cmatthes

It is also still a big deal in Japan.

Hamerica's no slouch...

Gene: That is still my favorite one out there. Beauty.

That would make more sense, I guess - the abuse that wood took over all the years can't be all that good for it! He did do a great job with blending it in - it does look like a solid piece of bar top. I like the odd stuff like that too.

Gene: I think that guitar is solid wood (no veneer). That's what it looked like to me when I gave it the once-over!

Damn, Steve - that's a BIG pic! Actually, I was looking for that exact same shot (awesome camerawork there). That was (is!) a very neat piece of work, and truly some old Aerosmith history. I believe that the wood was Beerlogged, smokesaturated pine, aged about 60 years.

The newer USA Deans are cool too.

Wow. I am speechless. I wasn't sure how that would come out when I heard a rumor about it somewhere, but that is truly STUNNING! The figure and spalt combination there is unlike anything I've seen ANYWHERE. The new owner is gonna love that one, for sure. Beautiful job all around!

Those are amazing gits.

Mike is right on about the back binding. It makes a HUGE difference! The trans black below looks like freakin' VELVET!!! Beautiful, Buzzy!!!

Oh - I forgot. Make it a doubleneck.

Teh: On a guitar of that quality/caliber, definitely go for the 5-ply binding (heck, even 3 ply) if you can do it. Trust me, that little touch goes a LONG way and is not gaudy in the least. That sounds like a great idea, and I'm sure it'll be a stunner both as a player and looks-wise.

Agreed. Very well put.

Luke: Ease up, Rommel! Maybe Johnny B's friend gets some personal job satisfaction out of what he does that keeps him going. If it was as dismal as you paint it, maybe he should do something else. Just stop and think that maybe that's what this guy LOVES doing. Despite your points - some of which make sense academically (but your delivery...Jeez !) - not everybody is out to be the biggest and baddest in their niche (no "t"). There are plenty of people who live far more rewarding and fulfilling lives doing something they enjoy and getting by than by pursuing the big bucks. That's their right and more power to them. I think it's great. Feel free to debate any points people make on this forum, but if your only input here is negative/critical and you want to come across as a know-it-all, you will not be taken seriously. Positive contribution is also welcomed!

I have to disagree with all the doom and gloom. I think Anotherfreak has a realistic view and realizes it isn't all going to be a rose-strewn path - that's the way it is opening ANY business anywhere in the world. If you're a sole proprietor, expect that some days will kick your ass and that you will put in long, hard hours. Business is not kind - I review many businesses that I know will fail inside of 12 months. That being said, I also see many who start up their businesses not with the intention of a quick buck, but because they know their stuff and are motivated to work hard and make a go of things. Like he said, you LOVE it and you hate it. In the end, if you love it more, you're beating the hell out of 90% of the working stiffs out there! Starting your own business is easy - anybody can do it. STAYING in business is tough, and only for the people who can stick it out because they have confidence in their abilities (or the abilities of their employees/staff/counsel). Unless you've got money to burn, don't jump blindly in to a business. If you want to insulate yourself somewhat, INVEST in a business instead. Either way, make sure you research the options and know your local market. You can carry out a successful business if you promote it properly, work the angles/deals and keep your strategies flexible. Above all, don't screw your customers. They will make you or they will break you. Jeroen, good luck in whatever you decide to do - remember that the Internet can be a big help for you and that many lines you would carry aren't all that available in stores where you live. That could be a good thing! Just remember, it can't be a "part time" thing if you truly want it to work out.

Probably mess with the alignment on the fingerboard!

I think Seafoam looks great on a guitar, but not everybody can handle the whole "Easter Egg" thing:

Sorry, but in the REAL world, the 3x3 Blitz has NEVER been worth more than the 6-in-line. If you have a real world offer for $800 for a 3x3 Blitz that is hacked up and missing the original case, you would be a fool not to take it.

In 1984, ALL Floyds should have had the 2 nut anchor bolts through the neck - good point Doc!

That graphic was a regular/standard option on Blitz guitars, and the 3x3 headstock Blitz guitars are DEFINITELY NOT the more desirable of the two versions. I think the Floyd on that one is an aftermarket installation, but there is a slim chance that it was factory original. Floyds and the Sustainblock trems were standard fittings, and Kahlers could be ordered as an option. The wiring and mini switches are also 100% aftermarket, as Hamer's cavity work would bever have been that sloppy. A fair price range to expect on that would be $400 or so on the low side (condition, alterations, no case) up to maybe $600 +/-. The Blitz is a fun guitar, but will not realistically sell for close to $1,000. Not any time soon anyway. Again, not a criticism of the ad, just the reality from somebody who has been buying/selling/trading HAMERs for well over 20 years.

Hair advice coming from Poe is like having Beetlejuice do your taxes.

Those are GREAT! Thanks for sharing. Quality time with the kids whenever you can get it is the best - even better when it's doing something you both enjoy.

Yep. Elduave has done pretty much everything but remove my bridge pickups when we play!

Which one is BP?

I would ALWAYS disclose a refret if selling. I am not of the "Buyer Beware, so Tough Shit" school. I know that there are shady people out there, but that's just wrong to even suggest doing that!