| Author |
Message |
    
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 1:15 pm: | |
Could someone out there help me identfy my Artist - serial number F775759, my understanding is that it would have been manufactured in either 1977 or 1987.
It looks like a 1977 2619, or a 1987 AR300 - the neck is mother or pearl inlay but it does not have the Tri-sonic switches, did they make a model like this? The top pick up is covered and bottom pick up has no cover, this consists of one black pick up and one white one taped together
Is there any idea of the value, the guitar is in good condition but with one volume knob missing, and is there anywhere I could get parts from to replace this?
Thanks}} |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 1:20 pm: | |
can you post a photo? Instructions for photo posts are over on the left under "formatting." |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 1:27 pm: | |
Hi Bobzilla - I will take pictures tonight and post later - it looks like a 77 model but I have mother of pearl inlay on the neck?
Thanks for replying so quickly |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 2:39 pm: | |
Rob:
A '77 with block MOP/Abalone inlays, but now Trisounds. Doesn't sound like a June '77 2619.
Or do you mean a plain MOP block (no multi-colored abalone in the center)?
We need to see pictures. |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 2:55 pm: | |
Hummmm.....I have a '77 with block inlays and no trisounds, the inlays are solid blocks w/o the abalone. Its basically a 2618 with block inlays. The general consensis when I bought it was that the inlays were aftermarket, although I swear they are factory.......Rob33...we need a picture... |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 7:28 pm: | |
Dave,
I met with a guy a few months ago that also has an early 2618-type with solid block inlays. There may very well be merit in believing yours is original.
js |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 5:19 am: | |
Thanks for all your replies - I will be posting pictures today, it does have the multi coloured abalone, and the neck has the mother of pearl inlays...
Orval Engling - who I contacted about spares thinks that '77 was a transitional year so it could be a bit of a mixture
My guitar was stolen 3 years ago, which was a real wrench, then miraculously handed back to me this weekend! Unfortunately whoever had it has managed to chip a couple of bits of varnish from the back, make a tiny mark and dent on the front and lost one of the volume knobs!!!!!
Also they have the the hardware oxidise - so I have gone from owning an immaculate guitar to a slightly less than immaculate - but man it was great to get it back, my son has recently started playing - owns a strat, he could not believe the sound coming out of the Ibanez
Any idea of value? |
Talajuha
Username: Talajuha
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 6:04 am: | |
"Any idea of value?"
Didn't you answer the question?
"he could not believe the sound coming out of the Ibanez"
Juha |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 6:18 am: | |
Thanks Talajuha
Don't think this will wash with the insurance company though - with what happened before I want to insure it properly this time, and need a rough idea of the replacement value, is it more valuable, or less valuable if it turns out to be a bit of a mixture
Cheers |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 10:04 pm: | |
Here's the picture's of Rob33cinema's Arist"
 |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 10:30 pm: | |
Woah !..note the solid block inlays ! My guitar has one on the first fret too... |
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 11:30 pm: | |
Is the position of the bridge normal?
mk |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 5:15 am: | |
Thanks to John for posting these - what do you guys think, what model do you think it is?
And any idea of replacement/insurance/sale value
Thanks |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 5:32 am: | |
And one other question for the experts out there - should both sets of pick ups have covers? Or was the guitar sold with one set uncovered?
All the photo's I have seen show both pickups with gold covers but my pick ups look a little high, wonder if they were taken off by first owner?
I am trying to get replacement bridge, pick up covers and volume knob so all info would be useful
Thanks |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 6:14 pm: | |
Guys:
Rob33cinema is wondering about a value (for insurance purposes) and whether he should go for a complete restoration.
What do you think? I say restore it...if you're prepare to find and pay for the correct parts.
Value is tough to say. It's rarer than a 2619, but not as fancy. Hmmm? |
Bluepill
Username: Bluepill
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 8:10 pm: | |
i love full block inlays...the reason why ive been trying to find a 90's ar200/300 for the past few years....dont think they sold them in australia....anyway Rob nice axe man |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 8:32 pm: | |
Hi Mike,
I think the reason the bridge seems to sit far up from the tail-piece is due to the 24 fret neck that it has.
