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Location: Jet City | I mean, wouldn't we all? Coming up with 5 figures might be an issue for me though, so I'd like to start the discussion out with something equally unique (if not more), and a bit older.... The Jim Messina Deacon 
If you're a member of the elite group that owns an original Adamas, odds are you know this guitar or have heard of it already, but I'll give a brief background of what I know. Others, feel free to add to it if you know more. No, it's not a "Woody", though he says it's what inspired his love of wooden pickguards. This guitar was built in 1975 for Jim Messina, though Messina never took possesion of it. Everything you see (except strings) is how it came from the factory. Aside from it's stunning adornments of abalone, exotic wood veneers, custom truss rod cover, tuners and a flamed maple fingerboard that makes your mouth water just looking at, this one has something no other Deacon has... It's chambered. If you look closely you'll see the body is actually 2 pieces. They hollowed out the middle and sandwiched two pieces of mahogany together. The guitar is super light and has a sound like no other Deacon on the planet. It's in showroom condition. Aside from a very tiny ding on the backside of neck, it is absolutely flawless. THIS GUITAR IS NOT FOR SALE (unless of course you threw some rediculous numbers at me), I am looking to work out some sort of trade situation for: (in order of desire) Original Slothead skinny nut Original Slothead wide nut OFC 1 maybe an 08c Thanks for looking. Here's some eye candy... 
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Location: Jet City | I forgot... a 47RI is an option as well.
Thanks |
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Location: SoCal | Man, I want that blanket so bad...... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | If you want the OSH for historical or collect ability reasons that's one thing. But you can't justify that it's sound is worth 3x an OFC I or a 47RI model. The difference in sound (if there IS any) is in the ear of the beholder. And keep in mind that from a fit/finish and quality standpoint the OSH cannot hold a candle to the reissues. I own all three and play/compare them side by side constantly. The OFC I or 47RI are a steal. And the 08C is the sleeper in the whole bunch. Some say they never warmed up to the 08C (more likely they listen with their eyes) but for me it's definitely in the same discussion as the others.
Good luck in your search whichever way you go. |
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Location: Jet City | I haven't had the chance to side-by-side. My first experience was with the OFC1, and it being the very first Adamas I ever held, well, I was pretty blown away.
Then Bobbo came up for a visit with his OSH, and again, blown away.
Last year I was out at Stephen's and had the chance to wrap my arms around the Wings guitar, and that finally did me in. I've pretty much had it in my head since.
I haven't had a chance to experience the RI or 08. The 08 really suites my style the best, but the stories of the gold trim tarnishing have me a tad concerned. Everything else though... it's the perfect Adamas.
I'm keeping options open. I hate to lose the JM, but the bug has me.
I do appreciate that input though. I can't think of too many folks who would have better insight.
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | I'm convinced that red blanket is the same one Hugh got Marilyn to pose on... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I'll bring my 47RI the next time I come up to Seattle. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Well played my friend! |
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Location: Milano, ITALY | I have some good roundbacks, including the A3, the BlueBoy, a gold 1687 made for Bill Kaman and the 08. The 08 is a totally different guitar. I don't say "better", I say "different". It takes a while to be understood, but after a while it can deliver incredible sound nuances and an enormous playing pleasure.
Edited by alberto 2015-03-14 8:11 AM
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Damon, your photography skills continue to amaze me. You have a wonderful eye for guitar porn. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, I gotta disagree with Dave. My slothead is clearly a better sounding guitar than the 47RI, 08C or the OFC1 and build quality is equal. 3X better? No, not even 2X better but it is clearly (to my ears) a better sounding guitar. I am one of those who never warmed up to the 08C. It sounded great but I just never cared for the "feel" of that particular model. The 47RI that I had was also a great playing and sounding guitar but was a notch below the OSH so I passed it on to Mark in Boise. All of the OFC1 guitars I have played also were spectacular guitars but also fell slightly short. Maybe the 30 year age difference is the main reason that the OSH has the edge...maybe the difference in value makes me believe there is a difference. Just a slightly different perspective than Dave. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Come on guys... It's the Freakin mojo... mojo matters!
