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Topic: Rickenbacher Silver Hawaiian |
Eric Dunst
From:
Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Posted 25 Jul 2006 9:27 am |
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Hi. I have a chance to buy a Silver Hawaiian.
I'm going to look at it this evening. From what the seller described it's a pre-war (D-serial # and single knob) with original case. Apparently, it also has some rust issues on the top.
Two questions: What should I be looking out for on this guitar? And - Is it possible to clean up/polish out rust without damaging the finish?
I need information asap.
Thanks. |
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John Dahms
From:
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 25 Jul 2006 1:02 pm
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| If there is rust it may be an early one made of steel not brass. If it is not in really bad shape you will have to like it. |
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Brad Bechtel
From:
San Francisco, CA
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Posted 25 Jul 2006 1:32 pm
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Do the electronics work correctly (when you plug it in, does it make noise, and do you like the noise it makes)? Are the tuners in good shape? Does the volume knob turn without scratchiness and actually control the volume? Are the strings seated properly in the nut and bridge? Does the guitar have a case? Is the case good enough to keep the guitar safe?
I always try playing the guitar unplugged to see if it resonates properly. If you hear buzzing or rattling while it's unplugged, chances are those buzzes/rattles will be amplified when you plug it in.
It's hard to say if the rust can be polished out or not without seeing the extent of the rust. If the rest of the guitar is good, that might not be the deal breaker. Good luck!
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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
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Mike D
From:
Phx, Az
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Posted 25 Jul 2006 2:02 pm
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You won't be able to really remove the rust, a least not without damaging the finish. Best bet is to enjoy it for what it is, a beautiful vintage guitar. Use something like Flitz metal polish and a soft cloth to remove the tarnish, dirt and any loose rust. You can use a paste wax afterward to help keep the corrosion at bay.
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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.
[This message was edited by Mike D on 25 July 2006 at 03:04 PM.] |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 25 Jul 2006 9:30 pm
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I have a Silver Hawaiian which is in beautiful condition. Great sound. My only problem with it is the fact it is so darned bright and shiney making the frets very difficult to see.
http://www3.telus.net/public/lake_r/
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Eric Dunst
From:
Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Posted 26 Jul 2006 2:38 pm
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Thanks to all for your help. I checked out the guitar and decided against buying it. Although it sounded beautiful, beyond the pitting and rust, it had too many other problems to be worth the asking price.
~eric |
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Jon Light (deceased)
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 26 Jul 2006 2:41 pm
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| Out of curiosity, what was the asking price? |
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