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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | I came across today in a pawn shop an old 1111-4 Balladeer for sale that really looks like it needs a new home (probably not mine, though). The pawn shop is closing, and has some good pricing going on some stuff, though not quite enough to make me jump on this...yet. :D
According to the SN, it's from 1976, and is overall in good shape, but it does seem to have several cracks in the laquer on the back of the neck and headstock, as well as two 4" long finish cracks in the lower left portion of the top. The neck is straight, the frets look good (other than needing a cleaning), and it sounds warm and rich.
Question is - how difficult would these type of finish cracks be to fix? None of my other O's have that type of glossy neck or headstock on them, which looks to be the problem part. Can that be stripped off and redone (i.e. cheaply)?
If I can finagle a good price from the shop, I may pick this one up for a project, or to rejeuvinate and pass along to one of the OFC brethren.
Your thoughts... |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Oops...one other thing: as far as I know, the 1111's were acoustic only, but this one has a hole in the back that appears to be in the normal spot for a 1/4" jack, though there are no electronics to be found.
Peculiar? |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | It's difficult to fix finish cracks, it would need a complete refinish which isn't cheap. Personally if the actual top structure is sound I'd live with a few finish cracks. |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | A finish crack on something this old can't be repaired, but it can be stabilized with thin stew mac glue. Don't refinish. |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | So what's a good fair price for something with some issues? He's asking $180 for it, no case. |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | My cheap solution:
Fill the cracks and sand them flat. They will be visible but not dangerous. I think if there are sufficient finish cracks it can be a point of beauty. I'll show you how. The neck can be stripped down and oiled. You'll like it.
Offer $100-$120 because of the issues. One that is clean and has a case can be had for $200 or so.
I have a 1114 you need to try as well. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Hey, why aren't you in church? |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | On the way to 12:00 service (ha, ha). Check it out if you get a chance - it's at the pawn shop down on Bay street by the Corner Deli. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Cool, there's a guy at work that likes my 1112 a lot.
I still need a good email address from you. I better stop before someone tells us to get a chat room! |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Woody, I pm'ed you, so you should have my email now. |
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Regarding an old Balladeer...