Ace |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 8:47 pm: | |
Ace:
I forgot to count the frets...24 you're right. Dave is your's 24 frets? |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 9:31 pm: | |
You might need this address (source: Dave_G) after you cleaned the parts in kerosene.
http://www.goldplater.com/
I know Orval sells NOS Harmonomatic bridges and Super Grip knobs of the FIRST SERIES. Did he already put prices behind your shopping list?
Ginger
P.S.:
Dave_G wrote that plating more parts at once is always cheaper. |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 11:41 pm: | |
John, Yep mines a 2 octave (early 2618)
Ginger..its been a couple of years since I used the folks at three rivers-the work was always very good and reasonable, but its been a couple of years since I did any plating with them.
'Zilla..How could you not know what a volute is ? Gibson added it to their guitars in 1971, cause the damn SG's kept cracking right where the headstock tilts back. If you look at the neck from the side you can see how , after cutting for the nut and drilling for the trussrod and the angle...there isnt much wood holding that part of the guitar together-yet there are tremendous forces pulling at it from the strings...the volute was to add some mass to this part of the guitar. Purists and set neck snobs still prefer the smooth necks (Pre-1971) and I guess the don't mind the very common headstock repairs !
BTW Bob, the "girls" are safe..... |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 5:06 am: | |
Hi there
Thanks for all your comments and replies, Ginger cheers for the website - unfortunately I live in UK, but I am going to look for a local guy who can provide this service - so the only thing I am actually missing is a volume knob - anyone have one they would like to sell?
Nice talking to you all - great website |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 6:39 am: | |
I'm a purist and a set neck volute snob! 
Except when it comes to Ibanez Artists 
Nice guitar there Rob (33cinema)
six |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 6:50 am: | |
You could buy a SECOND SERIES for $6.- and wait very patiently for a bargain on the FIRST.
BTW: Orval sells FIRST SERIES Super Grips in Gold and Black. Didn't you ask him?
Ginger |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 7:47 am: | |
I have asked Orval but so far he has not given me a price, biggest problem I have is that postage to UK is so much |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 8:08 am: | |
And if he sends it in padded envelope as a letter? It weighs nothing!
Or hide it in a cheap book: PRINTED MATTER!
(It was printed 1-10.)
Or do you want to replace ALL hardware? Can't they be saved/replated?
Ginger |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 8:26 am: | |
He quoted me something like $30 which is a lot to send one very small object, I'll have another chat with him - yes I think you're right on the hardware I'm going to see if I can get them replated locally
Do you think the bridge humbucker would have originally have been covered like the neck one is? |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 9:45 am: | |
In 1976 the 2618 had Super 70's, an ST-bridge and an ordinary LP stoptail and DOTS and golden top hat knobs.
In 1977 the 2618 had Super 80's, a Gibraltar bridge and a Gibraltar tailpiece and DOTS and speed knobs.
Your guitar has: one Super 80, one could be anything zebra humbucker (Super 70?), a HARMONOMATIC bridge, a 2618-12 tailpiece, block inlays and Super Grip I knobs.
It doesn't fit in any catalogue description, but it looks genuine. I can't tell you how it originally looked like. They made this one to annoy us.
Ginger |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 10:37 am: | |
Ginger...The correct name and model for the tail piece is "Deluxe Fancy Tailpiece" #225 (from the '76 catalog. This guitar looks to be original just like its sister (except for the inlay on the first fret)! (I have installed Super 80's, Pearl Tuners and Sure Grips which were not original to this guitar)
|
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 10:39 am: | |
Ginger...The correct name and model for the tail piece is "Deluxe Fancy Tailpiece" #225 (from the '76 catalog. This guitar looks to be original just like its sister (except for the inlay on the first fret)! (I have installed Super 80's, Pearl Tuners and Sure Grips which were not original to this guitar)
|
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 10:40 am: | |
 |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 11:11 am: | |
I'll say it again, to me this is that specific look of a refinished Artist.
It stands out every time. Yes? no? maybe? |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 11:33 am: | |
Dave G it's wonderful to see "my" guitar how it could have looked!
Makes me more determined to replace original parts on mine - if I can find them! |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 11:36 am: | |
Does anyone have any idea how much to value this for, as it's a little unusual does this make it more or less valueable?
