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BRIAN’S LIST: WEEK OF 1/2/17

BRIAN’S LIST: SHOWCASING THE BEST DEALS AND INTERESTING FINDS IN MUSICAL EQUIPMENT IN NEW YORK CITY.


Here were are in a new year ready to really dig in and check out some old gear. Hope everyone keeps enjoying the weekly installments – let’s get right too it!

1982 Fender Bullet – $675

The year of 1982 was a transitional one for many things in the world and Fender was without exception. Many of it’s classic amplifiers were completely redesigned to deliver for the new distortion heavy scene that was emerging. Now facing many new competitors, Fender began their first low-cost line of guitars since they introduced the Musicmaster. Here is the Fender Bullet: A nice blend between a Stratocaster and a Telecaster.

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Many of these guitars had necks that were top quality, electronics that were the same as the higher budget models and the same craftsmanship since were talking about the same factory in Fullerton, CA. Fender is known for never wasting anything and a lot of good stuff that was laying around went into these first few runs of guitars. By the next year they were being made in Japan so go check this one out- it’s a real USA Fender for a real cool price!

Location: Eatontown, NJ

Gotta appreciate a guy who appreciates a groovy backdrop:

Vintage Electric Mandolin/Uke: $200

Hot RED! This little number is a bit of a mystery but definitely looks pretty cool! The seller believes it to be a 1940’s Kay or Regal and there looks to have been some mods to it. Nice old pick-up in it and it has a variable switch like on the Gibson ES 345 guitar that was probably added.

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This lady in red needs a new bridge and have it’s nut refinished. This is a fun project that could yield a very special electric 4-string mandolin or Uke!

Fender Re-Issued their 4-String Mandolin check this guy out to get an idea:

Vintage Melody-Banjo – $125

Here is another one of those funky combo instruments we loved so much in the early part of the 20th Century. There is a lot of confusion on the internet with the 4-string version being called the Melody Banjo or Mandolin-Banjo and the double 4-string version the Banjolin but even Wikipedia isn’t totally clear on it. In any event we have a 4 nylon string instrument that looks to be well made and seller says it has the original skin that still sounds great!

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Purchased by the sellers mother during the 1960’s folk boom – it has been well cared for and stayed in tune!

Location: Chelsea

Here is Peter down at Retrofret in Gowanus breaking down all the different kinds of banjos!

1934 Gibson Ukelele – $300

Keeping with what is becoming a theme in this post we have up next a beautiful vintage Ukelele from Gibson. These are pretty rare and this one comes with the original case, which it’s falling apart but it is around!

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Seller says it plays great despite the crack on the top, which unfortunately is not really pictured.  Before making the trip be sure to ask for more detailed pictures.  Cute little guy isn’t it!

Here is nice comparison of a vintage Gibson Ukelele to a Vintage Martin one:

Late 90’s Mustang Bass (MIJ) – $600

Rounding out this weeks installment we have a solid go-to for short scale bass needs.  Made in Japan between 1997-2000 this Mustang looks to be in great shape and is a great fit for those with smaller hands or someone who likes a lighter weight bass.

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Nice cream color and solid construction!  Seller says action is set high, but as I would recommend with any new purchase, get it set-up so it’s all sitting healthy and in the way you enjoy.

Location: Staten Island (but seller will meet you in Midtown)

Bill Wyman sits quite content with his Mustang bass:

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While Keith tries to convince him he needs to play the big daddy Precision bass:

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Tips: Find something on Brian’s List but the link has since expired?  This doesn’t mean the item has been sold.  It just means the seller did not repost the item in time.  If it is an item you are really excited about; search craigslist for it using bold terms (model name etc).  It could have been reposted under a different link or a new post altogether (updated pics, info etc.)  If it is not sold it will pop up again in the next few days.  Don’t sweat it.

In the case of something you are seriously considering, it’s good to make initial contact with the seller even if you can’t immediately purchase the item or make it out to where ever it is located right away.  This could help you too build a relationship with the seller and he/she may hold it for you over someone else until you are ready.  But as we all know- CASH IS KING.

Find Brian online @chillemi_nyc



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