Jan 05, 2009 06:31 pm Edit is working fine now, Deebs.
Anybody know what these might be worth?
Posted on Jan 05, 2009 06:16 pm
Hue
Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member Since: Apr 11, 2004
I was considering selling a couple/few of my guitars, and since I've aquired some of them through a trade gear, I'm not really sure what they're worth. My hopes are that someone here may.
1- '84 Epi Explorer. Black metal-flake finish that is chipped on the two rear 'corners'. It has typical players haze from picks, but for 25 years old it is still in 'good' condition. 'E' pickup covers, and hockey-stick headstock.
2- '95 BC Rich Warlock. In better condition thatn the Epi, but has the same chip on the top rear corner, but smaller and hardly noticeable. Chesswood body. Transpearent red finish. Grade-A Floyd Rose.
3 '04-'05? Ibanez SA Custom. They called it a 'custom' 'cause they only made 5000 of them, but is basically an SA with the addition of abalone inlay around the entire body, which matches the dot-inlay. This one's in perfect condition with brushed silver hardware, and a (not sure which it's called) 'flamed' or 'quilted' maple top... translucent-black.
Pics are in my profile, but they are difficult to base anything on. Just the same, any info you could lend on what these might be worth would be appreciated. I don't want to post these somewhere with some outragiously too-high/low price... I'm not out to get what I can, so much... just what they're worth. : )
Thanks guys!
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Jan 05, 2009 06:31 pm Edit is working fine now, Deebs.
Jan 05, 2009 09:42 pm Hue, I'll get back to you on the Epi and the SA.
I might have someone that would be interested in both.
Personally I want the Epi Explorer, but I'm not sure I need to add yet another guitar at the moment.
Jan 05, 2009 10:39 pm Thanks Noize! Veddy cool... jus' let me know. : )
Jan 06, 2009 06:01 pm I went out an email this afternoon, so hopefully I'll hear back from him tonight.
Cab you get a couple other pics of it as well. I'm wondering if it is an Epi. Both Epi and Gibson always had 3 knobs and 1 switch. Even the re-issue built in 83 and 84 which did have a different knob set up still had 3knobs.
The other freaky thing is the angled string through body on a tune 0 matic. They were all hardtails, every one of em. And the bottom curve looks different in your pic as well. Probly just the angle.
You might have an odd duck there. That might actually make it even more interesting. See if you can locate a serial number or something as well.
By the way, yes there is drool on my keyboard now.
Anyway, I'll keep looking. I've sent the pic to a couple others as well to see if they might be interested.
Jan 06, 2009 07:57 pm The serial # is U01071072. I was told that it was an '84, but I didn't really know the guy I got it from, so...
It definitely has some different features to it. There's some unusual contouring on the top-back(above the pickups) and bottom-front(if held vertically)... very odd compared to most.
I'm working on getting the pics up now.
Jan 06, 2009 08:19 pm Alright... which code do I use from the Photo Bucket site?
Jan 06, 2009 08:42 pm It should be the one that simply ends in .jpg as that is what the page will look for here to show it is a graphic.
Ya, I'm still searching for something that has some of the differences that I can see from the first pic.
Jan 06, 2009 08:50 pm I"ll get it hang on.
You need to remove the href crap. The forum doesn't need to see the html tags.
Jan 06, 2009 08:59 pm I think photbucket must toss in some extra stuff.
I just did a left click and ran copy image location then pasted it in the thread. It worked that way.
Anyway, ya I noticed the contour differences as well. But you said it has the hockey stick headstock as well? I know Ibanez did an explorer knock off, but it was very short lived. I think it was around that same time. And if I'm not mistaken Paul Stanley played one before doing the IceMan thing. I don't think the Ibanez had the string through either though.
Now you have me on a mission. Maybe BH will stop by as well. He is pretty good with these odd birds as well.
The other thing is the more straight lined edge of the bottom plug side of the guitar as well. No curve at all to it.
