Patek
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2015
- Messages
- 415
Question is in the title
But I would like to also expand upon conversions from 52/53 to 54/56 (sticking with the goldtops) where the necks have been reset and or hardware replaced and new holes for the ABR etc
I'd really like to splash out on something in the new year, with a maximum budget of under £20k GBP. I really need some of that super old wood and braz board action before I get too committed in life and wind up needing to spend money on other things.
I've seen in the UK (online prices in the EU) range from having a converted 52 to a 54 wrap with totally beat up finish for as low as £12k GBP to a totally mint original 54 wrap for in Paris for £26k GBP. And sky's the limit with a mint 56 I've seen £38k
I would only be in the position to spend less than £20k GBP, ideally less.
I could fly to the USA and pickup a original 54 wrap with original case and in decent condition for say £17k plus flights and accommodation. Another option is I could pickup an original 56 for £17k that has been refinished. Everything else is original on it but it looks like a new true historic.
In terms of playability for me this would probably be ideal as the 56 bridge configuration is what I am used to. Also has been refretted and all the rest of it. Sure if this was original finish in that condition it would be double the price
Functionality is most important to me, it needs to play flawlessly as well as sound the part, or there is no point in owning it if I don't enjoy playing it equally or more than say a new R9. Looks are 2nd, but a very close 2nd
This purchase would also be an investment, something to hand down to the unborn kid(s) should any arrive, or get me out of trouble financially should anything come up (would rather have £20k in a guitar than £20k doing nothing in the bank or in stocks etc).
I've always loved the worn checking and the like of the original finishes. So maybe I would regret a refin. There isn't anyone in the UK who does relic jobs I don't believe. The tom Murphy 56 is not relic just painted so it looks new.
It's a long way off for me and none of these instruments will be around in the new year (probably) but other similar ones will be.
In your personal opinions for your own uses, what would you go for?
Many thanks guys. Very interested in your thoughts and what you ended up purchasing ?
But I would like to also expand upon conversions from 52/53 to 54/56 (sticking with the goldtops) where the necks have been reset and or hardware replaced and new holes for the ABR etc
I'd really like to splash out on something in the new year, with a maximum budget of under £20k GBP. I really need some of that super old wood and braz board action before I get too committed in life and wind up needing to spend money on other things.
I've seen in the UK (online prices in the EU) range from having a converted 52 to a 54 wrap with totally beat up finish for as low as £12k GBP to a totally mint original 54 wrap for in Paris for £26k GBP. And sky's the limit with a mint 56 I've seen £38k
I would only be in the position to spend less than £20k GBP, ideally less.
I could fly to the USA and pickup a original 54 wrap with original case and in decent condition for say £17k plus flights and accommodation. Another option is I could pickup an original 56 for £17k that has been refinished. Everything else is original on it but it looks like a new true historic.
In terms of playability for me this would probably be ideal as the 56 bridge configuration is what I am used to. Also has been refretted and all the rest of it. Sure if this was original finish in that condition it would be double the price
Functionality is most important to me, it needs to play flawlessly as well as sound the part, or there is no point in owning it if I don't enjoy playing it equally or more than say a new R9. Looks are 2nd, but a very close 2nd
This purchase would also be an investment, something to hand down to the unborn kid(s) should any arrive, or get me out of trouble financially should anything come up (would rather have £20k in a guitar than £20k doing nothing in the bank or in stocks etc).
I've always loved the worn checking and the like of the original finishes. So maybe I would regret a refin. There isn't anyone in the UK who does relic jobs I don't believe. The tom Murphy 56 is not relic just painted so it looks new.
It's a long way off for me and none of these instruments will be around in the new year (probably) but other similar ones will be.
In your personal opinions for your own uses, what would you go for?
Many thanks guys. Very interested in your thoughts and what you ended up purchasing ?
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