Hold out for the OSH. |
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Location: Canada | Oh boy OFC 1 or #47 are also my dream guitars but way out of my budget. Actually, I'd be very happy with "just" a 1687 RI ... So how come no one talks about the Messina and its merits?
Edited by d'ovation 2015-03-14 10:56 AM
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Location: Colorado | The Messina looks great...Jim let more unique guitars leave his hands than most pros. I know I get narrow minded...but to me two things that make a great sounding acoustic (after the person playing it) are the jangle and the sustain....OSHs have each...40 years of strumming them I believe really open them up...there were early on discussions as to whether or not a carbon/birch topped guitar would open up...my ears say they do. |
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Location: SoCal | As with any discussion of guitars, this is my subjective input.
I have #50 OSH, #003 47RI, and 7/12 of OFC. #50 and OFC are a/e, 47RI is acoustic.
The cost to me of the guitars:
$12,500 #50 in yr 2009 from 1976;
$4,320 for the OFC in yr 2007 (after deducting the graphite case but adding $120 cost of a 9158-0). Should be noted that the graphite case is the case I use for which ever slothead if I take it out.
$3,269 for the 47RI in yr 2006 (after replacing the 8158-0 - advertised with a 9158-0 but Brother Bobby at Oklahoma Vintage ships with the lower level case for all of his cases per the factory.)
Evaluation of appearance is subjective depending on whether you like a -7, -2, or -8. Appears from history of #50 was that it spent almost all of its time in a case as it is in NOS condition.
As to playability, probably too close to 'call'. 47RI, as it is acoustic, has some limitations v. the other two have pre-amps. Even though I have several of the newer pre-amps made for the reissues, no need to upgrade #50.
Based on my subjective (as well as several better guitar players), as to projection, tone, resonance, etc., #50 is 100%, 47RI is at 90%, and OFC is at 85%. This is also what appears to be what the reaction is by those that played them (wow, fantastic, unbelievable, etc.) Not completely fair as I have noticed that a guitar without a pre-amp and battery box has a slightly better acoustic sound than a similar model with the pre-amp.
When I got my first Adamas I 1687 (non slothead), I recognized how superior it was to any other Adamas (CVT, SMT). Personally, it also is superior to the couple of my Martins (HD28-VS slothead, D25-K2, and D12-45), Takamines (to include the EF75 and 45th), and my Custom Legend Ovations although this may be my bias towards the textured top Adamas.
Being realistic, tough to look at any of the three if you have children (let alone the costs of college), etc. You can have a wonderful experience with the 47RI or OFC for well under half of the cost of the OSH. A non slothead Adamas I for about 21% of an OSH. An 'A' braced, AAA top, etc., on an Ovation would make you a believer for about 16% of an OSH.
As to the differences between the OSH, 47RI, and OFC...kind of like which Ferrari, if you could afford it (which I can't), would you buy and would you use it as a daily driver or just drive it for special occasions. All three are guitars are excellent, are rarely offered, appreciate, and are prized by those who have them. Problem with the 47RI and OFC is that you can find out that you can't be satisfied unless you have the 'holy grail".
If you had a chance to play all three and you won the lottery and someone offered you the OSH, which one would you buy? Problem is that an OSH rarely ever comes to market.
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Nicely put Tony :-)
I drove the 47RI, loved the color, the engine purred sooo nice, but the steering wheel was just a little too narrow for my big hands
I got to fondle both a standard and widebody OSH, couldn't find anything wrong except the sticker shock...the 5 digit price tag was just too much and way outside my skillset.
Got home to the OFC 1 Widebody and knew I had found my right fit: got the looks, got the sound, got the grip...didn't bust the bank and in 40 years I figure they'll either be junk or worth 5 digit themselves :-)
Edited by Tim in Tidewater 2015-03-14 2:35 PM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I actually got to touch a Slothead at Damon's house at the 2011 PNW Gathering.
