridge, which also features a fossilized ivory saddle.  The nut is also fossilized; bone.  The pearl bound body has a deliciously sculpted cedar top finished in "Light Brown Sugar Burst"; the Korina neck, capped with Brazilian rosewood is outlined with 100's of pearl pieces, each cut and placed by hand, plus ten Victory fretboard inlays.  Ivoroid binding is hand cut and fitted in the F-hole and matches the fossilized ivory saddle.  Seymour Duncan wound the pickups specifically for this guitar and engraved the gold covers with the guitar's serial number along with his signature.  The pickups are "Jimmy Pagers" which have a vintage-style medium output in the 8K's, and sound great in this spruce and Korina body.  The aged cedar top features very tight grain to give the guitar its unique look and tone.  Controls are straight ahead Hamer and features Hamer's Ultimate Electronics Package, with a separate 3-way to select acoustic-acoustic+electric-electric, with 4-band frequency cut/boost controls accessible via holes in the electronics cover - plus separate acoustic and electric output jacks are utilized to go to separate amps if desired.  Joel Danzig signed the electronics cover as well.  One departure from the normal Duotone is the middle pot is a "push-push" to split the humbuckers, allowing a choice of 6 electric tones.   You can see pics and info on the Hamer Designer Gallery at this link - just lick "designer archive" and it'll be on the first page.  I've always been impressed with Duotones in terms of tone, feel, and playability and this one is more than looks alone.  It's the best Duotone I've played.  The action is laughingly low and most player will probably want it raised slightly but an insanely low setup is there if you want it.  This beauty has been collector owned since new and has seen little to no use.  To order this guitar today, you're looking at over $6000 but this pristine example of Hamer's finest work can be yours for $3800.  
62. 1996 Hamer USA Artist (Studio) GATASO, (front/back), (headstock).  A real stunner in Honey finish - solid maple top with beautiful flame (top) in beautiful condition.  The Artist Studio features an offset double cutaway mahogany body with sound chamber, carved bookmatched solid maple top, mahogany neck, single f-hole, 22-fret neck, Wilkinson hardtail wraparound bridge, Schaller tuners, and a great pair of pickups - Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers.  Extremely clean condition with the worst flaw being a little milky clear coat on the edge of the fretboard, which is a common flaw on Hamers but overall a solid 9.  List on a new Artist Studio is $3300, street priced at over $2300, which makes this a pretty good value at $1350.  Includes Hamer case. 
63. 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(HOLD-Frankie 8/14).  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.  
64. 2008 Jackson DK2M Dinky - Black, (front/back), (headstock), (low-profile Floyd), (Dinky scoops).  Never retailed and immaculate.  Fairly new model from Jackson, with 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, 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.  With a list of $1149, extremely reasonable for a guitar of this quality, and a street price of $799, this one is flawless and unplayed, set up to perfection, and just $539.
65. Jackson Rhoads Pro RR5 with EMG's, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  One of the high-end import series from Japan, part of the Professional series which have consistently received rave reviews for great quality at a price well under the USA model.   The RR5 is the high-end Japan model with neck-thru design rather than the bolt-on design of the RR3.  For you EMG fans, this one always has the EMG81/85 upgrade, which replaced the original Duncans. The EMG's are especially well suited for harder-edged music (think Zakk Wylde) and are high output, fast attack, and more clear sounding than passive humbuckers like the Duncans.  Like all *real* Randy Rhodes models, the RR5 features neck-thru-body construction, with a maple neck thru an alder body.  Other features include adjustable bridge that strings thru the body, 22 jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard with MOTO shark fin position inlays, comfortable compound fretboard radius (12" to 14"); nut width 1 11/16", 25.5" scale, serial number engraved  at top of fretboard, and gold-plated control plate, bridge and bridge plate, and tuners.  Overall this guitar is in exceptional condition, other than moderate "gold wear" caused by using the wrong polish.  The EMG's are a fresh install so they're likewise clean, without any wear to lettering or edges.  Points are clean and overall this beauty is in "9" condition.  A high gloss back finish and gold hardware is a great look and this guitar can look mean - or classy - depending on your attitude (if that makes sense).  Current discount pricing for the Pro RR5 is $1049 ($1699 retail), which doesn't include a case or gigbag.  If you're an EMG fan, the upgrade would bring it up to $1300.  This one is in beautiful condition with a great set up AND includes ESP gigbag, all for $699.  
66. 2008 Jackson DK2M Dinky - Candy Apple Red.  Never retailed and immaculate.  All features and specs are the same as the black model above.  With a list of $1149, which is almost in the Korean range, and a street price of $799, this one is flawless and unplayed, set up to perfection, and just $539. 
67. Jackson DK2 Dinky - Hot Rod Flames with EMG's,  (front/back), (headstock), (low-profile Floyd), (removal of finish prep).  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-Rob L 6/14).  Note: I just found this hot rod flame strap, complete with Dunlop strap locks which we will include and swap out the strap pins with Dunlop locking pins.   
68. Jay Turser JT-55 SG Special Copy, (pic2), (pic3), (pic4).  Here's excellent proof that you don't have to spend $500 to get a superb playing guitar with quality tone.  When this came in it was a mediocre player, probably stock factory setup but with a little tweaking and we've got this one playing as nice as most of comparable Gibson models I've had.  I thought about putting some DiMarzio's in here but after playing it for over an hour, I really don't see the benefit.  These stock soapbars sound excellent.  Notes ring true with none of the "ghost" notes you sometimes get on high gain settings.  Nice lightweight feel, Abalone dot inlays and headstock inlay, good quality hardware, and perfect high gloss black finish.  At $239 this would be a good value for any type of guitar but for a set-neck model, that's truly a remarkable deal on a guitar that plays and sounds this nice. 
69. Jon Kammerer "Iris Special Edition", (pic2).  All Kammerer's are rare but this one is #2 of only 2 made of this model - the result of a joint project with GuitarX that fell apart after the 2nd one.  Completely hand-made and the difference in a hand-made guitar will strike you as soon as you pick it up.  Absolutely incredible attention to detail and Jon's construction techniques are very innovative, yielding a very comfortable and tunefull guitar.  Super thin body - but a nice thick piece of flamed maple on top - Neck is superior to most anything out there and no scarf joints or finger joints here - one piece my man.  If you're unfamiliar with this maker, check out his site here:  http://www.jonkammererguitars.com/.   A current, similar model, without the Ltd. Ed. factor and the inlay, retails for $3250, discounted to $2250.  If you want one of the best hand made guitars I've played in a long, long time, buy this one, for just $1599.  
70. 1986 Kramer Focus 6000 with DiMarzio's, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups/Floyd), (gigbag).  Back in the mid-80's the Japan-made Focus series offered an affordable alternative to the Japan-made Kramer "American" series, with the same top of the line Floyd Rose tremolo, quality pickups, and immaculate finishes that were as good as the more expensive models.  The 6000 was the top of the Focus line and the equivalent of the Pacer Custom, features a single volume control with an on/off switch for each of the pickups to allow for any combination, including all three and bridge/neck together - 7 combinations in all.  Cosmetically it has some small finish touch-ups on the edge but on a black guitar, it's barely noticeable and the guitar presents a good appearance.  Judging by the frets, this guitar has seen very little actual use.  The pickups on this guitar were upgraded to DiMarzio's with a pair of Fast Tracks (middle/neck) and a PAF Pro in the bridge; strap pins were upgraded to Dunlop locking type.  The Floyd, same one they used on the American line, stays in tune perfectly.  If I'm being honest, I'll tell you that the Focus necks are more consistent than the "Kramer American" necks from this era.  I've had very few Focus's that failed to sustain an excellent setup while it's very common to see a Kramer American with a lousy set up due to humps and twists in the neck.  With the DiMarzio upgrade this guitar sounds great and plays as good as it sounds and is a very good value at $350.  Includes era-correct Kramer "pleather" gigbag.  
71. (Kramer) - 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 gigbag for just $399, or with the case for $465(HOLD-Tom H 7/2).  
72. 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. 
73. 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(HOLD-Michel C 5/3) for this beauty.  Includes Gator hardshell case with stabilizers in the right spots to hold the guitar securely in place.  
74. 1985 Kramer Vanguard, (front/back), (headstock), (pickups), (Floyd Rose), (Schaller PU's), (original case).   This is an absolutely *killer* playing guitar and like the Voyager I posted 2 days ago, here's another collector's condition vintage Kramer, although with a slightly different body shape.  Originally released in 1981 as a Flying V shaped body, thus the "V"anguard name, in 1985 it was changed to the popular half-V shape popularized by Randy Rhoads and his signature Jackson model - while the headstock changed from the chicken-beak, AKA "Classic" to the more popular hockey stick seen on this model.  I believe this to be the most desirable year with all the best features, i.e. Rhoads shape with hockey stick, dual hums, and Floyd - and '85 was the only year it came with these features.  In '86, its last year, it was produced with the pointy headstock.  Finished in Metallic Blue with a gloss finish that still shines like new, it's also equipped with the original Gotoh tuners with the set screw at 6 o'clock angle.  Other notable features:  headstock has the brown stain around the edge, found on around 1/2 of the necks from the hockey-stick era; Floyd is in very clean shape; Schaller pickups which I believe are "Golden 50's", sound excellent; frets are in great shape and action is low from the first to the top fret.  Worst flaw (shown here) is a rub on the end of the headstock, not visible from the front, only worth mentioning because the guitar is otherwise in spectacular shape.  Even the points, notorious for having finish chips even on a lightly played example, are in clean shape (shown here).   I owned this guitar years ago and the owner recently traded it in on another guitar he wanted more.  Again, it's in extremely clean shape, and easy 9+ with no issues, plays as well as any Kramer you've seen.  While it may not have the flash or rarity of the Lightning Bolt Voyager I just got in, it's priced within the range of more players and it would be great to see this fall into the hands of a working guitarist, someone who can appreciate it night after night.   Made from the era when Kramers really were American, it's a super buy at just $679.  
75. 1982/3 Kramer Floyd Rose Signature, (front/back), (headstock), (tuners/strap pins), (Schaller pu's), (Floyd Rose).  Fairly rare model from Kramer, in common red stain finish, commemorating the significant contribution Floyd made to the incredible success of the young Kramer company.  I don't know if Floyd designed this himself, I have a feeling he did, but it's basically a Pacer Imperial with a different body.  Overall pretty nice vintage shape cosmetically with only one area through the finish (on back of neck), all other flaws are in the clear coat only and not through to the wood - worst flaws are shown here.  There is also some wear on the edge of the fretboard as well as a few finish check lines.  This guitar came in with horrible action and intermittent electronics.  Again, Martin did his magic and turned this into a shredder's dream.  The action is insanely low, with just a hint of string buzz audible only acoustically, or we can raise to factory specs if that's your preference without any buzz.  I wouldn't touch a thing since right now this guitar seems like it plays itself.  The neck isn't one of the thinner ones that appeared in '84 or so, but fairly substantial.  Other features include:  Classic (chicken beak) headstock with Floyd Rose signature logo, original model non-recessed Floyd Rose tremolo and locking nut, Schaller humbuckers with 2 volume and master tone, gold Gotoh tuners with rounded buttons (aka "San Dimas" tuner) and straight mounted set screws, and brass "large head" strap pins.  This guitar appears all original, with the exception of missing one of the back plates (repro's available at minimal cost).   This is sort of an oddball guitar in the Kramer line but it's small body and light weight make it a joy to play.  It's not clean enough for collectors of near mint examples for others, a killer player in nice vintage condition.  These are hard to come by - first one I've had in 5 years - and a quality real American Kramer for $679.  I got this without a case or bag but will include a free gigbag or a used hardshell case for $59.  
