Leaderboard

I've worked with InTuneGP for over a decade and a half. Here are a few samples of my personal picks:

So I got through earlier than expected at the doctor's office on Tuesday morning, and had about 43 minutes to kill before all of the steam tables of the lunch buffet at a favorite Chinese restaurant would be loaded. I opted to spend the wait at a pawn shop with whom I had done a decent amount of business back when I was collecting. Was just expecting to chew the fat (mostly reminiscing) with the owner for a brief time. And I walked out with this: '87 Peavey Dyna-Bass, peari white with gold hardware, first year model, as played by Leon Wilkeson of Skynyrd during the '87 reunion tour. Near mint, fully original except a replacement pan pot knob. The kicker is that it came with a Fender hardshell case (?) and I bet some dealers that might want to purchase this instrument might be even more interested because of the case. Always thought the Dyna-Bass was a great utility bass, with practical and easy-to-understand active electronics. I use to own the blue one on the cover and spine of The Bass Space. But that color didn't look like it "coordinated" with black hardware.

Jesus, I think that’s enough. Mods, can we shut this down before someone gets hurt?

I have a Loudbox Mini that I bought used around 12 years ago. Started having times the output would drop out of nowhere in 2025. The fix per Fishman support and web searches is to blow out the pots with compressed air. I did this twice using canned air but it would start up again. Fishman said I needed real compressed air, more force than canned air. The fix really doesn't make sense to me as the PCBAs and pots look really clean and hardly any gaps on the pots. So, sent the amp head back as suggested for them to blow it out again or otherwise repair. Got notice it was done and getting shipped back. They replaced the preampIMG_1013-compressed.heic and power amp PCBAs for $50, the standard repair cost, and shipping back is $11 (MA to KY). That's a great deal, how many techs would just open it up for $50? Hoping it will keep working for another decade. Such a great piece of gear for solo and small groups. Plenty loud and sweet sounding, DI out if you need it.

Jake is doing great, recovered nicely from the shooting. He joked that it was the catalyst to him finally quitting cigarettes, between being bedridden in a smoke-free facility and "oh yeah, that hole in my lung" lol. He's still battling arthritis but a doctor he respects greatly is recommending a surgery on his right hand/arm that may give him some relief and increase range of motion where he needs it most. Despite the joint pain, however, he's still quite nimble on the fretboard. I got to listen to him revisit the intro lick to "Never" (last track of Ultimate Sin album, and one of my favorite Ozzy songs of all time) with "whitey" driving a cranked Friedman JEL head as I overhauled his Epiphone Joe Pass jazz box's guts. The JP is actually his daily go-to practice and writing tool, it hangs on a hook in his den, and it sounds incredible acoustically. But he said it has suffered since day one from anemic stock electronics. A set of our new Carondelet OTB Ultimates and a custom harness I fabbed with grade-A pots and caps and wire and stuff made a night and day difference. His words.

I own a version with 15'' speaker, it looks similar the one sold by DGS, but with one extra knob for Presence and extra switch for 60/100 RMS on the front panel! Mine is a very rare bird - version with 15 inch speaker - only 300 were made (1x15 models SN B001-B299) vs 3000 pieces of head or 1x12 cabinet versions. Mine has serial number B14X, which puts it right in the middle of the production period, somewhere in mid 1970s.

I tweaked it to align the holes better..... They're not as off as the picture makes it look. Honest.

PRICE DROP! 2010 Gibson Custom Shop ES-339 Semi-hollow Guitar This is a Custom Shop built guitar, not the standard factory line model. Great feeling and playing axe. The custom shop built guitars are overall, just a better class of quality. Better woods and better attention to detail. The 339 has a slightly smaller body size vs. a 335, but keeps that same ES vibe. 100% original. Nothing modded or changed. Low action and no neck issues. A tiny bit of fretwear from normal playing, but nothing too bad. Rings nicely un-plugged. Red nitro lacquer finish and nickel hardware. I’d call it Excellent-minus condition. Some light marks on the back from playing. Pick marks on the pickguard and some marks on the back in the nitro finish from sitting on a guitar stand. I tried to show it in the worst possible glare light to see the marks. I don't like surprises – see pics. Front is perfect. Other than the back, it’s a super clean guitar for 15 years old. Kept in non-smoking home. Weight: 7lbs 4oz. Comes with original Custom Shop certificate and Custom Shop hardshell case (Case is Excellent also, with no damage) Features: - 100% original - Gibson ’57 pickups - Bound rosewood board - 11/16” nut - 30/60 neck shape - Nickel hardware - Kluson tuners - Hardshell case - Gibson Custom shop Certificate Price Drop... $2,100. Shipped/PP F&F and NO TAX. Not interested in any trades on this one Message with any questions - thx, ernie

I made that drawing off of a Sustain block I got in the case on Kahler-ized 81 or 82 Special. Another HFC member bought from me. That was in the 2000's. It seems there was quite a bit of variation in the early 80's on these. I have cad on the bridge and saddles if anyone needs it.

