cmatthes

I think what Austin meant to post was this: From an artistic standpoint, that's just pathetic. Looks like a middle-schooler with a broken hand turned that in. Of course, that should be just one of Billy Joel's many regrets!

No - that would have just made it funny. I remember reading the liner notes that mention his GF/Wife did it for him and thinking "ugh, that poor guy couldn't get out of that one!". I'm sure it's hanging in a heavily gilded frame in the foyer of his home...

Lamest Cover Art EVER.

Is that an ancient PRS Forum TRC on there, Steve?

Speaking of "Mojo", I dug up this old chestnut from a reply to a BadgerDave post about that evil, BS word a few years back: "I don't know what "Mojo" (or "Vibe") means - those terms seem to be understood only by those guys who can afford them over on other forums. I think it means "that thing you can't describe, but all the groovy vintage dealers who see you coming with your wallet and checkbook tell you it's there and you don't want to look like a doofus for not "getting" it when you slap down 5 figures on a vintage (or handcrafted reissue!) guitar that is gonna KILL hanging in your hermetically-sealed, humidity and temperature controlled basement along with that 5 figure hand-wired, PTP, boutique amp with limited edition tubes hand made by craftsmen who made the originals 50 years ago using NOS components from the original suppliers on the old equipment, ESPECIALLY if you can plug it all in with an $8k cable with ends plated in gold melted down from uncirculated 1851 Gold $20 coins". That's the kind of thing "mojo" means, at least that's how you have to describe it to the all other guys on your Internet Forum of choice, because your wife sure as hell doesn't want to hear you prattle on about it. I think it's also known as "the Emperor's New Clothes" or something like that."

Austin - oddly enough, that's EXACTLY what I thought about that one. That's the one PRS 6 string out there that I would buy.

Couldn't agree more - the agenda angle was my first impression in reading that as well. I'm familiar enough with the factory and what goes on up there to know that this is just not the case. I WILL say that the top grading has definitely slipped significantly in the last 10 years or so. Everybody wants a "10" top, but with an operation of that size, there's going to be times when that's just tough to accomplish the way it used to be back in Annapolis. Still, that being said, the standards have definitely remained high, but keep in mind just how many guitars they move out of there a week/month/year compared to a shop like Hamer. This pic I snapped recently might give you an idea: Given that, I think they've maintained pretty high standards for production. I've seen dozens of guitars that went all the way through the finishing process, only to be sent back to the start for either a redo or a date with the bandsaw. Every one of those would be another manufacturer's pride and joy "as-is"... I agree though - there's people with agendas everywhere, whether it's anti-PRS, anti-Hamer, anti-Gibson...doesn't matter. People need to get a life, play what they like and shut the hell up!

Believe it or not, many of the early models are now selling well north of $10k. The pre-'87 stuff seems to be the highest priced, followed by the pre-'90 guitars and older limited editions and Signatures. Private Stock guitars are all works of art, and beyond fabulous guitars, but they've almost become a commonplace thing lately - there are just a TON of them out there. The models post '90 take a big drop in value, and most mid-90s are priced lower than many Les Pauls.

I am still a fan of PRS guitars. As mentioned above, they have the BEST production trem in the industry in my opinion - nothing else comes close. If I could get one of those (or one of John Mann's parts) put in a Hamer, I'd probably have my ideal trem guitar. My '80s Custom is one of those guitars that I will probably never sell. I've had it for close to 20 years, and it has never disappointed. That being said, I don't feel that there is a "better" argument between PRS and Hamer. They are different beasts entirely. My personal preference is for Hamer for many reasons, but largely because I've been able to spend considerable time in both the Hamer shop and the PRS factory. PRS is certainly an impressive operation, but totally lacks the craftsman vibe and overall feel of what goes on in New Hartford. Much of this is relative to the size of the operations, but every time I've had the pleasure to visit Hamer, I've come away with a reinvigorated appreciation for the company, the instruments and the people. There have been times I've left Stevensville feeling like I've just been to a BestBuy or Costco - tough to explain, since I think they do great production overall, but it lacks the whole workshop thing for the most part. It's like you could simply reprogram the CNC machines and they could be churning out chairs (nice ones, of course) or something like that at a moment's notice. Again, purely a personal observation on my part. I think Paul is a visionary and an industry leader, puts out great product and takes pride in PRS guitars. I have friends who work at the factory, and they really take things seriously over there. Two of the guitars I'd buy right now if I was in the market would be a DGT and a Custom 22/12. I just happen to have a Hamer or two that would be well in front of those purchases. The quality and passion of ALL the people at Hamer putting out what I feel is a better-crafted guitar usually wins the day for me.

Have a good one, sir!

I've got a trade fer ya...

Now THAT'S a restoration! Great work, RB!

When you consider what has happened to the Rickenbacker market pricing (new and used) in the last 2 years, I'm sure that the price of the Hamer will be a STEAL for a more playable (at least for me) instrument. I am a big RIC fan, but have played the Newport 12, and it's just a much better built/playing guitar in my opinion.

Ha ha! I saw that one too...

I've got a 4x10 and a 1x15 cab for my Trace (Bass) rig. I NEVER use both, although they stay in the stack formation when the head and cab aren't at a gig. The 1x15 pretty much does the trick these days.

Agreed. The Froth would have been better for those producers of life-sucking, wuss music. Gotta say though, the Cure is still a damned good band - lots of classic stuff (some crap, but far more great stuff in there) over the last 30 years.

Wings - Jimmy McCulloch I do like some of the "Back to the Egg" stuff though, and think L.J. is an amazing guitarist.

I know what the thread is about, but Foo Fighters got markedly better when Taylor Hawkins replaced the original drummer and Chris Shiflett replaced Pat Smear.

No Audley?

Good stuff! Can't wait to see this progressing further.

You were almost there, Willie. The Jimi Hendrix Experience, post Jimi Hendrix. I think they lost a lot after he died. :D

Yep - custom order placed through my local Mesa dealer in DE. I just couldn't swing the extra $400 for the hardwood and wicker option at the time !

Damned straight there! I've had this one for close to 20 years. One loud little bostid!

It's good to be the king. You have pretty much everything you need then. Except an Electric 12... ...and something with a P-90... ...and a fretless bass... ...and a hollowbody Bigsby thing... (then again, if you don't NEED those things, life is great!)

Full scale, all glorious 22 frets!