76. Kramer Focus 3000, (front/back), (headstock).  Almost identical to one that sold last month; very cool ESP-made Kramer.  Players who know about these guitars don't let the Focus name scare them. They're quality Japan-made Kramers - just like the "Kramer Americans" that followed a few years later.  Unlike the ones a year or two earlier that features a Floyd Rose without fine tuners (what a fiasco), Floyd had it nailed by the time this one was built and with the addition of fine tuners, the "Original" Floyd  made it's debut.  This double-locking Floyd Rose is the same model found on the Pacer series from this era and became the standard by which all other locking tremolos were measured.  This one's in very clean shape (as shown here) and works great.   These are good sounding pickups, some of the best you'll find on an import, controlled by a 5-way blade and mini-toggle to split the bridge humbucker.  You get anything from Strat tones to fat metal tones and it sounds very good on every setting.  Nice shape, with a killer setup and every bit as good as the "Kramer Americans" (where were ESP Japan guitars) which followed.  Priced at $429 with original Kramer case.  If preferred, we can substitute an "Kramer American" pointy headstock neck for $175 more, with trade of old neck covering the labor and set up. 
77. Les Paul Copy by Karera , nicely flamed maple top, set neck design and a very cool sculpted heel that allows easier access than any other LP I've played.  Gold hardware, good sounding humbuckers, and absolutely new condition with protective film still on the plastic and a nice playing guitar for $199. 
78. 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.  
79. 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.  
80. 1977 Ovation Viper, (pic2), this are very cool guitars and one of the best values in vintage USA solid bodies.  The Viper is one of Ovation's less radical solidbodies, coming from the company that produced whack-o models like the Breadwinner and Deacon.  The Viper is loosely based on a Les Paul style, featuring a single cutaway, large mass Schaller bridge with brass saddles, huge radio-type knobs, and a pair of single coil pickups, with the bridge pole pieces in a stair-step pattern.   This one also has a very nicely flamed maple neck (headstock&fretboard).  This guitar has seen its share of playing time with normal player's wear plus a worn area on the arm area on the front, plus pickguard has a piece glued on (both pictured here) but it does include a new pickguard that you can install if desired.   Again, the Viper is one of the best values in an extremely well built American guitar, perfect for the player who's looking for his/her own signature tone and look.  Good player with cool tone and at $575, a good deal on a 30-year old USA guitar.  Includes original Ovation case in rough shape. 
81. ca. 1964 Panaramic Triple-Cutaway, (front/back), (headstock, 3-pc neck, low action), (bridge, pickup, 3rd cutaway).  Very near museum condition - Italian design at its best.  It's been a while since I've had any cool old Italian guitars in stock, other than a few vintage Vox's which are in a different category altogether.  Vox rose to great fame through some major artist endorsements, such as Paul Revere and the Raiders, appearing daily on "Where the Action Is".  While Vox may have stolen the limelight, there were many other Italian brands, which never got the publicity they deserved.  Guitars such as this Panaramic, made by the Crucianelli accordion company, which also made guitars bearing the Vox, Elli-Sound, Elite, Tonemaster, etc., are very well crafted with quality components and, inevitably, feature some cool innovation and/or pure wackiness.   This guitar sounds great, looks as cool as any Fender surf guitar from this era, and the setup in absolutely incredible with remarkably low action and a excellent neck.  One of the quality features of this guitar is the neck joint, which is so tight fitting it looks more like a set neck, as if you could remove the screws and it would stay in place.  A precision fit like this is an indication of the overall quality craftsmanship on this guitar.  Controls are simple on/off sliders for "All, Treble, Bass, Off" with a master volume and master tone.  Good quality nickel tuners with nickel buttons and treble clef engraved on the back, zero fret, 21 fret neck, near immaculate sunburst finish that is close to Fender's Sienna Sunburst, with a transparent yellow finish in the middle, with brown on the edge - neck and headstock have the same sunburst finish, bound neck, bound headstock, raised metal logo over headstock veneer.   Overall this guitar is exceptionally clean, especially for 40+ years with around 4 major check lines on the back and a few smaller ones on front, but in terms of actual player's wear this guitar looks like it was played for a month or two after the Beatles first appearance on Ed Sullivan - and then put away in a closet, where it stayed until last week.  Remarkably, this guitar has action that rivals any high-end guitar you'll find, with a perfectly straight neck, obviously, that will sustain this type of setup.   Fetishguitars.com has some great info on vintage Italian guitars such as this Panaramic (link to identical model), with loads more info including this page (click here) dedicated to similar triple-cutaway models built under Panaramic, Ellis Sound, Crucianelli, etc. definitely worth bookmarking it. This guitar is obviously of interest to collector's of Italian or European vintage guitars but I could see a player making this their main stage guitar and to that end you would definitely break out from the masses of Fenders, Gibson, and their clones.  Fabulous guitar in all regards, better than nearly any Vox I've ever had, but priced less.  Just $599 for this beauty.  
82. 2005 Parker PM10 Hornet, (front/back), (headstock).  The PM10 delivers the first new shape in the Parker line-up since the Parker Fly was first introduced in the mid-90's and is basically the same silhouette as the USA Fly Mojo Single Cut (shown here).   PM10 is a single cutaway design with a solid one-piece mahogany body and mahogany set neck, outfitted with a pair of custom wound Parker Stinger Alnico humbuckers, controlled by a 3-way selector plus push/pull pots on both the volume and tone knobs.  Other features include 25.5" scale, 1.65" nut width, Ebony fretboard with nickel/silver frets, 10-13" compound radius neck, "fat" neck profile that's similar to PRS wide-fat, and Grover tuners with 18:1 ratio.  This is a lightweight guitar at just 7 lbs. and is ergonomically and well-engineered guitar, perfect for playing multiple sets with minimal fatigue.  The set-up is fantastic and it's one of the nicer guitars you'll find in the under $1K list price range.  With a list of $799, this model sells new for $559 and is one of the better made imports at that price.  This beautiful used one is just $375 and includes a quality gigbag.  
83. 1983 Peavey T-30, (pic2), (pic3).  See the T-60 above some background on the T-series.  The T-30 is more of a scaled down model, with simpler electronics and hardware, and an ash body with only a sealer coat.  The quality of construction however was as good as the T-60 and this is a well made guitar and one of the biggest bargains on the used/vintage market.  Features a trio of single coil pickups with standard 5-way selector, master volume, and master tone.  The bridge is an effective but simple compensated bar and like a Les Paul Jr. is adjustable forward and back - up and down.  Tuners are Klusons style Peavey "Truelock".  It features a tilt-adjust neck attachment to easily set the neck angle.  It has a thin and comfortable neck with an excellent setup and, as you might expect, very much a Strat tone.  Includes the original plastic case and in my opinion a steal on a 24-year-old USA guitar at $399.
84. 1981 Peavey T-15 Guitar,  (front/back), (headstock), (case), (bridge/pickup).  Another one from the early days of Hartley Peavey and a quality USA guitar in all regards.  This is one of the earliest T-15's you'll see, complete with nickel-plated Kluson (not Peavey) Deluxe tuners and, more importantly, a 948,456 serial number in the 1981 range when serial charts put this guitar at '82-'83 only.  Tone is excellent, nice setup, and overall great shape for being nearly 30 years old.  Also, at 7.8 lbs., it's one of the lightest T-series I've had  Features include:   bi-laminated (two-piece) maple neck for "unmatched rigidity and freedom from warping"; special 23.5" scale (1" shorter than Gibson) give you incredible string bends - 4 half-stops is a breeze; "finest hardwood" body (looks to be Alder) that's comfortably contoured at the arm and belly area; single-rail "Super Ferrite" pickups don't have pole pieces, don't need to align with strings, and don't fade out during bends; "tone compensating" volume control minimizes high freq loss when rolled back a bit; massive die-cast alloy bridge impervious to corrosion and allows for perfect intonation and action; and neck-tilt adjustment at the neckplate, which is much easier than removing the neck.  Like most Peavey's from this era, the neck has very little "shoulders" meaning it's easy to get your hand around and, thus, along with the slightly shorter scale, is a great choice for small hands or younger players.  If anyone is looking for a *quality* built American guitar, this one is impossible to beat at $299, whenever T-series take off on the vintage market, it could be the smartest you've ever made.  Includes original case in good shape other than one of the 4 plastic latches missing - but the foam padding is still intact. 
85. 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.
86. 2002 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special TR (USA), (front/back), (headstock), (case).  I've written so much about Wolfgangs over the years that anything I say will simply be repeating myself.  Bottom line though is I've found them to be the most consistently outstanding playing guitars made.  They have a roundness to the back of the neck that most players comment as a perfect fit to their hand.  The tremolo stays in tune perfectly, and the D-Tuna makes dropping down to a "D" a cinch.   I've probably had over 50 of them in the 13 years since they were first released and I've had to have a mediocre one, or one that failed to set up with outstanding action.  So...here's another one.  Finished in gloss black in very nice shape overall with typical sight discoloration to the unfinished neck and just a few very light milky spots on the edge; overall a solid 9 condition.  Frets near immaculate.  Nice sustain, quality tone on all 3 pickup settings and oddly enough, my favorite tone on these guitars is the neck pickup with its rich tone and fatness that cover up some of the less than stellar playing on my lead lines.  If any Strat player ever wants to venture out and asks my opinion of a dual humbucker guitar that costs less than an American Standard, my first thought is always a Wolfgang.  This one's just $679 with Peavey case on fair condition or $625 with nice gigbag.  
87. 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.  
88. 2000 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special TR FMT #215,  (front/back), (headstock/neck), (side/binding), (case).  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.  This one's in very nice shape, with just a few light scratches on the top in the clear coat only, no buckle scratches, and frets are perfect.  We steel wool'd the fretboard but left the back alone since nothing beats the feel of a broken in natural finish neck.  It's all original except for added Dunlop strap pins.  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.  If you've priced the new Fender/EVH Wolfgang, its no surprise that the Peavey models are getting good money.  It's been my prediction that the early quilt top Standards, and these maple top Specials 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 $899, $100's cheaper than a flametop Standard, although it's much, much more rare. Includes original Peavey case, trem arm, and installed D-Tuna.
