Re: I now own one of the coolest guitars ever made: one-off 1938 Gretsch Prototype. P
First off, thank you to everyone who replied since my last post in the thread! The guitar is
supposed to arrive at my house today, but we'll see if that happens. He mailed it Parcel Post, because the box is big enough to fit two hard-shell cases in there. So that's 2-9 day. Today is day 7, but it's estimated to deliver today. We'll see! Anyways, on to individual questions:
Nice guitar dude. I'm no expert or anything, but I'd be willing to bet you'll make a decent chunk of change if you ever plan on selling. Either way, it's still an awesome guitar and it's amazing to see a 70 yr old instrument in such great shape.
Thank you! Yeah as far as an investment, I'm not sure I'll come across something better. People telling me to take care of it and insure it are 100% right, need to get that taken care of now.
That is a great buy. WOW is all I can say ya Jabroni!
Ya got Green buddy back on the road yet?
Thanks Odiave! Green Buddy is
still getting the neck finished up. I got an e-mail 10 days ago telling me it's just about done, but nothing since. The dude is unquestionably one of the best builders in the business (if Ace Frehley and Billy Gibbons both employed him in the last 3 months, I'm in good hands), but he's slower than molasses. Still, in 30 years I'm not going to care about the extra 2 months, I'm going to care about the quality.
Just to reiterate, it's Ebony board with real mother of pearl inlays, and gigantic (6105 I believe?) stainless frets. All new binding throughout, new bone nut, new truss rod, etc. Basically a completely brand new neck.
This is a gorgeous guitar indeed. Did you get a quote to fix the loose binding issue in the neck?
Are you thinking 'bout to put som p'ups in her? I'm not a collector, mind you. I'm a player, so if it was me I wouldn't care at all about losing vintage market resale value.
In my case I'd be having some time adjusting to that big body w/out cutaways and intonating the wooden bridge... need to be very patient.
How's the nut cut? Very important in an instrument like this. It makes or it brakes the overall sound and feeling. Remember: it's an acoustic guitar, that's the way she's gotta be considered and treated.
Congrats again on this gorgeous old lady.
Pepe aka Lt. Kojak
Milano, Italy
The action and intonation are currently just about perfect, according to the seller. Like I said, action at 12th fret is 1/8". Umm, about pickups, I'll probably be getting a DeArmond jazz floating pickup system from the 40's. Problem is that the model 1100 (the one I would get) costs around $1,000 on eBay nowadays. Worth it though! All time best jazz pickup.
And about the binding, I'm taking this guitar by Roman whenever I pick up my Green Buddy - whenever that is. I've informed him about it, and we'll see about an estimate. Maybe I can get a previous customer/3 month delay discount.
Yeah, getting it fixed asap though.
How did I miss this thread?
What a fantastic score, Andrew! What's the first thing you're going to play on it?
BTW, I think "Jim" is a great name for that guitar -- seriously.
- Keith
Thanks Keith! Appreciate it!! Jim's a good name, huh? We'll see.
As of lately, I've really taken to referring to it simply as "The '38" especially over on The Gretsch Pages.
What the hell? $1,500? You dumb lucky bastard.
Just make sure you understand, this ain't no Green Butt Buddy that you can tear apart to your heart's content. You'd better treat that thing like your newborn baby. If you so much as make a fingerprint smudge on that thing, I will come down there and kick your ass so hard you'll have to sleep on your side for a month.
Tear apart!?? Ahh! Sir, need I remind you the transformation the Green 'Butt' Buddy has underwent?
Seriously though, yes I understand. I'm not even putting a Bigsby on this guitar! I'm not going to put a single screw hole in this, or anything.
Believe me Matt, my sole motivation in guitars is making money while having fun. If I change even one thing on this, the investment quality is severely damaged. Needs to stay perfect!
Anyways, thanks guys!! I appreciate everything. Will definitely post pictures if it arrives.