It was a memorable experience. I keep a photo in my wallet. 
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Priceless OMA !!! |
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Location: Canada | Tony Calman - 2015-03-14 1:17 PM $4,320 for the OFC in yr 2007 (after deducting the graphite case but adding $120 cost of a 9158-0). Should be noted that the graphite case is the case I use for which ever slothead if I take it out. $3,269 for the 47RI in yr 2006 (after replacing the 8158-0 - advertised with a 9158-0 but Brother Bobby at Oklahoma Vintage ships with the lower level case for all of his cases per the factory.) So other than the added electronics, what accounts for the markup of OFC 1 vs. 47RI. Smaller number produced or other value-added factors? |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | They were a very limited run of 12 made for the OFC thru AlPep's efforts, not like the 87+ of the 47RI that rolled out for the general public. They were also individually signed by Al and Bill Kaman with supporting documentation and sound tests. Plus lots of goodies and the graphite case and cover bag.
I'll borrow a link here to Karl's baby at Ovation Tribute
http://www.ovationtribute.com/Adamas_Slotheads/OFC_Adamas_Slothead_...
Edited by Tim in Tidewater 2015-03-14 4:04 PM
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | ...and actually, looking back at my receipt for the 47RI, it was $4000 with tax and shipping, so there wasn't that much difference. |
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Location: Colorado | Serious Case Candy...when I bought my OSH, it didn't even come with a case..."ol George charged me fiddy for a used one in the back. |
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Location: SoCal | Why the difference? The factory charged for a limited run (OFC) and charged less than they should for the 47RI.
Remember the textured top UTE? What a steal. Next year, they came out with a CVT at almost twice the cost. Major difference between the textured top and a CVT. |
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Location: SoCal | I believe that if another OSH comes to market in the next five years, it will sell for over $16,000.
Edited by Tony Calman 2015-03-14 9:06 PM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | No chance of someone not knowing what they've got, huh? 
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Location: SoCal | I should add that the ONLY REASON the OFC guitar was made was due to Al's (LostArtVintage) efforts over several years of hard work to get approval, his long time reputation at the factory, and heavy pushing to ensure the specs were correct. I am sure that the archives still have the number of postings concerning. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I had an OFC-I and one factor that's not talked about is the "opening up" affect. It seems a bit more dramatic with the Carbon Fiber tops to my ears. Hands down the best sounding and loudest Slothead I have heard in Cliff's. Nothing else comes near it. He's played it nearly every day it seems for many years. While short-term opening up of a guitar may be subjective... the top vibrating for all these years has to loosen it up. I heard the same or similar tone in my OFC-I, but not the kick. The volume just wan't there, and as it wasn't really my style nor would was I ever likely to play it enough to open-up, it moved on and its place is an OFC-II. I love the sound, and I think the OFC-II is the cream-of-the-crop as it were. The best of everything, except maybe for not being a slotted headstock which I believe... just like the string angle over the bridge affects feel and tone, over the nut does as well.
The 47RI and the OFC-I and the slotheads I have heard sound very similar to me with one exception. The Original slotheads that I have heard, were played a lot over the years. Cliff's is the loudest and the others a pretty loud too. Tone wise, they are all in the same ball-park.
I guess what I'm saying is that I do believe there is a peak as to how far a guitar will open up. At a certain point the stress points are no longer at stress and it's as loud as it's going to get. In that light, the conversation of OSH, 47RI and OFC-I won't really be valid for another 20-30 years. Will one of the OFC's or the RI47's open up as much as Cliff's if it's played for another 20 years? We'll just have to wait and see... or er hear as the case may be. |
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Location: Munich, Germany | Since it's a discussion of prices right now - what do you think should one get for a #47RI in perfect condition? In Europe? Because sometimes I think about selling it, since I have my Custom "47RI"-7 and hardly play the red one. Although it is the better one, but I'm a die hard fan of these beige Adamas guitars.