89. 1999 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Standard, (front/back), (headstock), (fretboard), (case/acc.).  Beautiful world class axe and remaining a very hot ticket on the used guitar market as an alternative to the pricey Musicman EVH.  Quality control on USA Wolfgangs is perhaps the highest I've seen on a regular production model and I've yet to get in one that had any issues at all, with great necks that never fail to deliver the ultimate perfect set up.  This one is in beautiful shape, owned only by two collectors, with no discernable flaws anywhere.  Neck is beautifully figured with plenty of birdseye that I would rate above average figuring for this model.  Flame is evenly figured left to right; top to bottom.  Frets are near perfect, 99%, and the setup is superb.  The "NT" (non-tremolo) models are an example of superb engineering, with both the tailpiece and bridge recessed into the body for maximum transfer of energy from the strings to the body.  These guitars consistently rise on the used market and you'll see a few Ebay dealers who specialize in Wolfgangs relisting them until they get $1600-$1800 for a Wolfie like this.  At $1299, this one is priced less than it sold for new so in my book that's a decent deal on a guitar that has shown consistent appreciation over the past 4 years. Includes original case, factory check-list, manual, polishing cloth, and fretboard protector (not pictured).
90. 2002 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special FMT TR, (pic2) (maple binding).  This is the only one of these I've ever seen, and it's just been traded back in after a long absence.  Very rare Special FMT in *black*.  At a quick glance you'll think it's just a regular Special but the maple binding is a dead giveaway and this guitar in fact has a maple cap.  Offered in mint condition - even the unfinished maple neck is clean - and 100% original except pickups were changed to Seymour Duncan Phat Cats, which are P90's fit in a humbucker route - and then we changed back to EVH pickups, although now with pickup rings.  Also includes a white Tone knob and tip (installed) EVH style, but the original black Vol knob and tip are in the case.  It sounds absolutely amazing, but I'm a big P90 fan.  This is probably the most rare EVH Special I've had and the new owner will be delighted - as if they went back 6 years and bought a brand new guitar.  At $1099, it's nicely priced for a such a rare and pristine Wolfgang.  Shown in this pic with the Phat Cats installed as well as Wolfgang case, inspection sheet, manual, etc.  Offered with your choice of EVH or Phat Cat pickups.  
91. 2001 Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special TR FMT #931,  (front/back), (headstock), (trem), (case).  Another Amber FMT Special!  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.  This one's in very nice shape with no noteworthy flaws, overall an easy 9.5+.  Fretboard has typical discoloration that we can steel wool if desired but it feels best just like it is now.  Like virtually all of these, 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.  If you've priced the new Fender/EVH Wolfgang, its no surprise that the Peavey models are getting good money.  It's been my prediction that the early quilt top Standards, and these maple top Specials 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 $979 which is lower than a non-flametop hardtail Standard, although it's much, much more rare.  Includes original Peavey case, trem arm, installed D-Tuna, factory checklist, manual, etc.
92. 2002 Peavey Custom Shop Wolfgang, (pic2), (pic3).  Here's one for the collectors, a one-off Custom Built, offered in pristine condition.  This actual guitar was featured on Peavey's web site as an example of the variety of graphics their custom shop was capable of doing.  What immediately strikes you is the custom finish, blue and green stars on a field of black but look closely and you'll also notice the fretboard...it's Rosewood, which was another custom option that was featured on only a handful of Wolfgangs.  You'll be tempted to gig with this guitar since it's an absolute killer player, but there's definite investment potential on Wolfgangs, especially custom built models such as this.  It's definitely the rarest Wolfie I've had, among the 50 or so I've sold over the years and it would look extremely cool under the stage lights.  Be the only kid on the block - or in the world - with this custom Stars finish.  This is truly one for the player who wants something that's truly unique, and it's priced accordingly.  $1699.  Accessories include Wolfgang case, fretboard protector, check list, manual, warranty, tools.  
93. Peavey Raptor Strat copy, good quality Strat copy in nice shape, nice set-up and highly recommended for a beginner - or skilled player who wants a good playing 2nd guitar, $145.
94. 2007 Reverend Manta Ray HB-FM, (front/back), (headstock), (case).   Reverend is famous for making great gear, whether it's guitars, amps, or effects, at remarkable prices. This is the first year run import model which I understand is more highly sought after than the later models.  It's a semi-hollowbody, finished in Tobacco Sunburst, with a body built of solid mahogany - no plywood on this guitar - including solid mahogany top, with a very attractive flamed maple veneer.   Other features include:  Set neck design with 1-piece mahogany neck with tilt-back headstock, 22 fret rosewood fingerboard, pearloid dot inlays, 1-11/16" nut width, 24-3/4" scale, Reverend's custom volume & tone, bass contour & 3-way toggle switch, 2 calibrated Reverend covered humbucking pickups, Tuneomatic-style bridge with stoptail, black pickguard, chrome hardware.  Roughly speaking, this guitar is Reverend's take on the original 335 Dot, but some enhancements have been made which for many players make this a better playing guitar.  It's lightly beveled in the deep cutaways for easy access to the top frets, the single F-hole design is more resistant to feedback, and the volume control, mounted on the pickguard, is close enough to do volume swells with your pinky finger.  This guitar is nearly impervious to feedback, has a wonderful tone, and superb playability.  For full specs and a video/sound sample, click here for Reverend's site.   It's definitely one of the nicest import semi-hollow's I've seen in terms of overall construction and engineering.  This Manta is flawless in all respects and with a new one running $878, it's a sweet deal at just $599 and, again, is supposedly a better guitar than the new models.  Includes quality wood/tolex Reverend/TKL Canadian-made case. 
95. 2004 Rickenbacker 360/12 Mapleglo, (front/back), (headstock), (case/acc.)  Immaculate - set up to perfection.  From the Beatles, to the Byrds, to Tom Petty, and countless others, the jangly Rick 12-string tone is unmistakable and none more so than the Rick 360/12.  They fit in the mix like no other guitar and stand out regardless of any other instruments that are accompanying it.  It's no accident that this happens to be the most popular electric 12-string ever made.  The features that you know and love - all maple construction with set-in bound maple neck with semi-acoustic maple body, rosewood fingerboard with triangle inlays (nicely aged on this one), "R" tailpiece,  high gain single coil pickups, and choice of mono/stereo (Rick-O-Sound) outputs.  Includes original Rick case, cloth, and paperwork.   New Ricks continue to be on back order and most are sold by the time they get to the dealerships which has started a retail phenomenon on Ebay - non-authorized Rick dealers selling "new" Ricks on Ebay at or near full list price.  List on a new 360/12 is $2939 and selling at only a 10% discount for $2645 - or $2349 if you want to prepay and wait for your guitar to be built.  In these days when new Ricks are hard to come by, this one is "as new" and nicely priced at $1699.
96. 2005 Rickenbacker 350V63 Liverpool, (front/back), (headstock) (case).  Please forgive the pics; shot at night with a flash but this guitar is barely played and in excellent condition.  Please note that this guitar is no longer available.  I will contact customers who inquired on Saturday when and if it becomes available again.   You'll see the re-listers trying to get $2500 for these at auction.  This one?  Just $1950. 
97. Rob Wave SG Style, (pic2) (pic3).  I don't know the official model name but it's a true handcrafted instrument built in Kentucky by Rob Wave and a simply stunning flamed maple top.  This particular model was supposedly shown at the 2003 NAMM show and it very much has an SG vibe, except it's built with a much thicker, chambered body. Pickups are excellent sounding Rio Grande humbuckers.  Other features include ONE-PIECE mahogany back with mahogany neck running entire length of guitar.  I'll get a pic of the butt end of the guitar, but you can actually see the end of the neck just above the strap pin.  Also features flamed bookmatched maple top, Abalone side dot markers only, deep cutaway heel-less neck joint for easy access to the top frets, 3-way selector with mini-switch for coil split, Grover tuners, figured maple headstock and truss rod cover, Being a chambered body, with a maple top, the tone is different from a SG of course, but a very sweet rich tone that's well suite for more styles of music.  With the thick body, around 2.25", it almost has the vibe of a jazz box.  If you're like me, you've probably never heard of this builder but I can say emphatically that it's an extremely well crafted instrument with a super setup and excellent tone.  An excellent value in a hand made, set neck guitar at $1399.  
98. 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.
99. 2006 Schecter C1 Plus, (front/back), (headstock), (side), (string-thru body).  We've been very impressed with these higher-end Diamond Series and this is another of these killer imports with drop dead looks, quality construction and parts, excellent tone, and perfect setup.  Features include Violin sunburst finish, flamed maple top over Mahogany body, set neck design with mahogany neck, Abalone and pearl "Vector" fretboard inlays, Grover tuners, Duncan Designed HB102 humbuckers controlled by volume and tone with push/pull pot for single coil/humbucker tones, jumbo frets, Tonepros TOM bridge with strings thru body, and cream binding all around - headstock, neck, and body.  The top is beautifully carved with a sharp arch, as well recessed knobs and switch.  This guitar feels, looks, and plays like a guitar that costs well over its list price of $869.  Sells new for $599 but this one has barely been played with no discernable wear of any kind and is a smoking deal at $450 with a setup that's guaranteed to please.  Includes used gigbag - used C-1 case (pic here) available for $39 in good condition other than one corner took a hit and tape covers damage.  
100. Schecter C-1 Classic, (front/back), (headstock), (3/4 view), (vine of life inlay).  This is one stunning guitar.  From the perfectly  bookmatched flamed maple top, to the flamed maple binding, to the intricate vine of life inlay, to the gold hardware, it's a definite head turner.  Thankfully Schecter engineers quality components into their guitars so they're just not works of art and this one has quality parts in addition to great cosmetics.  Starting with a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers, with a JB Bridge and SH-2N Jazz neck, you're guaranteed quality tone and a good variety of tones as well.  Hardware is top notch as well, with a TonePros locking bridge and quality Grover tuners in brushed gold.  From a design aspect, it's made for excellent sustain with a neck-thru design of Maple with Mahogany wings, strings-through body for good string to wood transfer, and the area where the neck joins the body is nicely beveled to make playing the upper frets a breeze.  Other features include 24 jumbo frets, slightly substantial maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, creme fretboard binding, 25-1/2" scale, and Schecter locking tuners.   I'm not sure what they call this finish but it's a dark tortoise shell, although the official name might be Antique Amber.  Regardless, it's stained in such a way that the figured maple is very pronounced, which isn't always easy on darker stains.  For over 100 ratings where it scored an overall 9.4 out of 10, click here for Harmony Central.  This guitar plays superbly and sounds as good as it plays.  With the quality of the high-end Korean guitars, players can finally get a top-notch guitar for well under a grand.  A new C-1 Classic is running $799 without gigbag ($1119 list) but this one is virtually flawless and a smoking deal for the intermediate to advanced player at just $599.  Includes used gigbag - used C-1 case (pic here) available for $39 in good condition other than one corner took a hit and tape covers damage.
101. 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.  

