What's wrong with this pre-war NS?

[John Bushouse]

NS with a nice paint job, with amp, for $499 BIN.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :IT&ih=005

Since it's "unstrung and untested," does that mean the electronics are fried?

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts.

[Ray Montee]

I have no inside knowledge of this instrument....but I'd be very causious.

I accepted a freebie Rick amp when I purchased the T-Logo Panda, my last purchase. The amp is deeply encrusted with dirt and grime, just a little worse than the one in the photo.

It hummmms, but will not play.

BUYER BEWARE! If it sounds to good, it probably is.

[Rick Aiello]

That's a Model 59 ... not an NS.

Looks nice !!!

The amp is being sold separately .. @ $300.

Ray, if that amp is like the one shown ... send it to the guy who did your Volu-tone.

Those metal Ricky amps w/ field coil speakers ... are great ...

Don't let some dirt and humm stop you from adding another sonic beauty to your field coil collection.

Your amp guy should fix that rascal right up ...

[J D Sauser]

That's a Model 59 ... not an NS.

Looks nice !!!

The amp is being sold separately .. @ $300.

Ray, if that amp is like the one shown ... send it to the guy who did your Volu-tone.

Those metal Ricky amps w/ field coil speakers ... are great ...

Don't let some dirt and humm stop you from adding another sonic beauty to your field coil collection.

Your amp guy should fix that rascal right up ...

Yep, don't waste your money on a NS or 59, buy the amp instead... they are great sounding little amps... one is my everyday amp. Easy to have maintained too.

... J-D.

[Rick Aiello]

Yep, don't waste your money on a NS or 59

I'm gonna have to disagree with you ...

I'm a fan of the hollow bodied Rickys ... Silvers, Model 59s, NSs and later Model G Deluxes.

Some Silvers were all brass ... some had brass tops ... some were all steel.

I have examples of all three Silver "types" ... as well as a 59, NS and Model G.

I find them to be excellent steel guitars ... especially when the "stuffin' is just right"

To each his own ...

[J D Sauser]

Sorry I misunderstood your previous post and therefor may seem to have taken it out of context with my answer, Rick. Wasn't my intention.

So yes, we'd disagree.
My opinion is not just musical. I must admit or add, I just find them awful looking guitars, too expensive in most cases (I think the amp is a better deal) and with little chances of future appreciation. Yes, some are very similar to the silver Hawaiian, but, while good looks are no guarantee for good sound, at least they do look good and will at least safely keep some value, if not appreciate.

So, let me rephrase: I would not waste my money on an NS or 59.

'nuff said? ... J-D.

[Kevin Greenberg]

Obviously , J.D., you know not of what you speak. Have you even played a model 59? Or do you just trash things on the way they look? I have a model 59 just like this one and it is one of the best sounding lap steels EVER! I'll take the most beat up old ugly rickenbacher over any "pretty" lap steel you could EVER find! Lap steel is about sound, not fashion and price appreciation. In case you haven't noticed, ALL Rickenbacher lap steels have been increasing in price, and will never decline in value. They are only 1 of the top 3 most sought after brands of lap steel.

[Don Kona Woods]

My friend, Dave Kolars, bought the guitar for $499.

Let's see how he likes it after he gets some strings on it!

Aloha,
Don

[Will Houston]

I got one coming paid 500. It looks like a beast, but its that 1 1/2 horseshoe I'm interested in. Will

[John Bushouse]

Don, I'll be interested to hear how the "deal I passed up" sounds.

[Don Fox]

Will, you're gonna love the '59! It sings! No, it's not a Bakelite, but dirty her up and she growls. Keep it clean and she has very pure, mellow tone. These are totally under-rated. They are still very affordable, practically indestructable, and sound better than nearly any vintage piece out there that you can score for $500!

[Dave Zielinski]

Been saying it along time...those NS and 59ers are th emost underrated laps out there.

i guess not anymore!

Im looking at two. Yeah, the grey drab paint ain't pretty, but its period correct. I call mine the "Battleship!" hardly a waste of money... in fact, ive "wasted" alot of money on these things!

they are indestructable!

Rick, here is one for you... I have a NS that has a brass top painted the usual grey scheme. the rest of the body is steel, 1-1/4" horseshoe. Is this a wierd configuration for one of these or what?

Dave

[Will Houston]

I just got my 59 yesterday, its smaller and lighter than I thought it would be and HOLY CRAP what a sound. These Ricky's could be adictive.
Thank you Doc Fox
Will

[Don Fox]

This thread is making me wish I'd kept it!

Glad you like it Will!