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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Is this one worth my attention? It's just popped up on Aussie eBay. (Hands off AJ - I've got first dibs.)
Breadwinner project.
I know nothing about the solid bodies, other than I'd like to own a UKII one day.
From the look of the pictures and brief description, what pitfalls would I be looking to avoid if I took this on, if the price was right?
And what do you think I would need to source to finish it. (It will probably sit in the shed for a few years, so there's no hurry.) |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Assuming it works as he states, other than a handful of screws, the hardest parts to find are going to be the neck plate and battery access plate. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Muzza,
I'm already bidding.
Sorry mate saw it before I saw your post. Nothing gets past me lol.
I have a neck plate and battery cover as it so happens.
I'll let you have a play lol.
We must get this Aussie Jam happening
AJ |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | I like the chick with the sword and kneepads on the front, but you'll probably want to refinish the whole thing. The neck is also painted on the back and the headstock, so it is a fairly big project.
If the electronics do work, that is a big issue. Pups run about $100 each, and electronics run another $100 (rough prices US$). A new pickguard is about $55 last time I looked at Miles' store.
Tuners sound like they may need to be totally replaced, maybe another $100. Bridges go for a bit over $100 IIRC.
The big issue is going to be fretboard and fret condition. If those need work, that can be a lot of $$.
Someone here advised me six months ago that there are no savings in buying a fixer-upper O solidbody. After pricing things out, that seems to be true unless you can steal the guitar.
In US$, a nice Breadwinner goes for $750 to $900, with original pups, working electronics, and in good condition. Not mint, but good used condition. A few nicks or scratches, frets a little worn but still very usable, and an original case which shows some wear.
To take a fixer-upper and start restoring it, you can quickly put in $400 or a lot more. So, up to maybe $400 for that guitar might be fair. I would be concerned buying it sight unseen. If I could string it up and verify the pups and electronics work, and if the neck is in good shape, it might be a $550 or $600 guitar if all it needs is one tuner and new strings. The customized artwork is a big value killer. The finish is pretty rough looking on the whole thing, plus it is missing all kinds of hardware.
Another way to look at it is it's parts value. Neck in OK condition needing tuners, body needing refinishing, used pickguard with working (he says) pups and electronics, nylon saddle bridge in well used appearance. Maybe $400. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Originally posted by AussieJames:
I'm already bidding. 9 days to go and you're bidding already???
I'm gonna have to fill you in on how to 'use' eBay, ain't I?? :rolleyes:
Originally posted by AussieJames:
We must get this Aussie Jam happening I'll be visiting Ozwatto in July - he doesn't visit the old farts club very often these days. Must've started smoking again and can't face us.
Hopefully we will have met up before then. Maybe I can relieve you of one of those UKII's.
If you keep bidding against me, as soon as I find out where you live, I'm gonna let your tyres down. :p |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by muzzlitebeer:
Is this one worth my attention? It's just popped up on Aussie eBay. (Hands off AJ - I've got first dibs.)
Breadwinner project.
I know nothing about the solid bodies, other than I'd like to own a UKII one day.
From the look of the pictures and brief description, what pitfalls would I be looking to avoid if I took this on, if the price was right?
And what do you think I would need to source to finish it. (It will probably sit in the shed for a few years, so there's no hurry.)
I'd be curious to know why it was disassembled in the first place and has stayed in this state through at least 2 owners. According to the seller the "art work is the previous owner's"
Don't bid too high in case it's a pig without a poke.
Too bad something as identifying a serial number was printed on a part removable from the main body of the guitar. All guitar manufacturers have been guilty of this from time to time. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | I have obviously nudged past the event horizon... I bid on this one.
I have a backplate, neckplate, tuners, some electronics and a keen desire to see what lies beneath the Polane!
Since I have 2 of AJ's Vipers on the bench already I could try to make it all available at the OFC NW 4th of July BBQ, Bash and International Cultural gathering.
I am also finding the devalued Dollar is taking it's toll on my bottom feeding. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Originally posted by MWoody:
I have obviously nudged past the event horizon... I bid on this one. Your tyres are gonna go down too, Woody. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | All four on the lorry or just the ones on the bonnet end? Are you fluting the bladders or just gunnysacking the ports?
I need to brush up on my Strine if I want to survive around here. |
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August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | OK, Woody and AJ.
Who's bidder 1 and who's bidder 2? :confused: |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | "Frankly, in all the excitement I can't remember if I fired six or five. Feeling lucky punk?"
My feedback is 272 |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by muzzlitebeer:
Your tyres are gonna go down too, Woody. Try to make it for the July 4th gathering. We could make an Olympic Event of it!
(too many entendres to count....) |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | OK, so who's winning it?
If nobody owns up, I might still throw a bid at it.
I don't want to go up against another 'Old Fart', though. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | If you don't bid what you think it's worth then someone else is bound to.
The Winner is the one that gets what they want by bidding the most. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | I'm bidding and waiting to pounce
AJ |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | I am Bidder #3 and unless I find a check in my mailbox tonight I have made my final run on this early Aussie Weiner!
If someone here gets it I may be able to assist with some parts.
If I get it, it may end up with a 12 string neck on it! |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I believe congratulations are in order, AJ. :D |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Good one! |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Thanks Guys
I'll post some pics when it's in one piece.
Hey Mike want to play with this?
AJ |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | I am currently knee deep in projects I hope to finish prior to the fourth of July.
But I can never say no to a body like that... |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Hey, had a bit of a win with this.
The seller emailed me to say he had the original BW case and did I want it.
He didn't list it in the auction as he was expecting the guitar to be sold OS (Ha :D ) and figured the shipping cost with case would put people off.
Picked it up for an extra $65.
I'm very happy considering there is one for sale on Ebay US currently at $204
You gotta have some luck sometime
AJ :) |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | You "waltzed" that one mate!
Cool! |
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WOODY! Help! Or any guitar repairers / rebuilders!