Does anyone know of any UK based Ibanez vintage spares suppliers?
Cheers |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 11:42 am: | |
Thanx Dave for the volute info. Thanx for the info on the girls. I like that volute then... regardless of the fact that the magazine didn't. Dave... shoot me an e-mail off-site and give me your opinion on the aw20asent. |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 12:35 pm: | |
Bob, The early Artists all have this finish on them, it appears to be a hand applied stain (rather than sprayed one) under the clear coat that gives it that "grainy" look.
I have several of these older Artists with this finish. |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 12:39 pm: | |
Ahhhhhhhhhh... there's the info I was looking for Dave. Because... it's such a noticeable finish. I'll never have to wonder again. Would you say that finish will appear within a certain date range then? '75-'77 perhaps? |
Talajuha
Username: Talajuha
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 2:05 pm: | |
Hm, do I remember it right? Somebody started this thread to ask something? ... identify my guitar ... value is ...
And I wrote this because I don't have a fancy guitar to display here 
Juha |
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 8:12 pm: | |
Ace:
That bridge is right up against the pickup vs. Dave's picture.
mk |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 12:37 am: | |
Mike,
That does look odd.
Ace |
Rob33cinema
Username: Rob33cinema
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 7:26 am: | |
Thanks for posting guys, as Talujuha say's do you think we are any closer to working out what model the guitar is, and an estimated value?
By the way - as a newbie on this site, can I just say how helpful and knowledgeable you all are - glad I joined! |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 12:15 pm: | |
How about we call it the 2618.5? |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 9:35 pm: | |
Reaction on Dave_G's comment posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 10:39 am:
which I wrote and couldn't post yesterday, because my account had disappeared because of a corrupted member database (read about it in John's thread!), so I pasted it into a word processor and saved it:
"Dave, first I didn't feel like looking it up, but I saw the only 2618 it was on was the 2618-12.
But when I saw you called it Deluxe fancy tailpiece, I knew that name was already been taken by the curly stop bar, according to JD's website.
This one is called ARTIST STANDARD FANCY TAILPIECE, that is according to JD.
http://www.noahjames.com/vintagepage/parts.html
But because you wrote about the 1976 catalogue, I looked into that and I discovered that this tailpiece was used on the 2681 models.
Could it be that the 2618 and 2681 have been mixed up and that there were a few 2618 bodies drilled for 2681 hardware? And after they realized this, thought "let's finish it with those parts".
Or that the 2618-12 didn't sell too well and that they decided to put 6-string necks on the body.
So if these two guitars were the result of a decision to use up some 12-string drilled bodies and 6 string necks, the value depends on the number of guitars created this way.
Since this seems to be a not-documented hybrid guitar, it's hard make an estimate.
But I find hybrids, like the SB70 for instance, very interesting. They're mostly pretty rare, because they're limited to the number of leftover bodies and/or necks that are already out of production.
Ginger"
PS: So Jeff's idea of calling it 2618.5 is not so bad at all, because the blocks add something to it.
Alternative: we could call the normal ones 2618DOT and these two block inlayed hybrids 2618ODD or George or Bob or any name but Sue. |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 11:44 pm: | |
Ginger, No offense to JD, but the CATALOG lists both the stop bar and this stop as the "Deluxe Fancy Tailpiece" The stop "Bar" is the model #224 and the one with the attached "Cloud" is the model #225. There is also a 12 string version of the #225-which was not indicated in the catalog
|
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 11:44 pm: | |
Ginger, No offense to JD, but the CATALOG lists both the stop bar and this stop as the "Deluxe Fancy Tailpiece" The stop "Bar" is the model #224 and the one with the attached "Cloud" is the model #225. There is also a 12 string version of the #225-which was not indicated in the catalog
 |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 11:52 pm: | |
How is the sustain with this bridge-tailpiece combination compaired to the DOT?
It looks a lighter to me...
I think the Gibraltar is better.
Ginger |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 11:56 pm: | |
Beautiful catalogue!
I don't know if the text on JD's website is original. It's a little blueish.
Ginger |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 5:22 am: | |
Right now, I've got SA-1 of the parts catalogue sitting on my lap and a NOS 224 in my left hand and it's definately fancy.