Jan 06, 2009 08:59 pm It's got that '58-style wide/flat/thin neck and fretboard.
I can't believe they were making these things that early!
Jan 06, 2009 09:01 pm Man, its a bolt on. I Can't find the body anywhere in the Epiphone stuff. this is going to drive me nuts.
He could have used an Epi plate and neck on a strange body.
Jan 06, 2009 09:02 pm Yeah, I was hopin' BH would see this... maybe shed some light on things a bit, perhaps.
Jan 06, 2009 09:02 pm Oh ya, the guitar was way ahead of its time.
Funny how it never really emerged until the early 80's. Even though a few were playing them in the 70's. Like Shenkar brothers and a select few.
Jan 06, 2009 09:03 pm It seem entirely stock to me. Everything is just too Epi, the only exception being the weird body contours...
Jan 06, 2009 09:09 pm YA, that and the string through. That is not an Epi thing at all. They follow the Gibson bridge and tail pretty much to a T.
But ya, maybe they built some with a modified Explorer body. At that time I'm sure it was a free for all and an anything goes attitude prevailed.
I've played on a couple different true 58's and they are nice for sure. Not the sound of an 80's version by any means though. But the basic tone was there.
Jan 06, 2009 09:11 pm Well at the "Epiphone Serial Number Decoder" website, it said this about it...
Your guitar was made at the
Unsung Plant, Korea
July 2001
Production Number: 1072
... and that's all.
I guess it's not an '84... or is it???
Jan 06, 2009 09:11 pm What is really getting me though is the 2 knobs and the switch in the wrong place.
I can't find anything from either Epi or Gibson that varied other then the white one I pictured above.
They all have 3 knobs and one switch. And all but that one reissue model have the 3 knobs in a line and the switch down on the lower front point.
Jan 06, 2009 09:15 pm Yeah, that is too friggin' weird.
What the hell is this thing ???
Jan 06, 2009 09:16 pm OK, it could be a copy of the 84 reissue which I should above. But it still is missing a knob and what not.
But it is more then possible. Since it is a Korean made that is a good place to start.
I'm gonna shoot 2 guys a link to this thread and let them suck up the info.
I'll also have Ben take a look as well. That probly wont be till Thursday though.
Jan 06, 2009 09:19 pm Cool. Somebody's got to know.
One thing I'd like to say about it... it IS a quality build. The rosewood fretboard is prolly one of the nicest ones I've seen... it actually has a 'depth' to it... beautiful!
Jan 06, 2009 09:26 pm Ya, it would not be the first time that one of two things is going on.
The UnSung plant was known for OEM and quality build for sure. Korean or not, they built some killer guitars.
The other thing is it is entirely possible that is a real Gibson neck on a Korean body.
But its pissing me off that I can't find that knob and switch config in any of the Epi or Gibson files.
Jan 06, 2009 10:08 pm I always wondered just how good those OEM guitars are. I see them copy a lot of Ernie Ball models... and they're always at ridiculously-low prices.
They always 'look' good in the pictures, but y'a never really 'know' until you get to hold one.
Thanks for the help on this, Noize!
Jan 06, 2009 11:01 pm The guitar was built late in the day, in Korea in July of 2001 near as I can tell...not that I am any sort of expert, I could be totally wrong...
Jan 07, 2009 06:58 am how come you are selling these guitars?
are you buying a newy?
whatchya gunna get?
Jan 07, 2009 04:10 pm Man that sucked! I had the internet put back on my work compy today, and for some reason it wouldn't let me stay on HRC long enough to log in!?! Every other web address was fine... not HRC.
I want my HRC !!! 8 O
Anyway...
Thanks BH. ; )
Deon... that is an awesome question! My bandmates asked the same one. It's like this... I've alway wanted a Les Paul with a Floyd Rose, and have tried to get one for a long time, always feeling that something was missing always playing something different to compensate. Well, I found one that I could afford, and bought it. I have the one guitar that I REALLY wanted. Now I feel like, "What the hell am I doing with all these guitars?!" It kind'a just hit me one day. I have the Strat, and the LPS w/Floyd... done! I would repeat the formula, if possible. I did try, just today, to pick up another LPS w/Floyd on Craigs List, but he didn't want to do a trade. Bummer.
