Tag Archives: Fender

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars: Q&A

September 13, 2016

| Author: Vintage & Rare

Could you please tell us a little bit about Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars and where you are located? How long have you been in the business?

 Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars was set up in my own name in 2009, at that time I was running the small business from the living room of my flat in East London. By 2011 the business had outgrown the flat so I set up shop in our first proper showroom in Andrew Weatherall’s recording studio on Scrutton Street in Shoreditch, which allowed me to expand even more.  Most recently in 2015 I moved in to the new showroom at 152-154 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6SH. Over the years Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars has established a name as the best place to shop for vintage basses in the UK and recently added vintage 6 string electric & acoustic guitars along with amplification to the inventory. I have always maintained the ‘by appointment only’ approach, as I feel this helps to keep the customers’ buying experience personal as well as allowing the right work/lifestyle balance for myself – that way everyone is happy. Continue reading →

John 5 and his telecaster obsession

September 5, 2014

| Author: Vintage & Rare

John Lowery, more commonly known as John 5, famous for his work as guitarist for Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth Band and Rob Zombie is not only a blessed guitar player, but also an avid guitar collector, with an obsession for Fender guitars, and especially Telecasters.

Already falling in love with guitars at the tender age of 7, John 5’s career began in earnest when he was 17 years, when he became member of the band Alligator Soup, and not long after that he joined the group Sun King, recruited by Rudy Sarzo of Whitesnake fame. A few years later on John 5 began his real breakthrough when he became the next guitarist to join the David Lee Roth Band. Like most other guitarists that have been part of David Lee Roth Band, John 5 experiences great publicity and fame, earning a reputation as a true guitar virtuoso. During the same period of time John 5 also played with Marilyn Manson. During the mid 2000s John 5 left Marilyn Manson on good terms and put a temporary hold on his collaborations with David Lee Roth, and began a more focused work on his solo career as well as forming the group Loser all the while he also joined as guitarist for Rob Zombie. Though Loser quickly disbanded John 5 have had quite some success with his solo career and even more as part of Rob Zombies line-up. Known for his mixture of country picking and wild guitar shredding, his solo albums features a variety of styles, yet all show his talent in equal measure.

When it comes to guitars John 5 have been collecting them for many years, beginning as early as in his teens, and made his first real venture into collecting guitars when he sold his large collection of KISS posters in order to fund his guitar shopping-needs. Having always been a fan of the Fender Telecasters, his collection soon became a reflection of this fascination, and most of his collection is now composed by various Fender models. Though for most people the collection might seem abnormally large while at the same time quite narrow, it seems it is John 5’s dream to have a copy of every Fender model ever released. Though it might be an almost be a bit too much it appears that John 5 is well on the way to reach that goal. Though he for a period of time he played Ibanez models instead when turing with Marilyn Manson, the Fender guitars have always been his favourite and as shown in the video above most of the time his touring rig consists almost exclusively of Fenders. While for some it seems strange when musicians play their own signature guitars, for a fan as John 5 it makes a lot of sense that the most used guitars on his tour are all signature models from is own series, even the custom made double-neck guitar is a version of his signature series guitars. Sadly though last year John 5 was burglarized and lost 5 very precious guitars from his collection, and as far as we can tell the perpetrators and the guitars have yet to be found. We here at Vintage & Rare hope that this will not stop John 5’s collection adventure, and we are happy that it didn’t put a stop to the production of his newest album Careful With That Axe, which was released last month.

For more John 5 information go to his website here.
For more from Guitar World or Premier guitar, visit their youtube sites here and here.

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Jeff Beck and his favorite guitars

August 20, 2014

| Author: Vintage & Rare

There are few people in the world of guitar lovers, collectors, fanatics and players that haven’t heard the name Jeff Beck before. Though he may never have reached the same levels of commercial success as many of his contemporary guitar-masters, there are few people who can claim the same level on influence on how we view and uses guitars to this day. In many areas Beck have single handedly revolutionised the way people thought about and played guitars, and with such a legacy it comes to no surprise that most fans and guitar lovers have a keen interest in the instruments he uses, why he uses them and to what ends. In the following video, taken from the DVD “Jeff Beck’s Rock’n’roll Party”, Beck talks about some of his most beloved guitars, why he owns them and how he got to possess them.

What is perhaps doubly interesting is the fact that most of his prize guitars, as well as those he bring with him on tour these days (and have for the greater part of his career) is simple, unadorned and mostly unmodified Telecasters and Stratocasters. In fact, as shown in the video to follow, on his last tour he only brought four guitars, all of them Stratocasters! The reason to this seems to be manyfold. As shown in the video above, he is well aware of the nuiances that can come from using different kind of guitars, and how when reaching for something very specific, sometimes you just got to have an equally specific instrument to reach that sound. However as Beck also point out, what the reason behind having rack upon rack of guitars on stage on every tour when you don’t play half of them, nor utilise them to their full potential?

To Jeff Beck that is exactly why he for so many years have almost exclusively gone for the Telecasters and Stratocasters when it comes to recording and touring, more often than not only using the more “exotic” guitars at home or when special occasions called for it. As he puts it in many interviews, his favorite Stratocaster feels more like an extension of his body than an instrument. So while the Gretsch Rancher from The Blue Caps might have a special place in his heart and the Gibson L5, Gretsch all have a fantastic and very specific sound, and though it might feel perfectly fine to use a wonderful Maccaferri from Jimmi Page, how can one say no to the Stratocaster after so many years of near perfect symbiosis – and when you on top of that own one that used to belong to John McLaughlin – it really can surprise no one that Beck sticks to what he knows. What is almost even more impressive than his loyalty to such a well worn guitar is the things he have done with it in his hands. The list of musical genres he have helped inspire and create is truly incredible, and when one with such talents have played for more than 60 years, it is no wonder that his influence reaches as far and as wide as it does. From being an ambitious rock’n’roll guitarist himself, inspired by the creators of the genre, to being one of those people that others emulate and whose talent surpasses almost any other living guitar player (named the 5th best guitar player of all time by the Rolling Stone magazine), all we can hope for is that he continues to influence guitarist around the world as he always have, and that his playing style will continue to influence the music business to create even greater instruments.

For more rig rundowns visit Premier Guitar on youtube.
For more on Jeff Beck, visit his official homepage here.

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How to install a Buzz Stop on a Fender Jazzmaster

December 6, 2013

| Author: Vintage & Rare

We made a little video tutorial for you, on how to install a Buzz Stop on your Fender Jazzmaster/ Jaguar bridge.

We stopped by the cool workshop of Guitar Service, aka Dubré Guitars, and they helped us doing this video. You will see that it’s very easy to add a Buzz Stop, and it can really improve your Jazzmaster or Jaguar sustain characteristics. You can find a Buzz Stop on Martin’s Musik-Kiste‘s profile on Vintage&Rare.

Find more guitar videos on our youtube channel!