102. 2008 Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR and 2008 Schecter Classic C-1 - both new, old stock, and immaculate.  Schecter's high-end C-1 Series with upscale appointments like quilted maple top, real Duncan pickups and Tonepros bridge (Classic) and EMG Active 81/89 and Original Floyd Rose bridge (Hellraiser FR) - both are neck-thru models with stunning Abalone appointments.  Along with PRS and Brian Moore, these are the finest Korean imports on the market in my opinion.  If purchased separately, the top-quality hardware and electronics alone on these guitars would run you $400-$500.   Details include:

     • Schecter Hellraiser C-1 FR front/back, (headstock), (2 push/pull knobs), (appointments/features).  A remarkable guitar in terms of features, playability, and looks, at an incredible price.  The C-1 FR Hellraiser features high-end EMG active pickups (EMG81TW and EMG89), both with coil split via dual volume knobs; an Original Floyd Rose tremolo with original Floyd locking nut; stunning Abalone inlay along the entire edge of the top; Abalone bound headstock; Abalone Gothic Cross inlays, black chrome hardware, neck-thru design with "ultra access" design for easy playing to the top frets, 24 extra jumbo frets, 25.5" scale, mahogany body with 3-piece mahogany neck-thru.  For a quality made Korean neck-thru, with top-quality hardware and EMG's, the Hellraiser C-1 FR retails at a remarkable $1299, currently clearance priced online at $899.  Better still, this one has never been retailed and is immaculate, with our killer in-house setup, for just $729.  Includes used gigbag - used C-1 case (pic here) available for $39 in good condition other than one corner took a hit and tape covers damage.  

