Help on pricing for a '65 or '66 Combo

[4th Dimension]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone give me an idea of a fair price on the above mentioned year Combo? I went and saw the guitar last night and it's got a moderate amount of weather checking, some finish chips here and there, the tremolo arm is missing, and the biggest issue of all is that the Moseley half trem plate has pulled away from the guitar on the back end about 1/4" or so from being stored under tension for many years. Here's the link:

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/msg/3661537029.html

I've seen a recent sale from forum member Vibramute who had a much nicer example around the same price. I offered $1200 and it was accepted but I haven't purchased it yet. Is that too much considering the condition it's in? I leave it to you experts here to chime in when you can. Thanks!!

-4th Dimension

[dave m]

I bought my red Combo from Guitar Center about a year and a half ago and paid $1000 but no case. Mine was in perfect condition with no checking or missing parts. I think $1200 is a reasonable offer as you can pick up a trem arm reasonably easy. and you got the case. They said something about a Bigsby trem? I would find out what that is about. By the way , I love my Combo and use it consistently. You can play them all night with no wrist fatigue
good luck!
Dave

[4th Dimension]

Thanks Dave!

Anyone else have any suggestions or advice??

Have a great weekend everyone!

-4th Dimension

[jeffee]

i got mine a Gruhn Guitars. paid 1600 out the door.
it's got some checking and buckle rash, but that just makes me like it more!
it's all original - with original case (combo case is 300 bux on ebay)
and the best part is Gruhn's tech's went over it, set it up and cleaned up the electronics.
i figured it was good to buy one from a dealer who has a reputation.. just in case.

guitars i've had in the past:
1966 jaguar / 74 Telecaster / 98 Tele Thinline / 79 Hagstrom Super Swede
all great.. but i just wasn't in love with 'em.
and i've finally had a connection with the 65 Combo!

i'm 100% into vintage country and wanted a "country-ish" guitar (bakersfield) that was unique.
plus everyone "Ooohs & ahhhs" when they see it! gotta love that!

[4th Dimension]

Thanks Jeffee!

The music I'm into has guitar tones that are between surf and psychedelic freakout and classic British Invasion and 60's garage type tones. I just have a feeling that the Combo is well suited for all of it, with the twang that comes from Mosrite pickups and the semi-hollowbody aspect of it.

I appreciate the responses guys!

-4th Dimension

[jeffee]

yeah the combo sound is right up your alley.

plus the cool thing about the combo is it was never reissued after mosrite went under.
which make's 'em a bit more unique i think.

i have a j-200 i play in my band - thru a genz benz acoustic amp.
the combo sounds GREAT thru the acoustic amp by the way. i have a rivera era 80's super champ.. and it REALLY sounds great thru that amp.

[dave m]

would you mind posting serial numbers and pics? I think mine is a '68 because of number (h1266) and the 4 neck bolts with no plate. Seems like lots of slight variations from year to year. thanks, Dave

[Bob Shade]

The trem pulling up should not be an issue. You can get a quality hardwood dowel and drill a clean hole for it (larger than the screw) and re-drill the holes for the tailpiece.

By the way we have the arm you need for that tailpiece too.

Bob

[jeffee]

mine has no neck plate and 4 bolts too. i think that was random. i see some 65's with neck plates!

my pots date to august '65

[Bob Shade]

The later models were the ones with no neck plates. They must have been out of them. Even mark 1's were being shipped with no neck plates.