Thanks,
Kurt |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | When I compared Mark's original slot head No. 43 against my OFC-1, there was a noticeable difference in resonance. No. 43 wasn't particularly louder to my ears, but it just resonated forever. Of course, the OFC guitar was still relatively new at the time. The fact that Mark played No. 43 on the road for many years as a pit musician certainly had something to do with this. I don't play my OFC-1 much, but it has hung on a rack in front of a 15" speaker that is blaring six hours every week, and has done so for the past six years. I wonder if it has now opened up? Maybe it's time for a new comparo. We could also include the OFC-2 which hangs off the ceiling in front the same same PA speaker in the band room. |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Hum...I wonder if that might be my old OFC II ? Another one were the steering wheel was just too small....
Sorry to highjack your thread Damon, oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Still got that wide neck OFC2 waiting for you Tim.
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | I know Stephen, but short of selling off several more guitars, I can't afford it...as much as I really want it.
Selling the 1688 allowed me to payoff all my Snap-On tool debt and the last credit card... |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Tim Luton - 2015-03-16 6:41 AM
I know Stephen, but short of selling off several more guitars, I can't afford it...as much as I really want it.
Selling the 1688 allowed me to payoff all my Snap-On tool debt and the last credit card...
But with all that money you're saving on haircuts and razors? |
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Location: Halifax, nova scotia | guys, I hope I'm not hijacking the thread. how would the volume and sound on an original Josh White shiny bowl compare to the osh? I find it to be the loudest and most resonant guitar in my stable. I have no experience with anything adamas. |
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Location: Halifax, nova scotia | guys, I hope I'm not hijacking the thread. how would the volume and sound on an original Josh White shiny bowl compare to the osh? I find it to be the loudest and most resonant guitar in my stable. I have no experience with anything adamas. |
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Location: Colorado | Prof...#43 is ready for another sleepover....perhaps the Tak Opry would like to come up to Broomfield for a week or so .......then 43 would have a hanger to hang on....just let me know...it has been a few years now...curious to hear and read what you may think...I'm guessing 43 has not changed...and the OFC1 might have.
May thru August - #43 is going back to work for a while....Go figure ...I got a gig! |
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Location: SoCal | Not sure about an original but I have played a reissue, as well as my unique braced Artist and shiny bowl Balladeer (just referred to as to age). No comparison as to the Adamas being louder. However, each is a different guitar with a different voice.
I believe we have fallen into the pit of "mine is louder"...it is the magic of the guitar as to purity of sound and the guitar player's experience (as well as an audience) that a guitar should be measured by. Of course, if plugged in, then you can be as loud as your equipment allows. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I've heard some terrible guitars that were very loud.
Yes, the Josh White is a pretty loud guitar, but that's not what makes it special in my opinion. It is an extremely well balanced and open sounding instrument up and down the neck. Some guitars sound great for cowboy chords but then fall apart or turn to mush of you go up the fretboard. No so the Josh White.
Comparing to Adamas is not meaningful. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Hey Mark, let's do a guitar sleepover swap when your gig is over. That'll give me some time to clean up the Opry and change its strings. You want lights or mediums? |
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Location: Colorado | I've never gone after a lot of volume...that's what mics, PAs and pickups are for. Opened up guitars are hard to describe...I think of it by the ease the notes and tone come out of the guitar and sustain the notes...Dave's correct...some guitars are great in first position...others hold their own up and down the neck...some seem to sparkle ...other seem to burst...others seem muted...most are musical...heck...I've found the proper pick and right hand technique sometimes mean more than the guitar...but for that...one has to practice....not purchase |
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Location: Jet City | shameless bump |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | I think the next OSH is going to prised from someone's cold dead hands. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I remember Messina's guitar as having a spruce body. Maybe in the end they swapped it out to the Mahogony.
You really want an original slot head? I'll sell #53, it is a 1187-7 non original case I think, $100,000. No offers or trades considered. Excellent condition.