If you want to find out more about the buzz stop, check out on Whizzo Buzz Stop, this great article!

Famous Vinyls Covers: Guestblog by Vinylstall.com

August 23, 2012

| Author: Vintage & Rare

Vinyl records have been popular during most of the 20th century. These recordings are played using a record player called phonograph. Vinyl recordings are once a favorite in the entertainment media. Over the years, the music industry has innovated and produced modern technology from cassette tapes to CDs and digital music players. Old types of music recorded on vinyl are now being revived with the integration of musical instruments. Audiophiles are into vinyl record collection because they love this vintage music format. Even the new generation musicians and music lovers are becoming interested in this old time disc recording.

Vinyl record enthusiasts have never ceased using and collecting this form of music medium. In fact, some artists and small label companies release their music using vinyl. DJs also play and spin these records in the clubs and bars because of the good sound quality. Vinyl has survived the innovation of technology and has influenced the music industry over the years. During the middle to the late years of the 20th century, there are a lot of famous vinyl covers that have been produced and distributed in the market. How can we forget the famous cover of the Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers? Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by the legendary Beatles has been considered the best cover of all times. For decades, label companies have also integrated famous instruments on their vinyl record covers.

During the vinyl record era, covers are very significant to express the theme of the artist’s songs. Some use their personal profiles and pictures or musical instruments like guitars, piano and saxophones.

Instruments featured in Vinyl Record Covers:

a. One of the most acclaimed albums during the 50’s is the Saxophone Colossus by Sonny Rollins. The award winning album was recorded and released in 1956 by Prestige Records and was considered the best albums issued by this recording company. The cover shows a man playing his saxophone in a blue background. It is a jazz album containing five tracks, three of which are Johnny Rollins’ compositions.

b. Another remarkable vinyl record cover is the album “Eric Clapton Slow hand” by Eric Clapton. This album includes lyrics of all songs and some art clips and photos. The front cover photo shows neck, turning keys and head of a guitar. A body of the guitar being strummed by a man is illustrated in the back cover. The album was produced in 1977 by Glyn Johns.

c. Jerry Lee Lewis also known as “The Killer” pioneered rock and roll music through a distinctive style in piano playing. His album “Who’s gonna play this old piano” released in 1972  contains eleven tracks including the hit songs “She’s Reachin For My Mind” and “Who’s gonna play this old piano”. The vinyl record cover shows an old grand piano with some lyric sheets on top of it.

Vinyl record covers were of great help to market and sell albums. The concept depends on the genre and the performer’s type of music. Most of the covers show profiles and pictures of the singer or bands. Covers for vinyl records also show musical instruments used by performers. Albums with famous musical instruments like guitars, pianos and saxophones are incorporated in the back or front cover of the musician’s album.

Vinyl is one of the greatest medium in the music industry. There is a need for us to protect and promote vinyl records to preserve the music of the past generation. You can find rare vinyl records for sale online, with the free vinyl search on http://www.vinylstall.com/

Interview with guitarist François “Shanka” Maigret

July 20, 2012

| Author: Vintage & Rare

François “Shanka” Maigret is certainly one of the best current French guitarists.
Multi-instrumentalist, guitar teacher, guitarist with “France de Griessen”, with “No one is Innocent” and singer-guitarist with “The Dukes”… among others.

François kindly accepted to answer to our questions and to tell us about his career, his projects, and of course his guitars and gear !!

Could you please tell us a bit about how you got into playing music ? Do you remember any specific moments that sparked your interest in music and playing guitar?
I started playing electric guitar at the age of 14. The original spark has been Angus Young… When I first saw that guy rolling on the floor while playing killer solos, I said to myself: “That’s what I wanna do… Whatever it takes!”. So I started learning on my own, listening to CDs, watching videos, buying songbooks. I discovered other great guitar players like Paul Gilbert, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, Nuno Bettencourt and so on and began recording myself, which helped a lot to make progress! Then, the usual story: first bands, first recordings, left my hometown for Paris, first pro band, first tour… Since there was no artists or musicians in my family, I thought it’d never work, but it’s been 10 years now so I guess I didn’t suck that much!

Which musicians or bands have been the greatest inspiration and have had the greatest influence on your understanding of music and your playing?
As I said, Angus was the original spark. Then I’d say that Paul Gilbert was my greatest inspiration, as a guitar player and as a teacher. I always loved the way he explained things with both humor and kindness. And no need to say his playing is mind-blowing… Later on I started listening to jazz and country players like Jim Hall (the classiest an on earth), Mike Stern, Tony Rice… I studied harmony and ended up creating my own solo style, which is a mix of blues, metal and be-bop, using country techniques like chicken picking or pedal-steel-like licks. As I read my last phrase, I must say it sounds rather pretentious, all the more because most of the time I end up on stage rolling on the floor making random noise…

Have you already jammed with one of them?
I jammed with Paul Gilbert once (thanks to the French magazine Guitar Part)… I was completely stoked. Still today I don’t understand how I could play a single note, I felt totally paralyzed. I met a lot of famous musicians and I’m generally acting “normal” in that kind of situation, but this time I was completely shocked. I saw him performing a masterclass in my hometown when I was 16 and had the chance to shake his hand… I didn’t wash it for days!!! When I told him that story the day we jammed together, he laughed his ass off!

What advise you give to fans wishing to perfect their playing and broaden out their understanding of music, or what is the first advise you give to your guitar students?
I’d say : “don’t forget where you come from, little monkey”. Since we’re all monkeys (we evolved a bit, but still!), the best way for us to learn things is to first imitate them. “Listen and repeat” is the best way to learn music, it worked with all my students, especially the ones with rhythmic or melodic issues. Then, in parallel, you study theory and start building your own personality! But ear training is definitively very important.

How many days a year do you spend on road? Is it hard to be on a tour and still keep the mindset to create and produce music?
I’d say half of my time is spent on the road. I recently had the chance to have a chat with the great Reeves Gabrels (Bowie’s former guitarist) and he told me how he thought that our lives were very similar to pirate’s, it totally struck me : a bunch of guys going from town to town, taking whatever they can, moving to the next city… It’s a thrill, really. It’s hard to get back to reality when you get back home, but it’s really worth it! I have my own studio to compose, produce and record so it’s not that complicated to keep making music, even if the creative part of the day sadly remains the smaller one… One’s got to pay his rent, like anybody!

Can you please tell us about the guitars, amps and effects you are mainly using, and why you have chosen the guitars & gear you have?
I’m mainly using a ’67 Gibson SG Jr, a Fender Elvis Costello Jazzmaster, a Daddy Mojo CigarBox guitar (which is amazing by the way) and two Roadrunner custom guitars. One of those is equipped with a miniaturized harmonica mic hidden in the upper horn that allows me to be called “the guitar whisperer”… Concerning the amps, I’m using a ’70 Fender Bassman 50, a custom Orange OR50 and a custom Marshall JCM800. I also have a Fender supersonic 100 that is really great.

