I played a Newport Pro and then....

[Caddie]

Dumbass, that would be me, sold it to somebody here. I don't recall who, but whoever it was got one fine guitar.

'01 or '02 Newport Pro Custom, spruce top, I added the PhatCats, put on pearloid tuner buttons (art deco style like the gold ones that came off). I couldn't bring myself to having holes drilled in that exquisite spruce top to accommodate a Bigsby. There are not many pieces of gear that I regret selling, but this one should not have left.

What a dumbass am I.

caddie

[django49]

All Newports neeeeeeed:

1. Bigsby
2. Spruce Top
3. Phat Cats

After that its all just lipstick n mascara.

Cheers

caddie

While that is a combination that I think is great, there is one that breaks all the rules. Maple top, replacement humbuckers (not Seth Lovers) and a non-typical bridge/TOM. Oh yeah carved back, center block and BRW. So many changes-----Maybe it is hte non-Newport Newport(?)

Anyway, I was damned lucky to find it here!

[G Man]

Here's mine, no bigsby, so it still has good tone Can't speak to the Phat Cats, but after dropping in the HD Z90s, I am in tonal heaven with this beast. And I can't imagine an amp that this wouldn't sound HUGE through.

[Hfan]

Here's mine, no bigsby, so it still has good tone Can't speak to the Phat Cats, but after dropping in the HD Z90s, I am in tonal heaven with this beast. And I can't imagine an amp that this wouldn't sound HUGE through.

G Man, that one is beautiful and if memory serves, it was the same one I was getting ready to put a bid on some months ago right here. You saved me from my GAS but seeing it doesen't make me happy. One day maybe. I assume you're keeping it?

EDIT to add: Just checked e bay and GC used inventory, not much out there. Actually GC had none assuming I did my search correctly. Did find out that National built a newport as well..early 60s, not as purdy as a Hamer that's for sure but interesting.:

[G Man]

Sorry HFan, this one isn't going anywhere.

[Thundersteel]

BRR fingerboard?

Ebony, I think.