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Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | My exile from buying another guitar is almost over (01/01/11). I originally had a new Martin in mind (not sure which one). Then I considered O's or Adamas, but none have caught my eye. So now, I'm reaching back into my childhood... My old double cutaway, hollow body Toyota. I am currently looking at a vintage (late 60's) Gibson Barney Kessel Regular or used Gibson Johnny A Signature. Both are around the same price.
Here is my dilemma:
The BK is in excellent condition, priced a little higher (negotiable), and has a 1-9/16" nut.
Played it. Sounds great, looks great, plays very nice. I didn't know about the narrow nut when I played it, so I cant say it bothered me. But now its a concern.
The JA is in near mint condition, priced right with room for negotiations, but has a Bigsby Trem.
Haven't played it, only saw pics of it and heard it thru other player's recordings. All the reviews are 4-5 stars. But I've heard about tuning issues with Bigsby's. Hard to restring, hard to tune and hard to keep in tune. And I'm not really a trem guy.
I was never concerned about the future value of my guitars because I never sell them. But when spending $3000-$4000, I have to consider it.
Any opinions, thoughts, or advice? |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | 1-9/16"? Even for me with my dinky hands and skinny fingers, I would probably find that neck bothersome. I have an ES-335 CRSTD with a 1-5/8" neck, the thinnest I own, and it is right at the edge of comfort for me. Personally, I'd opt for the JA. Bigsby has been around for many years and is pretty darn reliable, particularly if you never use it. If they're good enough for Hamer, they're good enough for me. I'm not sure I've ever heard of a Bigsby return spring going bad. That would be the only reason that intonation could be compromised. Maybe the more technically qualified can chime in here. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I got a couple of fantastic Collings guitars that are priced in the 3K-4K range.
Also an incredible Takamine EF75 with old growth Brazilian back/side that is an incredible guitar for the money. |
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | I've had many Gibson (still do) and I don't care for the late 60s skinny necks. I had a '69 ES-150DC (think ES-335 with a 3" thick body) and a '68 Dove, both with the late 60s skinny neck. In both cases, the first couple days were magic but the novelty wore off and I wanted a 'normal' neck. It took those few days to come to that conclusion though, and buyer's remorse on a Barney Ke$$el will be tough to deal with. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by stephent28:
I got a couple of fantastic Collings guitars that are priced in the 3K-4K range.
Also an incredible Takamine EF75 with old growth Brazilian back/side that is an incredible guitar for the money. I forgot to mention that the guitars mentioned above are available for sale and they all have 1 3/4" necks. |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Don't go with the skinny neck unless you really need to get a strangle hold. Get a veillette jazz for about $3000, you will be happy. |
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Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1456
Location: Texas | Originally posted by Auriemma:
My exile from buying another guitar is almost over (01/01/11). I originally had a new Martin in mind (not sure which one). Then I considered O's or Adamas, but none have caught my eye. So now, I'm reaching back into my childhood... My old double cutaway, hollow body Toyota. I am currently looking at a vintage (late 60's) Gibson Barney Kessel Regular or used Gibson Johnny A Signature. Both are around the same price.
Any opinions, thoughts, or advice? Auriemma,
Just in case you haven't been keeping up with postings lately, and since you mentioned that you're returning from "guitar-buying exile," I'll throw a big wrench in the works:
Based on the guitars listed in your sig, it seems to me that one of the 1581 Adamas II\'s that Al is offering would be a great bargain that would fit nicely into your lineup?
Not to discourage you from getting either of the two exceptional guitars that you are considering… and obviously a hollow-body electric is a completely different beast which would also be a nice addition to your arsenal… but timing is everything, and you'll never get another chance to grab a brand-new Adamas at anywhere near the price Al is offering…
Just trying to muddy the waters… ;) |
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Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | Let me start off by replying that my 1868T is my #1. It stays out while all the others make trips to and from the closet.
I have considered another O/A and the 1581 is a great guitar and Al has a helluva deal, no doubt. But, I'm not a deep bowl guy. I have a 1751 12 string and I love the sound, but the deep bowl (for me) is a real pain to play. Blame it on my belly.
Your help is appreciated.
Question for Alpep:
Was the the Adamas you had at the Philadelphia Guitar Show the 1581? |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4536
Location: Flahdaw | How about THIS
Doubt you'll ever lose any money on a well bought one of these |
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OT - Need buying advice. No O's or A's involved.