     • Schecter Classic C-1 front/back, (headstock), (inlay/close-up), (maple binding).   A remarkable guitar in terms of features, playability, and drop dead good looks, at an incredible price.  The C-1 Classic features *real* Seymour Duncan pickups (JB bridge, SH-2N Jazz neck), 5-way switching for a choice of humbucker and single coil tones, Tonepros Tuneomatic TOM bridge; string-thru body tailpiece, black chrome hardware, neck-thru design with "ultra access" design for easy playing to the top frets, 24 extra jumbo frets, 25.5" scale, mahogany body with quilted maple top in Blue Transparent, 3-piece mahogany neck-thru, maple bound body edge, cream binding on neck, bound headstock, and most notably, an intricate Abalone "Vine of Life" inlay running the entire length of the fretboard.  For a quality made Korean neck-thru, with top-quality hardware and real Duncans, the Classic C-1 retails at a remarkable $1119, currently clearance priced online at $749.  Better still, this one has never been retailed and is immaculate, with our killer in-house setup, for just $599(HOLD-Hunter W 5/26).  Includes used gigbag - used C-1 case (pic here) available for $39 in good condition other than one corner took a hit and tape covers damage.  

      

103. Schecter USA Custom Shop "Vargas Girl" Tempest, (front/back), (headstock), 2003.  Here's another one for the discriminating collector - a one-off created for the 2003 NAMM Show with a hand-painted masterpiece by Chris Compston featuring his rendition of the Vargas Girl (close-up).  The original Vargas Girls rose to fame in WW-II as very risqué' (for the time) pin-ups, serving as a morale booster for troops serving overseas.  The artist for which these type paintings have become synonymous, Alberto Vargas, was never given the true credit he deserved.  His pictures, taped to the inside of countless lockers, or kept in shirt pockets and unfolded a thousand times, served of a constant reminder to the troops of what they were fighting for:  freedom and beautiful women.  Okay, on to the guitar...  Made in Schecter's Burbank CA Custom Shop so it's an impeccably made guitar in its own right, and the fact that it was a NAMM show display model is further assurance that it was checked out very closely before it was presented to America's musical instrument dealers.  Specs include: Solid Mahogany body with TV finish, bolt-on 22-fret maple cap neck with jumbo frets - one piece with NO scarf joint, 12" neck radius, 25.5" scale, Tempest 3/3 headstock with Sperzel locking tuners, bone nut - 1.673", neck width - 2.032"  at 12th fret and 2.193" at end of fingerboard, Wilkinson bridge/tailpiece - adjustable, Seymour Duncan pickups - P-90-1B and 1N, and dual volume with master tone.  This is an excellent playing guitar with a very meaty tone, without the usual noise level associated with P90's.  Another observation - the tone control on this guitar is very effective.  Rather than on/off, the way most tone controls seem to work, this one affects the tone in a more dramatic fashion, with a differentiation in tone at every number tone control changes at every I've always been a fan of the single wraparound tailpiece, despite their usual shortcomings, because they are perfect for string muting and just feels "right" with my right hand resting on it.  Unlike the old style wraparounds though, this one features intonatable 2/3rd string and 4/5th strings, allowing for near perfect intonation.  Offered in immaculate condition, other than a few scratches on the pickguard which we can probably buff out if desired.  Includes Schecter certificate and hang-tag, showing it's selling price as $3495 (shown here).   This is a cool find for the collector looking for the truly unique, one of a kind guitars - but at this price - most players can afford this and actual make it a working guitar.  Just $1799 and includes original Schecter/G&G custom-fit hardshell case (picture).  
104. Schecter Omen-6, 2001, Electric Blue, body very similar to my USA Sunset Classic with sleek lines and carved top, features straight-ahead setup with dual humbuckers, 3-way switch, tone, volume, stop-bar with tune-o-matic bridge, mint condition with plastic still on back plate, quality Grover tuners, looks-sound-plays great, looks identical to the ESP Ltd H-100 above, list price in ’01 was $469 but this used one is perfect with nice setup and just $225.
105. Schecter Omen-6, another Diamond Series and features the same body shape and headstock of the C1+ above, in a scaled down, more basic model.   Advertised as a great metal axe, I can easily recommend this to any entry-level or intermediate metal head.  Excellent setup, good pickups, and killer looks in a gloss black with carved top.  With a list of $499, this one's like new but the price isn't - just $239.  

106. Silvertone Paul Stanley's - Kiss Fans:  Life size Paul Stanley Standup with his signature Silvertone guitars.  Original dealer display and great for you Kiss fans.  $79

107. SILVERTONE PAUL STANLEY MODELS:  KISS FANS and other Collectors:  After years with Ibanez and later Washburn, Paul Stanley has signed with Silvertone (dist by Samick) for manufacture of his signature model guitars.  I have a very limited selection of the entire line of electrics which are two different set-neck models and two bolt-ons.  The bolt-on’s feature Agathis bodies with sculpted Maple necks, 14” flat radius fretboard, dual high-output humbuckers, and die-cast tuners.  The set-necks feature sculpted Mahogany necks set into Agathis bodies, 14” flat radius fretboard, Grover tuners, and Seymour Duncan-Designed humbuckers.  I wouldn’t waste your time—or mine—by posting them at normal store prices.  Very limited quantity so grab one quick. 