Is it worth it? Perhaps not, or maybe it is, depends on how bad you want one of only 34 made 39 years ago. |
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Location: Munich, Germany | The -7s are worth it. Definitely! |
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Location: NJ | #54
Original Case.
Signed Letter of Authenticity.
$75K.
Same Terms. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I'd put a signed letter of authenticity but then it would be worth only 50,000. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | All joking aside, I don't think OSH will command the price of a pre-war martin. But certainly the value will continue to rise. Not sure the last one that changed hands. But in my opinion today it would take 15+ to shake one lose. And I'm not even sure I'd sell mine at that price given the fact that it could never be replaced. Sad thing is when I die the wife will probably just put it out in the garage sale with the rest of my crap. You may want to contact her in advance. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well joking aside I see where prewar herringbones go from 60,000 to 120,000. There were a lot more than 34 of those made. Hell, there were 92 D45s made. So as far as rarity goes it is hard to beat an original slothead. Just how bad does someone want one? Yes I know we're all talking bollix here but... |
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Location: Jet City | I do want one... but it's not really a historical thing for me or what the value will rise to. After drooling over "Wings" over at Stephen's, I got the bug. The thing was so light, so responsive to the lightest of touches, the attention to detail, the carvings, etc it was awesome in pretty much every way. I just wanna play one... Have it here for me to love on for a bit before I go myself.
If you read through the thread a bit, you'll see I really don't care if it's an original, an OFC I, or even the '08 (maybe). The 47ri has much less of a pull for me as I'd like to have the option of plugging in.
But yeah, no matter how bad I wanted it or for what reasons, a 6 figure price tag would be a bit steep for me. I was basing my request on what I had seen floating around in the archives.
Things change, and when I had originally posted this, pretty much any hope of another one being built were dashed. If the shop does get reopened, I'll just have to commission one I s'pose.
Edited by Damon67 2015-05-14 12:41 PM
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Location: Upper Left USA | The Five Stages of Acquisition:
Infatuation, Justification, Appropriation, Obsession, and Resale |
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Location: Jet City | MWoody - 2015-05-14 10:38 AM The Five Stages of Acquisition: Infatuation, Justification, Appropriation, Obsession, and Resale Resale/trade I have a hard time letting 'em go. Even when I was unemployed and pretty much had to. There has to be some redundancy or major lack of interest... Or a guy a ferry ride away with something else to trade for  |
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Location: Tennessee | And how many of those 34 are still around? Maybe somebody will get lucky and find one sitting in a closet or under a bed ... it'd be like finding a 1955 300SL in a barn, except rarer.
And like StandingOvation said, how many would actually ever be for sale and at what price? I don't know that Beal or Cliff are that far off when all is said and done. The one I've got will NEVER be put up for sale so it it quite literally priceless ... if it ever leaves my possession it will be handed down for someone special to treasure and I expect the next owner will do the same.
So while pre-war Martins are the bomb and fetch high prices, you can always find them for sale on the open market. I've only seen four slotheads on the market in the last 10 years.
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | stonebobbo - 2015-05-14 12:13 PM And how many of those 34 are still around? I've only seen four slotheads on the market in the last 10 years. and those didn't last long and I think one or two never even made it to open market. |
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Location: Jet City | Well... 2 are up now. $75k and $100k
I knew I'd be opening a can of worms starting the thread. I also knew I'd never have one if I sat around and watched for one to come up on the open market.
Hopefully we'll get the custom shop open again.
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Location: SoCal | Amazing that in 2009, two of them were bought in the same week (Stephent28 and myself). Haven't heard of another being offered in the last six years.
#50 1687-7 (rated 95) for $30,000...this offer to sell and the amount is subject to change as I may come to my senses later.
Frankly, I don't think the 39 year old Adamas pre-production slot head can be matched (or even close). Sorry, but my #003 47RI and the OFC guitar are great but not close.
Personally, I would rather have an excellent condition Adamas pre-production slothead than a pre-war Brazilian Martin. Not sure but I believe there only about 17 that we even know where they are.
