PSA: Nik Huber Orca Jubilee #6 at DGS

[kizanski]

Really all of the boutique guitars are questionable. Name one iconic album recorded with a boutique guitar. At the time of iconic guitar albums, generic stuff was all that was available. Now that guitar music is dead, all these builders are creating an illusion of guitars rebirth.

There is nothing "questionable" about them. They're worth what they're worth, just like anything else. You ought to understand that as well as anyone.

Proof of it being that the guitar is on hold already (and likely gone); even with changed pickups, non-matching control plates, and an unbound dot neck.

As for the Name the Iconic Album Challenge, your assertion that guitar music is dead (not saying I agree or disagree) and the unavailability of boutique gear when the iconic albums were created leads us in an argument of circular logic.

And besides, I'm willing to bet you and I define "iconic guitar albums" differently.

Nik's guitars are of the highest quality. That much can not be debated.

Some people are willing to pay for it. It doesn't necessarily mean that they've fallen under some "illusion."

Sorry, but I just don't 'get' Hubers. I've played a few and they're clearly made well, but I don't understand the godlike qualities that are attributed to them. That hasn't been my experience.

And unbound dot boards looks cheap for a guitar at that price point.

I agree about the dot neck point, but then I've never been a fan of dots. Give me some sort of inlay or NO inlay.

That said, anyone attributing "God-like qualities" to these guitars (or any other) is clearly hoping that it would filter in their playing abilities (or convince others that they've somehow reached that level simply by association with the product).

If you like exotic woods, a classic yet ergonomic design, and exemplary construction, then you shouldn't have a problem "getting" Huber's guitars.

Look at it this way: Hamer, at their zenith, had a slew of guitars which listed out in the price range of even the top of the line Hubers (not counting the over-the-top, uber-inlayed Flying Dolfin), but we didn't have a problem "getting" those guitars.

You're going to pay dearly for stuff like this...

[django49]

"Anyone attributing "God-like qualities" to these guitars (or any other) is clearly hoping that it would filter in their playing abilities (or convince others that they've somehow reached that level simply by association with the product".

Funny how that works! The only time "God" enters into the conversation of MY playing is when I mess up and God is followed by Damn.

That said, there is ONE particular Huber that, more than any other guitar, "fits" me and has encouraged me to get better. But here is what keeps me grounded:

The first time I played out with it, a lady came up and seemed impressed, asking me if she could take a picture....."Sure, how would you like me to pose?" "Oh, I don't care about YOU.....I want a picture of that guitar!"

Yep, THAT tends to keep me humble!

What fits me......On the simpler side, as these things go......

[crunchee]

The first time I played out with it, a lady came up and seemed impressed, asking me if she could take a picture....."Sure, how would you like me to pose?" "Oh, I don't care about YOU.....I want a picture of that guitar!"

So, what did SHE look like?

[unfun75]

Here's another used Huber:

http://www.soundpure.com/p/huber-orca-10th-anniversary-electric-guitar-used/10504

[django49]

"Anyone attributing "God-like qualities" to these guitars (or any other) is clearly hoping that it would filter in their playing abilities (or convince others that they've somehow reached that level simply by association with the product".

Funny how that works! The only time "God" enters into the conversation of MY playing is when I mess up and God is followed by Damn.

That said, there is ONE particular Huber that, more than any other guitar, "fits" me and has encouraged me to get better. But here is what keeps me grounded:

The first time I played out with it, a lady came up and seemed impressed, asking me if she could take a picture....."Sure, how would you like me to pose?" "Oh, I don't care about YOU.....I want a picture of that guitar!"

Yep, THAT tends to keep me humble!

What fits me......On the simpler side, as these things go......

Well, let me simply answer by saying I did NOT feel a compelling need to keep a picture of her.

[Tortious]

Here's another used Huber:

http://www.soundpure.com/p/huber-orca-10th-anniversary-electric-guitar-used/10504

[django49]

If someone IS looking for alternative Orcas, here is one from a guy I DID buy a Huber from earlier his year. (Another Dolphin with "exceptional top" as well as BRW neck and board. FWIW).

I am not sure about the claim that Orcas are no longer shipped to the USA. Or of the other (above Soundpure reference) that there is a 4 year wait to order one. So take with a grain of salt. As best I can tell, multiple dealers have Orcas of current or recent vintage in stock, albeit at rapidly increasing asking prices.

https://reverb.com/item/229090-nik-huber-orca-2005-honey-maple

Point being that they DO pop up at (what some consider) "reasonable" prices now and then.