Jan 07, 2009 04:45 pm I am printing off the pic's and will bring with tomorrow when I take Ray in for his guitar lesson. Hopefully Ben or even Mark will know what it is for sure. Still no word from either of the other idiot's.
Jan 07, 2009 05:12 pm One thing to think about as well.
It is entirely possible it is a fake. Won't be the first time.
But the upside to that is sometimes they are that good, and in the end it makes them even more valuable.
Jan 07, 2009 09:07 pm Yeah, I did consider that too. Weird to consider... why owuld someone fake an Epiphone ?
Jan 08, 2009 07:45 am a les with a floydie? cool. never thought they made that combo. im guessing it looks really cool too.
gotta admit i do like the les shape.
quite partial to the esp les shape.
Im having a similar problem with alot of guitars. tis why i just bought me a newy.
i have all these other guitars around the place but they are a pain in the proverbial to play, and not really worth using in a recording. so i dunno wether to sell a couple or maybe collect em....and then sell em when i realize its a waste of time and effort...and money, lets not forget that.
Jan 08, 2009 12:08 pm Epiphone Beast. 1999 on...
Jan 08, 2009 03:36 pm I should elaborate:
Epiphone Beast - average about $150-$250 used. Due to paint flaw...deduct as required. Probably under $200 for this.
BC Rich Warlock - Not sure which series. Can't really tell from description.
Ibanez SA Custom: What series? This is the one that would be most sexy to me.
Jan 08, 2009 06:45 pm Tall Chap: Beast? Ok... odd for sure. Only $200? I think I just may keep her then... my lady is fond of her as well, so...
The Warlock is a NJ series, and is out the door. I'm going to trade the it for a PODxt w/Metal pkg. upgrde. I need something like that for alot of reasons, but it will spend most of it's time in the fx loop if my amp.
All I know about the SA Custom is that it was made in July 2004 at the World plant, Japan... it is #73 of 5000 made. The 'custom' n the name is due to the abalone-inlay around the body, at least that's the only diference I can tell from the regular SAs of that era.
Jan 08, 2009 07:29 pm Yep, agreed. Ben as well said Epi Beast. $150
Lemme know though if you do decide to sell it.
On a side note I almost got my hands on the very first Ibanez 570 series built for the US. IT is dead mint with F2 pickups in the bridge and neck and a C3 in the middle. IT is freakin a dull sort of fluorescent orange which was common in those days. But the pickups were the best Ibanez ever put in the RG series of guitars and its sucks they stopped using them.
But sadly Ben decided he wanted it for himself. The benefit of owning the store.
But on a side note Frankenstein may be getting a custom Ibanez neck. Pity I'll have to sand the finish off of it though. Although I like the neck we customized for it I guess it will be nice to have a semi stock neck back on it again.
Jan 08, 2009 08:40 pm Sounds like a good night, Noize. Can't say as I blame your pal for holding on to that Ibanez... they are quite few and far between, these days.
I just got back with the bean, and am messin' with it. Interesting 'lil thing. It's like my amp without the other 36 lbs of voice. : )
Jan 08, 2009 09:26 pm Hue, when I get my other drives rehabilitated I'll see if I can upload some of my tweaked patches for ya. Then you just drop em in the Line 6 folder in your My documents. I believe it will be marked User. And then simply open that folder in the Gearbox browser and load em up.
And on a side note. He just emailed me and said he isn't going to buy it. I'm stoked and think I'll be running over there tomorrow afternoon to grab it. Its so solid, like my Frankenstein and it just rings out without even being plugged in. I'm thinking this one will stay stock though.
Jan 09, 2009 04:36 pm That is one of the best things about the Line6 stuff... SO user friendly, and tweakable. Presets that can be shared, and stoired... it doesn't matter it you bump a knob out of place while in transport... no white-out to mark possitions, etc, etc... Thanks!
