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Surgery went really well. Triple bypass done and in/out in 3 hours…

This post will take a while but the details need to be imparted. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Back in the mid-‘80s, when I was still playing in a bar band and my initial interest in vintage instruments was just beginning to germinate, there was a nearby pawn shop with which I did beaucoup business—guitars, amps, new jewelry, stereo components. I even ordered a new diamond from them in ’85 for my wife’s engagement ring. If they got something in, I’d let ‘em know what they had but would not appraise since I’m not a dealer. They’d give me a decent price on anything I wanted. It seemed to be a courteous and respectful business relationship. Then one time they called me about three archtop electric guitars that had all come out for retail at the same time. I went over to the store and dutifully examined them—a Gibson ES-175, a highly modified ES-335, and a Conn-era Epiphone guitar. While checking them out, the owner’s wife, who also worked there, told me she thought archtop electrics were no longer being made; she thought solidbody electric had completely replaced models like these (!). I told the owner what he had in my usual straightforward/no hype manner, and tried to make an offer on the 175 and Epi, but told myself I’d buy the modded 335 if necessary; maybe my bar band’s guitarist would like to try it as a utility instrument. Then the owner said, “Well, we’re gonna take them to (a retail guitar store in another state). We’re gonna see how much we can get for them up there.” To say I was seething when I huffed out of the store is an understatement. You could’ve fried an egg on my head. That was almost 40 years ago. I got involved with the magazine that became Vintage Guitar not long afterwards, and eventually asked the owner of the retail store in another state if he remembered the instruments, and he recalled that he had declined to purchase them (he didn’t say why, and I didn’t ask). The pawn shop owner has several stores, and ever since then I’ve infrequently shopped at all of them except the HQ store where this sorry incident occurred. I continue to buy from the satellite stores for the express purpose of flipping what I purchase quickly for more than I paid for it. And I always wave cash at the employees; no credit cards or debit cards. Cash has always talked at this particular pawn shop chain. The employees at the satellite stores don’t know about my guitar-collecting jones, and I don’t wear a guitar-brand t-shirt when I go into the ancillary stores, either—that’s a dead giveaway to the proprietor. I’ve usually done okay in such transactions (both the purchase of the instrument and the subsequent sale of it) and I don’t mind cleaning up such instruments. While I no longer collect, there are occasionally times when I’ll still poke my head into area pawn shops to kill time if I’m ahead of schedule for a meeting or get-together, and that was the scenario yesterday in the nearby big city for a weekly informal Thursday lunch meeting of retired media guys, mostly my age (and mostly photographers). Just up the street was one of the satellite stores (still in business), and I had about ten minutes to burn, so I popped in. And there was a US-made Fender Jazz Bass Deluxe five-string in very nice condition. Four knobs, active electronics. Methinks its Oxblood finish is a rare color. I examined it closely and told myself how much I’d pay (didn’t talk with an employee). Willie don’t play five-string basses. I figured I’d flip it at the upcoming Nashville show later this month to help pay for travel expenses; gotta do a book signing there. The restaurant down the street beckoned, however, and I was there for almost an hour. A trip to a nearby bank a few miles away to withdraw the maximum I was willing to pay took around 45 minutes so I was back at the pawn shop in less than two hours after I walked in the first time. And the bass had been sold during that time frame. The stand on which the bass had been sitting was as empty as a kosher deli in downtown Teheran. I couldn’t help but chuckle. There were times when I would have pouted, but no more. I proud that I can now maintain an even strain in these so-called golden years regarding guitars. But there’s a “what if” notion flitting around in my mind like an malevolent moth that speculates about what would have happened if I had the cash on me the first time I walked into that satellite store….

Great, great news! Prayers answered! Now here's the most important part, and listen close... Milk this thing for all it's worth and turn everyone's concern and sympathy into at least 2 or 3 new guitars!! 😉 😃😆

Cool post Saul, thanks for sharing... I must admit, of all the things that have gone by the wayside, I miss Radio Shack the most... though I know you can buy everything online, there's just something about being able to walk into a brick and mortar with a list to hand pick your components 😪

From FB this morning. "This is Michèle (Vic’s wife) posting on his behalf. The surgery went really well and he’s doing really well in recovery (quicker and better than expected). He says he will update you later when he can type."