[Disturber]

Sorry, but I just don't 'get' Hubers. I've played a few and they're clearly made well, but I don't understand the godlike qualities that are attributed to them. That hasn't been my experience.

And unbound dot boards looks cheap for a guitar at that price point.

The two I've played have been nice. A bit flashier than my Hamer's. But playability and tone was not better in any way. And they don't make me feel like rocking out either, to much of a furniture guitar for that. And that headstock is ugly.

A set of Häussel pickups came in one of my Hamer's when I bought it. Didn't like them at all, they were quickly removed.

That said, that guitar was caught in good light in that photo shoot. The top looks really nice.

[kizanski]

If someone IS looking for alternative Orcas, here is one from a guy I DID buy a Huber from earlier his year. (Another Dolphin with "exceptional top" as well as BRW neck and board. FWIW).

I am not sure about the claim that Orcas are no longer shipped to the USA. Or of the other (above Soundpure reference) that there is a 4 year wait to order one. So take with a grain of salt. As best I can tell, multiple dealers have Orcas of current or recent vintage in stock, albeit at rapidly increasing asking prices.

https://reverb.com/item/229090-nik-huber-orca-2005-honey-maple

Point being that they DO pop up at (what some consider) "reasonable" prices now and then.

I thought that one looked familiar.

That was Mobster Greg's, Poe's, Mine, and then Badger Dave's.

The guitar was knocked off the guitar stand (and a Hercules stand at that!), and repaired masterfully by BCR Greg (which is stated by the seller in the ad).

That guitar is crazy cool. Full Les Paul thickness body (which is not the Huber norm), all korina... Just crazy cool!

[Sugartune]

Sheptone pickups are very nice. Grab it before I do. haha.http://sheptone.com/hum.htm

Oh yeah! Love the Sheptones. Their HB sized P90s rock, as do their PAFs.

The Krausters shown here are sweet! The Dolphins and other, fancier models are just too much pretty, but I'd never rule one out, assuming I had the coin and it fit. I think a Krauster should be on my wishlist now, though.

[RichRS6]

I never "got" them (admittedly never played one) but then I don't get PRS or any other guitars that are too pretty/expensive.

Is getting the neck /body joint finished off correctly an option on these guitars as the one in the OP and the one above have different joints?

The "unfinished" type would not thrill me at all, say it makes no difference to the playability all you like but it doesn't look good on a guitar in this price bracket.

[Ting Ho Dung]

Sorry, but I just don't 'get' Hubers. I've played a few and they're clearly made well, but I don't understand the godlike qualities that are attributed to them. That hasn't been my experience.

And unbound dot boards looks cheap for a guitar at that price point.

I've been wondering the same thing about Hubers. But I've never had one in my hands. Also to add: While I like the visual of a bound neck, I much prefer to play an unbound one and will probably never buy another (bound neck) without playing it first. Just MFO.

[santellavision]

I have a bunch of both bound and un-bound necks. I always THINK I like bound better, but you know, after playing a little while, you forget if it is or not.

[cynic]

I prefer the look of unbound with dots, but if the frets are over the binding I don't have a strong preference when playing. Given that so many drool over the binding and crowns, I don't shy away from buying them since they'll be more attractive if I decide to sell.

[crunchee]

#6 is back at DGS (again, no affiliation):

http://davesguitar.com/products/nik-huber/orca-jubille-number-6-recent/

[django49]

Is it just my imagination or is that neck joint different than the normal one on Huber guitars?

Come to think of it, more like the one on the Talladega Pro.

Hmmm....A 2008 Huber. So, who made who?

FWIW, IIRC, the Jubilee limited run had/have Brazilian boards.

[anotherfreak]

gone!

[hamer_sunburst]

I think this whole Huber thing is just hype. Plenty of other small builders out there offering awesome guitars..... In Germany an Orca costs about the same as an R9... but people aren't crazy about the Orcas at all (my impression). Rather the rich guys want to get a Gibson CC model

[LordsoftheJungle]

I think this whole Huber thing is just hype. Plenty of other small builders out there offering awesome guitars..... In Germany an Orca costs about the same as an R9... but people aren't crazy about the Orcas at all (my impression). Rather the rich guys want to get a Gibson CC model

I haven't played any Hubers except for the Krautster II, but it is friggin' awesome. Great fit and feel and especially great versatility. Most versatile guitars I've played could cop multiple sounds but those sounds were somewhat lacking,,, the "jack of all trades but master of none" phenomena. This Krautster is a step above that,,, and it's a little more affordable. I'm not sure the Orca will be that much better than other top of the line single cuts though, at least not several thousand dollars better. It would be fun to find out,,,

[django49]

Different strokes and all that. They (Hubers) really work for me. Anyone else, who knows? One man's hype is another man's passion.

