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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I stumbled onto a 1861 balladeer that has what on the surface appears to be a good price of $300, but upon seeing the guitar it has some issues that I want to run buy everyone.
This is the red color, SSB with an Op24+.
The frets are in great shape and the guitar has some pic scratches that I can deal with, but has a few other issues I am more concerned about.
1) Action is quite high. Neck looks pretty straight adn there does not appear to be a shimmed bridge like on my 1537 and former Adamas. I can see the truss rod nut inside the center hole, but wonder if that will be enough to drop the action down. It is playable up to the 7th fret, but takes some major effort. No buzz or anything.
2) The trim ring on the sound hole is a lifting and looks to be just a plastic insert. Should be easy enough to reglue, but I didn't realize these were a glued in piece of plastic.
3) The kid claims that someone tried to glue it and smeared something on the top. That too I can live with, but does detract from the guitar, no finish cracks or other finish problems with the neck or body.
4) The battery box is missing the cover. Figured the MS could get me a new cover.
I didn't get to try the electronics, but it does come with the original case and some additional items (tuner, strings and cheapo capo).
I guess I would see what the collective thinks on this guitar which would be just a backup and travel guitar as the 08C is my primary axe.
No back cover, on this one, so couldn't get a good look at the bracing or anything. Guess I would be taking a few chances.
Thanks all. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | You can do a lot better for $300 - which doesn't mean it isn't worth that much.
I'd keep looking or offer him $200 and a BBQ Dinner... |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Don't...
If the action is that high, you might need a neck reset. You might be able to do that yourself, but if you don't feel that you have the talent a neck reset could cost a coupla hunnert bucks.
But if it sounds and feels nice to you go ahead and get it. But if it needs alot of work, do you really wanna pay that much for a non-descript SSB that will probably never be worth more than $300 even after you fix it?
And Yes... Most of those old SSB Balladeers have the plastic only rosettes. |
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Thanks for the input....I will pass |
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1861
