Looking to buy

[fred]

Hi to all of you!

I am looking into buying this guitar, going to see it tomorrow.

http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sel ... Z359431907

Does it look intact?

Have you ever seen Gibson 57 look alike pickups on these guitar? What are they?

The back of the neck is painted, is it common?

And what is the body made off?

Thanks for your help!

Fred

[charles]

All looks pretty standard and in-tact, you'll know better when it's in-hand about the general condition of the guitar.

Almost always have the covered humbuckers that are on that guita, that is normal. Pickups may be anything... if originals, may be no-name from factory or Maxon, if they have been replaced, could be anything.

Painted neck is common for the opaque finishes.

Body is either all mahogany, mahogany with a maple cap, or plywood - open the control cavity to check [except cap, of course] - though be aware that sometimes very rough routing an make a solid body look a lot like ply.

[fred]

Thanks a lot Charles.

For the pickups, I have got two 57 classic, might just replace them if I get the guitar.

How to make sure for the mahogany, guess it is going to sound better if so?

Thanks again!

Fred

[charles]

How to make sure for the mahogany, guess it is going to sound better if so?

That's the debate that always rages... I've seen cheap-o plywood guitars sound like absolute heaven in the hands of the right player, and I can make the finest guitar that's ever been crafted sound like a $10 plank. There's tone in the wood, but they always say "tone is in the fingers" for a reason.

Honestly, the test I always try to do when I'm looking at a guitar is to get it in a quiet place and give it a strum... and listen and feel how the sound resonates in the guitar. If it sounds nice and resonates well when unplugged, it's going to sound that much sweeter thru the amp. After that it's all about the the condition (electronics, frets, tuners), general fit & finish, and if it's comfortable to hold and play.

Best of luck

[fred]

Thanks!

I thought there was a physical test to determine the wood.

I will keep you posted!

Later.

Fred

[charles]

Thanks!

I thought there was a physical test to determine the wood.

I will keep you posted!

Later.

Fred

If the seller is OK with it, you can just open the back control cavity and take a look - then if you know what you're looking for, you can usually determine the wood type.

[Frenchy]

Saw that one and actually contacted the seller... The seller seems to be a dealer since I saw several adds from him in the past. Not the first El Degas he sells either, he knows the brand very well. I was tempted by it but just bought a White LP recently. One thing I did notice is that it had airlines on the front and back of it...I've seen this were instruments have been exposed to the cold and then opened up to rapidly in the heat.... Some say it give the instrument character but I aim for the closet finds...

What do you guy's think of airlines,,,, Yay or Nay..?

I also always bring a screwdriver with me to inspect instruments, especially copy brands like this... Like to know if its ply or not... I offer based on facts...

I've seen cheap-o plywood guitars sound like absolute heaven in the hands of the right player, and I can make the finest guitar that's ever been crafted sound like a $10 plank.

The lead guitarist in my band makes any guitar sing out like it was gold....

Good luck, Let us know the results.

[charles]

What do you guy's think of airlines,,,, Yay or Nay..?

Air Canada is still pretty crappy, but Westjet does not blow them out of the water like they used to and are just as expensive. For international flights I really like KLM.

Seriously, though folks, I usually figure things like airlines are an indicator of an instrument being treated badly and in poor condition in respects other than just the cosmetics. Sometimes I'm right, sometimes I'm wrong.

[fred]

Just got back with the Degas.

The cosmetic is pretty crappy but it sounded good and I am not Hendrix so I think it is going to fit my bill, got it for 210$.

It is a ply body not mahogany... but sounds good!

I will set my Gibson 57 pickups in there tonight, clean it, change the bridge and saddle, change the strings and THEN have fun with it.

Thanks for all the attention, I might post some pictures after the work is done!

Fred

[charles]

Definitely post some pictures!

Congrats on the purchase.

Note that the bridge & tailpiece conform to metric sizing (not imperial like Gibson USA parts).