Edited by Tony Calman 2015-05-14 3:01 PM
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Ah...... I just remembered about Cliff's letter of authenticity. That alone is worth 10 grand, even with the signature. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | On last count I knew of 11 or the 34 and that was when we had the reunion at the factory all those years ago. Maybe we know of more now? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | cwk2 - 2015-05-14 2:54 PM
Ah...... I just remembered about Cliff's letter of authenticity. That alone is worth 10 grand, even with the signature.
11 grand including the cashew |
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Location: Utah | Damon, is the pickguard on the Messina a solid piece of wood with binding, or is it a plastic pickguard with a wood lamination?
The fretboard is amazing! The workmanship looks flawless, especially the fret ends and the way the wood is slightly rounded over. Do you know what kind of wood it is? |
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Location: Jet City | It's a real piece of wood laminate on the pickguard. The TRC is all wood.
The fretboard looks even better in person. Pretty sure it's flamed maple. It's pretty apparent there was some extra effort put in on this one. It's also very clean, looks brand new. I know Mike took good care of it, but wherever it came from initially, it must've sat in it's case forever... unplayed.
It doesn't sound like any other Deacon I've had... and that's a good thing in my mind. The others went away cuz I couldn't get the sounds I wanted from them.
It's really a fantastic instrument. I just had a bug for a slot head and thought it might pique interest, flush something out, and work towards payment of that something.
Hasn't panned out. It was a long shot. I'll just play her.
I suppose if we're talking rare... there's only one of these. |
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Location: Utah | Seems like a candidate for a Reissue. I enjoy my Deacon but it is a bit on the heavy side. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | No, if you do a reissue make it of something that everyone wanted and loved, not a one off of something that was weird to begin with. That's the **** phuckner and gibstone do reissues of everything they ever thought of. Come on DW is a class act and needs to act that way |
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Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | As we are posting about a historic guitar...
Several times earlier and recently in the DW Q&A, I asked if the historic prototypes and models that had been displaced at the factory are still there, if DW has them, or if Fender took them.
These are, in my mind, priceless. If still at the factory or secured by DW, fine.
If Fender, guess it depends if they took them before or after the sale to DW was completed. Either way, Fender maggots are the last group of individuals that I would want to have them.
If some of former employees grabbed them (similar to the Greek monks grabbing historic records to hide them in the caves when invaded by Turkey/Ottoman Empire, and now bring them back, then we are in their debt.
Inquisitive minds (at least me) want to know...If someone has the answer and doesn't want it posted, send me a PM such as "don't worry".
Edited by Tony Calman 2015-05-15 9:45 PM
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Location: Indiana | I think it's safe to say we've all been curious about those historic instruments. |
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July 2005
Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | OK Cliff...you can go ahead and post here the Slothead Reunion pic....the one with the OSHs in front, the Cutout of Charlie, the protos in the back, and to quote Mad Magazine - the usual cast of idiots in the middle...it has been a while...heck - post the purple ghia too! I was in awe of every person, and every guitar. As far as #43 goes....Professor has 1st dibbs but he'll have to arm-wrestle my daughter Sam prior....and her biceps are impressive. I have been meaning to communicate a little with Yusuf Islam....though his politics and I are like DaVinci...and Picasso....meaning not comparable...the records show he got a unique one among the 34....there was only one brown....wonder if he still has it or knows where it is...or if someone here knows...but just won't or should not tell. There was also one 12er...but it has been brought up before and I believe its whereabouts are known. BTW ...is 2016 the 40th anniversary of the Slothead? |
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Location: Colorado | BTW - no one writes a better letter of authenticity than Beal...no one! |
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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | It a perfect dream world, #34 would end up on my doorstep.
