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Vintage Old Stock

The Wedge

New member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
150
hahahah

I've been looking into getting an historic so I've been doing a little homework. Checked out the Guitar Center in Langhorne PA and it was pretty funny. These guys don't know anything.

I asked to see a G0 and he had no idea what I was talking about. I asked for a 1960 Reissue and he asked me if I was talking about a classic. I said no a reissue. He said that didnt' have it. I pointed to another one high up and he said it was a '58 so I asked to see it.

For one, the veneer on the '58 was all screwed up from being on the wall hanger for 2 years (it was an '07). I didn't like the fretboard either, it seemed like cheap rosewood to me.

Anyway, when I gave it back to a different enthusiastic salesman I mentioned how the veneer was screwed up from the wall hanger. He said it's supposed to be like that. "It's what they call VOS, vintage old stock". I tried to correct him but it didn't matter.

Then I asked him what the darkburst was all the way at the top. He said it was a '60. Funny since the other guy said they didn't have one. I tried it out and this one felt like crap too so I gave it back to another guy. A minute later he asked what I think of the Vintage Old Stock guitars.

Oh man, I told him they felt like shit and they might have felt better if they put new strings on them. He offered to have new ones put on but I told him not to bother. I also didn't bother to ask if they have any others in the back. These two were both at least 2 years old.

I have a feeling this is going to be a daunting task finding one I like. Luckily I live in north jersey where there's like 4 Guitar Centers near me and a few other stores.
 

bjm007

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2001
Messages
1,123
Try Mark Bishop at Mark's Guitar Loft or Vic DaPra at Guitar Gallery. They both have great guitars and are extremely knowledgeble, helpful and honest sellers.
 

Guitar Whiskey

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
2,757
For one, the veneer on the '58 was all screwed up from being on the wall hanger for 2 years (it was an '07). I didn't like the fretboard either, it seemed like cheap rosewood to me.

When you say veneer; I assume you mean lacquer, right? Don't waste your time and get so frustrated; GS is not the place to go. As previsoulsy metioned try Mark's or some shop that has expert salespeople that are there to help you get what you want and not what they want to sell you.
http://www.marksguitarloft.com/index.php
 

Black58

New member
Joined
Oct 28, 2005
Messages
10,139
hahahah

I've been looking into getting an historic so I've been doing a little homework. Checked out the Guitar Center in Langhorne PA and it was pretty funny. These guys don't know anything.

I asked to see a G0 and he had no idea what I was talking about. I asked for a 1960 Reissue and he asked me if I was talking about a classic. I said no a reissue. He said that didnt' have it. I pointed to another one high up and he said it was a '58 so I asked to see it.

For one, the veneer on the '58 was all screwed up from being on the wall hanger for 2 years (it was an '07). I didn't like the fretboard either, it seemed like cheap rosewood to me.

Anyway, when I gave it back to a different enthusiastic salesman I mentioned how the veneer was screwed up from the wall hanger. He said it's supposed to be like that. "It's what they call VOS, vintage old stock". I tried to correct him but it didn't matter.

Then I asked him what the darkburst was all the way at the top. He said it was a '60. Funny since the other guy said they didn't have one. I tried it out and this one felt like crap too so I gave it back to another guy. A minute later he asked what I think of the Vintage Old Stock guitars.

Oh man, I told him they felt like shit and they might have felt better if they put new strings on them. He offered to have new ones put on but I told him not to bother. I also didn't bother to ask if they have any others in the back. These two were both at least 2 years old.

I have a feeling this is going to be a daunting task finding one I like. Luckily I live in north jersey where there's like 4 Guitar Centers near me and a few other stores.

North Jersey? No shit. I'm currently in Ringwood, where you at?
 

The Wedge

New member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
150
When you say veneer; I assume you mean lacquer, right? Don't waste your time and get so frustrated; GS is not the place to go. As previsoulsy metioned try Mark's or some shop that has expert salespeople that are there to help you get what you want and not what they want to sell you.
http://www.marksguitarloft.com/index.php

I guess it was the laquer on the veneer. But the guitar in general just didn't feel or look right. I'm already seeing stuff I like at marks. Thanks for the link.
 

raph

New member
Joined
Oct 28, 2009
Messages
131
You can always buy online if your only criteria are weight and look. If a $4000+ guitar is about sound and feel, you can only make the final decision by handling it in person in which case a store with tons of stock is the best choice.
 

usc96

New member
Joined
Dec 2, 2005
Messages
235
I had that happen to me at an independent shop in Hanahan, SC, where the owner prides himself on knowing just a little bit more than his customers, and more than happy to try to make them feel stupid.

I asked about the R9 in the display case, and the owner looked at me all funny and responded like I was an idiot making up names or something. He said that's a reissue of a 1959 LP.
thwap.gif
 

The Wedge

New member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
150
You can always buy online if your only criteria are weight and look. If a $4000+ guitar is about sound and feel, you can only make the final decision by handling it in person in which case a store with tons of stock is the best choice.

I bought my traditional new off of eBay and I'm happy with it. All my other guitars I bought in store. Im a big believer in a good setup as long as the neck isn't warped or a baseball bat. Also, I don't have amazing ears so I feel like the tone can be dialed in with the amp. I'd definitely consider buying online. I'm gonna see what I can find locally first.
 

buckaroo

Formerly Tweedguy
Joined
Feb 17, 2009
Messages
938
for the best experience consider fying to Wildwood guitars just outside Denver. He has many new and some used all in great shape. They will put you in a private room with the amp of your choice and let you play and compare until you find just the right wood. It is so easy to find the right guitar if you are willing to go the distance. It sounds like a hassle...but it works!
 

The Wedge

New member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
150
for the best experience consider fying to Wildwood guitars just outside Denver. He has many new and some used all in great shape. They will put you in a private room with the amp of your choice and let you play and compare until you find just the right wood. It is so easy to find the right guitar if you are willing to go the distance. It sounds like a hassle...but it works!

I wouldn't rule this out. Only problem is when I fly I can barely hear the day I land!
 

The Wedge

New member
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
150
I had that happen to me at an independent shop in Hanahan, SC, where the owner prides himself on knowing just a little bit more than his customers, and more than happy to try to make them feel stupid.

I asked about the R9 in the display case, and the owner looked at me all funny and responded like I was an idiot making up names or something. He said that's a reissue of a 1959 LP.
thwap.gif

What a douche. At least these guys were just clueless and not pricks.
 

sgtvjr

Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2008
Messages
78
Hoboken Vintage has my 06 R9 VOS that I traded in on one of their vintage pieces. It is an iced tea flame top in ex+ condition and might be worth you checking out. Good luck.
 

Brian H

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
726
I've been there before. It's a great shop and I'll stop by next week. I just wish they were open on Saturdays. I think they'll be doing my refrets there. Do you know if they do good work?

Honestly, in my experience with Buzz's in-house tech, it's not the best place for this type of work. You'd be much better off sending the guitar to someone like Joe Glaser in Nashville. He refretted a '56 Junior for me and the work was stellar (Plek'd, too).
 

eldiablo

New member
Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
151
I'd also say visit Mark's Guitar Loft website for a look.
Loads of members here have guitars from his shop... myself included. Plenty of R9's there for excellent prices.

You may not have a chance to play the guitar but Mark posts tone reports that are dead on.

Happy hunting
 
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