Model # 218

[Rickoshay]

I have an El Degas acoustic guitar (model # 218) that I bought in the 70’s. I purchased the guitar new but cant remember what I paid for it. At the time of purchase I had a barcus berry installed (inside, under the bridge) so that I could use the guitar with an amplifier, on stage. After my “band” days (which ended around 1978) I pretty much put the guitar away, although I might get it out once or twice a year to play with old friends.

The guitar is in excellent condition and the sound is still really nice, although since my fingers don’t have calluses it is difficult for me to play for any length of time. The strings are probably a little harder to depress than some of the more expensive guitars of its time (one of the band members had a Gibson acoustic, which I recall was easier to play), but I thought the sound was very high quality.

I’m curious to know if anyone else knows anything about this model. I would be happy to post pictures of it if anyone would like to see it.

Thank you.

8/2/09 I have now posted photos on photobucket http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... =slideshow

[charles]

Moved to the El Degas Discussion forum.

I'd really like to see some photos.

[Barry]

Hi and welcome to the forum. We'd really love to see some pictures.
As you'll find out if you read around the posts, model numbers are not too helpful when it comes to identifying El Degas guitars. At least with pictures we have a shot at an educated guess as to when and where it was made.

[Rickoshay]

I have posted some photos on Photobucket http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... =slideshow

[charles]

You can also post the photos directly into the forum - see http://www.eldegas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46

[Rickoshay]

I posted two more pictures to photobucket... do I go back and add them to my original post, or add them now, such as this?

[charles]

Looks like your photos are a bit big for here - I think your slideshow link is the way to go

[charles]

She's a real looker, by the way, and in very good shape!
It looks like it's similar to one of my El Degas acoustics but because someone removed the soundhole label from mine (or perhaps there never was one? ) I cannot be sure if they are the same model.

It's MIJ, possibly/probably a copy of a Martin acoustic.
Can you perhaps add a photo of the soundhole label?

[Rickoshay]

thank you. Its been kept in a hard shell case for the past 30 years and used very little.

I just uploaded two pictures of the label to photobucket.

[Barry]

Hey Rick...she's beautiful, looks brand new!
Shame on you for keeping her locked up all those years.
I love the purfling on the edge (mother of pearl?) and of course that distinctive inlay up the back.
My GB25 has a similar inlay and it's gorgeous too. These guys really knew their stuff, eh?

[Rickoshay]

Hi Barry, thanks for your comments. When I used to play a lot, I was always in the habit of wiping the strings and putting the guitar back in its case. Little did I know that I would appreciate having done that.
I took the pictures today, so I also used the opportunity to try and remember how to play a few old songs. I miss those days!

I believe the purfling is mother of pearl. The manufacturer did an excellent job with my guitar and many of the others El Degas that I've seen as well.

FYI, I also owned a '71 (or therebouts) Gibson SG with the engraved Lyre Vibrola tailpiece.. pretty rare to find one of that vintage these days. I sold it for $400 to be able to stay in school.

[Barry]

...When I used to play a lot, I was always in the habit of wiping the strings and putting the guitar back in its case. Little did I know that I would appreciate having done that...

Absolutely.
My kid's guitar instructor and I have been trying in vain to get him to not only wipe the strings after playing, but wash his hands before playing. Fat chance. I've never seen a 14 year old with such mucky hands. (sigh)

On the same topic, I've just been discussing the same thing in another forum where some a-hole jumped into my restoration thread and couldn't understand why anyone would want to restore a guitar. He then started talking about how he abuses his guitars and treats them like a carpenter treats his hammer--when they stop working he throws it out and gets a new one! Even throws it into the audience!!
I mentioned this to my long time band buddy and we both said the same thing as you did--wipe it down, between sets and even between songs, then put it away when done. I'm a quasi "collector" and I'm constantly amazed at how much crud I have to clean off the fretboards and controls of the guitars I pick up. It's like these guys have never heard of a wipe down.
Kinda basic Kindergarten stuff but as you see, it does pay off when you're older and wiser!

The manufacturer did an excellent job with my guitar and many of the others El Degas that I've seen as well.

He sure did! But as Charles will tell you, there were also some pretty awful reproductions too. We're lucky to have grabbed these when we did.

...I also owned a '71 (or therebouts) Gibson SG with the engraved Lyre Vibrola tailpiece.. pretty rare to find one of that vintage these days. I sold it for $400 to be able to stay in school.

That hurts! But education is arguably the more important endeavour--unless you're a pro musician I guess.

[charles]

The manufacturer did an excellent job with my guitar and many of the others El Degas that I've seen as well.

He sure did! But as Charles will tell you, there were also some pretty awful reproductions too. We're lucky to have grabbed these when we did.

Ha ha - yup

For those of us who have managed to grab and hold onto the great examples of the higher-quality repros, we get a great relatively unknown instrument we can hopefully play and enjoy for a lifetime.

And for those of us who have grabbed onto some of the really crappy ones... well, it makes us appreciate the better ones even more!

[Rickoshay]

Hi Charles, As you requested, I posted a couple of pictures of the label in the sound hole on photobucket. Did it shed any light on this guitar?

Thanks.

[Rickoshay]

Hi Barry,

You're right about that (re selling the SG). I have seen similar ones on Ebay with an asking of up to $8,000! I sold mine to the guy who played the lead in our band and he is still using it today, 30 years later (semi-professionally) and takes excellent care of it... he was the one who taught me to wipe down my guitar!

Thanks for all your comments.