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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 77
Location: Texas | Hi everyone,
I found a used 1615-4 Pacemaker 12 string (and original HS case) at a local Guitar Center. Bought guitar and case for $460.
On initial lookover at the store, it was in very good condition. No cracks on the top, no neck twists, no dents. It appeared to be sitting in its case for 25 years.
Brought it home, prepared to re-string it. On closer examination, noticed the following:
There is a hairline crack on the back of the neck where the headstock joins the neck that starts at the edge of the nut, and travels across the back of the neck to the other edge of the nut.
I now have to decide if I want to keep this guitar as is, or take it back for a refund.
Questions:
1) Is this a known issue, does this happen to other 1615-4's?
2) Might this be a "ok" problem? Or, is the headstock going to snap off?
I know the Mother Ship could fix it, but I really don't want to spend any more $'s if I don't have to.
Thanks for any help with this! It was after reading posts on this site that I decided to buy the Pacemaker.
I already have a "O" S771 6 string. Was looking to add a 12 string to the fold.
Regards,
-egkor (Gary K) |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Is the crack in the wood? Or is it in the gloss finish?
If it's in the wood...Not good. Get the refund if you don't want to spend on repair.
Ovations are notoriously well made 12 strings...not a common problem...the guitar may have fallen on the headstock... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Having a finish crack there is fairly common.
My '76 DBalladeer has one there.
Have it scrutinized to determine the extent of the crack . . . |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 77
Location: Texas | Thanks for info!
It is a "hairline" crack. So I can't tell if it is a finish/surface crack, or one that goes into the wood.
If I had to guess I would say it is a finish crack, and does not go into the wood.
I'm going to notify the store and salesperson about it. I have 30 days to return it.
At this point I plan on re-stringing, and seeing how the Pacemaker sounds, plays, and intonates with a fresh set of strings.
I really want to keep the guitar, and probably will, unless I find out the crack is a major issue.
Thanks again,
-Gary K |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | GoodLuck w/it.
They're great guitars! |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 77
Location: Texas | Thank you Cliff! |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 77
Location: Texas | And, thank you Jeff W. ! |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I just bought a 1115 Pacemaker from our own Seesquare, due to arrive on Monday...I hope you like yours. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 77
Location: Texas | Now I've got all the strings off the Pacemaker.
I need to tighten up the pre-amp, as it "spins" inside the body when the volume knob is turned.
One other thing I notice about this Pacemaker: The fiberglass is flimsy where the volume control shaft passes through the body. If I move the pre-amp gently (from inside the body), I can see the fiberglass flex on the outside. This makes me feel a bit unsettled. Were they this way from the factory?
Also need to install a battery.
And, give it some Kyser fret oil, and some polish.
And strings.
And then we will have a descision to make: Keep or return.
Thanks,
-Gary K |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Jeff, the 1115 is supposed to arrive tomorrow, according to the shipper's website.
Gary, I suspect somebody bumped the volume knob pretty good. You might remove the preamp briefly, and flow a little cyanocrylate glue around the orifice, from the inside. Careful not to get it on your fingers! Most likely, that neck crack is not life-threatening.
Great instrument, Gary- I'd figure out a way to keep it. I just wasn't playing mine, and I needed the money. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it....... |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 77
Location: Texas | Thanks to everyone that provided info for this Pacemaker project.
I got all the strings off, gave the fingerboard some Kysers, gave the top some Gibson polish, tightened up the pre-amp where it does not turn with the volume knob, installed a new battery, and re-strung.
At least now I can say "I restrung a 12 string slot head guitar". :)
Brought it all up to pitch. The new strings did fix the intonation problems. I used D'Addario EJ38 12-String/Lights (Phosphor Bronze).
However, I'm finding the Pacemaker does not sound (acoustically) how I hoped it would sound, althought it does sound "performance good".
I'm finding it easy to play open chords, and single note picking. But, I find it harder to play a "bar" chord.
And, it's just not "speaking to me".
So I'm going to return it, and with what little "tune up" I did to it, I think someone will get a good clean A/E 12 string at a good price.
I think what I want is a 12 string with more frets clear of the body (longer scale?). Wouldn't this reduce string tension, and make it easier to play?
Thanks again,
-Gary K |
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1615-4 Pacemaker 12 string, neck crack