One thing that I think is interesting......Nik Huber has made less than 2000 guitars in his whole life. I imagine Gibson cranks out that many a month. Maybe more. Some of the latter are good, some not. I have yet to be disappointed by any Huber, even those that were not "my style". But then I have only played abut 1% of his total output,so what do I know?

Meanwhile, PRS has put out well over 200,000 (USA made) in its history. In fact, well over 5,000 Private Stocks which, in my opinion, tend to be closer to "Huberness" than their "core" line. I am especially impressed by some of the more recent PRS builds. Some of the older ones I was less impressed by.

My simple anecdote. A few years ago, I was sidetracked by the discussion (here at HFC)....."Hamers are great. But only a LES PAUL is a LES PAUL".

So, okay, maybe I DO need another after having so many go through my hands over the years. And despite my favorite sounding Hamer (Triple Threat). Contacted a dealer to help me find "a good one", as there was so much on line chatter about how hard it was to find one that qualified as such. His comment? "Well a customer came in with a limited edition CC and paid well over $8k for it" "Damn, that must have been great, sez I"! "Well, it was OKAY".

One thing lead to another and I got a Huber Orca 59 that was, indeed, "like a 50 year old friend right outta the box". And for a good deal less than that "okay" Gibson CC despite the BRW, one piece top, etc. There may be better out there. I am still looking.

Now, in fairness, I have come upon some PRS Private Stocks that get ever closer to THAT holy grail. Maybe even in competition with that Huber. Maybe. But with street prices nearing $8k, (some higher) they damn well BETTER be good! They are. As good as a real 'burst? You call it. I have both Hubers and PRS ( as well as a pair of Hamers) that I think are AT LEAST as good as the only real 50's Gibson LP I have owned and loved. Def better quality. Not that any of then will ever be worth as much as my old one, y'unnerstand.

Whether they are worth what the market says they are is someone else's question. I know how much I paid for each and have no regrets. Of course I DO have too many, which is the only reason I will sell a few more. Eventually. (Two have already left here)

There are a LOT of good choices any more! So pick your own poison and ante up.

PS......How many USED guitars get snatched up, Gibson Reissues or otherwise, within a few hours of being posted for sale?

[django49]

PS.....Re the mention of fingerboards. The Orca Custom pictured above is about as perfect as it gets without inlays to interrupt the lovely snakewood board. Same goes for this Dolphin with a solid Brazilian board AND neck.

The Redwood (Dolphin based) also with BRW neck/board is similarly nice, except with the added tonal touch of the chambered body and very light weight.

Of course, sometimes, inlays can get toward the other extreme.

Orcas = Killer Wails(?)

Orcas/Dolphins.....All a bit fishy. Waiting for the albacore.

[ib2010]

Smokin- truly unique!

[django49]

Lovely stuff! Nik built some really nice things in that era. I am not immediately finding pix of the Dolphin that has the solid Brazilian NECK. The quilted maple figure on the top is nowhere near as nice as yours. But the finish is similar and the tone is stunning.

RW pickup surrounds are a nice touch. There is a place in Germany that offers replacement knobs carved from rosewood that might make that one even nicer, IF that is of interest. But nothing gets outta that shop that is less than droolworthy, IMHO. BRW TOPS are cool too.

[django49]

FWIW, guitars with BRW necks, if done right, are the "grand piano" of guitars.....Very hi-fi

BTW, the person that had that particular guitar built personally provided the BRW to Nik (and then sweated out getting it back to the USA through customs).

Check out these sites (or on eBay). My experience is that you will get a very nice refund of the HIGH shipping costs if you order multiple items, as they combine them.

http://stores.ebay.com/crazypartswebshop/

www.hailwood-guitars.de & crazyparts.de

As best I can tell, this outfit provides some of the highest end parts for both Nik Huber and Frank Hartung. (The latter even scarcer but arguably on the same level of product). Some are also clearly meant for PRS guitars.

Hartung: