schundog Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Long post warning. There is a lot to like and a lot that would have scared a lot of you away from this guitar. Somebody posted the Chicago Craigslist ad on this a few days ago, and somebody said the seller had a flame post against him. Strike one, for many. I have been saving up for SOMETHING, just not sure what, just so I'd have the cash if need be. I decided to call the guy this morning. He didn't answer, I left a message. I called again early this afternoon, and when he didn't answer I just hung up, giving up on it. He called right back. I asked him a few questions about the guitar, and we made agreed to meet, 1 hour 15 minutes away for me, 20 miles for him ( Oh well...) He showed up in the Walmart parking lot in a beater Ford conversion van with a broken window in the back, 2 kids in car seats, and Wifey ridin' shotgun sportin' a few tats and a tank top. Seller gets out with the well worn case, and his size makes my 6'3" 275 size look diminuative, haha. I give the guitar a look over, mention that the stinger looks too big, had the headstock been repaired?, etc, The back and sides seemed like the finish was worn off, and he said the guy that had it before him had this cover over the back, and it rubbed it off. He also didn't seem to know anything about the odd placement of the VIP switches. I figured the price was OK, even with the wear on the thing and these issues, so I handed him the cash, he counted it, we shook hands, and home I went. I had promised the 13 year old I'd take her to "The Avengers" this afternoon, so I did THAT as soon as I got home. Next post has pics, I promise!
DetroitBlues Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Sounds interesting... Can't wait to see the pics! Congrats!
schundog Posted May 28, 2012 Author Posted May 28, 2012 This guitar has a lot of wear. I've tried to document it, along with the enormous stinger, and the seemingly non-functional VIP switches, which is fine with me; I'll have my tech check them out, and if out of the circuit, pull them and plug 'em. I know 555's sometimes have HRWs, but the switch tip doesn't indicate that on this guitar; I'll have him check that, too. They sound pretty good, and the guitar is set up LOW, excellent playability. Replacement Schaller Locking Tuners, leaving some drill holes exposed, and old Schaller hardware on the bridge and stoptail that really doesn't bother me, either (Strike 2 and 3 for some guys, I'm sure.) J serial number, which, unless I'm mistaken, makes it a 1994 model. It smells like cigarettes, and needs a good clean up/polish. Here's some pics. http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz327/schundog/May2012071.jpg[/img]"]https://
schundog Posted May 28, 2012 Author Posted May 28, 2012 Seemingly non-functional. http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz327/schundog/May2012079.jpg[/img]"]https:// 555 Bling. Am I wrong, or is this stinger enormous?! A mess on the back that needs cleaned/polished. The most noticable wear, on the lower bout rim. This flame should clean up nice. nasty wear on the bout, but gorgeous neck.
Guest HRB853370 Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Well, congratulations. You didn't mention how much you snagged it for..but really not anybody's business either. Is this going to be a project guitar for you or restoration? I had to laugh at your vivid description of the guys vehicle, his wife, and the family. Sounds more like you met somebody from Georgia. Is your Gibby 335 up for sale now?
PunkKitty Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Nice score! Congrats! I'm sure it will clean up nicely. Not bad at all for a 94.
Steiner Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Got back from the walk just in time. Beautiful! I just love naked guitars, especially with ebony boards! She's a beauty! Enjoy!!!
FredZepp Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 I'd have bought that for the right price. ... and yes, that is one crazy looking stinger. I'd look for a repair there, but if it was well done, not a deal breaker. I like it , nice grab. I keep my eye on CL for those kinds of deals also.
schundog Posted May 28, 2012 Author Posted May 28, 2012 $1200. Not bad, I thought, for a 555, even if it IS a broken headstock. Again, it plays great. More to come once I try to clean it up/poiish it. P.S. Will, the 335 ain't up for sale.
Gitfiddler Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 You did good on the sale. But you were right. Most folks would have been scared off. That is one hum dinger of a stinger.
Spectrum13 Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 That is one pretty 555! Like the one piece maple neck and flame.
RhoadsScholar Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Nice one there. The stinger actually looks kinda cool. I'd cal Ren and inquire about the stingers unsual length (although from the pictures, it looks like a very good headstock repair if that is indeed what happened.
JeffB Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 I would have bought it. It looks great. Its been played. Cant be all that bad.
111518 Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Cool guitar. Your account points to the rewards/risks of this kind of transaction. Looks like you came out well.
Hfan Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Nice guitar and if it wasn't a player it would not have play wear. Congrats.
brentrocks Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 i used to have a 555 with a headstock repair....it was an awesome guitar! good snag!
DetroitBlues Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Very nice. Guitars with repaired headstocks are underrated anyway. Wonder how you get the smoke smell out of it?
Steiner Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Very nice. Guitars with repaired headstocks are underrated anyway. Wonder how you get the smoke smell out of it? Cigars of course!
Guest HRB853370 Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 $1200. Not bad, I thought, for a 555, even if it IS a broken headstock. Again, it plays great. More to come once I try to clean it up/poiish it. P.S. Will, the 335 ain't up for sale. Isn't there a way to detect a headstock repair? Should be fairly visible. Its a shame that nice guitar was so mistreated. Even if it was professionally gigged with, there is no reason for all that scuffing all over the finish.
tsp17 Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 That one has a lot of vibe to it. Very cool. Well done.
blueox Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Congratulations on your 555 find! From your description, I for one would not have entered into that transaction, but you ended up with a Heritage with a lot of character and tone, no doubt.
Kuz Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 When you play on the 3rd, 4th, or 5th position do you actually get stung by the stinger?
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