Guess what's in my right hand?
six |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 8:39 am: | |
Six:
My hands are full: a NOS 224 in one hand and a NOS 225 in the other. No catalog, though. |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 9:16 am: | |
Ginger:
The 225 tailpiece (we usually refer to it as the 1-piece cloud) was used on most Artist models between mid '76 and mid '77. I have a '77 2617 with it. It was mostly used in combination with the wide "nashvile" type bridge. But there have been sightings of it used with the thin, ST style.
The 1st generation Gibraltar tail with cloud, and Gibraltar bridge came in late '77 and lasted several years.
You will also find the 225 was used on the early 2670, was always used on the 2640/AR1200, and is currently used on the 2670re doublenecks.
If you think that the 225 tailpiece looks "lighter", you should see the new version of it that is being used on the Korean made AR300s. |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 10:26 am: | |
According to Hasy's 1976 catalogue scan they used normal Les Paul stop tails on the 2618:
http://www.break-even.org/ibzscans/1976KLA/art-8.j pg
That would make this indeed just a transitional model, if it wouldn't have these block inlays.
I think the Gibraltar parts are better, but they are also more common.
The Harmonomatic, the 225 and the blocks make this model a rarity, I guess.
The insurance value could be slightly higher.
But I think the regular 1977 models with Gibraltar will be better players.
Ginger |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 7:26 pm: | |
Just throwing another spanner in the works here. Check this out:
Ebay Item #260098247901
six |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 8:10 pm: | |
Six, that one is yet another version with MOP/AB/MOP inlays and a 24 fret neck with Abalone purfiling.....too bad about the mods, but I suppose that they can be reversed..Wonder why the seller is selling it, he just bought it in January for a great price ($610) ! |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 8:51 pm: | |
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
MAYBE... just a 'for profit' flip, under the guise of "need"???
Just sounds a bit calculated, to me, to have already "shipped the guitar to the USA"... where it would probably go for considerably more. (NO offense intended to UK/Euro members!)
Colo(u)r me skeptical. |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 1:18 am: | |
JC you are probably right. Most of the UK is 100% backward when it comes to the old Ibanez stuff. There are only a few of us die hard know-alls about .
Dave - yeah I was thinking.... Huh, what's this/what's happened? Something else for us to mull over.
Ginger - Okay come on. Let's have some off-the-wall theories mate.
six |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 9:39 am: | |
First a summary of the details, then I'll try to get these pics on ICW, because in a few months it will all be gone and then our only chance to see it, is the cache of google:
"This guitar seems to be a 1976 model 2618 with some 2619 appointments. The guitar specs are as follows. No serial number (76 or earlier had no #) 24frets on a bound very dark rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl and abalone split block inlays. The frets are in great shape lots and lots of life left. Carved top, bound W/B plastic then a nice thick strip of abalone. Original Super 70's pick-ups with "Butterfly" covers, original bridge and tailpiece. Please note that this guitar never had the "cloud" tailpiece that is more common because there are no screw holes in the body. The original coil tap switch was removed, the hole plugged and then a master volume was added.The pots are original. The hardware is gold but faded. Old Ibanez script logo is MOP with a bound headstock. The large inlay is abalone. Recent pro set-up with a new graphite nut. [...] The strange things about this guitar that make it a head scratcher are: 24 frets, the extra abalone on the body and the block inlays. I don't know if this was a custom order or a prototype but it's without a doubt a rare bird."
 |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 10:09 am: | |
Looking at the 1975 and 1976 Artist catalogues, my first impression is that it's a pre serial nr 2619 with a 24 fret neck (instead of the 22 frets in the 1976 catalogue, but I guess it was possible that they made two versions, just like PRS is doing today).
I think the only link to the 2618 are the 24 frets but there are several other guitars that have 24 frets. To me it's just another option.
What's important: the inlays/bindings in body and neck, the potmeter knobs and the (replaced) coil tap switch. No doubt in my mind: this is a 2619 24 fret edition.
http://www.t3-kundenserver.de/htmlpages/redasys/_c ore/databases/t_meinl-uploads/1976_artist_guitars. pdf
Ginger |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 7:35 pm: | |
I tend to agree. Got to be a factory job as the pups are closer together than on a regular type 1 22 fret 2619. Also, the regular 22 fret has the pickup ring bang tight against the board so there would be no room to add extra frets at a later date. The extra pot has to be a master volume so the coil tap was driled out. Shame
Looks like another Ibanez experiment then. There are always plenty of surprises when it comes to those old Ibanez models.