I picked up a "signature" pick at a concert maybe 10 years ago. I really liked that pick. It was a Jazz III, blue, 1mm. So I bought a pack of 10 from this asshole named Chris Letchford whose name was on the pick. And they were expensive as far as picks go. Very close in price to the V-Picks or the other such "custom" picks. So I didn't want to deal with this asshole again or pay the exorbitant price and started searching the web for a blue Jazz III 1.0 mm pick. But no one made them. Dunlop made it in a "XL Series" but it was like an hybrid style pick. Jazz III point but large like a regular pick. So I got other 1.0 picks from Dunlop Jazz III size. None of them felt the same whether it was tortex or the other materials. Nothing felt the same. The blue ones eventually wore out and I just threw them in a drawer. I ended up playing Dunlop Jazz III black tortex. I think. None of that really matters now because I found the company who made the "signature" picks for Chris Letchford. I'm not sure what they are made of or if the difference is just in the texture of how they make these things. But I looked through a magnifying glass at one of the Chris L picks that still had markings that hadn't worn off and through his custom graphics and signature I found the name. Only took me 10 years but the name of the company is InTune and the pick I like is GripX Jazz (XJJ). http://www.intunegp.com On the website I found the blue pick I wanted but I didn't need custom graphics. They have all kinds of options for that if that's what you're into. But I just wanted a plain pick that felt like the blue one from a decade ago. So I called. And believe it or not, someone answered the phone. A nice lady who told me to click the "Generic" option and then she said when the order comes through she'll adjust the price. I told her that wasn't what I was after I just wanted the picks. They were $46 shipped for 100 pieces. Seemed more than reasonable to me. But she did what she said she was going to do and got them to me for $26 for 100. And there you have it. 10 years in the making. Indeed. Get you some picks. (Not affiliated.)

Very nice. As much as GC is maddening you can still pull misidentified gems out of there. Also. My understanding is that a failing switchcraft jack is actually an acceptable way to determine it’s an authentic Hamer. lol. I hope they didn’t use those jacks in helicopters.

Thanks for posting this. Just ordered some for me and my bandmates.

You can find used Sugarcones on TGP now and again. I have not owned one, but any mention of a Fane makes my ears perk up. $199 and per their website a “Limited Release” I’ld like to try one.

I liked the HiWatt/Muff version so I decided to try the MopTop Liverpool. Sold out. But I clicked on the WishList option and about a week later, I got an offer on an open box for $89. Try that maybe some late December buyers are returning under 30 day deal.

You win 2026 so far!

I blame it on the fact that he *did* save a copy in his file cabinet. Note to self - clean out my file cabinet...

Hello all, I was pondering that I normally go back to my old photos of guitars when posting stuff - to pick out a photo which looks particularly good to me and for some of the cool guitars that we all have - I reckon we all do that a bit. I took a shot yesterday of my lovely Watson after a pickup change and posted it on the Hamer FB page and had a load of reaction - not surprising because its so cool, just like me.... Anyone got any up to date shots of their Watsons to share?

SOLD! Heritage Ascent+ H137 Near-Mint condition. I went over it from top-to-bottom and there isn't a mark or scratch on it. Just some light pick marks on the pickguard. Plays great, low action, straight neck, no issues at all. I just got it a few months ago. This is a GREAT guitar. Plays smooth, sounds great. You can't find anything this good for the money. Check out the specs. I am the original owner. Very lightly played in my non-smoking home. Not a mark on it. Only selling as I am retiring. These are exceptional guitars. They punch way above their price range. Cool features too like Belly Cut, Contoured neck heal, Jumbo frets, compound radius and a real GraphTech TUSQ Nut. Great tuners, no need to change them at all. And lightweight at 7lbs 5oz. I replaced the pickups with really nice, hand-wound Tone Hatch “Hawgmawlin” P90’s w/A2 magnets USA Made Nickel Silver Baseplate & 42 Plain Enamel Wire. (The originals are included) I also replaced the small imported pots with a new Les Paul ‘50’s wiring’ harness with Bourns 500k pots and MPT Capacitors. (I tossed the old pots/wiring) With the new pickups and wiring, huge improvement in tone. I'm just going through a 'Senior Life Crisis'. I have WAY too much stuff here at the ranch. I've been selling a bunch of gear and more to come, stay tuned! $500 Shipped/PP F&F. Hit me with any questions - thx, ernie ------------------------------------------------------------------- Here’s some info from Heritage website Specs * Mahogany Neck and Body * Set Neck Joint with Contoured Heel * Belly Cut * High Gloss Finish * Bound Rosewood Fretboard * 12"-16" Compound Radius * Jumbo Frets * GraphTech TUSQ XL Nut * C Neck Profile * 2-Way Adjustable Truss Rod * 24.75 Scale Length * Wraparound Bridge * Fretboard Dots (Pearloid) Inlays Description The Heritage Ascent+ Collection H-137 blends classic craftsmanship with modern playability, making it the ideal choice for musicians seeking timeless tones and cutting-edge comfort. Crafted from Mahogany, with a high-gloss finish that exudes elegance, the H-137 delivers a rich and resonant tone that naturally complements a wide range of playing styles. Its rosewood fretboard offers a smooth, responsive feel, while the noiseless P-90 pickups ensure a pristine, hum-free sound no matter the intensity of your performance. With a 12"-16" compound radius and jumbo frets, this guitar offers ultimate playability, the contoured heel design ensures seamless access to the upper frets, while the GraphTech TUSQ XL nut enhances tuning stability, allowing for consistent, flawless performance. The H-137 is designed for the discerning player and those who appreciate the aesthetic beauty of a finely crafted instrument. Equipped with premium components, including a wraparound bridge and a set neck joint, the H-137 delivers both sustain and resonance with each note you play. Coated strings ensure a longer-lasting tone, while the guitar’s ergonomic belly cut allows for comfort during long playing sessions. The Heritage Ascent+ Collection H-137 is a testament to versatility and style, designed for players who demand both sonic quality and seamless playability.