Do you use the same guitars and gear with “No One is Innocent” and with “The Dukes”?
Depends on the mood, but yes mostly!

Do the guitars & gear you play live differ from the guitars you’re using during recording sessions?
Yes, in the studio I tend to record on much smaller amps. I’m using a few teles and my old Fender mustang too that I almost never use on stage.

Are you into vintage guitars & old amps/effects? If yes which brands/models and why? Maybe you have a special story to tell around one or more of your guitars?
I always hated the kind of Parisian snobs who judge you by the amount of vintage guitars that you own… Then I found my old SG Jr and started becoming a Parisian snob myself! But I still don’t judge people according to their gear! My philosophy is: I don’t care if it’s old or new, it’s gotta work and sound good. I recently bought a very cheap acoustic guitar so I can play when I go to my parents’ place… Eventually I brought it back to my studio since it sounds far better than my Taylor! I tend to like original instruments, like my Team Laser guitar-sitar or my cigarbox. I don’t care if the guitar is comfortable or not, if it’s got the sound that I want, I just adapt my playing to the axe I’m using. I’m really proud of the two models we designed with Laurent Hassoun (Roadrunner guitars): they’re pretty original and sound killer. Laurent is the best rock’n’roll luthier in France, no doubt. His instruments are amazing and the guy is a true rocknrolla!

What are your future plans? With “No One”, “The Dukes”, or alone?
I’m going to record the Dukes’ second LP in Los Angeles this summer, I’m pretty excited about it. I’m also working on No One is Innocent’s and France de Griessen’s new LPs these days… Composing’s my own disease: I just can’t help it, I’ve gotta work on new songs everyday! I also started playing with Abel Croze, an artist who plays for the children, which is pretty amazing… The show is pretty rock’n’roll, you should see those kids yelling, dancing and raising hell with their teachers completely losing control, it’s really something!

Any famous last words?
Music saves lives, don’t kill it… I don’t care if you download stuff, but be responsible and support your favourite artists or they’ll die (and I’m not talking about Britney or Miley, if you see what I mean!!). And above all, dare to be curious, there are fantastic new bands fighting to exist everywhere, all you’ve got to do is to find them… And with the internet there are no excuses!

More information about Shanka’s bands:

http://www.nooneisinnocent.net/
http://www.francedegriessen.com/en/
http://www.myspace.com/wearethedukes

How to date vintage fender amps

June 13, 2012

| Author: Vintage & Rare

Dating Fender Amps

1951-1967 – Tube chart on the inside of the amp is stamped with two letters (A – Q):

The first letter designates the year and the second letter designates the month.

A 1951 JAN
B 1952 FEB
C 1953 MAR
D 1954 APR
E 1955 MAY
F 1956 JUN
G 1957 JUL
H 1958 AUG
I 1959 SEP
J 1960 OCT
K 1961 NOV
L 1962 DEC
M 1963
N 1964
O 1965
P 1966
Q 1967

Mid ’70s – early ’80s – Amplifiers are dated much the same way as Fender guitars from the same era:

B + 5 digits 1975 – 1976
A6 + 5 digits 1976
A7 + 5 digits 1977
A8 + 5 digits 1978
A9 + 5 digits 1979
F0 + 5 digits 1980
F1 + 5 digits 1981
F2 + 5 digits 1982 – 1983
F3 + 5 digits 1983 – 1984
F4 + 5 digits 1984 – 1985
F9 + 5 digits 1979 – 1980

Dating Contemporary Fender Amplifiers

All Fender amplifiers manufactured from 1990 – present include a date code printed on the quality assurance (QA) sticker on the back of the amp chassis, and are dated the by the first letter as the year and the second letter as the month.

A 1990 JAN
B 1991 FEB
C 1992 MAR
D 1993 APR
E 1994 MAY
F 1995 JUN
G 1996 JUL
H 1997 AUG
I 1998 SEP
J 1999 OCT
K 2000 NOV
L 2001 DEC
M 2002
N 2003
O 2004
P 2005

ALL other Fender Amplifiers can be dated by the components inside:

In almost every Fender amplifier there are several EIA (manufacturer) codes followed by a date code, typically found on the speaker(s), transformer(s), tubes, caps, and occasionally pots. The EIA code will consist of 3 numbers followed by a date code of 3 or 4 numbers designating the year and the week. To give an example, a typical Oxford speaker from the ’60s will look something like: 465-217. 465 designating the Oxford EIA code, 2 designating the year 1962, and 17 designating the 17th week of ’62. Take a look at this ’62 Fender Princeton Amp, and you’ll see that exact speaker, as well as the typical Schumacher transformers (EIA 606) used in Fender amplifiers.

Serial Number ranges from amplifiers made between the late ’40s – late ’70s:

Bandmaster 5C7, 5D7 (tweed)
0001 to 0800 – 1953
5000 to 5500 – 1954

Bandmaster 5E7 (tweed)
S00001 to S00350 – 1955
S00350 to S01200 – 1956
S01100 to S01800 – 1957
S01700 to S02500 – 1958
S02500 to S03700 – 1959

Bandmaster 5G7, 6G7 (brown)
00001 to 0100 -1960

Bandmaster 6G7, 6G7-A (blonde)
00001 to 02400 –  1960
02300 to 05100 –  1961
49000 to 58000 –  1962
58000 to 59200 –  1963

Bandmaster AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00001 to A01700 – 1963
A01400 to A08000 – 1964
A07700 to A17000 – 1965
A16000 to A22000 – 1966
A20000 to A27000 – 1967

Bandmaster AB763, AC568 (silverface)
A26000 to A29000 – 1967
A28000 to A34000 – 1968
A33000 to A34000 – 1969
A34000 to A45000 – 1970-72

Bandmaster Reverb AA768, AA1069, AA270, TFL5005 (silverface)
A31000 to A35000 – 1968
A35000 to A45000 – 1969
A45000 to A49000 – 1970
A48000 to A54000 – 1971
A54000 to A59000 – 1972
A59000 to A66000 – 1973
A66000 to A77000 – 1974
A75000 to A78000 – 1975
A78000 to A80000 – 1976

Bassman 5B6 (tweed)
0001 to 0300 – 1951
0300 to 0400 – 1952
0400 to 0600 – 1953

Bassman 5D6, 5D6-A (tweed)
0600 to 0900 – 1954

Bassman 5E6, 5E6-A (tweed)
0100 to 0200 – 1955
BM00001 to BM00550 – 1955
BM00550 to BM01200 – 1956
BM01200 to BM01600 – 1957

Bassman 5F6, 5F6-A (tweed)
BM00001 to BM00400 – 1957
BM00400 to BM01500 – 1958
BM01500 to BM03100 – 1959
BM03100 to BM04600 – 1960

Bassman 6G6, 6G6-A, 6G6-B (blonde)
BP00100 to BP01100 – 1961
BP01100 to BP05000 – 1962
BP05000 to BP08400 – 1963
BP08400 to BP12000 – 1964

Bassman AA864, AA165, AB165 (blackface)
A00100 to A03800 – 1964
A03800 to A15000 – 1965
A15000 to A25000 – 1966
A24000 to A33000 – 1967

Bassman AB165, AC568, AA270, AA371 (silverface)
A32000 to A40000 – 1967
A39000 to A49000 – 1968
A48000 to A58000 – 1969
A58000 to A60000 – 1970

Bronco AB764 (silverface)
A19000 to A21000 – 1967
A20000 to A26000 – 1968
A25000 to A28000 – 1969
A28000 to A29000 – 1970
A29000 to A32000 – 1971
A32000 to A35000 – 1972
A33000 to A39000 – 1973
A39000 to A42000 – 1974
A42000 to A51000 – 1975

Champion 800 (tweed)
01 to 1000 – 1948-49

Champion 600 5B1 (tweed)
01 to 1300 – 1948-49
1300 to 1700 – 1950
1700 to 5000 – 1951-52
5000 to 5500 – 1953

Champ 5C1, 5D1 (tweed)
5500 to 6600 – 1953
6600 to 8000 – 1954
8000 to 9999 – 1955

Champ 5E1, 5F1 (tweed)
C00001 to C00800 – 1955
C00800 to C03100 – 1956
C03100 to C06000 – 1957
C06000 to C08800 – 1958
C08800 to C12500 – 1959
C12500 to C15500 – 1960
C15500 to C16800 – 1961
C17000 to C19000 – 1962
C19000 to C21000 – 1963
C21000 to C23000 – 1964

Champ AA764 (blackface)
A00100 to A02000 – 1964
A01900 to A05200 – 1965
A05200 to A12000 – 1966
A12000 to A12200 – 1967

Champ AA764 (silverface)
A12200 to A13900 – 1968
A13900 to A18000 – 1969
A18000 to A30500 – 1970
A30500 to A32000 – 1971
A32000 to A35000 – 1972
A32000 to A42000 – 1973
A42000 to A50000 – 1974
A50000 to A63000 – 1975
A63000 to A85000 – 1976

Concert 5G12, 6G12, 6G12-A (brown)
00001 to 02400 –  1960
02300 to 05100 –  1961
49000 to 58000 –  1962
58000 to 59200 –  1963

Concert AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00001 to A01700 – 1963
A01400 to A08000 – 1964
A07700 to A08800 – 1965

Model 26 Deluxe (woodie)
100 to 1500 – 1946-48

Deluxe 5A3, 5B3 (tweed)
001 to 800 – 1948
800 to 1900 – 1949
1900 to 3000 – 1950
3000 to 5400 – 1951
5400 to 6800 – 1952
6800 to 7300 – 1953

Deluxe 5C3, 5D3 (tweed)
0001 to 1500 – 1953
1500 to 3600 – 1954
3600 to 5300 – 1955

Deluxe 5E3 (tweed)
D00001 to D01400 – 1955
D01400 to D03000 – 1956
D03000 to D05000 – 1957
D05000 to D06800 – 1958
D06800 to D09000 – 1959
D09000 to D10000 – 1960
D10000 to D11000 – 1961

Deluxe 6G3, 6G3-A (brown)
D00100 to D00900 – 1961
D00800 to D03800 – 1962
D03800 to D04900 – 1963

Deluxe AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A00500 – 1963
A00500 to A02800 – 1964
A02800 to A05600 – 1965
A05600 to A06100 – 1966
A06100 to A06500 – 1967

Deluxe Reverb AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A00300 – 1963
A00300 to A03900 – 1964
A03900 to A13000 – 1965
A12000 to A19000 – 1966
A19000 to A24000 – 1967

Deluxe Reverb AB763, AB868 (silverface)
A24000 to A26000 – 1967
A26000 to A28500 – 1968
A28500 to A33000 – 1969
A31000 to A33000 – 1970
A33000 to A34500 – 1971
A34500 to A37000 – 1972
A37000 to A39000 – 1973
A39000 to A42000 – 1974
A42000 to A43000 – 1975
A43000 to A45000 – 1976

Dual Showman AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A01400 – 1963
A01400 to A01700 – 1964
A01700 to A04300 – 1965
A04300 to A08000 – 1966
A07800 to A12000 – 1967

Dual Showman AB763, AC568 (silverface)
A12000 to A12500 – 1967
A12500 to A15000 – 1968

Dual Showman Reverb AA768, AA769, AA270, TFL5000 (silverface)
A13900 to A16500 – 1968
A16500 to A22400 – 1969
A21700 to A25600 – 1970
A25600 to A37000 – 1971
A37000 to A50500 – 1972
A50500 to A68000 – 1973
A68000 to A99999 – 1974
A81000 to A99999 – 1975
B01000 to B15000 – 1975
B15000 to B68000 – 1976

Harvard 5F10 (tweed)
H00100 to H00500 – 1956
H00500 to H01400 – 1957
H01400 to H02000 – 1958
H02000 to H02600 – 1959
H02600 to H03400 – 1960
H03400 to H03500 – 1961

Musicmaster Bass CFA-7010 (silverface)
A00100 to A04100 – 1972
A04100 to A07900 – 1973
A07900 to A09500 – 1974
A09500 to A09800 – 1975
A09800 to A10500 – 1976

Princeton 5B2, 5C2, 5D2 (tweed)
2500 to 3600 – 1953
3600 to 4400 – 1954
4400 to 4700 – 1955

Princeton 5F2, 5F2-A (tweed)
P0001 to P00350 – 1955
P0001 to P01100 – 1956
P01100 to P02400 – 1957
P02400 to P03000 – 1958
P03000 to P04300 – 1959
P04300 to P07000 – 1960

Princeton 6G2, 6G2-A (brown)
P00100 to P01000 – 1961
P01000 to P05100 – 1962
P05100 to P07200 – 1963
P07100 to P09900 – 1964

Princeton AA964 (blackface)
A00100 to A02500 – 1964
A02500 to A07000 – 1965
A05000 to A10400 – 1966

Princeton AA964 (silverface)
A10000 to A11000 – 1967-68
A11000 to A15000 – 1969-70

Princeton Reverb AA1164 (blackface)
A00100 to A02100 – 1964
A02100 to A07500 – 1965
A05500 to A14500 – 1966
A14000 to A18700 – 1967

Princeton Reverb AA1164, B1270 (silverface)
A18500 to A19500 – 1967
A18900 to A21500 – 1968
A21500 to A25500 – 1969
A24000 to A25000 – 1970
A25000 to A26000 – 1971
A26000 to A27500 – 1972
A27500 to A30000 – 1973
A30000 to A32500 – 1974
A32500 to A34500 – 1975
A34500 to A36000 – 1976

Pro 5A5, 5B5, 5C5, 5D5 (tweed)
01 to 600 –  1948
600 to 1100 –  1949
1100 to 1700 –  1950
1700 to 2500 –  1951
2500 to 3500 –  1952
3500 to 4800 –  1953
4500 to 6000 –  1954

Pro 5E5, 5E5-A, 5E5-B (tweed)
S00100 to S00800 – 1955
S00800 to S01200 – 1956
S01200 to S01800 – 1957
S01700 to S02500 – 1958
S02500 to S03700 – 1959

Pro 5G5, 6G5, 6G5-A (brown)
00001 to 02400 – 1960
02300 to 05100 –  1961
49000 to 58000 – 1962
58000 to 59200 – 1963

Pro AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00001 to A01700 – 1963
A01400 to A08000 – 1964

Pro Reverb AA165 (blackface)
A00100 to A02700 – 1965
A02700 to A09200 – 1966
A07000 to A10200 – 1967

Pro Reverb AA1265, AB668, AA1069, AA270 (silverface)
A10000 to A10500 – 1967
A10500 to A12000 – 1968
A12000 to A13300 – 1969
A13400 to A14500 – 1970
A14500 to A15000 – 1971
A15000 to A15600 – 1972
A15600 to A17200 – 1973
A17200 to A19700 – 1974
A19700 to A20000 – 1975
A20000 to A21500 – 1976

Quad Reverb CFA7104 (silverface)
A33000 to A37000 – 1971
A37000 to A50500 – 1972
A50500 to A68000 – 1973
A68000 to A99999 – 1974
A81000 to A99999 – 1975
B01000 to B15000 – 1975
B15000 to B68000 – 1976

Reverb Unit 6G15 (brown, blonde, blackface)
R00100 to R00900 – 1961
R00900 to R02600 – 1962
R02600 to R04800 – 1963
R04800 to R07400 – 1964
R07400 to R09800 – 1965
R09800 to R11000 – 1966

Showman 6G14, 6G14-A (blonde)
00001 to 00350 –   1960
00200 to 00800 –  1961
00800 to 01500 –  1962
01500 to 01800 –  1963

Showman AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A01400 – 1963
A01400 to A01700 – 1964
A01700 to A04300 – 1965
A04300 to A08000 – 1966
A07800 to A12000 – 1967

Showman AB763 (silverface)
A12000 to A12500 – 1967
A12500 to A15000 – 1968

Super incl. Dual Professional (tweed)
01 to 400 – 1946-47
500 to 1200 – 1949-51
2000 to 4300 – 1952-53
4500 to 5500 – 1954
5500 to 6100 – 1955

Super 5E4, 5F4 (tweed)
S00100 to S00800 – 1955
S00800 to S01200 – 1956
S01200 to S01800 – 1957
S01700 to S02500 – 1958
S02500 to S03700 – 1959

Super 5G4, 6G4, 6G4-A (brown)
00001 to 02400 –   1960
02300 to 05100 –  1961
49000 to 58000 –  1962
58000 to 59200 –  1963

Super Reverb AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A00600 – 1963
A00600 to A06000 – 1964
A05900 to A13000 – 1965
A11000 to A20000 – 1966
A20000 to A27000 – 1967

Super Reverb AB763, AB568, AA1069, AA270 (silverface)
A26000 to A29000 – 1967
A27000 to A35000 – 1968
A35000 to A45000 – 1969
A45000 to A49000 – 1970
A48000 to A54000 – 1971
A54000 to A59000 – 1972
A59000 to A66000 – 1973
A66000 to A77000 – 1974
A75000 to A78000 – 1975
A78000 to A80000 – 1976

Super Six Reverb CFA7106 (silverface)
A33000 to A37000 – 1971
A37000 to A50500 – 1972
A50500 to A68000 – 1973
A68000 to A99999 – 1974
A81000 to A99999 – 1975
B01000 to B15000 – 1975
B15000 to B68000 – 1976

Tremolux 5E9, 5E9-A (tweed)
0001 to 00650 –  1955
00650 to 01000 –  1956
01000 to 01300 –  1957
01300 to 01700 –  1958
01700 to 02700 –  1959
02600 to 03300 –  1960

Tremolux 6G9, 6G9-A, 6G9-B (blonde)
00100 to 01000 –  1961
00900 to 04200 –  1962
04200 to 05900 –  1963

Tremolux AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A00500 – 1963
A00500 to A03700 – 1964
A03200 to A05700 – 1965
A05200 to A08000 – 1966

Twin 5C8, 5D8, 5D8-A, 5E8, 5E8-A (tweed)
001 to 500 – 1953-55A00200 to A00725 – 1956-57

Twin 5F8, 5F8-A (tweed)
A00010 to A00725 –  1957-59

Twin 6G8, 6G8-A (blonde)
00001 to 00100 –  1960
00100 to 00225 –  1961
00225 to 00400 –  1962
00400 to 00525 –  1963

Twin Reverb AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A01200 – 1964
A01200 to A04300 – 1965
A04300 to A07000 – 1966
A07000 to A10400 – 1967

Twin Reverb AB763, AC568, AA769, AA270 (silverface)
A10500 to A11300 – 1967
A10500 to A16500 – 1968
A16500 to A21400 – 1969
A21400 to A25600 – 1970
A25600 to A37000 – 1971
A37000 to A50500 – 1972
A50500 to A68000 – 1973
A68000 to A99999 – 1974
A81000 to A99999 – 1975
B01000 to B15000 – 1975
B15000 to B68000 – 19760100 to 3400 – 1970

Vibrasonic 6G13, 6G13-A (brown)
00001 to 00350 –  1960
00200 to 00800 –  1961
00800 to 01500 –  1962
01500 to 01800 –  1963

Vibro Champ AA764 (blackface)
A00100 to A02000 – 1964
A01200 to A08100 – 1965
A08100 to A16000 – 1966
A16000 to A20500 – 1967

Vibro Champ AA764 (silverface)
A19000 to A21000 – 1967
A20000 to A26000 – 1968
A25000 to A28000 – 1969
A28000 to A29000 – 1970
A29000 to A32000 – 1971
A32000 to A35000 – 1972
A33000 to A39000 – 1973
A39000 to A42000 – 1974
A42000 to A51000 – 1975
A51000 to A53000 – 1976

Vibrolux 5F11 (tweed)
F00001 to F00300 – 1956
F00300 to F00900 – 1957
F00900 to F01500 – 1958
F01500 to F02800 – 1959
F02800 to F04000 – 1960
F04100 to F04400 – 1961

Vibrolux 6G11, 6G11-A (brown)
00100 to 00700 – 1961
00700 to 03700 – 1962
03400 to 05500 – 1963

