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Joined: December 2002 Posts: 6
Location: England | Hi,
Just registered, pretty good board !!
Just bought a 'new' Elite 1868 from a small local shop. Really happy with it, and got it really cheap - but looked up the model number to find it was a late 1999 instrument !! So no wonder. (Over here in England a lot of people dont seem to understand the difference between the USA and other models, so Elite dont seem to sell all that well)
The fret board is not dark like the latest pictures on the O website - ie ebony. So what material would it be on mine ? In fact what is the spec on what I have just bought ?
I had to have a quick look inside the body to check out the quality - very impressive. BUT, I was shocked to notice a 4 inch long logitudinal split in one of the large braces. It is still adhered OK, and there is certainly absolutely no sign of any other knocks or damage, and it sounds fine. But it is a 2mm split that follows the grain.
I'm taking it back to the shop tomorrow, but I would like to know what experienced Elite owners think about this. I dont want to send it back to the states, I could be without it for that long. I hope a good guit tech should be able to fix it.
Finally, what types of strings do poeple recommend ? I love it the way it is, but I was wondering what effect different gauges / brands would make to the tone - ie warmer, brighter - more suited to blues etc.
So many questions, It would be great to hear what people have to say !
Frobs |
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Joined: February 2002 Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | A 1868 Elite from '99 has a Rosewood fingerboard, as did the Elite Standard. The Custom Elite has an Ebony fingerboard.
I'd guess that split isn't going anywhere, so unless it's causing audible problems I wouldn't worry about it. Having said that it shouldn't be like that & you have every right to take it back to the vendor. It wouldn't need to go back to the States, JHS can deal with it over here.
Paul |
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 Joined: January 2002 Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Welcome Frobs,
You've got one of the most knowledgable members on your side of the pond, he can help you a bunch with questions, I'm sure. As far as the brace being split, haven't heard of that but it shouldn't be a problem if it's not ratteling. Easy enough to go in through the back door and put some glue along the split to hold it. Maybe the people at JHS can help with this.
Good Luck. |
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Joined: December 2002 Posts: 6
Location: England | Thanks Guys,
Have arranged to have the strut glued when I'm on holiday in Feb. That should sort it and my mind is at rest.
Frobs ;) |
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