     • Paul Stanley Apocalypse Special PSAP1, List $499, Sale $209(SOLD-KRIS 10/3)

     • Paul Stanley Apocalypse Pro PSAP2, List $699, Sale $362

     • Paul Stanley Sovereign Special PSSN1, List $399, Sale $199

     • Paul Stanley Sovereign Pro PSSN2, List $699, Sale $SOLD

108. Switch Stealth, (front/back), (headstock), (detail).  Only the second Switch I've had and like the last one, very impressive guitar for the money.  Switch uses alternative materials in building their guitars, namely a Vibracell® body and neck, which is a synthetic material that has tonal properties that, to me, are extremely similar to wood.  They're not the first company to experiment and I remember the original Dan Armstrong Plexiglas bodies as far back as the 60's.  The Stealth, whether intentional or not, has a vibe very much like a Parker, specifically, the Parker PM10 Hornet.  Features include a pair of Switch humbuckers, bi-level headstock with Grover tuners, nicely beveled body - especially in the cutaway areas.  The guitar is also beveled around the entire body, providing a thin, comfortable edge, contoured to a regular thickness toward the middle.  Electronics are simple with a volume, tone, and 3-way.  Finish is a charcoal metallic.  Nice playing guitar with good tone and for a set-neck axe, a good value at $239.  
109. 2009 TTM Guitars Devastator,  (front/back), (headstock), (double-locking trem), (bound body/neck).  A shredder's delight at a remarkable price.  I don't know they do it, but TTM imports their parts but then custom builds their guitars in the USA and puts them out on the street at prices that are comparable to regular imports.  You can custom order any parts your heart desires - it all depends on how much you want to spend.  This guitar is stock with perhaps the top being the only upgrade, but you can order this same guitar with Sperzel tuners, Wilkinson trem, EMG's, etc.  This model, and the brand in general, is aimed at hard rockers - the harder the better - and the have a client list of some very big name shedders.   Beautiful looks, with a perfectly bookmatched quilted maple veneer over a bound basswood body, it features a pair of very hot humbuckers that actually sound very good, 5-way pickup selector, 24 medium jumbo frets, bound maple neck with rosewood board, fretboard inlays that spell D-E-V-A-S-T-A-T-O-R, reverse headstock, and Wilkinson tuners.  The fit and finish on this guitar is excellent.  Check out the neck fit (click here), which is as tight as a set neck.  You couldn't fit a cat hair between the body and neck.  Click here for a few reviews from guitargearheads.com and for a good YouTube demo, click here to see a young dude absolutely wailing away on his Devastator.  Is this guitar as good as a USA Jackson?  No, but it's 80% as good  - and at 25% of the price.  I would love to try out one of their more upgraded models but for the money, you're not going to beat this for a very heavy metal axe.  Just $399 for a guitar that was actually built in America.  Amazing.  

110. TTM SLAYER GUITARS:  I just got in 3 models of some of the best vintage style guitars I've seen for the money.  They arrived with a very good setup, the fit and finish is excellent, and they are made with quality hardware and electronics including a Wilkinson vintage style tremolo with "pop-in" trem arm and Allen-screw tightness adjustment, Sperzel USA locking tuners, and TTM's own Palladium Series pickups.  All of these are HSS which gives you a very fat humbucker tone on position 5, or the traditional Strat tones on positions 1-4.  These are supposedly made in the USA but I don't know the details.  My take is that these are likely Korean bodies and necks, assembled and perhaps finished in the USA but I don't know this to be a fact.  I only know that they bury all of the competition in the under-$500 price range AND these also come with a nice quality Canadian made case, instead of a cheap-o Chinese case or flimsy gigbag.  Right now I only have one of each but depending on response, I might be getting in a freight shipment of 25-30 more pieces. Read more about the Slayer and TTM at TTM's Site Here.   Currently in stock are: 

     • TTM Slayer Deluxe, Olympic White with Rosewood Board, (front/back), (headstock), (hardware), (case).  $399 with case.

     • TTM Slayer Ultra, 3-tone Sunburst with gold hardware and Maple Board, (front/back), (headstock), (hardware), (case).  $449 with case.

     • TTM Slayer QMT, Red Quilt top with Rosewood Board, (front/back), (headstock), (hardware), (case), (add'l pic/top)  $449 with case.