Vibrolux AA763 (blackface)
A00100 to A01300 – 1964

Vibrolux Reverb AA864 (blackface)
A00100 to A00800 – 1964
A00800 to A03600 – 1965
A03600 to A08300 – 1966
A08300 to A10700 – 1967

Vibrolux Reverb AA864, AA964, AB568, AA270 (silverface)
A10700 to A11000 – 1967
A11000 to A12000 – 1968
A12000 to A13700 – 1969
A13700 to A23400 – 1970
A23400 to A24500 – 1971
A24500 to A25000 – 1972
A25000 to A27000 – 1973
A27000 to A31500 – 1974
A31500 to A33000 – 1975
A33000 to A34000 – 1976

Vibrosonic Reverb (silverface)
A44000 to A50500 – 1972
A50500 to A68000 – 1973
A68000 to A99999 – 1974
A81000 to A99999 – 1975
B01000 to B15000 – 1975
B15000 to B68000 – 1976

Vibroverb 6G16 (brown)
00100 to 00600 – 1963

Vibroverb AA763, AB763 (blackface)
A00100 to A05300 – 1964

Typical Speakers found inside most Fender Amps:

Bandmaster 5C7, 5D7 (wide panel): Jensen P15N
Bandmaster 5E7, 6G7 (3×10): Jensen P10R, P10Q, Oxford 12K5R-1
Bandmaster 6G7-A: Oxford 12M6, Jensen C12N
Bandmaster AB763 and silverface: Oxford 12T6, Jensen C12N, Utah 12″
Bandmaster Reverb Silverface: Oxford, Utah 12″Bantam Bass Silverface: Yamaha trapezoidal
Bassman 5B6, 5C6: Jensen P15NBassman 5D6, 5E6-A, 5F6, 5F6-A: Jensen P10R, P10Q
Bassman 6G6 , 6G6-A, 6G6-B: Oxford 12M6; Jensen C12NBassman AA864, AA165: Oxford 12T6; Jensen C12N; Utah ceramic
Bassman Silverface: Oxford 12T6; Utah; Rola
Bassman Ten Silverface: CTS 10″ ceramic
Champ 5C1, 5D1: Cleveland 6″ alnico, Jensen P6T
Champ 5E1, 5F1: Oxford 8EV; Jensen P8T; CTS 8″ alnico
Champ AA764, silverface: Oxford 8EV
Concert 5G12, 6G12: Jensen P10R, P10Q
Concert 6G12-A: Jensen P10R, P10Q, C10R; Oxford 10K5
Concert AB763: Oxford 10K5, 10L5; Utah V10LXC1
Deluxe 5B3, 5C3, 5D3: Jensen P12R
Deluxe 5E3: Jensen P12R, P12Q
Deluxe 6G3, AB763: Oxford 12K5-6
Harvard 5F10, 6G10: Jensen P10R
Musicmaster Bass Silverface: CTS 12″ ceramic; Oxford 126PJ4
Quad Reverb Silverface: Oxford 12T6; Utah V12PC; Rola
Princeton 5C2, 5D2, 5F2, 5F2-A:Jensen P8T; Oxford 8EV; Cleveland 8″
Princeton 6G2, AA964: Oxford 10J4; Jensen C10R
Princeton Silverface: Oxford 10J4
Princeton Reverb AA1164: Oxford 10J4, 10L5; Jensen C10R, C10N
Princeton Reverb Silverface: Oxford 10J4; CTS
Pro 5A5: Jensen F15N (field coil), P15N
Pro 5B5, 5C5, 5D5: Jensen P15N
Pro 5E5, 5E5-A: Jensen P15N
Pro 6G5, 6G5-A: Jensen P15N; Oxford 15M6
Pro AB763: Jensen C15P; CTS 15″ ceramic
Pro Reverb AA165: Jensen C12N; Oxford 12L6
Pro Reverb Silverface: Oxford 12L6, 12T6; Utah, Rola 12″ ceramic
Showman 12 6G14, 6G14-A, AB763: JBL D120F with tone ring
Showman 6G14, 6G14-A, AB763: JBL D130F with tone ring
DualShowman AB763: JBL D130F
Dual Showman Rev Silverface: JBL D130F
Super 5B4, 5C4, 5D4, 5E4, 5E4-A: Jensen P10R
Super 5F4: Jensen P10R, P10Q
Super 6G4, 6G4-A: Jensen P10R, P10Q; Oxford 10K5
Super Reverb AA763, early AB763: Jensen C10R
Super Reverb AB763, silverface: CTS 10″ alnico or ceramic; Oxford 10L6; Rola 10″ ceramic
Super Six Reverb Silverface: Oxford 10L6; CTS 10″ alnico
Tremolux 5E9-A: Jensen P12R; P12Q
Tremolux 6G9, 6G9-A: Jensen P10Q or Oxford 10K5R w/tone ring
Tremolux 6G9-B: Oxford 10K5
Tremolux AB763: Oxford 10K5, 10L5; CTS 10″ ceramic
Twin 5C8, 5D8, 5E8-A: Jensen P12R; P12Q
Twin 5F8, 6G8: Jensen P12N
Twin 6G8, 6G8-A: Jensen P12N; Oxford 12M6
Twin Reverb AB763: Jensen C12N; Oxford 12T6
Twin Reverb Silverface: Oxford 12T6; EV; Gauss; Utah; Rola
Vibro Champ/Bronco: Oxford 8EV
Vibrolux 5E11, 5F11: Jensen P10R
Vibrolux 6G11, 6G11-A, AB763: Oxford 12L6, 12M6
Vibrolux Reverb AA864, AA964: Jensen C10Q; Oxford 10L5
Vibrolux Reverb Silverface: Oxford 10L5; CTS 10″ alnico
Vibrasonic 5G13, 6G13-A: JBL D130, D130F
Vibrosonic Reverb Silverface: JBL D130F, K130F; Gauss; EV
Vibroverb 6G16: Oxford 10K5
Vibroverb AA763, AB763: JBL D130F; Jensen C15N; CTS 15″ ceramic

Joe Satriani interview: ”To my fans: I owe you everything”.

March 23, 2012

| Author: Vintage & Rare

Joe Satriani is one of those guitarists who can be described in a single word – legend. Vintage & Rare is proud to present you interview with Joe, the guitarist whose music has no requirement for lyrics. He told us something about his musical beginnings, his inspiration and his plans for the future.

Could you please tell us a bit about how you got into playing music ? Do you remember any specific moments that sparked your interest in music and playing guitar?
I started playing the drums at age nine after seeing The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on TV. Then in September of 1970 I switched to guitar the day Jimi Hendrix died. He remains my main inspiration.

Which musicians or bands have been the greatest inspiration and have had the greatest influence on your understanding of music and your playing?
Besides Hendrix, I was influenced by early American blues, rock ’n’ roll, Motown, R & B, jazz and classical music. I played Black Sabbath and Led Zep in my early bands, and then some fusion. My greatest understanding of music came from my high school music theory teacher Bill Westcott. He gave me my foundation.