You don’t pay in a Canada. I got a health card as soon as I got here and there you go: just like in England. You don’t even need a health card in England…

Too soon.

$2,500.00 plus $100 shipping U.S. only I'm selling a few guitars as part of an effort to downsize and simplify as a general change in lifestyle. My price reflects that I'd very much prefer to sell here rather than Reverb or ebay to avoid the fees, scams and aggravation associated with those platforms. Many more high resolution photos here: https://reverb.com/item/93108310-gretsch-g6120t-sw-steve-wariner-signature-nashville-gentleman Gretsch G6120T‑SW Steve Wariner Signature Nashville Gentleman, a premium artist model that blends classic Nashville style with modern playability. This guitar is in excellent to near mint condition, showing only the most minimal signs of handling. It is 100% original and comes complete with its original hardshell case. Designed in collaboration with Steve Wariner, this model captures the refined tone and aesthetic of the Nashville Gentleman. With its nitrocellulose lacquer finish, trestle bracing, and TV Jones pickups, it delivers the unmistakable Gretsch sparkle and warmth, while offering versatile tonal options for stage or studio. Key Features: Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer, Magic Black (black gloss with gold flake) Body: Laminated Maple, hollow body with ’59 trestle bracing Neck: Maple, U‑shaped profile, 12" ebony fingerboard radius, 25.5" scale length. Frets: 22 medium jumbo Bridge/Tailpiece: Original gold plated rocking bar bridge, string‑through Bigsby Pickups: TV Jones TV Classic Plus (bridge) & Paul Yandell Duo‑Tron (neck) Controls: Master volume, master tone (push/pull coil select!), individual pickup volumes Hardware: Gotoh locking tuners, brass nut, Gretsch knurled strap retainer knobs Case: Original hardshell case included Condition Notes: Finish is clean and glossy, with only the faintest signs of handling. Frets are clean and show only the slightest signs of use. All electronics, hardware, and finish are original and unmolested.

I guess one way or another they eventually were.

I don’t get paid: I’m self employed. I get nothing until I go back to work! I do have a second chance though and that is priceless ✝️

Well I hope they didn't charge you for all five! Look forward to hearing how much better you feel in the near future.

Yeah, but his arm turned a weird color....

Good opportunity for someone.....Go to the current source(s), buy and package a kit of components to sell to those of us that would be starting from scratch.

The recovery picture I meant to post (my wife used the wrong one)…

Got any pink ones? Kidding, I'm kidding!

Looks like the guy's in FL. Wonder if I can find him while I'm here.

If it ain't a refin, Kaman should have fired the guy who sprayed that.

A "tune up"! Glad you're doing well.

Mercy on top of mercy, @Victor (Fret Friend)! Congrats on a successful surgery. Prayers that your recovery goes as well.

How tight is that cuff??

Happy to see the recovery pic! One of my best friends and ex-bandmates went in for a stress test and they admitted him to the hospital THAT DAY. He had already had two heart attacks in his life but he ended up having to get bypass surgery the next day.

Now the fun part, doing what the doctor says while recuperating. 😁 Great news man! Keep getting better!

None more black Prince

Still rockin'!

Hey Let me know if you need another artery 🤣

Maybe it's the knucklehead changing the strings.

2005 Historic Collection 1956 Les Paul Goldtop Guitar featuring many upgrades. The bridge and tail piece have been replaced with a Faber master kit in aged nickel with locking studs (installed and setup by Paradise Guitars in Beloit, WI). The neck pickup is a 57 Tyson and the bridge pickup is a Zero-Hum Kinman Bright Clean Gen-3 v2 (amazing bridge pickup!). The guitar is in excellent condition showing natural cosmetic wear. This is not a pristine example, but rather a road-worn, loved guitar. No breaks, no repairs. The neck depth at the 1st fret is .926" and 1.027" at the 12th. The guitar weighs in at 8lbs 7.6oz on my scale. The guitar was previously owned by the legendary guitarist Bob Britt; I purchased the R6 from a friend of Bob's. Bob has worked with Leon Russell, Bob Dylan, the Dixie Chicks, and John Fogerty to name a few. His autograph is on the back of the headstock. The case is in very good condition. The LP comes with everything shown in photos. $2800 PP no fees ($2900 PP with fees) plus actual shipping. For detailed, hi-res photos, email me: atomicwash AT yah** dot com