Sold!

anybody here is free to like or dislike whatever they please

Thanks for the kind words my friend!

Those of you new to the HFC have no idea what an exciting statement this is! The Master of Bubble Wrap is an absolute connoisseur of the best gear and must use it all in a white room as it never appears used at all. I'm snowbound, but giddy and popping popcorn!

Always nice to hear that there are still companies out there that go above and beyond to take care of their customers!

A friend of mine bought one of those new back in the early 80s. Sounded KILLER!

I never knew that was Ronnie Montrose on Frankenstein 🤯

That's Keith St John on vocals - he was in a later version of Montrose for quite a while. He's also the singer in Burning Rain (w/ Doug Aldrich). I seem to remember he was in Kingdome Come for a bit, too. He's OK vocally - but that piece of toilet paper stuck to his right boot is pure rock and roll.

Sorry for the ambiguity, but you sussed out exactly what I was asking. Thanks for interpreting and especially for the opinion.

Money sent via digital carrier pigeon (PayPal) from downunder. Love this forum, thanks for all you do.

I don't have enough fingers for that bass guitar😂

I wish I could find the picture that the late, great Ken Jones sent me of Belew seated cross-legged inside a semi-circle of pots and pans, tapping each one looking for that perfect sound. This is a monster guitar player banging on fucking pots and pans. Don't get me started, Matthes.

I think they were closing those guys out when that $99 sale was on.

Kiz is firing up his Boboli as I type this.

Because the shredder had yet not been invented.

Oh, that's a nice one! I would have thought to grab it too if I saw it pop up on there. Nice that it sounds like it was a solid price as well. That top has some real cool grain lines!

I love my Boogie Mark I reissue! It takes pedals very well. It is the only amp (out of many) that I ever bought new. I special ordered it way back when... in the 1990s.

I had a iic+ hardwood and matching extension cab. Made some $$ on that. Now have a lovely koa IIA and it is fabulous. That said, I like that Mark I. But like a hole in my head….. Do you like your neighbors?

Neighbors are overrated.

And yet Robin Zander keeps going.

I still haven't gotten over this one:

Just for context, @cornjulio, realize Hamerhead knows deeply of what he speaks being someone who produced his own Sustainblock run over 20 years ago.

given the subtle differences between some of the tech 21 stuff I've compared, and that a Marshall is "just a modded bassman", along with how much I like the Plexi Deluxe, my guess is you'd be pretty satisfied with the blonde, - but more pedals = more fun too... Since this thread is still going, here's a serving suggestion: I used the Liverpool as the B channel DI, I think it worked pretty well. Pretty funny that I owned zero of this gear 1 year ago. First in line is a JHS Morning Glory, the white pedal is a TC Elec Mimiq. A bunch of money was spent on a rewire and new sound board, and there's a lot less noise in the house, I was able to use the plug in power supply and the Joyo battery was just in case there was too much noise plugging into house power. The Vox Pathfinder is just for my personal monitor, and it works great for that.

BTW, Thanks for posting about your returning it. would have never thought to look at that time otherwise.

Well I am definitely going to keep it. I am just a bedroom player occasionally jamming with friends at this point. Once I removed the guitar string it seems to stay in tune well enough. In the future I will work out some way to fix it but for now I am just playing Gonna Raise Hell for a while!

Ah yes, this is where one learns what "the four mounting screws just turned in the ferrules" and "45 day return policy" mean. The salesman that took the return is a bassist and gave the usual "our luthier will be checking this issue out" which in GC-speak means "it'll go right back up for sale no matter what the problem is". I've dealt with GC online sales and returns many times. If you return it to a store they'll refund the $21 shipping if you show anything wrong or it's not in the condition described. Just ask. Plus, you get to keep the box and packing.