What advise you you give to fans wishing to perfect their playing and broaden out their understanding of music?
Practice being a musician everyday, be creative and curious and never stop learning.

How many days a year do you spend on road? Is it hard to be on a tour and still keep the mindset to create and produce music?
It seems like I’m on tour half of every year these days. Some years see me touring more, some less. The music business is always changing, you have to be able to adapt.

Can you please tell us about the guitars, amps and effects you are mainly  using, and why you have chosen the guitars & gear you have?
My main guitar now is my Ibanez JS2400. I have come to really love the 24 fret JS model now. I have put a Sustainiac pickup in a few of my 2400’s as well, they are very useful and add functionality to the guitar. My new signature Marshall JVM410H JS head is fantastic! I love playing through this new system as it really sets me free.

Do the guitars & gear you play live differ from the guitars you’re using during recording sessions?
Not really. The last two records and tours both solo and with Chickenfoot saw me with the same gear.

Maybe you could eloborate a little bit about your collaboration with Ibanez and the cool Chromeboy project?
Chromeboy was born back in 1990! It is so very hard to successfuly chrome a guitar body made of wood. We have tried everything you can think of, but it still eludes all who try. Eventually the chrome lifts away from the body, cracks and becomes dangerous. Now, the very process of chroming is being restricted due to safetey concerns for the environment as well as the people doing the chroming. So, if you’ve got an original Chromeboy, keep it safe!

Are you into vintage guitars & old amps/effects? If yes which brands/models and why? Maybe you have a special story to tell around one or more of your guitars?
I like to collect vintage Fender, Gibson and Martin guitars. Mainly Strats, Tele’s, Les Pauls and acoustics. My current favorite is a 1969 Olympic White maple-cap Stratocaster. It’s a total Hendrix-fetish collectable, and it sounds great too!

Any exciting new projects that you would like to tell us more about? Could you please eloborate more on your movie Satchurated 3D.
Having ”Satchurated 3D” playing theaters around the world is just so cool! Think about it, an instrumental rock guitar movie in theaters, what a crazy world we live in! When we release the DVD and people see the whole show and the bonus features they will freak out!

Any famous last words?
To my fans: Thank you so much for listening to me play my guitar! I owe you everything and will keep playing my best as long as I live.

www.satriani.com
www.facebook.com/joesatriani
www.youtube.com/websatch
twitter.com/#!/chickenfootjoe

Would you like to add something about Joe Satriani? Please leave a comment…

Thunder Road Guitars interview with Frank Gross from Thunder Road Guitars

January 11, 2012

| Author: Vintage & Rare

Hi Frank, thank you for taking your time to speak to us. Could you please tell as a little bit about Thunder Road Guitars? Where are you located?
Hello Vintage and Rare! Thunder Road Guitars is an online-based guitar shop by musicians for musicians. We buy, sell, trade and cosign guitars and amplifiers with folks all over the globe. We opened our doors January of 2012 and have loved every moment of it since. We are located in Seattle, Washington, USA.

What initially motivated you to set up a music store, and when was that?
I’ve worked in music shops since I was old enough to have a job and have always had a love and passion for great guitars. I have managed a well-known Seattle vintage guitar shop and have also worked for a US chain store. I learned a lot working for both companies and eventually decided to open my own store this January. My favorite thing about independent music stores is the “shop culture” – the things that happen day to day, the guitars that come in and go and the interesting folks you meet. I love it! At Thunder Road we try and give our customers that same experience online by offering great customer service and a very personal approach. I’m very hands on and if you are buying a guitar from us more than likely you will speak to me directly.

What has been the biggest challenge in setting up your shop?
The biggest challenge for me was to take this dream of mine and make it a reality. I’ve always dreamed of owning my place, but there’s a lot of risk involved when you start any new business. Like I mentioned earlier I have just opened my digital doors to the world, but so far so good.

In EU the current Gibson case “lacey act” has gotten a lot of attention, what is your perspective on shipping between US & EU? Have you had any problems regarding this case so far?
I’ve shipped a lot of guitars between the US and Europe in my time buying and selling instruments and I think it’s unfortunate that the “Lacey Act” has created the issues that it has. I’ve seen it scare off customers and make it harder for someone like myself or other dealers out there to share great Brazilian rosewood vintage instruments with customers around the globe. With that said, it seems that if you can provide proper documentation of your instrument and show that it was built before a certain time period then you will be fine shipping, or so I’ve heard.

Do you play music yourself? If so, what do you play, for how long have you been doing it?
I sure do. I started my first band at age eleven, before I could even really play guitar. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to play in two professional bands, put out records, tour the US for what seems like a million times, and also tour Europe. One time on tour with my band in Europe the border guards in Croatia didn’t want to let us in because we didn’t have work visas so we bribed our way in with CDs, T-shirts, and other merchandise. We ended up making it across the border and rocked a great show. I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences playing music. I am very grateful for my experiences and feel lucky for the opportunities I’ve been given through music.

What do you consider the biggest challenge for dealers of musical instruments today?
I would say the biggest challenge is also one of the greatest strengths, and that is globalization. When I first started working in this field the primary option someone would have would be to walk into a brick and mortar store to pick out a guitar. Now they have the entire world’s instrument supply at the click of a button. For us this has been a good thing because it allows us to connect with buyers worldwide, but it is also challenging because there is much more competition for sales.

How do you choose what products to carry?
I carry instruments that I like, plain and simple. I’m a big fan of American and import vintage guitars and amplifiers from the 50s, 60s, and 70s as well as modern custom shop instruments from Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Marshall, Dr. Z, and Orange. Right now Thunder Road offers used and vintage instruments, but in the near future we will be expanding to include boutique guitars and amplifiers.

What role has technology (the internet, your website, etc.) played in the success of your business? Do you use social media channels to promote your business?
Technology is huge for us as we are an Internet based business. Without the huge role the Internet now plays in instrument sales it would have been much harder for Thunder Road to get off the ground. We use social networking as a source of promotion as well as a way to connect with our customers and keep them updated on new and exciting instruments we acquire.

Is there a general trend to the people who purchase from you, in terms of how skilled or experienced they are?
We sell guitars and amplifiers to folks all over the globe. Some touring musicians, some recording musicians, and some hobby rockers. The thing they all seem to have in common is a passion for great guitars. I love how into guitars my customers are and love talking with them about music, life, and instruments.

You are known for your dedication to providing a good customer service. What advice do you give to somebody looking to purchase an instrument from you?
Being a musician myself I would not want to carry or sell an instrument that I wouldn’t feel comfortable personally owning or playing. Being a business owner I want to give my customers the same experience I would expect from a guitar shop. We go to great lengths to get to know everyone who crosses our path, whether it is selling them something or a simple inquiry asking about a guitar. We want people to feel comfortable when they work with us and feel as though they’re getting a great guitar from a great shop.