111. Tokai Love Rock '59 Les Paul Style, (front/back), (headstock).  2003 model which I believe is an ALS70.  Although crafted in Korea, the quality is unmistakable, much like the famed lawsuit "Love Rock" model of the 70's.  Very attractive flamed maple cap with just enough figuring to be a real example of a 50's, finished in dark burst.  Specs during this era called for solid Alder rather than mahogany but looking inside the cavity, this one appears to be mahogany, with a mahogany set neck.  Quality fretboard inlays that look much more like the originals than most Epi's or other imports.  All stock except upgraded with a Duncan Zebra JB in the bridge.  A especially nice player with a classic Paul tone and I actually slightly prefer the stock neck humbucker to the JB, as it has a very full tone with a singing quality that makes the guitar sound huge.  Neck profile is not a thin taper like a '60 Classic and is slightly more substantial than a Les Paul Standard.  This is a very clean guitar, with a killer setup and tone, and an excellent value at $499 with gigbag.
112. Tokyo Guitar Company (aka Kent, Guyatone) Strat Style,   (front/back), (headstock), (pickups/switches.), (scale/bridge).  Looking for a lightweight full scale guitar?  This one is...4.8 lbs.!  Although there's no brand on the headstock it's most likely identical to a Guyatone or Kent model, which were also made by Tokyo Guitar Co.   This pic shows a Guyatone along side this guitar where the only difference is the Guyatone-branded one has dot inlays, smaller bridge/cover, and non-painted headstock.  Tokyo Guitars were one of the very first guitar builders in Japan, and this one was probably made in the early 60's.  Overall insanely clean condition for 45 years old but it does have one finish chip on the back edge and prior owner's i.d. engraved in numerous places (as shown here) including neck plate and neck, pickguard, badge on back of headstock, etc., most of which aren't very visible.  This is a full scale at 24", same as a Fender Jaguar and actually the overall vibe is not unlike an early Jag with an exaggerated Fender headstock, two tall single coil pickups, dual 3-position rocker switches, and an anodized metal pickguard.  All original except for knobs.  Other features include string-retainer tailpiece, plastic intonated fixed bridge, thumbprint inlays, dual single coil pickups, dual volume and master tone, large bar string retainer on headstock, sunburst finish including back of neck. This guitar plays great and, remarkably, the electronics work fine.  I think the rocker switches are:  off, on in-phase, on out-of-phase.  It has a very cool tone and isn't overly noisy.  It has an extremely thin finish which we're guessing is nitrocellulose.  A great guitar if you're looking for a David Lindley type tone or Teisco Del Ray vibe.  Just a very lovely guitar that's totally playable and a good example of a very early Japan electric.  All this for $175.  
113. Tom Anderson Hollow T, (front/back), (headstock/neckplate).  Immaculate 1994 model...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(Tent. Hold - Geo M local 4/1).  Includes formfit Anderson case and manual.  Oh, did I mention it was 6.8 lbs.?
114. U.S. Masters Vector, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (neck joint).  Beautiful blue quilt with incredibly figured neck.  A little known secret in fine American Guitars.  U.S. Masters has been building quality guitars and basses in Middleton, WI, for many years.  Not just another builder of cloned Strat or Les Pauls, they have always designed guitars that were distinctly their own, incorporating unique and practical innovations such as their hand-fitted Captive Neck Joint and their Ever-Tru necks with Extended Uniform Neck Profile and Contoured Flex Truss Rod, developments that specifically enhance resonance, tuning, durability and playability as compared with conventional designs.  For hardtail fans, it doesn't get better than this:  Master's bridge, USA made, has the most contact with the body and allows for strings to run through the body, with a large mass base plate mounted in the back of the guitar. This bridge is made of quality metals for sound and durability, with polished stainless saddles which are made correctly so that the height adjustment screws rest below the saddle so they do not stick into the palm of your picking hand.  The rest of the hardware is top-notch as well, with Sperzel tuners, Dunlop strap lock pins, and little details such as stainless steel jackplate that will never corrode and provides a better ground than plating.  Pickups are custom wound for Masters by Bill Lawrence.  The top is a thick slab of nicely figured and bookmatched maple that's very pleasing to the eye and, likewise, the fingerboard and neck are superbly figured as well.  This is a top quality guitar, immediately noticeable when you strum your first chord.  It's very warm sounding, but with nice clarity in the high end, and the 5-way selector yields an excellent selection of single coil and humbucker tone.  With 14 year in business this is only the 4th 'Masters I've had and without exception, each one has been a truly fine guitar.  Includes a super deluxe Ritter gigbag (shown here) with 5 storage compartments on front alone, and very well padded.   Click here for specific info on these fine guitars, click here for specs on this model, as well as price list.  This beauty is in near pristine condition, buffed out with any fine scratches removed and a high gloss finish, with the only real flaw being a miniscule finish touch up on the back edge, overall 9.8 condition.  The Vector carries a $2500 list price.  I consider this a true bargain on the boutique guitar market, nicely priced at $779(Hold - Gene S AU).  
115. VALLEY ARTS !!!  The authenticity of the guitars below is without question.  As many of you know, my world-class luthier (the man who sets up the fine guitars we ship out) is unquestionably one of the world's top authority on these guitars as he was General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing for VA until the sale to Samick.  These are true “hand-made” guitars and each body was contoured, painstakingly, by hand.  Check out the tremolo cavities and the gentile slope on all edges – real works of art. These are all the real deal VA's, built by the original VA craftsmen and all original down to the last screw.  VA was the original “boutique” builder of solid body guitars and they used only the best woods, electronics, and hardware.  Other than the M-Series, a fine guitar in its own right, these are all considered "real deal" VA's, either built entirely before the sale to Samick, or "transition" models which carry the same pedigree, but happened to be one of the 400 or so guitars already in progress when the sale occurred.  These transition guitars have no Samick influence and bodies and necks were built before the sale and they were completed by the same pre-Samick employees.  Transition era guitars are unremarkable except to the uninformed.  By all measures they are indistinguishable from the earlier models and the ONLY difference is Samick had begun buying the company.  As months passed the actual turnover took place and then you'll begin to see the Samick influence with easily recognizable features such as the new "Studio City" logo and names like "California Pro".   
116. Valley Arts USA Custom Pro , (pic2), (pic3), (pic4), Swamp Ash finished in Yellow and verified to be the first Swamp Ash ever made by VA.  Custom made to the customer's specs, called a "Custom-Custom" by VA employees, easily recognizable by the customer's name on the neckplate, in this case, one of the VA employees.  Serial 304.  Features of this world-class guitar are swamp ash body with nitro finish, Kahler Pro locking tremolo, original Tom Anderson pickups  (HN2+ and two SK1's) with individual 3-way selectors, each selectable as single coil, off or double coil, which, doing some quick math, is at least 18 combinations.  The last switch is an Anderson-inspired "blow" switch for the bridge humbucker only - going straight to the output jack.  Fans of skinny necks will appreciate this as it has one of the thinnest profiles of any guitar from this era I've ever felt.  I believe the fretboard is probably Brazilian rosewood as shown here.  This guitar is of definite interest to the collector by virtue of its unique features, early lineage, and beautiful condition.  Includes original case, Kahler manual, and VA fretboard protector (this idea was later copied by other makers).   An exceptional VA for $2199.  Letter of authenticity from former Gen. Mgr. of Valley Arts USA included upon request.
117. ca. 1990 Valley Arts Standard Pro, (front/back), (headstock), (tremolo).  Another REAL DEAL pre-Samick VA.  Serial 0282, well before the sale to Samick at serial #1014.  This guitar has been played and, thus, might not be of interest of collectors but it's still a killer player thanks to a neck that's perfectly straight.  Despite the fact that it's had at least one fret dressing, it still sets up with low action and doesn't fret out on bends.  It has it's share of scratches, rubs, and dings (shown here), but no cracks, just normal wear and tear.  Note also in the preceding picture, it has a green undercoat and since they did the Standard Pro in this green, it's either a pro refin or just as likely repainted by the factory before it shipped out.  On a guitar of this age it's not possible to tell the difference and since it's a player, it's pretty much a moot point.  As I've mentioned before, my man Martin was the International Sales manager during the 80's and he is, without question, one of the world's authority on VA's.  The Standard Pro was VA's 7/8 size body with 24 3/4" scale - just a really fun guitar to play.   The original run of 40 or so pieces had a natural headstock and this one is from the next run which all had black headstocks.  Pickups are EMG 85 humbucker with a pair of EMG-SA's so you get a good choice of humbucker and Stratty type tones, all crystal clear and quiet.  Tremolo is an excellent quality German-made Schaller, VA-stamped Kahler, Licensed by Floyd (how's that for a long name?).  Bottom line is the Schaller Floyds are top quality and it stays in tune forever.  VA didn't spare any expense in building their guitars during this time, even on the lower end models such as the painted Standard Pro's - which is reflected in the high selling price of  $1595 15 years ago, with minimal discount from dealers.   Again, the playability of this guitar is fantastic, although with the action this low there's a bit of string rattle.  If preferred, we can raise the action to medium.  If you're especially finicky about your setups, it wouldn't hurt to invest $175 in a pro refret but, again, it's very playable as is.   One other option:  I happen to have an actual NOS VA Standard Pro neck.  There's no logo and the headstock is unpainted, but it's a real-deal pre-Samick Standard Pro neck with a low serial number.  Playability and tone are excellent and the German Floyd Rose stays in tune perfectly.  In light of the very few pre-Samick VA's ever made this guitar does have some historical significance but priced well within reach of the player at around 1/2 of it's price 20 years ago - just $850.  