A kind of early PRS 24 that came along 10 years later don't ya think.
six |
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 7:50 pm: | |
Did the 24-fret 2618 have a 24.75" neck?
mk |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 8:50 pm: | |
Seller has updated the pics on the auction..am I seeing things or does the back of the headstock look like its been refinished ? Its WAY too clean relative to the rest of the guitar, and the "grain" pattern looks like an overlay or perhaps even brush strokes. ALL the Artists that I own have 3 pc LAMINATED necks and the headstocks even have small wings on the sides.....
 |
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 9:13 pm: | |
To quote the seller:
I applied some tape to the back to protect it from scratches. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BACK!!!!!!
Could this be your answer?
mk |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2007 - 11:44 pm: | |
Michael, Hes talking about the huge red section of tape on the back of the guitar, I'm looking at the headstock. |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 3:23 am: | |
We could be looking at something here that never made it to production but Dave has a good point. It does look a lot like a veneer/painted or could it be a one piece neck?
six |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 8:09 am: | |
I think Dave_G is right, the headstock looks brush painted, and the paint job includes the volute and a small part of the neck. We could be looking at a crack repair. Painting the whole headstock just to hide some tuner holes makes no sense. The fact that he chose Ping tuners indicates that he needed money for something else: working hours of a luthier.
Normally the original tuners are so good, that there is no need to replace them, and if so, Ping wouldn't be what I call an upgrade.
I think it's a case of Humpty Dumpty. And all the King's horses and all the King's men... seem to have done their very best and hid the serial number, because I don't believe this is a 1975. It's not in the 1975 catalogue and to be from the pre-serial number era it should have been earlier than August 1975.
But we have seen other 1976 guitars without a serial number. I remember discussing one or two with Harry. The number was sometimes forgotten.
For instance: I have never seen a serial number on an ST1200, which appeared several years later.
I think it would be wise to ask explicitly whether it has had a headstock/neck crack repair or not. And if you buy, use Paypall.
Ginger |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 9:45 am: | |
If dave hadn't explained the A"look" of this axe... I would have been convinced the whole think was a re-fin job. Now it appears at least "something" is up with the finish. What's all that red hiding? That's certainly weird, no matter how you interpret it. |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 10:17 am: | |
No, we're talking headstock repair here, the back of the body is covered with RED (LINEN BOOK BINDERS?) TAPE as a protection against belt buckle damage, according to the seller's info.
But who knows? Use PAYPALL!
Ginger |
Gemberbier
Username: Gemberbier
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 10:23 am: | |
First thing you should do, when you get this thing: check the neck headstock area for a hidden crack repair and get a hair dryer to warm up the tape and remove it.
If everything is as it should be, you keep it. If not get your money back through Paypall.
Ginger |
Acetan
Username: Acetan
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 11:45 am: | |
Go to the seller's feedback section. You can see the transaction from which he bought the guitar.
Ebay Item #160060234111 |
Bobzilla
Username: Bobzilla
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 12:01 pm: | |
Looks like the guy who sold it first contacted ICW and now the second seller did the same.
Why is it being sold so often? I wonder.... |
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 2:04 pm: | |
Anyone else notice that the guitar lost the Gibson case that the seller got with it in January when it was purchased, and gained a "cheapy plush lined chipboard case"......... |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2007 - 7:49 pm: | |
No wonder i didn't spot it previously as there wasn't much in the auction title to indicate it was an Ibanez.
six |
Sixvsix
Username: Sixvsix
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 5:57 am: | |
A couple of other things I have noticed about this guitar
1. The heel is a little longer than on the same period 2619 probably to accomodate the extra fretboard/scale length
2. The tail is positioned further up the body again slightly different to a regular Type 1 version of the 2619. The tail on those are more or less in line with the bass volume knob where this one it's in line with the treble volume knob.
So no way was this a doctored anything. A one off for sure.
six |