Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 843
Location: CA | Got my 1867 Legend back from the Mothership and thought you would be interested in a report.
I bought this guitar on eBay (yes, I know — slapping self silly). But it was cheap. I learned the extent of why when it arrived. The neck was way out of alignment — sunk in where it meets the body and the tail was way high, resulting in strings that were more than 1/4" from fretboard about mid neck. You could almost shoot arrows with the thing. Plus there were many nicks, scratches and scuffs. In short, it looked like the previous owner had used the guitar to pound in fence posts — and then shoot arrows.
Based on the amazing testimonials and photos of mothership reincarnations the factory had done for members of this forum, I shipped her off. An estimate came back of $400 to reset the neck, refret the guitar (some nearest the nut had little divots worn by the strings), fix the electronics and do a general cleanup and tuneup.
I must say the result, five weeks later, is impressive — with one reservation. The neck, up to where it joins the body, is dead straight and the action butter smooth. It's one of the most comfortable necks I've ever felt on any guitar. However, in the last 5-6 inches, the fretboard still takes a very visible downhill plunge, as though it is 'sunk into' the top. Granted, I don't have the chops to play those top frets hardly at all, but it seemed curious that it should be that way, so I emailed Kim at the factory. He explained that although the neck was removed and recut for the reset, the drop-off after the 14th fret is normal. "We could set the neck so that the board is straight all the way out to the end, like an electric, but this usually causes playability problems (buzzing) when the guitar is played acoustically. The extra space between the frets and strings on the upper octave let the strings vibrate naturally."
Okay, that works for me. As I said, I rarely play up there and if I feel compelled, I'll just haul out the old Strat and flail away.
Every bit as impressive as the neck was the amazing cleanup job the factory did. The top, neck and even tuners were polished to mirror consistency and it really brings out the tobacco burst finish nicely. There are still small dings and a few small cracks in the bout and rosette, but in a way, they fit. Along with the yellowed and crazed bindings on the neck and body, it gives this old road warrior a 'been there, done that' look that I really like.
And wow, for a shallow body, the guitar really rings. I haven't even tried the pickup yet, but I give Mom an A on this project for sure. (I will try to take and post photos, but don't have any right at the moment.)
Of course, when all was said and done, I could have bought a Custom Legend being sold on local Craiglist for what I have in this guitar. But I did it largely to experience the mothership's work for myself. Must say it is good to know that there are still a few enclaves of craftsmanship and good customer service left out there. |
Mom and Apple Pie