I'd love to "Play it now, play it now, play it now my baby"
It was my first concert, went with mom. He was playing the slothead. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | After much contemplation (and the realization I probably will not be able to find/afford it), as much as I'd love to have an original, an 08c is closer to my playing style and would get the most use. Or I'll get one built when/if the new prodution starts going. Just like the original but cutaway (eppies on both sides, not like single on the 08) and electronics. Red or blue though.... now that's a tough decision.
Edited by Damon67 2015-05-19 12:15 PM
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I seem to remember that the 12 string resides in Japan... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Damon, would you be interested in an OFC I ? Check you PM. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | There was a -2 original Slothead that surfaced some years ago at the Columbus Ohio Guitar show (not completely sure of the venue) that Al saw and posted pics of...last I heard of that guitar...looked a little on the "needing TLC" side from what I remember...I think I copied the pics...I'll see if I can find them...
Edited by MusicMishka 2015-05-19 12:35 PM
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I think Cat's slothead got damaged or lost not long after he got it and they replaced it with another one. Something like that.
Artie Milano passed his on to his son, but I don't know if the son still lives in Phx area or not. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and then there is this one Damon...... even more rare than the elusive slotheads!
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Location: Sydney, Australia | That's no good - it's missing two strings! |
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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | Stephen, this guy from Oregon ended up at the house for one of our typical Saturday eve jams. He was up for the Tacoma Guitar Show. Dude builds some badass custom basses...
Edited by Damon67 2015-05-20 3:11 AM
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Location: Munich, Germany | You could always have my 47RI, if you don't find anything better and electrify it.
Best regards,
Kurt |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | damon67 - 2015-05-20 2:03 AM Stephen, this guy from Oregon ended up at the house for one of our typical Saturday eve jams. He was up for the Tacoma Guitar Show. Dude builds some badass custom basses...
hell of a jam song Damon. Kicked some serious ***.
was that a scroll head on that bass ala 60's Ampeg? |
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December 2001
Posts: 7231
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | damon67 - 2015-05-15 9:19 AM
It's a real piece of wood laminate on the pickguard. The TRC is all wood.
The fretboard looks even better in person. Pretty sure it's flamed maple. It's pretty apparent there was some extra effort put in on this one. It's also very clean, looks brand new. I know Mike took good care of it, but wherever it came from initially, it must've sat in it's case forever... unplayed.
It doesn't sound like any other Deacon I've had... and that's a good thing in my mind. The others went away cuz I couldn't get the sounds I wanted from them.
It's really a fantastic instrument. I just had a bug for a slot head and thought it might pique interest, flush something out, and work towards payment of that something.
Hasn't panned out. It was a long shot. I'll just play her.
I suppose if we're talking rare... there's only one of these.
I believe it's chambered as well. That's why the difference in sound. It's not a "solid body" in the truest sense. |
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Location: Jet City | Koenig Kurt - 2015-05-20 2:35 AM You could always have my 47RI, if you don't find anything better and electrify it. Best regards, Kurt That is an option, and I'll definately keep that in mind, thaks Kurt! |
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Location: Jet City | stephent28 - 2015-05-20 8:32 AM was that a scroll head on that bass ala 60's Ampeg? Yeah, a modern take on it. His work is really nice, all the way down to recessing the tailpiece and picups into the body. I just saw the one, but I googeld up his name and found some images. Cool stuff... http://georgefilgate.com/p362905510
Edited by Damon67 2015-05-20 1:11 PM
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Location: Jet City | mileskb - 2015-05-20 10:21 AM I believe it's chambered as well. That's why the difference in sound. It's not a "solid body" in the truest sense. Yes. I'm unsure if the JR Deacon is or not, so the Messina could very well be the only chambered Deacon. If not, 1 of 2. |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Sorry Damon, but everytime I see the title of this thread, I can't stop thinking "Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a mercedes benz ..." |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Yes, that is some nice work. Good to see the unique designs vs the constant variations of the same guitars by Fender and Gibson. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | richard.parker - 2015-05-20 9:21 PM ..."Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a mercedes benz ..." My friends all play slotheads, I must make amends |
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Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | " Yes an original slothead is the means and the ends" ..... |
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