118. Warmoth DIY Special:  Fender Strat Style DIY Warmoth Strat - Warmoth Body&Neck and all top notch parts--all brand new--including everything you'll need down to the last screw.  Warmoth Body (pic) is Swamp Ash with nicely flamed koa top, routed for dual hums and 2-point fulcrum tremolo.  Neck (pic) is Warmoth's Conversion Neck, which can be used on any body which will automatically be "converted" to Gibson scale (24 3/4").  You'll notice better ease of play, more dramatic bends, and difficult chord shapes are easier to finger.  You'll also notice an unusual headstock, originally a Strat, but at the request of the owner Martin carved it down to be something truly unique.  For the remaining components (click to enlarge) you have a pair of DiMarzio's (PAF Pro and Steve's Special), Wilkinson fulcrum tremolo, and choice of Sperzel locking or Steinberger "Banjo" type tuners - plus every other part needed to complete the project including stacked CTS pots with stacked knobs so you can have dual volume and tone with just two pots for a cleaner look, control plate, tremolo cavity plate, neckplate with plastic base, humbucker rings, 5-way switch, and football output jack.  Not shown but included are all the little screws you'll need to complete the project.  Original owner had this entire project designed and over the course of a few months assembled all the parts.  By the time he had assembled all the parts, his interest had changed and he sold this entire "kit" to finance his new guitar.  If you have the mechanical ability of the average 12-year-old, and some simple soldering skills, this will be an easy project to complete and in the end you'll have one extremely nice, high-end guitar.  He has over $1200 invested in these parts and this is a steal at $699.  If you really want to go over the top, substitute with this Trilogy Bridge by Hipshot TMB3 for just $125 more.
119. 2002 Washburn Tabu TB-400, (front/back), (headstock), (3/4 view), (Floyd-licensed trem), (heel).  This is a killer axe.  Excellent quality Korean import and from what I recall, these were a Mars Music exclusive.  Martin used to be the repair manager at Mars and I'll try to verify with him.  The Tabu is very much a copy of the Gibson Les Paul DC, with similar body shape and contours, dual humbuckers, dual volume/tone controls with 3-way selector, bound body, bound neck with dot inlays, and 3+3 headstock with binding.  It was designed with a very small rounded heel that makes playing in the upper register a breeze.  Other features include 24-fret neck with 24 3/4" scale, Grover 18:1 tuners, black chrome hardware, silver finish with gloss lacquer, special inlay at 12th fret, medium frets, Washburn Head Hunter EL921 and EL923 humbuckers.  The set up on this guitar is fantastic - low action fans will love it - and the stock pickups sound very good with a bright, articulate bridge pickup and a very warm and fat neck pickup.  The tremolo is a Floyd-licensed double-locking type that's a copy of the Floyd Pro, low profile and recessed.  It stays in tune perfectly.  This guitar appears to have seen no playing time with zero scratches anywhere, perfect frets, and plastic still on the back plates.  The only flaw is some slight discoloration to the Floyd plating, overall a 9.9.  This is definitely one of the better Korean models I've had and that's saying a lot considering the high quality of Korean imports in the past decade.  It's very comfortable to play and for a "nearly new" guitar, a sweet deal at $399.  Add a nice SKB Freedom case for $49 if desired.  
120. Washburn Dime 32 Camo, signature model 2004, for the late, great Dimebag Darrell (RIP) and features Limited Edition Camo finish, strings thru body tuning, good quality Washburn WB630 pickups, Grover 18:1 tuners, and jumbo frets.  This isn't your $2K custom shop model but for the price, it's an excellent playing guitar with nice tone and solid Metal vibe - a nice tribute to Dime for a nice price. List was $599 on these but this one is like new and includes original Camo padded gigbag for just $325. 
121. Washburn KC-70V, excellent quality rock/metal axe with all the necessary features from the metal days including an excellent quality licensed Floyd Rose, thin profile with flat fretboard radius, HSS Washburn pickups, volume and tone with push/pull pot, and 5-way selector.  The body is extremely comfortable with contours in the cutaways to allow easier access to the upper frets.  Setup is great, with the low action these guitars are famous for, stays in tune perfectly during whammying, and the tone is rock solid.  This model got incredible reviews on Harmony Central (click here), where it scored an impressive 9.3 overall rating.  Not a cheap guitar back in the day and when you play it you'll note the quality.  This one's not clean enough for the collector with some paint touch up's here and there, but the frets are perfect and it's seen little actual playing time I would guess.  A nice axe for just $325.
122. 1998 Washburn Paul Stanley Signature PS500, (pic2), (pic3).  Has its roots going back to Paul's Ibanez Iceman series, with the same body style and similar headstock and tailpiece.  It was a very radical design when it came out in the 70's but despite the looks it is a very well balanced guitar that hangs very comfortably, and allows extremely easy access to the top frets.  The PS500 is a set-neck guitar that's bound on every edge - body, neck, and headstock.  The "star" tailpiece seems to work well in transferring energy to the body and the humbuckers sound good.  Quality Grover tuners keep it in tune nicely.  One thing that must be mentioned is the quality of this case.  It's your usual higher quality case with tolex covering and white piping, with a form-fit interior that hugs the body all around but most notably, it's the heaviest case I think I've ever had.  The case alone weighs over 22 lbs., which is the weight of many of the boxed guitars we ship out, including guitar, case, box, and packing material.  The wood must be twice the density of a standard G&G case.  Suffice it to say it provides excellent protection.  This guitar is exceptionally clean, plays fantastic, and is a nice choice for the Paul Stanley or Kiss fan, or anyone who wants a quality set neck for a nice price.  List price was $1249 - this beautiful barey used one, $599.   Includes original form-fit case. 
123. 1993 Washburn Steve Stevens SS-40, (pic2), (pic3).  This is a pretty cool signature model, and the only guitar I can recall with dual slanted humbuckers - sort of like the Baretta idea with a slanted bridge pickup and single volume pot - but with an additional slanted neck pickup and 3-way selector.  Factory original non-covered trem cavity (pic) so no holes are present.  Rather elegant look with gloss black finish and gold hardware which is good quality with a double-locking licensed Floyd Rose (pic) and Grover tuners.  This guitar is being sold "as is" and could really use a new neck.  We've tightened the truss rod all the way and the action is still quite high in the middle.  It's actually at a height that a few players like but higher than 98% of my customers would be happy with.  Use the parts and build your own Super Strat - or simply get another neck and you're up and running.  Was $350 - marked down on "as is" sale to $199(Tent. Hold - Jeff T 1/13).   
124. 80's Washburn G-IV Baretta Style, (pic2), (pic3), (accessories included).  Borrowing from the insanely popular Kramer Baretta, Washburn got onboard with this model, with defining features such as single bridge humbucker and single knob (volume control), 6/side pointy/angled headstock, black headstock veneer, and Floyd Rose licensed tremolo (pic).  A few upgrades on this guitar including DiMarzio Tone Zone pickup (original will be included) and Dunlop strap lock system including strap.  The Kahler-style locking nut is included but, as shown in the pics, isn't required since this model has the Kahler-style nut/locking nut combination.  We will install it at no cost if the new owner wants it installed.  This guitar is in really nice shape with no major flaws.  Body will be buffed out prior to shipping and will shine like new.  Speaking of the body, it's a smaller (aka Dinky) size, around 7/8 of a standard Strat style.  The setup on this guitar is fantastic, easily on par with the higher end shred guitars from this era, with low action at the nut - all the way to the top frets.  With this DiMarzio installed, this axe has a screaming lead tone that cleans up when you back off the volume a bit, making it more versatile than you might expect from a single humbucker guitar.  Includes original gigbag and other accessories pictured and is an excellent quality guitar for a modest price, $229. 
125. Yamaha RGS-121, very good quality starter guitar and highly recommend for players who like low action.  Action low at the nut and stays low all the way up the neck.  Good selection of single coil and humbucker tones with some pretty authentic Strat tones in positions 2 and 4.  Headstock logo was removed but is otherwise original and in very nice shape.  Set up and ready to ship and priced like a beginner guitar, but it definitely plays better than your average starter guitar.  Nice axe for just $99(SOLD-John C 8/23).  If you want to get goofy, we can install a logo for $20 or so but we don't have any Yamaha logo's so it would have to be a different brand.  
126. 1980 Yamaha Studio Lord SL500S, (front/back), (headstock), (Pleather Bag).  Excellent quality Les Paul copy from the fine Nippon Gakki factory.   In case there's any doubt as to which guitar it was copying, you'll notice the "Studio Lord" is written in a script that's a dead ringer for "Les Paul Model."  Yamaha made the Studio Lord series both as a lower-end bolt-on neck - or higher end models such as this set-neck SL500S, which also features the requisite maple cap/mahogany body.  1980 was right in the middle of the golden era of Japan copies and brands such as Yamaha, Greco, Edwards, Burny, Ibanez, Fernandes, and others, were building guitars that were on par with, and many would argue, better than, their American counterparts, .  Overall very nice shape, especially for 28 years.  The only non-original aspect appears to be two filled holes where the strap pin has been relocated (pic).  Includes brown "pleather" gigbag which is original equipment for most Japan guitars from this era.  This is an absolutely killer playing guitar with insanely low action (shown at 12th fret), good quality pickups, quality hardware, and excellent fit & finish.  Compare this to a Gibson from the same era and this Studio Lord is a bargain at 1/3 the price - but equal in quality.  Just $650 for this golden era Gakki model.  
127. 2006 Zemaitis GZV300 Flying V, (front/back), (headstock), (bridge/tailpiece), (case/acc.), (cert.).  The ultimate in killer looks in a V-style guitar.  Tony Zemaitis was a guitar building legend, working alone in his London shop.  Although Tony is no longer with us, his spirit most definitely is, in the form of Zemaitis Japan, the company that bought the Zemaitis name after Tony’s passing and Greco has been making high-quality guitars that offer the same unique character as Tony's originals.  Features include 2-Piece Mahogany body, 1-Piece Mahogany neck, Ebony fretboard, 25" scale, Schaller M6 tuners, DiMarzio pickups (PAF Pro neck and bridge), GZ-BR Zemaitis Original Solid Duralumin Bridge, GZ-TP2 Zemaitis Original Solid Duralumin tailpiece.  It's hard to find any of the new Zemaitis guitars here in the states but if you can find a GZV300 it's going to cost over $2800.  This one is immaculate, with no waiting time, and nicely priced at just $2199.  Includes original case, certificate, and all paperwork.  For full specs, click here for Zemaitis' site.