I bought 12 sets of Ernie Ball Primo Slinkys (.0095 - .044) on sale and 6-out-of-6 of the high E strings have broke while re-stringing. So I told them about it. "It's the guitar", they said. Then I told them it was several different guitars, all of which strung fine with any other string. It's just specifically their .0095s. To make a short story long, they're sending a dozen .009 replacements. Nice. Good job, EB! On the flip side: when we re-did the kitchen I got my wife all new Calphalon stuff - pot and pans, big knife block set and the big spoon/ladle/spatula set. That's not cheap stuff, and when the spoon handles went sticky, I emailed them to see about replacements. Nope. SOL. They wouldn't even stand behind the cheapest shit they sell. Fuck them.

I'm going to watch that. Some of you might have seen the post I made about a possible buyer scammer about a week ago. Just a few days later I got another one. Some person with zero sales or purchases so therefore zero feedback offering $50 less than full price on a $3500 guitar. That makes no sense. I declined his offer and told him why it was because of him having no Reverb history. I never got a response. I few days later I went to check to make sure I had declined the offer correctly and re-read my message to him and all of it was gone. His offer, my response, everything. My guess is Reverb identified the account as a scammer and deleted everything.

Looks like it sold already

It's for the red 'limited edition' one: (not sure if they have a shipping charge direct) https://www.proaudiostar.com/j-rockett-audio-designs-archer-select-overdrive-pedal-limited-edition-red.html Or via ebay, 'free shipping' https://www.ebay.com/itm/306794009320

Great news. Glad all went well! Rock On, Victor!

hope all went well!

Hope things went well Vic!!! Look forward to reading about your recovery. 😎👍❤️🏁

The JAM Kochness Monster (Greg Koch sig pedal) $2,400.

Take those deep breaths!!! You got this! You won't believe how much better you'll feel!

Good luck Victor! We are all pulling for you.

Prayers, absolutely prayers. Follow the recovery regimen and you'll be back to operations and you'll feel much better. My dad went through this years ago and just celebrated his 87th birthday. He was amazed at how much better he operated with open arteries!

Modern medicine and prayers are an awesome combination. I can't help with the first part but the second part has been sent, please keep us posted.

On March 22nd I will see Albert Lee play in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Just think, after this surgery you will be able to carry heavy amps and cabs to gigs again. Pick up an SVT and 8x10" cab and tell us if you notice a difference.

We're with you here, too. And you'll feel so much better just in time for yard work! WooHoo! My brother had a 6-way bypass - the most his doctor had ever done - at 81, and says he feels better now than he has in years. Looks better, too...for an ugly old f***er. You are so very fortunate they caught it in time. Good luck! Heal fast!

Best of luck to you! Thoughts and prayers heading your way. Now lay off the gravy and bacon for breakfast. 😁

They didn't mention that so I just let it go.

In Cleveland this week. I emailed Dr. Z support asking if I could visit and they said sure! Frank in Customer Service gave a tour, answered tons of questions and let me test drive a number of amps. My favorites were the Z Wreck, Z Wreck Jr and Z Lux. So nice and accommodating. The shop is not large but loaded with cool stuff for an enginerd like me. Here are some shots. Dr. Z at his bench, Frank, etc.

I really, really like the tone and added umph of the Duncan SSL-5 (it's the bridge pickup in the "Gilmour" set). Duncan calls it "medium output" and I'd agree. The higher wind mellows the highs out perfectly while providing the extra push helpful when using the bridge pickup. Wire the Volume 50's style and connect it to the second tone and it's suddenly a very useful pickup choice. [/opinion] ETA: since the stock Daytona uses Duncans, you won't even have to reverse the connections.