Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

[Jeff_H]

I was watching this item on eBay, but did not bid at $1800. 2 main reasons, it has been setup for a string guage with a .70 at the low E. I was concerned that this would mean a new nut right away. Also, there is no COA provided with the guitar (although the serial number is accurate for a 57 RI). New ones can be had for $1900 or so.

So I send the guy an e-mail, and ask if he would consider $1500 + shipping for the guitar, to allow for the new nut, ect. He comes back to me with an offer of $1650 + shipping. That's a good price I know, but no COA.

Would those of you in the know consider this deal? Here's the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7312801868&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Hmmm... if you can get it for around $1700 shipped you should be golden. It looks like it's in good condition and I'm sure there's a good tech in your area that can put on a new nut and set up the guitar for standard for around $50. All in all, looks like you can get a good guitar from (what looks like) a reputable seller and still get a good deal even after the hassle of re-setting it up.

 

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Jeff,

Its interesting you mentioned the C.O.A issue. I was going to buy a used ''57 reissue, but the guy had no C.O.A. He claimed that Gibson doesn't always include them with the reissues. It sounded like bullsh*t to me, so I called my buddy who is a Gibson dealer. My buddy said that ALL reissues have the C.O.A. If you have any intentions on keeping it for resale/investment value, my friend claims the C.O.A is important.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Yeah....in the e-mail reply I received, this guy told me that he verified with Gibson that not all RI's come with COA's...I may e-mail Gibson with the info and see what they say. I'm not planning on buying it to sell, but you never know what future circumstances will bring. Perhaps Gibson can re-issue a COA?

 

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Lets us know, Jeff! I'd be interested to hear what Gibson says.

 

[proxy]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

I can understand you wanting a COA, but COA or not your getting a heck of a guitar for a a real good price. Also Hopefully the bridge haven't been groved for those strings either.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

I can understand you wanting a COA, but COA or not your getting a heck of a guitar for a a real good price. Also Hopefully the bridge haven't been groved for those strings either.

I agree. I can't possibly see why the COA is _that_ important. You look at it and you immediately know what it is and it definitely doesn't look "fake". For the couple hundred you'll be saving, I think it'd be worth it... with or without a COA.

I'd inquire about that bridge as well. Never thought about that until proxy mentioned it.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Good question about the bridge......I'll ask. I know you can buy pre-notched saddle replacements, so I'm not TOO concerned about that. I'll take the guitar to Splawn Guitars to have the new nut/setup done if I pull the trigger. I've e-mailed Gibson about the COA, and asked the same question over at the LPF.

I know the deal is good....just want to make sure everything is right.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Got a couple of quick answers to some other questions from the seller. The LP has the long neck tenon, and comes with the Custom Shop Case, not the Historic case, which my research tells me is the better case anyhow.

Haven't heard back from Gibson yet, but it's not been long enough. I'm really leaning towards pulling the trigger....I'll wait a few more hours just to make sure the impulse remains, and to see if Gibson responds.

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

well, looks like you got it! these guitars are truly great! You'll love it, I love mine

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Lets us know, Jeff! I'd be interested to hear what Gibson says.

Martin -

Gibson e-mailed me back and said that COA's were not issued on Historic RI's before 2001. Some of the guys at the LPF claim to have received a few on 2000 models, but the general consensus there is 2001 as well. They say that those who know Gibsons know about the COA, and that it is not an issue.

That takes care of that issue for me anyhow. Now I'm just finalizing the deal with the seller.

 

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Martin -

Gibson e-mailed me back and said that COA's were not issued on Historic RI's before 2001. Some of the guys at the LPF claim to have received a few on 2000 models, but the general consensus there is 2001 as well. They say that those who know Gibsons know about the COA, and that it is not an issue.

That takes care of that issue for me anyhow. Now I'm just finalizing the deal with the seller.

Cool. Thanks for the update, Jeff!

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

...That takes care of that issue for me anyhow. Now I'm just finalizing the deal with the seller.

Jeff, nice guitar. that will make 2 LP's in your stable. The next most important question is when are you adding a 3rd... ?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

The third is going to be a while. I want either a 58' RI or a 59' RI. Those will cost significantly more. I want to do some things to my Marshall....new tolex, new grill cloth and get a Splawn 2x12 with cane grillcloth.

Then I'll worry about annother LP (easy to say now). Besides, I haven't heard back from the seller yet. He is supposed to put annother BIN auction up for me. He's on the west coast, so I need to give him a little more time.

 

[Curly]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

FWIW,
the "gc" in his name is for Guitar Center
I see this guy's auctions all the time, and they're always high, which is why he got 0 bids.

the upside is that it's lightweight

however, I can't really tell you which years were good for the RIs ... I think they went to BB pickups after '01 though. something to consider.

FYI, Gibson will provide COAs to registered owners, but I believe that yes, it's for '01 and after.

as you know, I picked up a new Goldtop recently for a little bit more than this one.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Okay, here's my two cents. Cool that Gibson got back with you on that. My 98 didn't have a COA either. Wanna see for yourself that it's an historic? Just look in the control cavity and it should be stamped with R7 in it in ink. I guess someone could fake that, but why...

Then when you get it ( and you'll have an inspection period ), just pull the neck pup out and see the long tenon. You'll see it.

The 98's call came with the brown Lifton case with the pink lininig. I prefer the black ones with the "steal me" Historic Custom Shop logo on it. I just dont' care too much for the pink cloth that always gets in the way. But the brown cases look cooler when they're closed.

So, if yours comes with a black one, it's not original. Make sure it has a truss rod wrench. GC is notorious for not including them.

8 lbs is freaking light, that is probably a good thing.

98 models did not come with the lightweight aluminum tail pieces. But, you can grab one from stew mac for 25 bucks. It does affect the tone. Try it.

Finally, the price. While 1800 is not too bad, you can buy a brand new one for $2100 if you search around. You can often find used ones for 1500-1700 depending on condition. I might be confusing these prices with the R6 I bought. I think R7's command a slightly higher price than R6's.

If the guitar is in great shape, plays really well and such, it's probably worth 1800, especially if you can get them to pay the shipping. The pups might leave you a bit underwhelmed. They weren't using the Burstbuckers back then. 57 Classics aren't bad, but they dont' have near the tone the new BB's have. A set of Seth Lovers would be just the ticket. Or Antiquities.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Thanks for the opinions guys. Curly and Scott....here's the deal. I just talked to they guy at GC in San Jose. He says yes, it has the R7 stamped in the cavity. Gibson confirmed the serial number for me. This guitar comes with the Black Historic Case, not the brown Lifton case. The guys as the LPF all say this is better as well.

They are going out of their way to help me buy this thing for well less than $1800. I'll have it completed tonight and should be here mid next week.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Need 57 RI Purchase Advice From My Tone Bro's

Cool. Best part is that you are buying used and you have an approval period. No brainer. Make sure to check the fret ends in teh upper register. Some of the older ones have some small cracks in the binding from rosewood shrinkage. It's no big deal. Some of the ones on my 1998 R6 are like that. But be wary of rather large splits IMO.