That is very cool that cou're buying that bad boy! Good gear makes you want to USE it! : P
Jan 09, 2009 05:02 pm the software based stuff is easy and tweakable, working on the front of a POD XT Pro, from the on-unit controls sucks ***...
just my two sheckles...their gearbox software tho, friggin rocks.
Jan 09, 2009 10:16 pm Well we pick it up tomorrow. Just finished cleaning out the closet a little and pulled a couple more pieces of gear out of the other rack. All cleaned up and ready to go. And since the guitar will end up being Rays he is willing to toss in the Epi LP custom to boot.
$600 is more then fair for it as well. In fact from what I am finding it is dirt cheap. It appears to be a rare piece from the American built RG770 series. Shark fin inlays on the neck, but it is an odd color. I'm still waiting to get info on the serial number as to an exact date though.
Either way, the reissue is selling for $1300 and this thing sounds and plays ten times better then the reissue ones do.
I'll take pic's and post em right away in another thread tomorrow.
But hell ya, Gearbox is like the hand of God for tweaking the PODxt for sure, or any line 6 gear for that matter.
They even have a lite version of it just for the pocket Pod I bought for Ray to use for practice.
Feb 09, 2009 05:12 pm Hey Noizey! Did you ever pick up that Us built 570? Can we see some pics of that bad boy???? : p(drooling)
Did y'a ever get to where those POD patches were? (The rehab'd drives.)
Oh, and if you still wanted to pick up that Epi Beast of mine... we should talk. : )
Feb 09, 2009 09:42 pm Hue, ya we picked up the 770 a few weeks ago. I'll get some pix up in the next few days. I've been forgetting things lately. :-(
I have checked all but a couple of the drives and no luck yet. The last 3 are the oldest and if I still have the patches they should be on them. Might even be on the last few Sparque carts I haven't checked yet too, I'll have to look on them as well.
Feb 09, 2009 10:11 pm Cool! looking forward to seeing that one.
Man, I bet she plays like butter.
Feb 10, 2009 07:50 pm Ya, I'm actually impressed and have been playing it more the Frankenstein lately. The pickups are just a tiny bit milder then Frank but it still has that Ibanez humbucker shred tone to it. Pix should be up tonight or tomorrow depending on how fast I get caught up here.
Feb 11, 2009 06:12 pm Okee Dokee.
Their up in my profile now. I took a couple of My 770 as well. Cant really see the funky paint job and the mess Tuna made of it but you get the idea. It is an 87 RG770 as well but completely modded. Only thing left from the original is the bridge, volume pot, 5 way switch and the body.
You can't really tell how fluorescent the orange one is in the pix though. I'll have to take some others in the sunlight this spring. But Ray is just loving the orange one and is practicing daily without having to be nagged. I guess an expensive guitar will motivate some kids still.
Feb 11, 2009 08:56 pm Holly crap, is that thing ORANGE! Really orange! If yoiu're going to photograph it in the sun, be careful... you may end up seeing that color for the rest of your life! Bah! Careful! : p
Really though, very, very nice find, Noize. There are times that I ask myself why would I have gotten rid of my RG,(traded for MIM Strat) but then-again I think I'm much better off with the ones I ended up with. Just the same, I hear an old recording with her on it, and start feeling nestalgic. lol They really are the kind of guitar that one can become very 'close' to... it's such a great design, and they play with such incredible comfort! Hell, it was the only guitar I've actually fallen asleep with. lol
heheh
You should get an Orange amp, as well! You know... for a very fashionable, yet quite heavy, sound. That would be one wild looking rig, eh?!
Feb 12, 2009 08:11 pm Ya, I actually thought about having the Valve Jr. recovered in Orange and doing a custom grill on the cabinet as well. It would be a cool project for Ray and I do do. But I'm not sure if it will mess with the value of the modded Jr. or not. But then again look what I did to my original 770. :-0
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