Any famous last words?
I want to thank the fine folks at Vintage and Rare for this interview and thank you (the reader) for taking time out of your day to read about Thunder Road Guitars. Please check out our website: www.thunderroadguitars.com/

Airline H8396 – 1960s Sunburst
Gibson ES335 – 1965 Cherry Red
Gibson GA18T Explorer – 1960

Hook up with Thunder Road Guitars via their Media Channels:
http://www.facebook.com/thunderroadguitars
http://twitter.com/thunderroadgits
http://thunderroadguitars.tumblr.com/

Grinning Elk interview with Ray Mauldin from Grinning Elk

January 4, 2012

| Author: Vintage & Rare

Hi Ray, thank you for taking your time to speak to us. Could you please tell as a little bit about Grinning Elk? Where are you located?
Lee and I have been attending shows together since 2000. At the time, I owned an electronics repair service and was well- established here in my hometown. Lee walked into my office one day and as we were talking, I asked him, “What exactly do you do, Man”? He answered, “I buy and sell vintage guitars”. Well, I had always been a gear junkie, having played in various bands around Atlanta for years and I thought that his answer sounded very intriguing, so I asked if I could go to a show with him sometimes. He said, “Sure” so in October 2000, we drove out to the Arlington, Texas show and on the way back, the idea of forming a company was born. Our office is in Douglasville, Ga., which is about 20 miles West of Atlanta.

What initially motivated you to set up a music store, and when was that?
We don’t have what is referred to as a “brick and mortar” store. We are primarily a web- based business and have an appointment only office where clients can set up a time to come and visit. Our office and company was officially opened in Sept. 2006.

In EU the current Gibson case “lacey act” has gotten a lot of attention, what is your perspective on shipping between US & EU? Have you had any problems regarding this case so far?
Not yet. In the last year, we have been asked to send only two guitars that had Brazilian Rosewood overseas. Both were vintage Martins and we decided that rather than take a chance on them being confiscated, we would sell them here in the U.S. Thankfully, our clients understood and the guitars sold easily here.

Do you play music yourself? If so, what do you play, for how long have you been doing it?
I have been playing bass since about 1987, which was right after I got out of the Army. Lee’s been playing guitar since the late 70’s, when he was in high school. I think he even won a talent show back then, so he obviously got an earlier start than I did. He’s a much more accomplished musician than I am. He’s taller too.

The Elk Nation….James Hetfield….could you tell us a bit more about that?
That was one of the best days of my life. It was a Sunday and I was lying on my couch, watching TV.  Metallica was playing Atlanta that night and was thinking I’d get tickets down at the arena right before the show started. Lee called me up and said, “Pull out those two Flying V’s and the ’65 Strat. We might be showing them to the guys in Metallica this afternoon”. I probably said something like “Yeah, sure we are” but he insisted that I get up off my comfortable couch and get ready.  So I begrudgingly did as he asked, thinking that this was a cruel joke because you just didn’t get to go meet Metallica on a Sunday afternoon, but sure as shootin’, two hours later, we were standing at the service entrance to Phillips Arena with those guitars in hand. James’ guitar tech, Zak took us into a room where we laid the guitars out and it wasn’t long before Hetfield walked in and started checking them out. He eventually bought the white ’75 Flying V. We later showed the Strat to Kirk Hammett, but he said it was too clean and “not vibey enough”. Go figure that one out!

What do you consider the biggest challenge for dealers of musical instruments today?
I think the most difficult part of our business today is completing a deal over the telephone or by email. It’s a challenge to sell a piece to someone that is halfway around the world with only a written description or with words spoken on the phone. We want to make sure that the guitar or bass being discussed is exactly what our client is looking for and will fit his or her needs. The last thing we want is to mail a guitar across the planet only to have it come back.  We try to do all of the legwork and preparation before the guitar goes out so that when it arrives at its new home, the customer opens the case and says “wow”. That’s our goal with every transaction.

How do you choose what products to carry?
That’s another challenge in itself. We are so picky when it comes to condition and originality, the pool of instruments we will consider buying is a small one. We want them all to be as close to new as possible and completely original. Every once in a while, we’ll purchase a guitar that might have broken solder joints or a replaced nut, but it’s a rare occasion. There’s even a term that’s been coined in our industry- “Elk clean”. I hear it all the time at the shows we attend and I’d like to think that it refers to best of the best.

What is the oddest guitar you’ve ever sold?
A few years ago, at the Philadelphia Guitar Show, we bought a 1986 Kramer Triax that was virtually unplayed. It was flip- flop pink and had its original flight case and all of the tags.  Very cool and very 80’s!

Do you have any personal favorite guitars in your shop? If so, why is said guitar your favorite?
My favorite guitars are usually basses, so at the moment, it’s a Rickenbacker 4003s8. It’s an 8- string bass in Desert Gold that was made as a “color of the year” piece in 2001. There can’t be more than one or two in the world. In terms of favorite guitars, we have the first Murphy- aged Les Paul ever made at Gibson and it’s one of the most authentic looking ’59 reissues we’ve ever seen. I think Lee’s got that one stashed away somewhere so I can’t get my hands on it.

Given that this is for a blog, what role has technology (the internet, your website, etc.) played in the success of your business?
Well, it has exposed us to the entire world. Anybody, anywhere with a little electricity, an internet connection or a smart phone can look at our inventory and buy from us. Think about it: prior to the establishment of the internet, most guitar dealers sold their gear from a store and if they did have any national or international exposure, it would have been through magazine advertisements. Now, you can place a banner on a forum and be seen by literally millions of visitors to that forum a year.  I once sold a 1967 Stratocaster to a gentleman in Belgium from my Blackberry, sitting in the parking lot of a local post office. You couldn’t do that ten years ago.

Is there a general trend to the people who purchase from you, in terms of how skilled or experienced they are?
The majority of our clients are professionals, serious collectors and higher- end musicians. They know their stuff when they call, they like what they see on our website so generally, the only thing left to discuss is price. The gear we have speaks for itself.

What advice would you give to somebody looking to purchase a guitar from you?
If you’ve never heard of us, check us out. Another important aspect of the internet is, if you consistently perform at a high level, people will say so. The various forums have become powerful mediums and people all over the world talk about their purchases, experiences, etc. If you make just one person unhappy, they will certainly say something about it somewhere. Your reputation is the most important thing your company can have. It’s everything.

Any famous last words?
Sure. It’s a Latin saying: “audentes fortuna iuvat, which means “Fortune Favors the Bold”. Or, on a lighter note, Two Elks are always better than one…

In 2010 V&R visited Arlington Guitar Show and Ray was kind enough to introduce us to some of his pieces: (The interview with Ray Mauldin starts at 1:43)

A selection of Grinning Elk pieces:
Korina Explorer R9
Gibson ES330T
Rickenbacker 660/12 Tom Petty
Gibson USA map guitar