Orig. ´56 GT Experts Help Please

Rich R · Aug 6, 2003

I would say JJB's GT is a much better buy than the one you missed out on, wannatone, IF you don't mind the all-gold paint. It's originality is beyond question, and it's a good deal cheaper.

Chef Greg · Aug 6, 2003

Rich R said:
I would say JJB's GT is a much better buy than the one you missed out on, wannatone, IF you don't mind the all-gold paint. It's originality is beyond question, and it's a good deal cheaper.

"ditto... (there's no funny business with that guitar--it' just been played a lot, IMO)

auch, Ich nehme gern einem Ortsbier (oder vier) --wie heisst dieser Brauerei?

Wannatone · Aug 6, 2003

Thanks for your advice!
It could be a nice deal if it doesn´t get much higher. Just remember that I would have to spend some extra 20 per cent on VAT & customs. I´ll keep an eye on it, though.

Chef Greg,
Paulaner Roggen Naturtrüb. Four bottles don´t sound bad

They´re being offered in half boxes containing ten bottles ;-)

Rich R · Aug 6, 2003

I don't know what it's like getting through German airport Customs (in France they don't even have a Customs agent bother to stand there, let alone actually check anything), but if you have to pay an extra 20% if it's shipped to you, why not consider a RT to Montreal, pick it up in person, and hand-carry it back to the Fatherland? You'll save money, and get a cool trip in the bargain.

Tom Wittrock · Aug 7, 2003

I might have missed if this was mentioned, but:

Old Goldtops [I am most familiar with 56s] seen to have two coats of gold paint, and the top one changes color while the under coat stays the original tint. I have seen it so many times.

MikeSlub · Aug 7, 2003

Tom: Thanks for this info; you confirmed what I've seen on a few of them and wondered about! You're the greatest!

Wannatone · Aug 7, 2003

Tom, thanks to share your tremendous knowledge!

I wonder if they just painted them twice when they were not fully satisfied with the first finish?

Thanks everybody!

I have to extend my local beer offer to a considerably larger number of forum members than I thought initally

)

Just let me know when you´re on a trip to the cradle of beer!

johnnyjellybean · Aug 7, 2003

Re: Got Pics

Wannatone said:
front view

rear view

top

edit

The ser. no. is actually black under the clear coating. I must have remembered wrong.

The "dual" finish can be seen on the higher resolution top photo.

That guitar was a great deal at just under $16K . Nice looking. No ugly wear or green spots.
I won't let mine go unless it reaches around $16,500 or more. If the bids don't move up,I'll be cancelling the auction 24 hrs before the end.

Mike I think you would have to spend closer to $25K to get a 9.5 or cleaner these days. I know a collector in Brooklyn who just bought one for $25K

Wannatone...... Do you know Volkmar Borneman? He's a dealer in Germany. You might want to check out what he has.

DrRobert · Aug 8, 2003

I'm confused. Why would a 56 GT sell for 25K and a 54 sell for 15K in the same condition. Is the tuneamatic worth that much more?

Rich R · Aug 8, 2003

The TOM has always been the chief draw of the 56. Although stud bridges have their aficionados, the TOM was a major technological jump, and vintage guitar aficionados have been willing to pay the premium for years now. Interestingly, there's a silver lining: if the stud bridge is your thing, you can save significant $$ on your vintage GT.

Gary Dick once told me he simply views ANY TOM/ stoptail Gibsons as desirable and collectable. Such is the allure of the TOM.

Another point: the LP evolutionary improvements are ALL associated with significant, discrete price jumps: trapeze to stud, stud to TOM, P-90s to PAFs, GT to Burst. The prices for the "good stuff" may get us down, but there's a certain internal logic to them!

One last point: want to "game the system" a bit? Try vintage Gibson solid-body "arbitrage"! original Black Beauties all have TOMs, and the later ones have PAFs, as do ES-345s and 355s, yet are priced far below GTs, Bursts and Dotnecks. Given the market dynamics described above, might these represent current "opportunities"?

Wilko · Feb 18, 2014

Nevermind...

Orig. ´56 GT Experts Help Please

Rich R

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Chef Greg

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Wannatone

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Rich R

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Tom Wittrock

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MikeSlub

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Wannatone

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johnnyjellybean

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DrRobert

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Rich R

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Wilko

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